meet the people behind some of the meet the people some of the upstate’s finestbehind local businesses upstate’s finest local businesses
EVERYTHING WE TOUCH TURNS TO SOLD! M AS A E T R U O WE KEEP G AXE! N I W O R H AT SHARP AS
ler, , Alex Crig z Nunnally Li , n ee ee u rie McQ Wendy McK Gray, Guth s Crigler, , Michelle Walsh, Elli er ie p o at K K e , h ik M d Bet iel, Chet an Holly Dan
STAYING SHARP It’s what helps us slice through the competition. The Chet and Beth Smith Group has been successfully helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for over 20 years in the Upstate. And even though our team has closed more than 4,300 sales, representing over a billion dollars in sales volume, we are not complacent – we take our responsibilities to our clients seriously and we don’t take their business for granted. That’s why we are always looking for the sharpest edge and any tool we can employ to help our clients hit their target with accuracy, whether it is finding the right home in this competitive market, or selling their home for the highest possible price and the best possible terms. So if you’re even thinking about buying or selling, give us a call today for a non-obligation interview!
www.ChetandBethSmith.com If you are thinking about SELLING or BUYING or BUILDING a home….
call Chet and Beth Smith 458-SOLD (7653)
DRIFT FLOAT & SPA As you begin to float in your own personal float pod, you are
business partner and Kelly’s step-father is always available as a helping
immersed in skin-temperature salt water that helps you defy gravity. Your
hand when maintenance is required.
mind and body slowly start to relax as the soft music and lights fade. You
In addition to floating, Drift offers many other services that are not
simply float.
readily available in the Upstate and have a long list of health
Kelly Caldwell, the owner of Drift Float & Spa, has created a space in Greenville where people can find tranquility and peace by floating in a personal pod in a private room—a practice known to relieve anxiety and stress and help to unlock creativity. Clients float in water
benefits. Services include an infrared sauna, an oxygen bar and
“My desire and need to help people started this business.”
Lucia Light. Drift Float & Spa is the only spa in the region that offers the innovative meditative experience of Lucia Light. The Lucia Light experience allows clients to lie back as a warm glow similar to sunlight creates a deep meditative state that leaves
with more than a thousand pounds of Epsom salt, keeping
clients feeling clearer and more focused after one session. Drift
them afloat.
is also the only spa in Greenville to offer an oxygen bar, where
The water is kept at skin temperature to help one lose
clients first choose an aroma, sit back and relax with a fresh
track of where the water ends and the body begins. They are encouraged
delivery hose and simply inhale and exhale. When asked what makes Drift
to let their mind wander and to forget the outside world. “My desire and
Float & Spa unique, Kelly answered, “We have a true focus on helping
need to help people started this business. It allows me to hold their hand
people. We have focused on creating an environment for self-exploration
while they save themselves,” she says.
and a place where you can find solutions to whatever is ailing you in life.”
After being introduced to floating in 2012, Caldwell became hooked and was going to extreme lengths to float. “I was traveling an hour and a half to float,” Kelly says. “I was either going to put a float pod in my home or open a business to share my passion with other people.” After arriving home from an apprenticeship at a float center in Portland, Kelly presented her business plan to her parents. Not only did Caldwell’s parents quickly sign on to be her investors, but they have also
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
taken essential roles within the business. Robin, Kelly’s mother, is now her
644 N. Main St. Suite 105, Greenville driftgreenville.com 864.414.2388
BehindTheCounterOnline.com | 2014 Behind The Counter | 2019
1
A CELEBRATION OF
local business
BTC
BEHIND THE COUNTER
Mark B. Johnston President & CEO
Advertising Emily Yepes, Director of Sales Donna Johnston, Manager of Business Developement Callie Michalak, Account Manager Heather Propp, Marketing Representative Liz Tew, Marketing Representative
2003
2004
2005
Meredith Rice, Relationship Manager
2006
Creative Services & Production Holly Hardin, Vice President of Operations Anita Harley & Rosie Peck, Client Services Managers Kristy M. Adair, Magazine Art Director Michael Allen, Sr. Graphic Designer Amanda Walker, Graphic Designer
2007
2008
2009
Contributing Photographers
2010
Bonfire Visual, bonfirevisuals.net Cameron Reynolds, cameronreynoldsphoto.com Chelsey Ashford, chelseyashfordphotography.com David Poleski, davidpoleskiphotography@gmail.com
A photo essay of local entrepreneurs
Behind the Counter 201 4 Upstate, South Carolina | A Community Journals Publication
2011
2012
2013
2014
GBphotography, geabagley@gmail.com Jack Robert, jackrobertphotography.com Marian Ashley, marianashleyphoto.com Mark Susko, marksuskovisualdesign.com Parkkonen Photography, myimagesbymonica.com
Copy Writers Adam Fisher, adam.christopher.fisher@gmail.com Allison Walsh, writeupyourali@gmail.com Elizabeth Campbell, corneliacollinse@gmail.com Leigh Savage, lgsavage@gmail.com Stewart Campbell, stewartcampbellwriting@gmail.com Susie Snook, susiesnook22@gmail.com
2015
2016
2017
2018
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 17 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 the people you see here in person. They will be happy to see you.
Finance – Accounting Shannon Rochester Distribution Marla Lockaby
designed and produced by
COMMUNITY JOURNALS PUBLISHING GROUP PUBLISHERS OF GREENVILLE JOURNAL, UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL, TOWN MAGAZINE, & AT HOME MAGAZINE. 581 Perry Ave., Greenville, SC 29611 864-679-1200
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 | 2019
COMMUNITYJOURNALS.COM © 2019 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 KIM COLLIER
SPARTANBURG REGIONAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
The Five Forks area of Simpsonville is blossoming, with neighborhoods He also points out that as a division of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare cropping up along with new restaurants, stores and businesses. With that System, the office shares electronic medical records throughout the healthcare expansion comes another important requirement: top-quality family system, including Pelham Medical Center, the area’s closest hospital. healthcare. “This allows for seamless sharing of information when Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System responded needed,” he said. But what really separates the team is how “This facility will serve as a to that need by breaking ground on a medical office they treat every patient as a VIP. single location that can satisfy “We like to think of our patients as guests and we want building on Woodruff Road, next to Lowes Foods in the most people’s healthcare to greet them and be ready for their visit,” said Chris Smith, heart of Five Forks. The building will house multiple needs under one roof.” MD. “We want the experience in our office to exceed our services, with primary care being the focus. patient’s expectations.” Physicians serving the community at this practice All felt called to family medicine because it allows them include Chris Smith, MD; Raymond Romano, DO; Jan to help a variety of patients, from young infants to seniors, and each loves Kneeland, MD; Nick Ulmer, MD; and Katherine Enos, MD. getting to know the families they treat. “This facility will serve as a single location that can satisfy most people’s “There is no single best way to practice medicine, and therefore an healthcare needs under one roof,” said Katherine Enos, MD. “With a primary individualized doctor-patient relationship helps determine the best approach care office to serve as a patient’s medical ‘home base’ — access to multiple for treatment,” Dr. Enos said. specialists, radiology, and lab services all in one spot — we’re trying to bring a Medical Group of the Carolinas operates offices throughout Upstate South level of convenience to healthcare in a rapidly developing area of the Upstate.” Carolina and western North Carolina, including in Greer and Greenville. The Medical Group of the Carolinas – Family Medicine – Five Forks, which has state-of-the-art, 31,000-square-foot building will be complete in 2019. been serving the area on Batesville Road since 2011, will relocate and expand in this new location, with X-ray, ultrasound, CT and laboratory services. Pictured: Raymond Romano, DO and Katherine Enos, MD Raymond Romano, DO, says one aspect that separates the group is the availability of same-day appointments for acute issues. “Our physicians keep several appointment times available each day so patients may be seen if needed,” Dr. Romano said. “We make every attempt to 2801 Woodruff Rd., Simpsonville see patients in the office so they may avoid walk-in urgent care clinics or the medicalgroupofthecarolinas.com 864.849.9170 ER for their acute, non-emergent needs.”
Behind The Counter | 2019
3
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
MASSAGE ENVY
Did you know that Massage Envy does more skin care than any other
and now these advanced services and clinical product lines,” says Don. He
company in the world? Yes, it’s still the place for massage (prenatal, hot
and Caroline opened the Verdae Village Massage Envy in 2007, followed
stone, Swedish, and deep tissue, to name a few) and the increasingly
by Pelham Hills in 2008 and Downtown Greenville in 2016.
popular assisted stretch service. But in the name of total body care, Don
“We want a beautifully relaxing environment for our clients.”
of expertise and resources. “We’re a local, family-owned business, though we’re
locations, are excited to announce expanded skin care options at all three
a part of the Massage Envy brand and network. We’re committed to reinvesting
locations, including chemical peels, microderm infusion, facial waxing
in our community long-term. Greenville is our home,” Caroline says. “We want
services and much more.
a beautifully relaxing environment for our clients.”
And now, clients can buy two additional top-quality, clinical skincare
To that end, the Verdae clinic recently underwent a thorough
lines at Massage Envy: Obagi® and Jan Marini. Obagi, a leading skincare
renovation, with a new lobby, counters, floors, paint and new treatment
brand often found at dermatologists’ offices and medical spas, and Jan
rooms with updated lighting, carpet and paint. The Pelham clinic will
Marini, a leading innovator in the professional skincare market, are known
get the same treatment this summer. As part of the updates, new backlit
for their incredible before-and-after photos and proven, measurable results.
retail cabinetry allows the Taylors to display all the fantastic products
“Everyone knows we offer massage, but we want to let people know we
customers can take home. “At-home care is just as important than in-
also provide comprehensive skin care, with knowledgeable estheticians 4
Massage Envy has more than 1,100 locations nationwide, offering a wealth
and Caroline Taylor, the franchisees of the three Greenville Massage Envy
Behind The Counter | 2019
clinic treatment,” Caroline says.
The estheticians are excited to see Massage Envy move into
which does exactly what its name suggests: Therapists utilize a
more clinical options to optimize skincare results. For example,
professional percussion tool to melt away pain and stiffness in
a 60- or 90-minute facial can be customized to address acne,
problem areas like shoulders, neck, legs or back for 10 minutes
hyperpigmentation, dryness, fine lines and much more. There
or clients can receive a comprehensive 30-minute RTR before
is even a back facial and men’s facial!
the massage.
The microderm infusion service offers the benefits
In addition to helping clients with stress relief, posture,
of microdermabrasion – improved tone and texture, and
injury rehabilitation and much more, the Taylors value giving
reduction of sun damage, wrinkles, age spots and scarring –
back to the community. They are longtime supporters of the
along with a specialized serum for maximum results. Chemical
Alzheimer’s annual Ride to Remember, a three-day, 252-mile
peels reveal healthy, glowing skin with little to no downtime. “Adding skincare to a massage has been really popular, as
cycling event. For five years, they have sponsored a Massage Envy team, with Don participating in the ride while Caroline
has doing an assisted stretch and then a massage,” Caroline
volunteers. The Taylors are personally invested, as Don’s
says. “It’s total body care – the body and the skin, to help
mother battled Alzheimer’s disease. “This event is really
people be at their best.”
important to us, because it raises awareness and a lot of money
Another new offering is Rapid Tension Relief (RTR),
for research and family support,” he says.
Verdae Village 101 Verdae Blvd., Greenville 864.675.1155 Pelham Hills 3714 Pelham Rd., Greenville 864.288.1150 Downtown Greenville 120 North Laurens St., Greenville 864.520.1111 massageenvy.com Behind The Counter | 2019
5
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
GENCO POOLS
“Genco is one big family. We create what our clients dream of and turn it into reality.”
6
If you walk into Genco Pools, you might have already seen some of their work across the communities of the Upstate and the Southeast. You may have taken a swim in a local community pool that Genco maintains, lounged by a hotel pool built by the 35-yearold company, or started dreaming of how to put that dream pool in your backyard. However, when you walk into Genco Pools, you’re going to find more than pool experts; you’re going to find a family. The first person you’re likely to meet at Genco is Brandon Parrott, the service desk manager who has been at the company for 17 years. In that time, he’s seen the company grow from a small local business to an expansive one. If you called Genco Pools, you might reach Lori Kellett, the human resources manager who started at the company 18 years ago as a lifeguard and has worked her way through the company. “Genco has a great family atmosphere,” Kellett says, noting that customers appreciate seeing the same faces working on their pools year after year. She’s proud
Behind The Counter | 2019
of the dreams the company can help come true. “Genco Pools can do just about anything. You name it, we can make it happen!” Once you’ve decided on Genco, you’ll run into Todd Edwards, who has been with the company for five years and serves as director of sales. He spent five years in the Marine Corps before choosing sales and working to improve the customer experience. With more than two decades in sales, when he says Genco is “the pool company in the Upstate,” he knows what he’s talking about. He’s committed to getting customers exactly what they want and can provide customization for almost any project. “With all the new technology in development, it feels that the pool of today will be different from the pool of tomorrow.” One of the people keeping Genco on the cutting edge of pool technology is Vivi Henao Holcombe. You might not run into this 18year employee the company calls a “Mission Control Specialist,” but you can rest assured she is behind the scenes making sure your pool and spa buying, updating, or maintaining experience meets expectations.
When it’s time to build your pool or spa, lifelong Greenville native Josh Laughlin is likely to make your yard into a summer oasis. As the construction foreman, he brings 19 years of experience to building your project. You’re also likely to meet Doug Smith, the construction manager of 18 years, who prefers to meet clients in person to better understand their specific building needs. Rick Pinoni has been added to the team from Florida as service manager and is excited about his new opportunities working and living in Greenville. When it’s time to deal with the finances, Amber Boehm gets the call. She’s been with the company for four years and says, “Genco is one big family. We create what our clients dream of and turn it into reality.” New additions to the Genco Pools family this past year include Sidney Wirthlin, a native of the Upstate and
proud mother of two, and Pieter Vorster, who was born in South Africa and has found a new home at Genco. Alaric Gwynn has joined the Upstate Pool Management team after working for Project Hope as a behavioral therapist. He is the aquatics director at a YMCA and the cross country and track coach at Hillcrest High School. Alaric says with a laugh, “There’s never a dull moment around here working with Lori.” The Genco family is built on the work of Dan Ball, the owner who started the company in 1983. He was a lifeguard at Fort Jackson at the age of 15, and that passion led him to building one of the most comprehensive pool companies in the Southeast. So when you choose Genco Pools, you know you’re putting your project in the hands of an experienced and caring team—some even call them family.
1217 NE Main St., Simpsonville gencopools.com 864.967.POOL Behind The Counter | 2019
7
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK ROBERT PHOTOGRAPHY
A.T. LOCKE At A.T. LOCKE, the only direction is forward. The accounting management company leads clients to a better future through mastery
And best of all, the years of expertise, the planning, the detailed reporting and decision-making guidance all come at a fraction of the cost
of financial data along with the strategic planning that
of a full-time accounting department.
brings relevance to that data. “It’s not just numbers on a page,” says founder and president Anna Locke. “We want to align with each client’s vision for their future and communicate with them for maximum impact. Each client’s vision is different, so forward in their definition is unique.”
After years as an accountant working on audits and taxes,
Locke founded the company in 2008 to offer accounting management services that help businesses grow.
Locke founded the company in 2008 to offer accounting management services that help businesses
Anna saw a need in the business community and in herself. She knew her company could go beyond just expertise with numbers; the company could use those numbers to tell the story of where an organization is - and where it can go. She also knew that she could not do it alone. She built a team that works to build long-lasting relationships with clients, offering companies and individuals
grow. More than just a team of skilled analysts, the accounting
what they need in accounting, when they need it. Clients get access to all
management experts take the time to identify and fill gaps in financial data
of the company’s resources when they hire A.T. LOCKE.
to help solve problems and make progress toward goals. The beauty of the custom approach is that A.T. LOCKE can offer
After passing the milestone of a decade in business last year, Anna is refining her own company’s goals and preparing for the future, just as she
everything from basic reporting to full CFO-level analysis, depending on
does for clients. “We as a company are demonstrating what we advise our
each client’s needs.
clients to do,” she said. “We’re refining our focus on the future, our impact
“When we join forces with a client, we join with their mission, vision,
and forward progress.”
and especially with non-profits, our first job is painting a picture of their financial sustainability,” Locke said. “With family-owned businesses, we are trusted enough to be brought into family dynamics. Our work demonstrates that we want the company to succeed.” 8
Behind The Counter | 2019
68 Pointe Circle, Greenville atlocke.com 864.908.3062
AMY HAMMOND:
Your Lake and Golf Community Specialist Amy lives on the lake, and she plays on the lake. For over 22 years, she’s been helping her clients buy and sell on the lakes. Amy Hammond speaks Lake Properties fluently, with a high level of local expertise, and a low handicap. If you can find Amy taking time off, you’ll find her on Keowee – or Hartwell – on the golf course, or maybe working in a little bit of both. Fact is, it’s hard to find Amy taking any time off. But if you’re looking to buy or sell luxury lake properties, you’ll find her ability is just un-caddy.
Amy Hammond, Broker Associate
amy@jha-sir.com | 864-314-4000
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PROUDLY SERVING THE UPSTATE SINCE 1988 – TWO COMPANIES, SAME GREAT SERVICE
RHETT BROWN, REALTOR® Rhett Brown loves walking in downtown Greenville with her dogs, “Edgar” Allan Poe and Guinness, because every time she strolls the scenic city streets, she thinks how lucky she was to grow up here. As a resident, she loves being a part of the community and doing her part to make it even better. As a real estate agent, she feels fortunate to share this incredible place with the many people who dream of moving here. “I focus on being involved in community activities, as well as being active in the real estate sector in an effort to better our profession,” she says. She recently became vice president of the North Main Community Association, is on the board of the Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS®, and is on the networking committee for the S.C. Association of REALTORS®. This is also her fourth year on the committee for Chop! Cancer, a key fundraising event for Cancer Survivors Park Alliance, in honor of her mom, who has beaten cancer not once but three times. “That’s a cause dear to my heart,” she says.
“I’m really trying to focus on being as involved in the community as I can be, as well as in the real estate area.”
Her deep involvement with the community and her knowledge of its neighborhoods, schools and churches allow her to help buyers find the perfect spot to set down roots. After more than 20 years as a REALTORS®, she has a proven
track record and has built her business largely on referrals from appreciative clients, who love how she focuses on every detail so they don’t have to worry about a thing. While Rhett is still offering the same service and expertise she is known for, she is now at the Marchant Co., and she says the boutique atmosphere is the ideal environment for her and her team. While she works a good bit in resale, she is extremely well-versed in the area’s new construction everywhere from downtown to Five Forks in Simpsonville. Rhett started out earning a degree in art history and art management at College of Charleston, but while at school, she needed a job and became a real estate assistant. After earning her appraisal license and sales license, she realized the work was a natural fit. Soon offered a sales position, her glowing reputation began to grow. She found that she loves working closely with people and appreciates that no two days or clients are ever the PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAN ASHLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
same. Most days she finds herself out and about in her beloved hometown, showing clients how lucky they will be to make Greenville their hometown, too.
rhettbrown.net | 864.915.9393
Behind The Counter | 2019
11
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK SUSKO VISUAL DESIGN
GALT INNOVATIONS Galt Innovations, founded by Eli Narramore and Mike Burns,
partner with our clients on their homes—we educate them on budgets,
celebrates its ten-year anniversary this April. In the midst of a nationwide
provide options, and find out what’s really important to them.” When
economic crisis, they began with a vision instilled in virtue, integrating
Mike isn’t managing company logistics, he enjoys camping, hiking, and
their own moral ideals into the foundation of their
spending time with his wife and three kids.
company, inspired by the character John Galt of Atlas Shrugged, who says, “Life is a process of self-sustaining and self-generated action.” Eli is the creative force behind Galt’s in-house design
Galt Innovations aims for 100% transparency with clients as
“More than anything else, we are in the relationship business.”
the cornerstone of their process. Whether it’s renovating a kitchen or bulldozing an entire house to start over from scratch, Galt hopes to be the first stop on the client’s path. They value their
services and enjoys finding elegant solutions to the
team of employees and subs greatly, boasting that “More than
challenges inherent in transforming an existing structure
anything else, we are in the relationship business.” To that end,
into something current, of which clients can be both excited about and
Galt cultivates a laid-back work environment, as is evinced by their three
proud. A son of an architect, Eli sees his ability to “envision in 3D” as a
dogs who act as office greeters most days. Eli and Mike are the epitome of a
gift of genetics. His extensive construction management experience was
vision transforming into a favorable career and reality. They constantly strive
gained by holding almost every position along the way, starting as a site
to emulate the character they named their company after as a symbol of
helper back in 1998. A USMC veteran who graduated summa cum laude
creative productivity and unrelenting desire to learn and improve.
from the University of New Mexico, Eli pursues his hobbies of motorcycle racing, cycling, and snow-skiing with passion. Mike first developed building skills at a young age working around the house with his dad before going on to earn a B.S. in business at Presbyterian College. He ventured into project management by working for a large residential company in Atlanta, as well as a high-volume retail-
12
upfitter prior to founding Galt with Eli. Mike admits, “Renovation and
310 Mills Ave. Suite 204, Greenville
construction can be a stressful process, but by staying transparent, we
Galtinnovations.com | 864.335.0657
Behind The Counter | 2019
SPINX CO. Without a doubt, whether by their radio jingle, iconic yellow
Southern roots from which the store has grown, with a focus on their
logo, car washes, famous fried chicken, or some combination thereof,
classic hospitality. Spinx is no stranger to a warm welcome as a friendly
you know of Greenville’s own Spinx convenience stores.
atmosphere is a fundamental necessity to any of their locations.
Their full success story is rather impressive, and what’s
As any of us know, nothing says, “Welcome, y’all” quite like
more is their continued growth and dedication to serving the residents of (and those just passing through) South
“Making Life Easier.”
Carolina. Stewart Spinks took a failing Shell station in the early 1970s and started up one of the most recognizable chain convenience
food, and there’s no Southern food quite like fried chicken, which Spinx has prepared and perfected over the years, with a proprietary breading recipe just like Stewart’s Aunt Pearl made on Sundays.
This past January, Spinx opened its largest store to date on the
stores in South Carolina. What attributed to the company’s success was
corner of Rutherford and Shaw, home to one of the earlier spots
not merely studying charts of their stock and graphing strategic locations
where Stewart Spinks’ humble roots began. This would be an excellent
to provide the bare basics for a gas station. It took consideration of his
place to stop (or even make a special trip!) to have a made-to-order
customer’s needs, of what one looks for in a convenience store, and (most
milkshake, try their legendary fried chicken, or grab a snack at one of
importantly) what Spinx can offer to enhance the experience to make it
the first locations where a man started a legacy by making life easier for
memorable and worth coming back to.
countless South Carolinians and visitors alike.
Today, Spinx proudly serves Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry residents in over 80 stores and 45 car washes and operates a newly launched car wash club. With a special tag on their windshield, club members can get their car washed at any Spinx in S.C. Two car washes in Greenville and another in Charleston have opened an express tunnel, one example among many of how this chain ceaselessly recommits to bettering itself and the experience of its customers. Another item to keep an eye out for soon will be the renovation of
1414 E. Washington St., Greenville myspinx.com | 864.233.5421
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
over fifty stores across the state. The new interior will champion their
Behind The Counter | 2019
13
ROOTS Wesley Turner opened Roots in 2009 when he saw a need for a new-age gardening center in the Upstate. A decade later, he’s grown a local garden boutique that has captivated Greenville residents with green thumbs. Realizing that many homeowners in Greenville wanted plants in their homes and gardens in their yards but didn’t necessarily want to do the dirty work, Wesley offers an easy way to beautify customers’ living spaces. Whether it is fresh flowers, potted plants or garden décor, Roots offers a simple solution to gardening by providing potted plants, ready-to-go bouquets and designers who create custom arrangements. “Customers want to have plants in their home and gardens, but not all of them want to get dirty,” Turner says. “We specialize in container gardening, and we make gardening easy.” Customers can find indoor plants and creative potted designs at their Greenville location, as well as a large outdoor garden department with fresh flowers and seasonal plants. Before opening Roots, Wesley majored in Floriculture and Ornamental
“Customers want to have plants in their home and gardens, but not all of them want to get dirty.”
Horticulture at Mississippi State University. He visited Greenville, fell in love with it, and moved to the Upstate in 2005. “I think we managed to make our hobbies into jobs,” he says of the blurred lines between his “work” and his “play.” Even when he is not at the stores, Wesley can be found at his farm house creating and designing for his Instagram account, @Farmshenanigans. “That’s my other creative outlet that allows me to design and decorate with no restrictions,” Wesley says. “And then I get to share it with the world.” In the spring of 2018, Roots expanded its location and added the Flower Bar, offering farm-fresh flowers grown locally at their very own flower farm, which has blossomed into Petal Pickers Flower Co. “Our unique Flower Bar setup allows customers to pick flowers by the stem, grab a ready-to-go bouquet or we’ll have a designer create a custom arrangement specifically for the customer.” Turner also owns 4Rooms, the home décor furniture “sister store” to Roots. 4Rooms, located just across the street from Roots, is the perfect pairing of furniture and home décor. The two stores complement one another by offering customers everything they need
2249 Augusta St., Greenville rootsofgreenville.com 864.241.0100
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Behind The Counter | 2019
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
to beautify their living spaces both inside and out.
PETAL PICKERS FLOWER CO. Before taking on flower farming, Daniel Schavey helped grow the business at Roots and managed the off-site container planting service. When he began planning Petal Pickers Flower Co., the business idea was small – to provide a few necessities for Roots, such as Christmas greens and Curly Willow. Now it has bloomed into a bustling flower farm, and Petal Pickers farm is growing a wide variety of unique and local flowers that can be found at Roots and other local florists and event floral designers. Schavey quickly discovered there was a movement happening in the cut-flower industry. “Flower farming is coming back to the USA,” Daniel says. “And we wanted to be a part of that movement.” Growing locally allows Petal Pickers Flower Co. to bring different flowers and varieties to the local market that otherwise aren’t widely available because many flowers do not ship well. “We realized there is a niche for what we do, and we wanted to be a part of it.” Born and raised in Rock Hill, Daniel was a business management major at Clemson before he was bit by the gardening
“Flower farming is not just a job. It’s a passion.”
bug. Now, he is the owner of the company that has more than three acres of flower production in the Upstate. “We are on the cutting edge of a movement that is
happening in the floral industry all over the country,” Schavey says. “Local flower farmers are popping up all over the place, and Petal Pickers is part of the movement right here in Greenville.” Even with the boom in the flower farming industry, Daniel is still one of the few flower farmers in the Upstate. “Flower farming is not just a job. It’s a passion,” says Schavey, noting that when he is not at work, he’s still experimenting on the farm. “I’m always planning what to grow next, attending flower farming events, or just enjoying my time on the farm.” Today, a wide variety of Daniel’s flowers can be found on the flower bar at Roots from February through October for the local market. Petal Pickers also sells to local florists and is available for events. When customers go to Roots for plants and flowers that will liven up their homes without getting them dirty, they’ll appreciate that many of those flowers come from Daniel Schavey
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
and Petal Pickers – the guys who don’t mind getting dirty.
petalpickersflowerco.com Instagram @PetalPickers
BehindTheCounterOnline.com | 2014
Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
JACOB MANN, REALTOR® As the consistently awarded number one agent in sales volume and
Coldwell Banker Caine. 2018 was one of his most successful years yet.
units for Coldwell Banker Caine, Jacob Mann continues to not only be a
He closed 75 units and grew his volume by over $7M. He looks forward
top producer, but remains a staple in the community. Jacob is always on
to growing in 2019 and continuing to help people find their niche in
the move and known for his friendly disposition and work ethic. This year at the Caine’s Annual Awards Celebration, he received the Frank B. Halter Award, an honor that speaks louder than production numbers. Jacob said, “Frank Halter was a mentor of mine when I started in the business almost 20 years ago. I feel incredibly honored to have received the award.”
the Upstate. From first-time buyers, to those upsizing or
“It’s a blessing to be able to go out and thrive in my career—I absolutely LOVE what I do, and I do it to support my family.”
Jacob’s passion for real estate and zest for life is evident
downsizing, and everything in between—if there is a client in need, Jacob can help. He says, “I don’t turn down a challenge, whether it’s a $50,000 lot in Laurens or a $2.5 million home overlooking Cleveland Park, you name it, I’ll go for it.” Jacob is a phenomenal real estate agent, but most importantly, he is a friend to all. With a personality that lights up any room, his success in the real estate industry is matched by his positive
to all who interact with him. With a large presence in the Upstate real
impact on the community and the people around him. If you’re looking to buy
estate market, Jacob strives to work hard in his industry, as well as at
or sell a house, he’s not just the guy to call, he’s the “MANN.”
home. When asked about his motivation for success, Jacob says, “I wake up excited every day. It’s a blessing to be able to go out and thrive in my career—I absolutely LOVE what I do, and I do it to support my family. I want them to be proud of my work ethic and successful career.” As a family man, Jacob spends much of his time with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three boys, Chapman, McCrady, and Bates. Jacob and Elizabeth co-chair the CCES Headmaster’s Club and he is a member of the St. Francis Forum. From coaching basketball to traveling for college tours, Jacob enjoys participating in the boys’ sports and school activities. Jacob is thankful to be a part of the innovative and trusted name of 16
Behind The Counter | 2019
111 Williams St., Greenville coldwellbanker.com | 864.325.6266
JORDAN JORDAN LUMBER LUMBER COMPANY COMPANY
PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY BYBY JACK JACK ROBERT ROBERT PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY
If you’re looking for hardwood flooring — traditional or exotic, who use the company for materials and installations can count on Jordan If you’re looking for hardwood flooring — traditional or exotic, who use the company for materials and installations can count on Jordan retail or custom — Jordan Lumber Company has it all. Lumber to ensure top-quality work. retail or custom — Jordan Lumber Company has it all. Lumber to ensure top-quality work. The family-owned company, flourishing since its founding in 1934 As with any long-successful company, Jordan Lumber has adapted to The family-owned company, flourishing since its founding in 1934 As with any long-successful company, Jordan Lumber has adapted to by C.G. Jordan, specializes in hardwood flooring - and meet the market demands. Still dedicated to its core business, by C.G. Jordan, specializes in hardwood flooring - and meet the market demands. Still dedicated to its core business, only hardwood flooring — serving builders, independent the company has responded to the increased demand for only hardwood flooring — serving builders, independent the company has responded to the increased demand for “When you’ve got a installers and homeowners. specialty hardwoods and installations. “We install a wide array of “When you’ve got a installers and homeowners. specialty hardwoods and installations. “We install a wide array of family-owned and family-owned and “There are a lot of years of experience in the family,” said hardwood floors to meet any tastes,” said Keith, who joined the operated business, the “There are a lot of years of experience in the family,” said hardwood floors to meet any tastes,” said Keith, who joined the operated business, the David Sweeny, who joined the family and the business family business in 1997 after graduating from Clemson University. service is different.” David Sweeny, who joined the family and the business family business in 1997 after graduating from Clemson University. service is different.” after marrying a Jordan, his wife, Kerry. It was a natural With three children, David would be delighted to see after marrying a Jordan, his wife, Kerry. It was a natural With three children, David would be delighted to see fit for him, having spent time at his grandparents’ lumber a fourth generation join the family business. “But I’m not fit for him, having spent time at his grandparents’ lumber a fourth generation join the family business. “But I’m not company near Lake Wylie growing up. Now a vice president, he has been pushing that,” he said with a laugh. company near Lake Wylie growing up. Now a vice president, he has been pushing that,” he said with a laugh. proudly working for 17 years alongside his brother-in-law, vice president Keith, who enjoys woodworking as a hobby, sees steady growth ahead. proudly working for 17 years alongside his brother-in-law, vice president Keith, who enjoys woodworking as a hobby, sees steady growth ahead. Keith Jordan, and his father-in-law, president and owner Gary Jordan. “We have very loyal employees who have been with us for a long time,” he Keith Jordan, and his father-in-law, president and owner Gary Jordan. “We have very loyal employees who have been with us for a long time,” he “When you’ve got a family-owned and operated business, the service said. “We have high-quality employees across the board who are very “When you’ve got a family-owned and operated business, the service said. “We have high-quality employees across the board who are very is different,” David said. “We have an interest, we’re all in the business respectful of our customers and their homes. We treat them well and they is different,” David said. “We have an interest, we’re all in the business respectful of our customers and their homes. We treat them well and they together, and that creates a trust and a connection with our customers.” treat us well. We really enjoy operating in the Upstate market.” together, and that creates a trust and a connection with our customers.” treat us well. We really enjoy operating in the Upstate market.” The newest addition to the team is Ben Greene, who joined in July of The newest addition to the team is Ben Greene, who joined in July of 2017. He also has a family background in the lumber business, and he’s been 2017. He also has a family background in the lumber business, and he’s been in the industry for 14 years. Focusing on sales and marketing, he is seeking in the industry for 14 years. Focusing on sales and marketing, he is seeking to reach out to a new generation of home buyers. “Our ethics are top-notch, to reach out to a new generation of home buyers. “Our ethics are top-notch, so we just want to continue with that and try to grow the brand,” he said. so we just want to continue with that and try to grow the brand,” he said. The office on Rutherford Road encompasses showrooms and a large The office on Rutherford Road encompasses showrooms and a large warehouse. Customers who buy retail hardwood flooring know that 104 Rutherford Rd., Greenville warehouse. Customers who buy retail hardwood flooring know that 104 Rutherford Rd., Greenville jordanlumbercompany.com | 864.232.9686 Jordan Lumber uses reputable suppliers, and homeowners or builders jordanlumbercompany.com | 864.232.9686 Jordan Lumber uses reputable suppliers, and homeowners or builders
Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
COUNTYBANK but small enough to give individuals the attention they deserve, never Seeds are stripped from their pods, get buried, and crushed. Only allowing the client to feel overlooked or rushed through. after they’ve nearly completely broken down will they grow into a bud that will Pardue stresses the importance of being a resource to the client so they blossom. The lesson? During the darkest moments, the best of us comes out. are always informed about insurance programs and what is Such was the case with Countybank at their genesis. ideal for the business or company. Huttunen, who has been a While our country was in the Great Depression, a small familiar face with Countybank for more than a decade, finds group from Greenwood banded together to help their “We pride ourselves joy in helping others just as the founders did. “We pride neighbors. They determined that their community would on being a customerourselves on being a customer-focused organization. We be cared for then, and remain cared for in the good focused organization.” are unique for a community bank in that we provide our times that would inevitably return. Nearly 90 years later, customers a broad range of financial services offered by a those core values of communal care are just as present as dedicated group of banking specialists.” ever but have expanded with Countybank’s presence to the Greenwood, Technology and mobile services are a must-have for almost every Greenville, Greer, and Anderson areas. business in the age of the smartphone, and Countybank has understood that Always local, and always focused on the community they serve, from the beginning. One of the main differences, of course, is that instead Countybank functions as a sort of umbrella of aide to cover all financial of assigning individuals a number and adding them to the faceless crowd of needs. Thus, it is more than a mere bank, as it is comprised of qualified, consumers, Countybank is focused on the relationship and tailors products knowledgeable professionals who help manage clients’ insurance, to the individual. This cannot be achieved by an algorithm, only genuine mortgages, investments, lending, and trusts. attentiveness and consideration for one’s neighbor. Countybank has found a Featured in this year’s Behind The Counter issue are Paul Pickhardt (Senior way to stay grounded in their founding principles while remaining attuned VP and SBA Lending Manager), Lisa Gilstrap (Mortgage Consultant), Steve and responsive to the needs of today. It turns out, the flower has bloomed. Pardue (Commercial Insurance Agent), and Marko Huttunen (VP). Pickhardt notes the uniquely creative, personalized service offered by Countybank. Whether refinancing commercial buildings and renovations 201 West McBee Ave., Greenville or large business purchases, they strive to tailor the experience to each 3431 Pelham Road, Greenville person or business. Gilstrap agrees with that sentiment, and adds that, on ecountybank.com her side of things, Countybank Mortgage is big enough to stay competitive, 864.942.1500 18
Behind The Counter | 2019
FOREST KITCHEN DESIGN STUDIO For most homeowners, the thought of a house project is enough
Speaking to Linn about his work, his down-to-earth personality doesn’t
to get the stress levels rising, the blood pressure increasing, and the
muddle his pleasure in his craft for a second. “We can do any design,
headaches begin before the first contracts are drawn with anyone. Much
specializing in fine cabinetry with various price points, but there’s no
of the human population is not born with an innate ability to take a lofty
snobbery about it. I want folks to immediately feel comfortable with us
idea and morph it into reality. This isn’t a flaw in us by
and our approach. I want them to know that they can trust
any measure, but could surely be a chance to reach out to
that if we draw it, it’ll be built that way.”
those with such talent. Forest Kitchen Design Studio is a design-centric firm
“If we draw it, it’ll be built that way.”
The team has had its work published regionally and nationally, and have helped on construction and
that has a near 30-year history in Asheville, NC, selling
remodeling of various homes. Their insight into developing
high-end cabinetry. The quickest glance on their website
a concept to a reality makes their clients comfortable
is enough to note that their work is one of pure beauty.
starting with them. The two enjoy their work and bring a calming sense
A year out from their opening in Greenville, they have been
to those with ideas in their head but a certain angst as to where to start
happy to share their skill with the residents of the Upstate.
and how to begin the project. Forest Kitchen Design Studio joins the
The team consists of degreed designers: Joel Linn, principal designer,
ranks of many great services in Greenville that joyfully give us a greater
and Tina Colgan, senior designer. The two have a collaborative team
sense of peace, a grasp on simplicity in planning, and added beauty in
approach to their work, each contributing the best of their own unique
the spaces that surround us.
abilities. Colgan has come to our area from Chicago, working for a wellknown remodeling firm, via Atlanta, Ga., and is familiar with markets of great variety and tastes. For those familiar with the 30A Corridor, Linn is a native of Destin, Fla., and was born and raised in a nationally awardwinning family-owned kitchen design firm. He enjoys sharing his skill while leading a working example to his four small children. “Greenville is a thriving community with city amenities as well as access to the great
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK ROBERT PHOTOGRAPHY
outdoors. It’s a great place to work, of course, but also a great place to live.”
1040 W. Washington St., Greenville forestkitchendesign.com 864.326.0036
Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMERON REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY
C. DAN JOYNER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO. As they celebrate over 45 years of service, C. Dan Joyner
of their 4 boys. The Caviness family also spends time at home with
Property Management continues to build relationships with renters,
their mini labradoodle, Rosemary.
owners, and homeowner associations. They are proud
Avril manages a staff of 12 people. They know reliability is
to be voted Best of the Upstate in 2018 and to be partnered with Greenville’s largest real estate firm, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, C. Dan Joyner REALTORS®. The company manages close to 500 single-family
crucial. “We enjoy coming to work every day,” she says. “We
“We are always willing to help each other—we work together to make sure our clients are taken care of.”
are always willing to help each other—we work together to make sure our clients are taken care of.” During the busy time of budgets and annual meeting mail-outs, Avril keeps the morale of the office up by ordering lunch for the staff. She
homes and they oversee about 60 homeowner
values team spirit and encourages camaraderie by planning
associations. A partnership with Joyner Commercial
events for the staff to unwind and enjoy each other’s company
has also given them the opportunity to get involved with a
after hours. Avril and her staff at C. Dan Joyner Property Management will
handful of commercial property owner associations. The
continue to provide clients with outstanding service and resources while
partnerships between the real estate and commercial office pave
ensuring that Mr. Joyner’s legacy continues to carry on every day.
the way for many dynamic avenues to emerge in order to make sure every client need is met. Avril Caviness began her property management career in 2004 and in May of 2018 she was promoted to Broker-in-Charge for C. Dan Joyner Property Management. Avril says, “I was honored to be chosen for the position. The family had faith and trust in me to run their business.” Mr. Joyner built the company on a high-level of integrity, and Avril and the staff make a daily effort to ensure his values are upheld. When Avril isn’t in the office, she can usually be found at a sporting event next to her husband, Billy, cheering on one 20
Behind The Counter | 2019
735 N. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville cdjpropertymanagement.com | 864.242.4466
STUMP GRINDING
TREE HAULING
TREE REMOVAL A professional full-service tree company proudly serving customers throughout the Greenville, Asheville and Lake Keowee areas with complete, efficient and effective results. From residential lots to commercial properties, CSS Tree Service customers experience the highest level of service and attention to detail. We understand that proper preparation is key to the start of any project. Our team of professionals can remove trees for any purpose: danger liability, clearing the land, or simply to improve your property.
CSSTREE Locally owned and operated 864-331-9695 | csstreeservice.com
PHOTO PROVIDED
TRIBUS DESIGN STUDIO Tribus Design Studio starts with communication, seeking to understand exactly what a client wants: How should the room feel?
able to work with different personalities.” Soon, Tribus will be able to provide even more to those who want to
What message should the space convey? The goal is not just to elevate a space, but to infuse it with the personality of those who live and work there. The result is a design that functions beautifully and inspires the people who experience it. “We want each and every client to feel like their newly designed space is a true reflection of their tastes and desires,” says Susan Peace-
elevate their home, thanks to their upcoming retail offerings.
“We strive to make our clients’ experiences as personal as the memories they will be creating in their homes for years to come.”
Vernon, vice president. Susan and Kerry Howard, principal interior designer, are ASID-certified experts with the vision, creativity, and experience to fulfill a vision with integrity - even if that
Their Main Street location plans to sell outdoor furniture by Gabby and Summer Classics, as well as their own custom Tribus upholstery line. The team anticipates growth and expansion of their retail offerings with time. When function and beauty come together through interior design, magic happens. Susan, Kerry, and their team are ready to apply their extensive combined industry experience to translate any vision into a one-of-a-kind reality.
“We truly hope clients enjoy sharing their spaces with their friends and
vision is difficult to articulate. The Tribus team uses a systematic design
family,” Peace-Vernon said. “The relationship we build through the design
process to understand client expectations and exceed them. Luxurious
process is equally important – we are only as good as our last project!”
furnishings, fine fabrics, mixed textures, natural elements, light-filled spaces – Tribus can fulfill any vision, from a simple makeover to a largescale remodel. Their multiple offices in Greenville, Lake Keowee, Asheville and Atlanta allow Tribus to offer the ultimate client experience for any residential or commercial design need. “As a designer, it is my job to figure out what a client’s needs are, and the best way to get them through the design process,” Howard says. “I love through interior design I am
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16 North Main St., Greenville tribusdesignstudio.com | 864.729.4148
PASSION. EXCELLENCE. INTEGRITY.
TM
CUSTOM
CR
D QUALITY TE AF
These are our guiding principles and the characteristics we hold most precious. They are intertwined into the fabric of our DNA and it’s evident the moment you walk through the doors. Each detail conveys a sense of purpose—a legacy ingrained in the walls. Every fit, every finish, and every furnishing is a product of our unwavering passion. It’s a masterful work of art. And we know you’ll feel right at home here.
115 N. Brown St. Suite 200 Greenville, SC 29601 864.527.0463 DILLARDJONES.COM
Behind The Counter | 2019
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A CARPET CLEANING COMPANY AND SO MUCH MORE!
POWER WASHING – RON’S PRO WASH Residential | Commercial | Industrial Whether you need to spruce up the entrance to your office building or you need to clean the mildew off of your vinyl siding, Ron’s ProWash has the premium equipment and the experience that you need to get your pressure washing done right!
CARPET CLEANING – RON’S CARPET & AIR DUCT CLEANING Oriental Rugs | Air Ducts | Tile & Grout | Carpets | Hardwood Floors Only Ron’s has this revolutionary hydraulic VORTEX® Cleaning System. At twice the power and much higher temperatures, it cleans deeper than other methods. Our oriental and area rug cleaning services include white glove pickup and delivery, as well as the best urine treatment available. Cleaner is BETTER! You can see the difference!
24/7 FLOOD RESTORATION Water Damage | Water Removal | Flood Restoration Don’t be caught unprepared when disaster strikes! If you need emergency water removal services, call Ron’s immediately! Our emergency flood response team provides immediate water removal service to prevent contamination and minimize water damage.
CLEANING SERVICES Whether you need the windows at your office cleaned or you need someone to put life back into that old, dingy chair, Ron’s has the experience and the equipment you need to get the job done right! Cleaner is better!
62 Airview Dr., Greenville | 24/7 Emergency Service Available 864.297.6440 | ronscarpetcleaners.com | ronscarpetcleaners
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BOGARI EUROPEAN CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE BOGARI European Contemporary Furniture opened its doors in 2004, a realized dream of Ivet Ivanova and husband Lyudmil. Arriving from Bulgaria in 1997 with master’s degree in finance and years of interior
on premier customer service. “The best thing a customer has ever said to me is that they feel a personal connection with my team and me,” she said.
design experience honed in Europe, Ivet soon realized there was a marked absence of high-end Euro-style contemporary furniture in the Upstate. “We felt our store would fill a unique niche in the community.” Ivet was not sure how area residents would respond to this style, but BOGARI has experienced steady growth, especially as trends move toward contemporary design.
She and the BOGARI design staff are dedicated to meeting
“The best thing a customer has ever said to me is that they feel a personal connection with my team and me.”
Celebrating its 15th Anniversary in a new
the multi-faceted needs of homeowners, builders and local businesses. The design team works closely with their clients focusing on understanding their vision and providing quality service to create a unique and pleasing environment. Outside of work, Ivet and her husband, a software engineer, love to listen to music, attend performances at the Peace Center, travel to the North Carolina mountains and spend
15,000-square-foot showroom off of Woodruff Road, BOGARI boasts a
time with their two grown children. “With one in medical school and the
selection of both residential and commercial decor options. With over 40
other living in New York, we cherish our family time together,” she said.
different eco-friendly vendors represented in the store from more than
She occasionally gets back to Bulgaria and other European destinations,
five European countries: Italy, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Norway,
but she always returns to Greenville as quickly as she can. “I am pretty
BOGARI offers a plethora of furniture choices. In addition, Ivanova
busy,” she says with a laugh. “I can’t be away for too long.”
offers a few respected Canadian and American-based companies. A strong emphasis is placed on sharing with the customers the importance European manufacturers place on making products free of harmful materials such as fire retardants or chemical-laden foam. “Our European companies have to meet very high safety and environmental standards.” A recipient of Best of the Upstate Furniture Store/Interior Design and voted 25 Most Beautiful Women in the Upstate in 2016, Ivet prides herself 26
Behind The Counter | 2019
66 Carolina Point Parkway, Greenville bogarifurniture.com | 864.254.0770
MOBIUS CONSTRUCTION
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
Whether you are renovating an older home or starting from the Customers rave about their experience. “Our experience in working ground up, Mobius Construction is known for creating homes that fit with Matt Ruth from Mobius Construction was amazing!” wrote a right in with the homes of yesterday. “We try to make recent client. “Matt brought a vision of what our home our houses look like they have always been there,” said could be and executed that vision with great detail and “We try to make our Matt Ruth, owner of Mobius. follow-through. He was a good steward who looked after houses look like they have From downtown neighborhoods like the Augusta our home as if it were his own. Not only does Matt have always been there.” Road area to homes at Lake Keowee, attention to detail excellent technical knowledge of the home construction is a hallmark of Mobius homes, and Matt pays close process, he also has wonderful taste. Matt is fair and made attention to nearby homes to create a seamless, classic our home renovation project a very pleasant process.” look and feel. Another benefit to Mobius customers is their attentive and Matt has been building homes for 20 years, starting as a brickmason personable real estate agent, Wendi Ruth, who happens to be Matt’s while earning a civil engineering degree at Virginia Tech. Afterward, wife. Wendi handles real estate transactions and also lends her talent he came to Greenville to work in project management for a contractor, with interior design, helping customers navigate the broad range of and he has experience in everything from custom residential fixtures and accents as the final touch to their Mobius home. construction to commercial work. Matt likes to get to the lake as many weekends as possible, along “One of the more gratifying parts of the work is that there is a with Wendi and their sons Harrison (10) and William (7). ”Other than structure at the end of the rainbow,” he said. “There is something there kids’ sports, that’s probably our main hobby,” he said. that will be there for many years.” Mobius is known for creating livable floor plans, with high ceilings, simple lines, and classic details like arches and built-in storage. “A lot of our design starts as an old house someone didn’t like, so we create a new design that keeps the beauty of the old with the benefit of a new, mobiusconstructionsc.com 864.444.4263 flowing floorplan.”
Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
SALLÉ GALLOWAY
Some people may think of a law firm as a cold and intimidating environment, but at Sallé Galloway, nothing could be further from the truth. 28
The attorneys at Sallé Galloway love the Upstate. They will be the first to tell you they are biased. They were born here. They were raised here. Their families live here. While they grew up here and have seen major changes to their hometown, they do not resist that change – they embrace it. It is this affinity for Greenville’s past, coupled with an excitement about its future, that makes real estate law such a natural fit. After starting his legal career, it did not take Cam Sallé long to realize that property law was a natural fit. He founded the firm in 2004 and his brother, Peter, joined a year later. The firm became known as “Sallé Galloway” in 2013 when the Sallé brothers joined forces with Bret Galloway, who manages the firm’s Charleston office. Along the way, Austin Taylor and Joey Maxwell joined the Greenville office. Austin primarily practices in the area of residential real estate and business law, and Joey focuses on estate planning, corporate law and commercial real estate.
Behind The Counter | 2019
The Sallés’ perspective is uniquely enhanced by their family’s background in real estate. Their father owned a real estate brokerage in Greenville for many years. This background helps the Sallés appreciate the time, energy and effort put into transactions by real estate agents. As Cam says, “We understand that it may be the 100th closing of the month for us, but for them, it’s their paycheck. We always keep that perspective in mind and personalize each transaction for both the clients and agents.” Some people may think of a law firm as a cold and intimidating environment, but at Sallé Galloway, nothing could be further from the truth. It is a family-oriented law firm, and family is at the heart of who they are. Cam and his wife, Elizabeth, have a blended family of five children, ranging from eight to sixteen. On many weekends their home is also full of neighborhood children and friends playing in their rec room or joining in for a very competitive game of dodgeball.
Peter and his wife, Jenny, have four children under age 12. Between attending kids’ soccer games and weekend trips to The Home Depot (his 4-year-old’s favorite place in the world), Peter likes to play a round of golf when time permits. His skill, however, has yet to catch up with his enthusiasm for the sport. After spending the early part of her career in family law, Austin made the switch to real estate before joining Sallé Galloway. In her spare time, she likes to get outdoors with her husband, Derek, and two young children. When she’s not carting the kids to karate or birthday parties, she can be found painting or cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks! Joey joined Sallé Galloway after years in the Greenville Public Defender’s Office. On the weekends, he enjoys relaxing with his wife, Susan, and two-year-old
daughter while still finding time to go fly fishing and duck hunting. He is also involved with Casting for Hope, a charitable organization that supports women with ovarian and gynecological cancer. Ask any of the attorneys at Sallé Galloway, and they will tell you the paralegals and staff are central to their success. They are sharp, patient and responsive. If it was not for the staff, it would be impossible to provide the level of service that Sallé Galloway seeks to consistently provide. Looking to the future, the firm will keep its personable approach, use cutting-edge technology and continue finding creative solutions to legal issues, no matter the complexity. “We have no big plans to take over the world,” Cam said, “but we want to keep expanding, keep growing along with Greenville, and keep helping people in South Carolina.”
9 Caledon Ct., Greenville sallegalloway.com 864.234.2901 Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
MARTIN GARDEN CENTER More than 50 years ago, the Martin family began a tradition of selling
Watch for the bright blue “She Shed” completed in February, a new
quality plants, which continues to this day at Martin Garden Center.
perennials greenhouse to be installed in the summer, and the opening
This past year, sole owner Reggie Meehan opened up the company to
of Camelot, a wedding and event venue at the old Martin house located
employee ownership. Reggie raves about her team and
behind the nursery. Despite all the achievements, Reggie
the unique idiosyncrasies that make for an idyllic work
admits that she isn’t quite where she wants to be. “I pledged
environment. “In the first year of employee ownership,” Reggie states, “I welcomed five new employee investors, and I’m looking forward to more next year.”
“We have great plants and great staff and great customers.”
Most employees are semi-retired and work part-time “for a generous employee discount,” Reggie jokes. But for those requiring full-time employment, Reggie had to think creatively. “There simply wasn’t enough work during summers and winters to
last year to make Martin’s into a Greenville destination but I haven’t yet fulfilled that pledge. Martin’s is amazing. We have great plants and great staff and great customers. But, we are still missing the iconic attractions that I believe our customers deserve.”
So, in the coming year, she renews her pledge with plans for several new iconic attractions. “I have high hopes, but I recognize that
support all the staff who needed a full-time salary, so I expanded
sometimes, there just isn’t enough time in the day to get it all done.
our operations rather than lay off employees.” Martin’s now offers
Maybe I’ll just have to put off my vacation until next year,” she jokes.
unique plants grown at the garden center, as well as on-site design and installation services. Reggie admits that the expansion has been great for the employees and the customers, but has been tough on her. “There is no down time, and I haven’t taken a real vacation in seven years.” A recently planned vacation, her first-ever cruise, fell apart when her mother was hospitalized. “I think my staff wanted me to have a vacation more than I
198 Martin Rd., Greenville
did, but it wasn’t meant to be. God and family first,” she recites.
martinnursery.com
It’s been four years of hard work, and the business is still expanding. 30
Behind The Counter | 2019
864.277.1818
COMFORT KEEPERS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAN ASHLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
comfort, which elevates the human spirit.” Bringing comfort to the community is more than a job for this awardComfort Keepers offers many services to its clients, including winning company. At Comfort Keepers, providing home care for seniors in light housekeeping, respite and end-of-life care, help with hygiene, the Upstate has been a passion for more than a decade. transportation and companionship. Comfort Keepers can match caregivers Erin Couchell, owner and lifelong resident of Spartanburg, has earned with clients whose needs and personalities fit. “We customize the trust of seniors in the communities surrounding our services and care needs to meet each individual client.” Greenville and Spartanburg. Studies have shown that “My passion is helping Erin and her husband, Chris, own the Greenville, seniors who stay active and socially engaged have a others and making Spartanburg, and Tryon/Columbus locations. When they are higher quality of life, with a lower rate of depression and people happy.” not helping others, they are raising three daughters and playing cognitive decline. Through Comfort Keepers Interactive with their two dogs. Caregiving approach, caregivers can transform day-to-day The Couchells and Comfort Keepers were recently awarded care services into meaningful conversations and activities. the Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice in 2018, and Employer of This engages and enriches the lives of seniors physically, mentally, socially Choice awards in 2017 by Best of Home Care. and emotionally, all while keeping them in their own home. “I love coming to work each day and finding a fit between clients and “I think home is always the best place,” Couchell says. “Home is where caregivers. We have wonderful caregivers that bring joy to people every day,” your memories and possessions are–both physical and emotional. Someone Couchell says. “My passion is helping others and making people happy.” who can be healthy in their own home is going to see a higher quality of life.” Erin opened the Spartanburg location in 2006 with her mother-inlaw, Kiki Couchell, and has since opened an office in Greenville and most recently an office in Tryon, NC, as well. She noticed a need for in-home senior care after her own mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “I was working full time and struggling with caring for my mom,” Couchell recalls after her mother was diagnosed. “We found there were very few in-home care options, so we are providing that service across the Upstate and western North Carolina.” Comfort Keepers now has over 500 1200 Haywood Rd., Greenville caregivers in the Carolinas. “As a daughter, as a granddaughter, I know how comfortkeepers.com important that is—making sure our loved ones have interaction, as well as 864.268.8993
BehindTheCounterOnline.com | 2014 Behind The Counter | 2019
31
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY GBPHOTOGRAPHY
GOLDEN STRIP GLASS Dominick Abbate is preparing for the trip of a lifetime. This summer he’ll join a caravan of RVs for a two-month trek across
“We take a lot of pride in being able to carry on the business with the same level of integrity our father instilled in us,” says Matt.
Alaska, and he’ll do so secure in the knowledge that the
Greenville’s booming construction market
company he built from the ground up is in capable hands back home. Dominick founded Golden Strip Glass in 1991. He got his start in the glass business in his native Long Island, New York, and found work with a local company after migrating south in the early 1980s. When that
has been good to the Abbate boys. Last year they
“We take a lot of pride in being able to carry on the business with the same level of integrity our father instilled in us.”
company eventually closed, Dom set up shop in the back of his truck, and Golden Strip Glass was born. He made a name for himself with his hands-on approach, regularly
completed construction on a new commercial fabrication building outfitted with state-of-the-art production equipment that will allow them to keep pace with demand. The Golden Strip Glass crews stay busy here in the Upstate and across the Southeast, and last year saw a 40% increase in business. The travel bug bit Matt just as hard as it did Dom,
and he and his wife commit to carving out time to see a new part of
showing up on job sites and putting in long hours to ensure his
the world every year. This spring they are bound for adventure in the
customers were satisfied. That solid reputation later allowed him to
Patagonia region of South America.
move the company to its current location on Miller Road, where his sons Matt and Michael spent a good chunk of their formative years cutting their teeth on the family business. Both sons came to work with dad full-time as adults – Michael running the residential end of things and Matt overseeing the commercial side as Dom transitioned toward retirement – and this past November the torch was officially passed to the next generation. “It was an honor to turn the business over to my sons,” Dom says. “A very proud moment.” 34
Behind The Counter | 2019
343 Miller Rd., Mauldin goldenstripglass.com 864.297.9989
the times may change. the service does not. consistency is the key.
#1 AGENT FOR THE #1 FIRM 8 YEARS IN A ROW.* 864.918.1734 | GreenvilleAgent247.com *SOURCE: C. Dan Joyner Internal Records, 1/1/2018-12/31/2018.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GBPHOTOGRAPHY
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES C. DAN JOYNER, REALTORS® — COMMERCIAL DIVISION Matt Carter calls it doing well by doing good. When you become
The office continues to grow, in the last year adding an auctioneer, a
known in the community as someone who can be trusted on a handshake,
multi-family broker, and an agent focused on self-storage developments.
that trust tends to reap fiscal rewards down the road.
Carter says this increased level of specialization will enhance what Joyner
“If you’re hardworking and honest, you can do quite well here just by proving yourself as such,” Carter says. Carter serves as Broker-in-Charge for the Commercial Division of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS®, where giving back to Greenville is routine around their Vardry Street office.
Commercial brings to the table.
“If you’re hardworking and honest, you can do quite well here just by proving yourself as such.”
“We’ve been a part of Greenville’s fabric for a long time,” Carter says, noting that his team has made its mark not just on the commercial landscape but has also helped shape Greenville’s future through work with various community groups. Carter himself has served as both chair and treasurer during his 15-
“We already have a reputation for treating our clients well, and we continue to add new ways we can do that.”
Pictured left to right – Top Row: Bryon Culbertson; Joe Teague; Nelson Garrison; Pablo Peña; Wayne Smith; Matt Carter, SIOR, CCIM; Larry Crain, Steve Greer, Charlie Timmons, Andrew Plunkett, Britt Gillespie. Second Row: Pam Childress; Hope Tz Schmalzl; Michael Joseph; Tracie Burton; Ted Arnold. Third Row: Eliza Foster; Tracy Greer; Sara Layfield; Stephanie Smith. Front Row: Shirley Nease; Susan Dodds; Leah Carter; Hays Reynolds. Additional Agents include: Caleb Boyd; Ernest Crosby; David Dempsey; Matthew Holiday, CAI, BAS; Greg Huff, CCIM; and Parker Sweet.
year tenure on the board of the Greenville Transit Authority. When a past GTA auditor needed help with a development project, the transparent and trustworthy manner in which Carter handled his responsibilities brought him top of mind, and led to a $20 million deal for Joyner Commercial. “That opportunity came about because someone, several years after having worked with us, remembered us as servants to the community,” Carter says. “In Greenville we have the advantage of being able to say ‘I have a friend,’ not just, ‘I know a guy.’” 36
Behind The Counter | 2019
24 Vardry St., 4th Floor, Greenville joynercommercial.com | 864.233.7724
DODDS AND ASSOCIATES, C. DAN JOYNER, REALTORS® developing office buildings and residential projects in the downtown area. Susan Dodds is that unique type of real estate agent who is just One of Susan’s favorite things is living within walking distance of as at home walking homeowners through buying and selling as she is two of her adult children (the other two live in Mammoth, CA) and all constructing commercial deals and development. five of her grandchildren, and she counts motherhood and Dodds began her 35-plus-year career in the Florida grandmotherhood among her greatest joys! real estate market as the daughter of a developer and “My husband of 40 years and I try to stay involved in their builder. In those days, agents and brokerages did “Real Estate is what I not focus solely on buyers or sellers, residential or grew up doing….it’s in my lives as much as possible,” she says. The family spends much time together gathered at their home on Lake Keowee where commercial. “If you had a brokerage, you did everything – blood and I love it!” water activities are enjoyed by all. land, commercial and residential,” she says. “That’s what I Dodds is also fortunate to enjoy the company of both learned initially and have continued doing in my business.” parents, aged 97 and 91, who live in NC. Susan leads the Dodds & Associates residential In addition to spending non-working hours with family and friends, group of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, C. Dan Joyner REALTORS®, Susan enjoys entertaining and competitive league tennis. She also remains located on Vardry Street across from Flour Field in the heart of active in the Greenville community with the Peace Center, sustaining Greenville’s Central Business District. Dodds assembled her team through member of the Greenville Junior League, Circle 555, Kroc Tennis Center relationships cultivated over the decades she has lived, served and worked member, sponsor and outreach volunteer and various other boards and in Greenville, and credits them with bringing a rich diversity of experience organizations in the Upstate of SC. and expertise to buyers and sellers in the Upstate of SC. As much as Dodds loves helping her residential and relocation clients find just the right place to call home, she also stays active in the commercial real estate field. “I love commercial real estate and development and having experience in it, I enjoy assisting clients and investors with their commercial real estate needs.” In addition to leading her residential team, Susan works as a commercial broker under the umbrella of the Commercial Division of Berkshire Hathaway 24 Vardry St. Ste 400, Greenville HomeServices, C. Dan Joyner and is partnered with her brother and her sdodds@cdanjoyner.com husband in commercial development ventures through which they are
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BY GBPHOTOGRAPHY
864.201.8656
Behind The Counter | 2019
37
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
NATHALIE M. MORGAN FAMILY LAW & IMMIGRATION LAW Nathalie Morgan has for years made diversity and inclusion a top priority in both her work as an attorney and her community service
“It’s been a really sweet journey watching my daughter – who has always been a single child – open her heart and her home to two new brothers,”
pursuits, but this year she went a step further and brought
Morgan says.
those concepts home. Morgan’s law practice focuses on family law, immigration, and some criminal cases. She also serves as Chairman of the Board of the Hispanic Alliance, and when a fellow board member came to her with a troubling
Angel is thriving in school and has recently discovered
“It’s been a really sweet journey watching my family grow and all our children thrive.”
situation, she stepped in to help. “A fellow board member and friend of mine was mentoring a student who he discovered was living alone with a younger brother,” Morgan says. Morgan was a member of the Fall 2017 class of the Riley Institute at
a love for baseball, thanks in no small part to Morgan’s boyfriend, a former professional player with both the Greenville Drive and Boston Red Sox. In honor of Morgan’s family’s love for diversity, the local Hispanic population, and baseball, they are seen here wearing the Greenville Drive’s “Greenville Energia” colors. Morgan was born in Belgium to an American father and
European mother, and spent her childhood exploring two continents. Her love for language and culture was cemented during these formative years,
Furman’s Diversity Leaders Initiative, and her group’s community action
and she is intent on providing her children with as many new experiences
project focused on working with Fostering Great Ideas to address the
as she can. The family recently returned from a trip to Thailand and have
tragically short supply of foster families in Upstate South Carolina. That
many more adventures planned.
exposure to the fostering community inspired Morgan to want to get involved in a deeper way. “I knew I wanted to foster a child,” she says, and when she learned of Emmanuel and Angel, the timing felt right. Emmanuel, 20, and Angel, 9, have fit right in to Morgan’s family, which also includes her eight-year-old daughter, Chloe, a lover of travel, fashion, and all things equestrian. 38
Behind The Counter | 2019
201 W. Stone Ave., Greenville nathaliemorgan.com 864.242.6655
MAGGIE AIKEN, REALTOR® After seven years at the top of the real estate business, it is the relationships that Maggie Aiken has built that mean the most to her. She takes great joy in finding the perfect home for each client, and she
quality above quantity. One of Maggie’s favorite parts of her job is finding the right home for her clients in the different seasons of their lives. This summer, Maggie
has relished watching those families grow and change – oftentimes getting to work with them again as their needs shift. She wants to ensure that she never stretches herself to the point that she loses the hands-on approach that she is known for. “I’m very detail-oriented and fully invested in each client,” she said. “I want people to leave their houseselling or buying experience saying it’s the best experience
will also be entering into a new chapter of life, when she
“It is not all about numbers and growth for me, but rather making sure that I can maintain the level of excellence that my clients deserve.”
that they have ever had.” Her work ethic and commitment to excellence often equate to
marries Tad Toler in May. While the name will be changing soon, the commitment to excellence for her clients will stay the same. Her desire to help others is evident in her non-work pursuits as well, including serving as a high school student ministry leader at Grace Church for the last 5 years. She has traveled to Africa twice with Young Life to serve on work crew, and is on the Young Life Regional Committee for Kenya.
By June, you’ll see the name Maggie Toler around town instead of
impressive stats – she was recently named the No. 2 top-producing agent
Maggie Aiken, but rest assured, it is the same Maggie-level service that
at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS® for the
you are used to seeing in the Greenville marketplace!
third consecutive year, and has been in the top 3 agents for the last 6 years. As Maggie’s business has grown, she has made sure that she is able to keep the same depth of service as when she first started. “I only take on so many clients at a given time so that I am able to care for them fully through the process. It is not all about numbers and growth for me, but rather making sure that I can maintain the level of excellence that my clients deserve,” Maggie said. Maggie has been voted Best REALTOR® in the Upstate for four years maggieaiken.com | 864.616.4280
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
running – a competitive award that is sure proof of her strategy that puts
Behind The Counter | 2019
39
JERSEY MIKE’S
Since 1956, Jersey Mike’s has established a culture of giving. In 2018, Jersey Mike’s franchise restaurants raised over $6 million for local
round. Our chicken and tuna salad are made fresh, in-house every day.
charities during its March month of giving. Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s and
Fresh head lettuce, onions, and red ripe tomatoes are sliced every morning.
its locally owned restaurants have raised in excess of $34 million. The
It really is a unique process for a chain of our size.”
company has made giving back to local charities a priority—but only behind its commitment to delicious, authentic sub sandwiches.
“We are in the people business, not the food business.”
country is its always-fresh ingredients. “We trim, tie, and roast our top
“Today, all of our ham products and our 99% fat-free turkey come from antibiotic-free and vegetarian fed animals,” remarks Bockstahler. “It says a lot
Dave Bockstahler became a franchisee in 1998, when the company
about our commitment to being an industry leader with respect to quality. It
had fewer than 100 locations, and in 2001 became the area developer for
is only one of the things that differentiate us from our competition. We also
South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia. Today, there are more than
offer gluten-free (GF) bread, vegetarian options, and fast, friendly service, too.”
1,550 locations nationwide, and Jersey Mike’s is the fastest growing sub chain in America. “I wanted to own a franchise that offered a product that I would be proud to serve to my friends and family,” Dave says about his decision to
Dave was drawn to Jersey Mike’s because of its community involvement and history of giving. “We have been able to make a real impact on hundreds of charities around the country.” Upstate Jersey Mike’s franchisees have raised over $150,000 for local
choose Jersey Mike’s. “I wanted to serve the best.” Bockstahler says the
charities —most notably, Safe Harbor, Just Say Something (previously
primary reason Jersey Mike’s is the fastest growing sandwich shop in the
Greenville Family Partnership),and The Ronald McDonald House.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
Safe Harbor is an organization that supports victims of domestic violence in the Upstate. Jersey Mike’s raised $43,000 last year during
others realize their dreams of business ownership. Bockstahler says the heartbeat of his business is in his partners
March alone. “I like to think that we are helping change people’s lives,
and friends, Justin Woodal, Turner Hill and Ernesto Welch. “These
saving lives,” Dave says about his franchises’ charitable giving.
guys are out there every day, making sandwiches, making friends,
Bockstahler also likes to help the people that have helped him grow. Over the last twenty years, he has motivated several of his employees to become partners and helped some of them
and spreading our culture.” With over a billion dollars in sales nationally, the demand for Jersey Mike’s is higher than ever. But it’s hard to get Dave to talk business for too long before
own businesses of their own. “I like to promote and foster
he wanders back to his passion for helping people. “We are in
entrepreneurial spirit. If someone has it, I like to try to recognize it.
the people business, not the food business,” he says. Maybe it’s
Hopefully, they will invest in themselves.” Perhaps David sees himself in some of his employees. As a
a free gift card at work or a free sandwich at the end of a race for the Greenville Track Club that makes someone’s day. Maybe
CPA, he decided that he did not want to work behind a desk for
it’s donations to charities that protect women and children from
the rest of his life. He noticed an entrepreneurial spirit in himself
domestic abuse. Or maybe it’s helping someone achieve their dream
and decided to take a risk. Now, he’s able to help other people
of becoming an entrepreneur. Whatever it is, Dave Bockstahler and
realize their own dreams of owning a business. Today, he helps
Jersey Mike’s have certainly changed people’s lives in the Upstate.
1818 Augusta Rd., Greenville jerseymikes.com 864.534.1020
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
P & H CONSULTING OF RAYMOND JAMES be proud of what you do,” Anthony says. “Our clients become our Anthony Panuccio and Emory Hendrix provide financial confidence. extended family, and we care about them.” In order to keep in touch, Recently recognized by Forbes as a “Top 20” Best-In-State Wealth continue to educate, and bring their clients through the Advisor, Anthony brings nearly 30 years of experience rough patches in the market, Anthony and Emory hold providing carefully customized and personalized financial “Our clients need to have frequent social and educational events with clients in advice to each of his clients. conversations about addition to their regular contact. “This is our life’s work,” Anthony, Managing Director of their goals with someone P&H Consulting keeps its client base relatively small to Investments, says of himself and his team, which includes who has experience and maintain the quality and integrity of its work. They work partner and financial advisor Emory Hendrix, senior compassion.” primarily with individuals and families with at least $2 registered service associate Kathy Muilwyk, and registered million in their investment portfolio. Emory says, “We don’t client service associate and event planner MacKenzie Muyco. attempt to be all things to all people. We know where we The team works as P&H Consulting of Raymond James. excel and we keep a focus on our process of active portfolio management.” “We try to serve as a wall between our clients and any financial setbacks that could occur,” says Anthony, who earns his financial expertise The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research is based on an algorithm every day with a laser focus on the investment market. “We attempt of qualitative criteria and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of 7 years of experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, AUM, compliance records, industry experience to protect them.” Anthony, a Clemson economics major, serves as the and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio principal of the group, but relies on his partner Emory for creative ideas, performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of 29,334 advisors nominated by their firms, 3,477 received the award. This ranking is not indicative of advisor’s future performance, analytics, and critical personal interaction with clients. “Our clients need is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James to have conversations about their goals with someone who has experience nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. and compassion,” says Anthony, who specializes in stock portfolio management for income and growth. On a daily basis, Anthony and Emory personally evaluate and assess growth opportunities as well as risk factors for every position in their clients’ completely personalized accounts. As they often say, they “don’t 112 Haywood Rd., Greenville avoid risk, but rather they manage it.” 864.289.2104 “You want to be able to look yourself in the mirror every day and pandhconsultinggroup.com Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. 42
Behind The Counter | 2019
When BUYING
OR
SELLING a home, it’s easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees. With Patrick as your experienced guide, buying and selling will be as easy as a walk in the woods, not like a trek through the Smokies.
Patrick Furman REALTOR® Sales Associate 864-283-4560 patrick@jha-sothebysrealty.com www.PatrickFurman.com
Behind The Counter | 2019
43
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK SUSKO VISUAL DESIGN
TUCK & HOWELL As you read this, hundreds of homes and businesses across Upstate
offer, but also for how well they perform.
South Carolina and Western North Carolina have an indoor climate
“People know us for our work ethic,” says Tuck, “and we’ve worked
set just right. They have finished heating the house through a cold, wet
hard to maintain that customer focus for over 50 years.” He goes on to
winter and are shifting into that stage of cooling down the house for the
note that having the same owner in a business that’s been run this long
oppressive summer heat that will inevitably come our way. Certain modern amenities, like heating and air, are so common they cease to be thought of as conveniences at all. In the South we know that in the coldest winters or in
under the same name speaks for itself. His partner, Hayden
“Your comfort is our priority.”
the hottest summers, when it comes to the temperature in our homes, very few of us are willing to compromise
Howell, has recently passed away, but his memory lives on in the principles that are instilled in their employees, as exibited each day in their work. We may occasionally take certain aspects of our home or office area for granted, but a local business like Tuck & Howell
our comfort. This is precisely why Tuck & Howell Inc. has been serving
has ensured that we can rest easy in doing so. Such reliability comes
us for over half a century, and why their personal standards haven’t
naturally after years of determination, hard work, and an intense focus
wavered in the least as they have ceaselessly lived up to their motto:
on the customer, over and above all else. It’s one more way residents can
“Your comfort is our prority.”
be proud of where we live and of those who help make this possible.
Jerry Tuck learned his trade from his father while he was a boy. From his early training until today, he’s put about 63 years of his life into this business, and his hard work has come through in earning countless satisfied customers. From state awards to national recognition, Tuck & Howell continues the tradition of the generation before that believed in putting the customers’ experience, as well as satisfaction, above all else. With Tuck & Howell’s A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and even earning the BBB business integrity
tuckandhowell.com
award, we’ve come to rely on their services not simply for what they
864.879.7227
44
Behind The Counter | 2019
ASSUREDPARTNERS When Managing Director Michael Herlong unlocks the front door
air. I found myself surrounded by people who were dedicated to their craft
of the AssuredPartners – Greenville location each day, he is always struck
and achieving extraordinary things. We push boundaries and break tradition
by the growth that has occurred within the last 18 months. Herlong is one
but have never compromised on the quality of the insurance and risk
of the founders of the former Herlong Bates Burnett Insurance, which just
management solutions we provide.”
over a year ago joined the AssuredPartners team. He now manages a team of thirty insurance agents and has developed a reputation around AssuredPartners as a catalyst of growth within the Upstate area. Founded in 2011, AssuredPartners is the fastest growing insurance brokerage in the US, already claiming over $1 billion in revenue. The Greenville location was selected
While providing the best insurance solutions is always
“We push boundaries and break tradition but have never compromised on the quality of the insurance and risk management solutions we provide.”
to be the regional hub for the AssuredPartners Southern Atlantic Region – spanning 5 states and grossing upwards of $56 million in revenue. Prompted by continual growth, AssuredPartners finalized their plan to move this summer to One Liberty Square in downtown Greenville. AssuredPartners focuses primarily on Property & Casualty insurance
the top priority, AssuredPartners – Greenville is also committed to community initiatives. Last year, they helped raise $54,000 for the Make-A-Wish foundation, with team members completing the Trailblaze Challenge – a 28.6 mile hike through the Foothills Trail. This effort helped grant the wishes of seven children in South Carolina and inspired Regional Leaders Jon Taylor and Jaime Tatara to become
Make-A-Wish board members, furthering their efforts throughout the year. When asked about the upcoming year, Herlong responded, “Our clients and employees have recognized a change in the air: a different, more personalized approach to doing business that reflects the community we are
and Employee Benefit plans, but also has strong Personal Lines and Select
a part of. We are encouraged and can’t wait to see how we will continue to
Business units. The key to their success is partnering with top insurance
grow right here in South Carolina!”
brokerages, like Herlong Bates Burnett, and infusing them with additional innovation, services, transparency, and resources. AssuredPartners is committed to changing the face of the industry while continuing to provide an unrivaled level of expertise and service. When asked why she joined AssuredPartners, Stephanie Lockwood, the
28 Global Dr., Greenville assuredpartners.com | 864.527.0424
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
regional chief financial officer, said, “AP was different – like a breath of fresh
Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAN ASHLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
TAYLORS MILL Caleb Lewis has the perfect game plan for your next free Saturday.
His own business, Carolina Recycling, is one such success story. Lewis and his wife, Natalie, started the company in 2012, to create
“Come out for lunch, have a couple beers, walk the kids over to
plastics recycling programs for businesses across the Southeast.
look at the model trains, and before you know it, it’s
With 300,000 square feet currently leased out, Lewis
dinnertime,” he says. He’s got dinner covered, too. Lewis is the owner of Taylors Mill, a 700,000plus square-foot facility originally established in
says Taylors Mill isn’t even halfway to capacity, and he
“We want this to be the downtown of Taylors.”
1924 as the home of Southern Bleachery and Print Works. Today the mill is home to nearly 100 diverse tenants – many of them creative studios – as part of Lewis’ vision to facilitate craft and commerce for a new generation. The Farehouse restaurant opened last year, serving inventive fare and
has plans to build out a dozen or so more spaces this year. 2019 will also be dedicated to making improvements to a 12,000-square-foot space Lewis has earmarked for future retail space. Taylors Mill is already a great place to spend the day, and with so much space still yet to develop Lewis, has a
grand vision for the future. “We want this to be the downtown of Taylors.”
cocktails from one end of the 100 foot long deck they share with longtime tenant 13 Stripes Brewery. The Model Trains Station is a popular draw for young and old alike, encompassing 16,000 square feet with an ever increasing number of working train displays. This year Taylors Mill welcomed two new start-ups, CrossFit Taylors and Anthem Barber Company, so now visitors can feel even better about enjoying a cold beer after a good training session or a fresh cut. Lewis is proud to say that many of his early tenants have outgrown their original footprint and built out larger spaces within the mill. 46
Behind The Counter | 2019
250 Mill St., Taylors taylorsmill.community 864.335.9913
JILL CHAPMAN, REALTOR® When Jill Chapman was 13, she watched a real estate agent help her parents realize their dream of moving their family of five out of the four-room mill house where she’d spent her childhood. That experience
“I enjoy celebrating people,” Jill says. “I look for reasons to make things special and memorable for people.” Jill says she was once told by her pastor that things not celebrated in
inspired young Jill’s own dream to one day help other
life will leave, and she believes the treasured relationships she
families in the same way.
builds with her clients are worth holding onto.
“I remember riding around with the agent looking at houses and thinking, ‘I want to do this one day,’” she says. After helping her husband launch their family-owned
“Buying or selling – a piece of cake.”
security company in 2001, Jill had the opportunity to dip her toe in the real estate pond by orchestrating the “for
“I know that as long as I’m continually blessing people I’ll always get to do what I love, and that’s helping people solve problems with real estate,” she says. She’s held on to that husband the same way, and will this year celebrate 30 years of wedded bliss.
sale by owner” sale of their own home in 2007. From there she dove in head first and never looked back. In that time Jill has used her expertise and knowledge as a lifelong resident of the Upstate to shepherd countless clients through the ups and downs of buying and selling, but for her the client relationship extends well beyond the closing table. “For me the transaction is not just about buying or selling, it’s about making friends, and many of my clients become my friends,” she says. Jill puts that philosophy into practice by throwing a housewarming party for participating clients who purchase a home through her. She sets the date, mails the invitations, and even provides the food and drink – right down to a cake emblazoned with a picture of the house – all so her clients can celebrate their new home with family and friends without the
Jill
Chapman 705 W. Wade Hampton Blvd., Greer jillchapmanhomes.com 864.918.9508
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMERON REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY
hassle of party planning on top of the stress of moving.
Pictured: Anderson County Sheriff ’s Deputy Cameron Wood and his wife, Hannah, celebrate the recent purchase of their home with Jill.
Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
GRAYDON THOMPSON CPA Wood: the traditional gift for a fifth anniversary. Wood: stable
Another point of focus for the firm is its use of technology. For years,
yet pliable, supportive and dependable, decidedly commonplace and yet
the firm has been 100% paperless (the irony of this being their wooden
undisputedly necessary everywhere we look. It’s fitting, then, that these
anniversary ought not to be lost). “We’re very into technology,” explains
qualities could be also said of Graydon Thompson, to whom we wish a
Phyllis Graydon, “and the paperless part helps us not only to rid the office
very Happy Wooden Anniversary in 2019. Though this may be their fifth year as Graydon Thompson, this Certified Public Accounting firm has been with us in the Upstate for over three decades. Comprised of seven highly experienced accountants of various
of filing cabinets but to use our time more efficiently. We can’t
“We handle the complicated with a local flair.”
backgrounds, Graydon Thompson manages and advises numerous businesses and individuals in the area. The firm
help our clients as much if our day is spent filing stacks of paper!” She has spent over twenty-five years in the business and exudes a calm confidence as she describes the office and their particular style. While it may seem like getting to speak with an accountant during tax season would be nearly impossible, Ms. Graydon
works with local businesses large and small and never shies away from
was readily available amidst the impending storm. It was the sort of thing
handling individual needs that approach their office. From tax services to
one would expect as their firm reaches their wooden anniversary: firmly
bookkeeping, auditing to forensic accounting, Graydon Thompson has
rooted, experienced in storms and perfect calm alike, able to be flexible so
proved they are skilled to do “all the complicated stuff with local flair.”
as not to break, yet sturdy enough to support the weight placed on them.
Local flair, indeed! While the office’s strong work ethic is evident, the
Happy Anniversary, Graydon Thompson!
firm cherishes personal time for what matters most. Employees have schedules that can lend them an ample amount of time to be with family and friends. The firm is also heavily involved within our community, supporting several local churches and schools, Greenville Little Theater, Greenville’s United Way, and the YMCA, to name a few. By spending time with family, each other, and the local community, the team appreciates their daily work within the greater context of why they do it at the outset. 48
Behind The Counter | 2019
401 Parker Ivey Dr., Greenville graydonthompson.com 864.232.1545
GREYSTONE ANTIQUES There are certain talents that serve as a resounding echo of ages past, when skilled craftsmanship kept every store on a given city block afloat. Today, in a society that values mass production and disposable goods over restoration and preservation, finding a suitable craftsman in a growing city can be difficult at best. Here in Greenville, however, we are fortunate to have had Greystone Antiques, a furniture-building and restoration shop, with us for nearly 50 years. Opened by Tommy Sherman in 1972 and handed down to his son, Trey, in 1998, Greystone is a true artist’s domain. Bits of family treasures, art, and furniture from antique lumber surround the interior of the store and produce and atmosphere akin to a time portal. Each piece yearns to tell a story to those who pause to listen. If anything is clear in
“We’re known as the ‘send-to’ people.”
this shop, it is that the past and present have embraced for a moment. “We ship all over the country, and people call in from all
over with their restoration needs. We are known as the ‘send-to’ people in the industry,” Trey says. Yet, Greystone remains a small business for a reason. Certain crafts take time, intent skill and an attention to detail. Greystone manages a small team with a major impact for those who rely on their expertise. A family heirloom is a precious piece with a particular history and may have numerous memories attached to it. Without expert restoration, these memories could simply fade away before the next generation is even able to ask for it. Greystone offers restoration services at a price each customer can afford. While some talents give us the sense of yesterday’s echo, talents found on 1500 Augusta Street have restored yesterday’s memories for today’s modern world. Trey, his wife, Natalie, and their twin daughters, Olivia and Greyson, appreciate nature. Take a moment to admire these century-old, majestic cedars in the background of the photo. By the time of this printing, these trees may be felled in the name of condominium development. This is especially tragic since there have been reported sightings of the rare Southern
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
Sasquatch in this grove.
1500 Augusta St., Greenville greystoneantiques.net 864.233.3424
Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
ALEX & ELLIS CRIGLER, C. DAN JOYNER, REALTORS® When Ellis Crigler married her husband Alex just over a decade
Alex and Ellis are the busy parents of three young children, Bo (7),
ago, she knew real estate came with the territory. “We’re always talking
Mary Ellis (5), and Reed (3), as well as their two 10-year-old golden
about it, always in it,” Ellis says.
retrievers, Carter and Sugar. Ellis looks forward to the day their children
Alex is the oldest grandchild of the late C. Dan Joyner, who founded
can join them in the family business.
a real estate company under the same name in 1964. Alex
“At this point in our lives – with three young children –
grew up in the business, working for his father, David, while in high school, and as an adult he has sold and leased commercial property and most recently was the
we thought we could build on what’s already in place and
“We’re always talking about it, always in it.”
provide somewhere maybe our kids would want to work some day,” she says.
BIC of the property management company. After six years
Alex and Ellis volunteer at several places in Greenville,
with the company’s Augusta Road office Ellis, has recently
including Meals on Wheels, the Gower Estates Neighborhood
joined The Chet & Beth Smith Group. The Criglers are now embarking on a new adventure in the residential sales arena, as they prepare to take over the Chet & Beth Smith Group
Association, 40 Men 4 Change, Power Guys & Women in Pink with Susan G. Komen, Greenville Little League, Sara Collins Elementary, Westminster Presbyterian Church and the YMCA Metro Board.
when the powerhouse duo retires. Alex says he and Ellis are honored not only to have the opportunity to carry on his grandfather’s real estate legacy, but also to carry the torch for the legendary team that is The Chet & Beth Smith Group. “When I was approached by Chet to train under him and keep his well-oiled machine running, it was a no-brainer. Our business model is unlike any other in the Upstate in real estate.” Alex says. “Over the last 25 years they’ve literally seen everything and adapted effortlessly to the changing market. Having them trust me with something so important to them is what drives me every day.”
745 N. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville cdanjoyner.com | 864.678.5314
SPLASH ON MAIN In May 2015, after years of working in the corporate world, Anne Mayher decided to finally follow her dreams of being her own boss. Leaving her
doors for me,” Anne said. Splash on Main has also become an integral part of the community
corporate job, she opened her very own swimsuit boutique, Splash on
of Greenville. Mayher and her company are involved in the “Fashion
Main, two weeks later in the West End of Greenville. When asked about
with a Passion” event every March that raises money for Safe Harbor, an
owning her boutique, Anne says, “I knew owning my own
organization that supports victims of domestic violence. In
business was going to be a 24/7 job. I don’t like the nine to
addition, Anne is a dog fanatic, so last Easter, the Easter Bunny
five desk job, and I enjoy working on my own time. I have found the perfect career for myself.” When finding the perfect items for her boutique,
“Creating Splash on Main has opened a lot of doors for me.”
made an appearance at the boutique to raise donations for a local animal rescue shelter, Lucky Pup Rescue. Anne feels that a great part of having a business in the
Anne first asks herself if another store may have that item
Upstate is that she has a voice with leaders of the community
in Greenville. Offering unique items, Splash on Main
and knows that her opinion matters. “Greenville is always
delivers fresh yet classic styles that you are unlikely to find elsewhere. In
striving to improve. I’ve lived a lot of places, but I’ve never lived in a city
addition to swimwear, Mayher offers sunglasses, flip flops, resort wear, the
where people were so proud of where they lived.”
perfect outfits for vacations and gifts. Mayher is always looking for the next up-and-coming brand to ensure her customers have the best selection possible. She takes every customer experience personally and wants them to find something they truly love. Splash on Main’s doors have been open for four years now, proving that Anne has what it takes to be her own boss and an ideal boss to her employees as well. With one of her employees being in a local band, Mourning Dove, and another also owning The Film House, Anne empowers her employees to follow their own dreams as she did. “I’ve met so many wonderful people through my business. I’ve done so many things
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
I never would have done. Creating Splash on Main has opened a lot of
807 S. Main St., Greenville splashonmain.com 864.534.1510
Behind The Counter | 2019
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CORLEY PLUMBING AIR ELECTRIC
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A helpful and concerned father-in-law offered Chris Corley this advice: “Learn a trade and you’ll never be without a job.” Following up on that advice, Chris applied, and was selected for, a plumbing apprenticeship with the Oklahoma City Plumbers union. “It was one of the best life decisions I’ve made,” says Chris. The Corley family eventually relocated to Greenville and Chris went to work for his in-laws’ family plumbing company. In 1986, with an investment from his father, Chris decided to start his own company and won a bid to install the plumbing and HVAC system for a large tenant at Haywood Mall. Over the next few years, Chris was motivated by providing for his wife and 4 children, who as he says, “put a strong emphasis on having a roof over their head and expected to eat every day.” No job was ever turned down, and at one point, he was working full time during the day on one project and completing another in the middle of the night. Every time he wanted to throw in the towel, someone came along needing work.
Behind The Counter | 2019
“I started the business with more of a new construction mindset,” Corley says of his earliest days in the business. As the business was growing, he realized that his focus didn’t satisfy his desire to work with people. “I preferred to work directly with homeowners, and I couldn’t do that on the construction side. Over time, we moved into complete residential home service.” In the early 90s, after hard decisions and the only layoffs in the company’s history, Chris fine-tuned his company to become the preferred residential plumbing service company of the Upstate rather than trying to serve the widely diverse needs of both residential and new construction. Responding to increased customer demand, the company expanded in the early 2000s to include an electrical division. In 2010, a heating and air division was added. Today, Corley Plumbing Air Electric, Inc. is a thriving family-owned local business that serves homeowners of Greenville and Spartanburg counties. Looking back over the past 33 years of entrepreneurship, Chris
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
is humbled at the company before him. “I’ve been blessed to have incredible people serve to shape what Corley is today. Most exciting has been watching folks stretch and hone their skills while taking on increasing amounts of responsibility in our company,” reflects Corley. “Every person at Corley is in a customer-facing position, from working within customer’s homes to being a resource at our office at those critical times every homeowner faces of issues and concerns with their plumbing, electrical and air.” Corley’s commitment and desire to create opportunity extends into the Greater Greenville community. The company is on a mission to increase awareness of the trades by educating students, parents, and teachers about paths of success found in the trades. From their Behind the Scenes tours for elementary school classes, to participating in middle school career fairs, or offering high school students
the chance to ride along for a day, all the employees of Corley are actively engaged in teaching about the successes that can be found in the trades. Ask any of the 70 employees of the company and they’ll tell you that Chris is a man who sets the tone for a culture that is driven by the company’s four core values of character, excellence, unselfishness, and engagement. Corley has run his company by emphasizing that, “We will always do the right thing, even if it hurts.” His visionary approach to challenging the way things are being done helps to push his company to new levels, but Chris gives the credit to those he works with. “I’m really proud of the people that are here and the diversity of skills and life experiences that we all bring to the table,” he says of his exceptional staff. “When I think about our company legacy, I want it to be one of opportunity—creating opportunities for people to become their best self.”
“When I think about our company legacy, I want it to be one of opportunity—creating opportunities for people to become their best self.”
8501 Pelham Rd., Greenville corleypro.com | 864.908.3362 Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK ROBERT PHOTOGRAPHY
CHRISTOPHILLIS & GALLIVAN The most important part of business at the law firm of Christophillis
says the reason they do it is simple: “We both enjoy being in the
& Gallivan is relationships. Focusing on family law, the firm has created
courtroom, but our priority is to help people through a very tough process.”
relationships with other lawyers, the family court, and families in the
Jessica says that Christophillis & Gallivan wants to help the whole family, noting that they serve both male and female clients –
Upstate since 2013. And perhaps the most important relationship to the business’s success is the friendship between Jessica Christophillis and Amanda Gallivan. Jessica and Amanda, both business students at the
“We want people to feel repaired—not broken.”
moms and dads, husbands and wives. “When we work with clients, we want people to feel repaired—not broken.” Building relationships with clients is one of the things that
University of South Carolina, became quick friends at the
has made the firm so successful. “We’ve been able to develop
university’s law school their first year. After graduating
a sense of community and pride in our efforts over the last
in 2008, they went their separate ways, gaining important experience
six years in this practice,” Jessica says. Amanda says that their important
as attorneys. In 2013, looking for a new challenge, Jessica and Amanda
relationships extend beyond their office and clients to their professional
decided to bet on themselves and start their own law practice.
relationships with other attorneys and professionals in the family law arena.
“We had confidence in our work ethic, our friendship, and our business
The female attorneys feel at home in the Upstate after living here with
acumen,” Christophillis says. “When we started, it was just the two of
their husbands for over ten years now. Away from the office, Jessica is
us, with no staff for that first year. We took out the trash and served as
raising twin boys, and Amanda is raising three children as well. They both
our own paralegals. That’s something we’re really proud of—building our
enjoy travelling, but the Upstate has their hearts. “It’s truly a special place
practice from the ground up.”
for a family. We love the people and the community.”
Since then, the two have built Christophillis & Gallivan into a familiar firm in the Upstate and the family courts of Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and surrounding areas. They’ve built a firm that now employs seven people, all female, all of whom are parents with children of their own. The firm helps families traverse difficult legal cases that involve divorce, separation, child custody, and guardianship situations. Gallivan 54
Behind The Counter | 2019
420 East Park Ave. #301, Greenville cglawsc.com | 864.233.4445
JENNIFER VAN GIESON, REALTOR® Changes in life are inevitable. Changes to a community of people
Through her own life’s changes, she’s very familiar with home needs
and to a city itself, the same. No one is promised that a sense of calm, if
of each client that comes to her. She remembers the needs she had as a
experienced now, is going to hang around too long. Young parents may
single woman, a newly married couple, and a young family. During these
know the feeling when the kids are asleep, the baby just went down, and it’s looking like it just might be the moment you’ll have some time to yourself. Then, as if a silent alarm is triggered, certain little feet can be heard pattering down the hall. Changes are inevitable, and can be overwhelming
transitions, anyone could find themselves up to their neck
“There are enough hectic moments of life, so I hope to lighten the load for my clients.”
considering an array of practical matters. Her aim is to help her clients maintain a sense of calm throughout it all. From first-time home buyers to repeats, she’s learned to help everyone and discovers a sense of joy with each. A home is more than a place to sleep, it’s a place that memories will be
when it comes to the big ones in life. As long as
made regardless of our state in life. Jennifer has been able to
Greenvillians continue to get married, have children, raise
help countless Upstate residents find a place to make their own
children, then downsize, they will be in need of new homes. As long as they are in need of good homes, they will be in need of competent real estate agents who know them and our area.
memories. Changes in life are unavoidable. Peaceful transitions, however, are a luxury we can choose with just the right help.
“There are enough hectic moments of life, so I hope to lighten the load for my clients,” says Jennifer Van Gieson. She’s native to the Upstate, has been with C. Dan Joyner for the last six years and in the real estate business since 2005. With three young children of her own, she easily identifies with a young family’s needs. “I’ve moved four times in the area now,” says Van Gieson, “so it helps to know the neighborhoods well. I loved growing up here and it’s great to live now in Greenville as my family keeps growing. My family is here, my husband’s family is here, our life is in the Upstate. We know the people
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
here, and it’s an easy place to fall in love with.”
3539 Pelham Rd., Greenville cdanjoyner.com 864.590.4441
Behind The Counter | 2019
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HOLLIDAY INGRAM REAL ESTATE LAW
“When you focus on doing one thing, you can do it exceptionally well.” 56
Some words or phrases take our minds to a certain image so real that we can feel it. Hearing of a food dish that we grew up with might bring us back to a certain year’s holiday gathering, the smells, or a story. A city’s name might evoke a certain travel memory. The term “law firm,” admittedly, doesn’t emit the coziest of feelings for the average person. We may imagine yellowed lights overhanging a cold table in a room with dusty books. The lawyer rattles off alien terms as we sign a stack of forms that we comprehend even less. When it comes to the needs of our potential home, the last thing we want is to feel more helpless than when we walked in. Enter Holliday Ingram, an “intentionally non-traditional” firm focusing specifically on real estate closings. The firm has a relaxed, warm environment that clients can sense immediately. With two lawyers and six staff members, the team has cultivated
Behind The Counter | 2019
a family atmosphere relieving the stress that tends to come with moving homes, major financial decisions, and legal paperwork. From purchases and sales to deed preparation, refinancing, or other business services, Holliday Ingram has a deep knowledge base and passion for serving that makes their experience not only easy, but enjoyable. “When you focus on doing one thing,” says Trey Ingram, “you can do it exceptionally well. For us, that’s real estate closings.” He goes on to explain that in his experience lawyers who practice in multiple and varied areas of the law face competing demands for time and attention, and when that inevitably happens, a client can feel unimportant, overlooked, and left struggling for attention. “At Holliday Ingram, we intentionally choose to focus our firm on just real estate law so that we can give each client and their closing the attention, detail, time and priority it deserves,”
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
Ingram stated. “We want everyone to have an exceptional experience here, and that’s why we intentionally set out to exclusively practice real estate law. We truly do make it enjoyable and stress-free. We’ve very unconventional in that way and we pride ourselves on that.” Hayes Holliday established his real estate practice in Greenville five years ago after serving three years in SC’s 7th Judicial Circuit. He also previously served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Court Judge here in town. Hayes and his wife, along with their two boys, are members of Grace Church, and attend their downtown campus. Trey Ingram also has an extensive background in real estate law and has practiced in Greenville for over a decade, focusing on commercial and residential real estate. Trey and his wife are members of Downtown Presbyterian and have six
children by birth, foster care and adoption. Trey serves on the board for Fostering Great Ideas and volunteers as Co-Director of Speak Up: Voices for Foster Care Reform. Until this year, the firm had been known as the Holliday Law Firm, but the recent name change to Holliday Ingram – Real Estate Law reflects the partnership, drops the “law firm” baggage and signals to the Upstate that this close-knit team is here to stay and ready to serve their clients’ real estate legal needs for many years to come. While a “law firm” may carry negative connotations, it turns out that we have an option. What our readers might have been putting off, or maybe even avoiding like the plague, ought to get a fresh look this year. Holliday Ingram puts a new face on our ideas of law firms, and a smile on the faces of those that visit theirs.
25 E. Court St. #201 Greenville hollidaylawfirm.com 864.232.3541 Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
FIVE OAKS ACADEMY Who murdered cranky billionaire Uncle Edgar at his 90th birthday
starts with “Empathy.” Students start by asking the questions, “What problems
party? It was a “who did it?” mystery as the Five Oaks Academy Middle School
do you or others face?” and “What problems in the world need solving?” They
students used forensics to solve “the murder.” They were tasked with the
then move to define the problem, come up with ideas to solve the problem,
challenge of determining which family member used Uncle Edgar’s allergy to crab meat as a deadly weapon during their potluck dinner party. Students used DNA samples of the food served that evening
create a solution, test that solution, evaluate what was learned, what
“Who did it?”
went well, and what could be improved. The final step in this process is for them to share their product and process with others. Students grow
and compared them to the DNA of imitation crab meat and real
very comfortable presenting their projects and ideas with their peers and
crab meat to identify the killer. This engaging experience, made
teachers starting in the first grade. FOA student “engineers” move through
possible by the Greenwood Genetic Mobile Lab, is one example of the handson inquiry approach to learning used at Five Oaks Academy (FOA). FOA eighth grader Itizi Arsuaga-Agudo shared, “I feel like this experience
the design process daily, improving their creations or coming up with new ones. At FOA, they believe in cultivating a learning environment that encourages and inspires children to be passionate about knowledge. The
has opened a door for me. I have always had an interest in forensics and I now
S.T.E.A.M. curriculum is grounded in empathy and fosters an environment
see that there is much more to it that I thought. It is amazing how advanced
that encourages students to look at our global world and find opportunities to
the technology is and I enjoyed the process of extracting the DNA the most!”
better humanity. Through innovation and exploration, they help each child to
In each classroom, toddler through middle school, FOA has designed
reach their full individual potential as well as inspire them to make the world
the environment to support learning by using discovery, exploration, and
a better place. What will students at FOA create next?
creativity through the research and inquiry-based Montessori method. This holistic approach to learning is the cornerstone for understanding and retention of academic concepts. Entrenched in the Montessori philosophy and curriculum is a scientific
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method that corresponds to the modern “Engineering Design Process” touted
1101 Jonesville Rd., Simpsonville
by the S.T.E.A.M. curriculum. The design process that is followed daily in the
fiveoaksacademy.com
Montessori environment differs from the traditional design process in that it
864-228-1881
Behind The Counter | 2019
STEPHANIE MILLER, REALTOR® Stephanie Miller joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices,
can be stressful, and then you add a renovation in the mix, and emotions
C. Dan Joyner REALTORS® nearly five years ago, and in 2018 she earned
can run high. I’ve learned through my own experiences in renovating on
the honor of reaching President’s Circle, putting her in the top 4% of the
who to call and what to do.”
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network globally.
In her real estate career, Stephanie is full of energy, but her
Stephanie is from Upstate S.C. and received her degree from the University of South Carolina Upstate in non-profit administration. She has a passion for volunteering and is a co-leader for Chicktime Greenville, an organization that focuses on empowering women who have experienced
clients describe her as being, “calm under pressure.” Stephanie
“My goal is to get the job done and I won’t stop until I do!”
knows each client has unique needs, but she says, “The goal for me is the same, and that’s to provide them with security, honesty, and responsiveness throughout the entire process.” Stephanie has many repeat clients that trust her to help them find exactly
hardship, through monthly events with a local children’s
what they’re looking for. “I think my clients come back to
home. Stephanie says, “I love that through Chicktime these
me because they know I will take care of them. They don’t
girls are able to see women from all walks of life and professions, while
worry because they know I will handle the details every step of the way.”
also learning about opportunities and career paths. I’m grateful to be a
Stephanie maintains precision and determination, adding, “My goal is to
part of their journey.”
get the job done and I won’t stop until I do!”
When she’s not working, Stephanie and her husband Justin enjoy visiting shops and restaurants in downtown Greer, where they reside. They have a love for animals, specifically two Great Danes, Grady and Cooper, and in their free time, they revel in renovations of their 1930s home. “I love older homes and the character that comes with them. When we began renovating, it was so exciting to completely redesign a home to create a warm but still traditional space where we get to enjoy our day-to-day lives.” Stephanie frequently has clients who are looking to purchase homes to renovate, so her personal experience gives her an edge in connecting her
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAN ASHLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
clients with the right people to get the job done. “I know a home purchase
705 West Wade Hampton Blvd., Greer goodtobehomesc.com 864.915.6076
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
PARTNERMD
“Ideal care takes time, a doctor that knows you. It’s the way medicine should be.” 60
Aristotle says that the sick man thinks only of health. That surely matches experience. When we’re sick, we recall the week or days before we fell ill and wonder how we took our health for granted so easily. Unfortunately, we’ll only think of a doctor’s office as that place we go to when life is defined by tissues, cough syrup, clammy hands, and a body bankrupt of energy. Enter PartnerMD, a proactive, preventative concierge medical practice that incorporates real human relationships with an emphasis on not simply recovery from illness, but total wellness as we age. While one’s normal experience at a doctor’s office can involve delays in the waiting room with little time interacting, PartnerMD brings back the era of a name in the community bearing weight. Due to their reduced number of patients, PartnerMD can concentrate their efforts on personalized care, spend more time on each case, and get to know each client and their particular needs. As time goes on, the care only gets better as each case is more and more tailored based on individual needs.
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“Ideal care takes time, a doctor that knows you…it’s the way medicine should be,” says Office Manager James White. Over the years, he has enjoyed the close atmosphere that the area so naturally offers. As he describes being a part of the PartnerMD team, what he says sounds like no traditional doctor’s office. The “waiting room” seats about four, clients know that they’ll have same or next day appointments, and it is common knowledge that a physician will be on call 24/7/365. The office itself emits a relaxed, family feel. White describes the near-dozen staff in the Greenville office as close-knit, “…almost like having a family doctor themselves.” The Greenville office has been fully functional for the past six years. Clients can come in based on their own schedule and spend half an hour with their doctor after having no wait time in the office. If one thing is clear from spending any time in the office, it is that the people who fill the space care deeply about each person that walks in the door.
Members at PartnerMD pay a monthly fee to enjoy this greater access to more personalized medical care and health coaching, which in turns saves each client money as they age as well as possible, optimizing their health year after year. Through personalized, in-depth analysis of each individual’s health needs, ongoing coaching, and customized preventative techniques including courses and seminars, the experience is nothing like one’s ordinary rushed office visit. The service is not simply something to use in the event of an illness, but a holistic approach that prioritizes overall health. In addition to personal well-being, PartnerMD works in conjunction with companies to lend its services for corporate physicals. Companies that encourage their employees, particularly their executives, to have an annual checkup can depend on PartnerMD’s services without sacrificing any of the care they give their individual clients. Working with a
couple to even dozens of employees at a time, they can form ongoing relationships even with those that simply seek a yearly checkup through their employer. With follow-up calls, affordable rates, a warm atmosphere, and wellness directors that prioritize overall life-health, PartnerMD beckons an ever-growing Upstate to a time when the patient goes by a name, not a number. In a world of evergrowing numbers, this service to humanity gives us a little of our humanity back to us. Given this experience, perhaps they will turn the tide over how we think about health. Perhaps we won’t take it for granted so easily when wellness is on our mind even as we’re healthy. Perhaps it won’t just be the sick among us who think of their health. To learn more and schedule a complimentary tour and consultation with a physician, please contact Melissa Gifford at mgifford@partnermd.com or give us a call.
12 Maple Tree Ct. #103 Greenville partnermd.com 864.315.1340 Behind The Counter | 2019
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JEFF MEISTER, REALTOR® For Jeff Meister, finding success was quite a journey. From bartending at Wild Wings Café to becoming a top producing real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Jeff has proven that hard work pays off. Meister has lived in the Upstate almost all of his life. After graduating from Riverside High School and the University of South Carolina, he worked as a senior environmental consultant in Simpsonville. Wanting to make a change in 2010, he got his real estate license and was soon working nonstop. Some days, Jeff would get up before seven in the morning, get his children ready, drop them off at school, work a full day at C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS®, change clothes in his office, bartend from dinner until well after 2 a.m., and then wake up to do it again the next day. “When my peers talk about how hard I worked to get where I’m at, that validates everything I worked for,” Meister says of those difficult, early years in real estate. Hard work has been important to him since childhood. “I believe it comes from something my father taught me, that when you’re employed by someone, you always give them 100 percent.” Today, Jeff puts that work ethic into finding his clients the perfect home. “I’ve been in the service “Looking people in the industry all my life—ever since I eye and shaking their was a neighborhood lifeguard as a hands is still how I like to do business.” kid,” he says. “Real estate provides me the opportunity to use my work ethic and integrity to help people.” Meister has certainly made an impact on the Upstate real estate scene. As a Certified Luxury Collection Specialist, he has been a Top Producing Agent since 2012 and is consistently one of the Top Ten Agents at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, landing at #10 in 2018. He realizes that buying a home is the most important investment someone can make. “I’m helping people put themselves in a better financial position that they would never have obtained as a renter,” Meister says. “That’s why I negotiate so hard for my clients, so they can get the best deal possible and grab a little equity to go with it.” Jeff loves spending time with his wife, Emiline, and four children— Abby, Alex, Oakley, and Oliver. He also likes to travel and spend time in downtown Greenville. However, he is always working. “When people call my number, they get me. I answer the phone, day or night,” Meister says, joking that he doesn’t work 24/7—he works 25/8. Building relationships and making clients feel like family is what sets him apart. “Whether it’s in a bar or in real estate, it’s all about how you treat people,” he says. “Looking people in the eye and shaking their hands is still how I like to do business.”
745 N. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville jmeister@cdanjoyner.com 864.979.4633
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK SUSKO VISUAL DESIGN
REAL ESTATE AGENT
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Bryan and Rebecca Feldman are always moving. Whether it’s at
They have also introduced designer services, in which Two Men and
home, at work, or in the community, the Feldmans are always on the
a Truck can accept any amount of furniture delivery, inspect each piece,
move in the Upstate. As president and vice president of Two Men and
communicate with the designer, and store it until the designer and home
a Truck in Greenville, they are helping others in the
owner are ready to install it in the home.
area get moving as well.
In seventeen years, the Feldmans have expanded their
Two Men and a Truck has been a trusted moving company in the Upstate for years, but the company continues to expand, improve, and add new services. From residential to business, local to long distance,
reach into four states, adding services and improving the
“Expanding allows us to serve even more customers in the Upstate.”
moving experience. However, they still find ways to stay “moving” in the community. Beyond personal volunteering in Greenville, the company donates time each month to the
the company has 345 locations that take the hassle
Junior League, and they are just starting a company route for
out of moving. And while the national brand
Meals on Wheels.
continues growing, so does the Feldman’s corner of the franchise. “We live here locally in Greenville, but we have expanded our footprint,” Rebecca Feldman says. “Expanding allows us to serve even
Even when the Feldmans are at home, their two children, Caroline and Reid, keep them moving from basketball practice at Saint Joseph’s to soccer games for CESA to dance recitals. Perhaps that’s why the Feldmans have been able to make Two Men
more customers in the Upstate.” In the last year, the Feldmans have
and a Truck into such a success in the Upstate—because they know
expanded their impact in the Upstate by extending their marketing area
moving.
to Oconee and Anderson counties. In the last few years, Two Men and a Truck has added on-site storage and designer services. “We offer climate controlled storage, so we can move and store as much or as little as a customer needs,” Feldman says. “We can move an entire house across Greenville, across the state, or into storage.” The moving company’s storage offering is particularly
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
convenient for new home construction or home renovations.
107 Sandra Ave. Greenville twomen.com 864.329.1228
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
SPAULDING GROUP, C. DAN JOYNER, REALTORS® Spaulding Group celebrates ten years with C. Dan Joyner
couple commented that the home checked all the boxes, and as their agent,
REALTORS® in 2019, with their team ranking in the top one-half of
this was very satisfying.”
1% for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ worldwide network of over
Spaulding Group’s goal is to provide the best service possible, and in
45,000 agents. Carole Atkison transitioned Spaulding
order to do so, they recognize the importance of having the
Company into a full-service real estate agency in 1998
best tools, technology, and leadership available. Whether
and merged with C. Dan Joyner REALTORS® in 2009. The Spaulding Group has consistently ranked as the #1 or #2 team among all C. Dan Joyner offices in the Upstate for the last ten years.
“That is exactly what our partnership offers—large company resources with a small company atmosphere.”
C. Dan Joyner’s values aligned with Carole’s, allowing her and her team to provide clients with high-quality service and attention to every detail. One team member summed it up by saying, “That is exactly what our partnership offers—large company resources with a small company atmosphere. The level of integrity and professionalism
a client is relocating across the country or simply moving down the street, their team continues to provide topnotch service and an attention to detail that is displayed in every step of the real estate process. Spaulding Group’s commitment to excellence produces exceptional results.
Front row: Brittney Bolt, Susan Waters, Joanna McCauley, Carole Atkison, Margaret Marcum; 2nd row: Kristy Tarallo, Skipper Smith, Olivia Grube, Marie Crumpler, Kem Swenson, Leigh Irwin; 3rd Row: Kate Anderson, Lillian Lever, Pam McCartney, Becky Orders, Amy Cooper, Susan Tallman; Not Pictured: Debbie Levato, Shelby Jordan, Mike Gisman
within our group and company creates an immensely supportive culture.” Spaulding Group reassures their clients that all of their real estate needs are in the hands of honest, experienced, and dedicated agents. Spaulding Group’s success is built on repeat business from loyal clients and referrals. They know how personal home-buying can be, so they focus on making the sale or purchase as stress-free as possible. Carole loves how gratifying the job is. “I recently worked with a young couple and knew what they were looking for. However, there wasn’t much inventory available that met their needs. They were patient, and we found the perfect home! The 64
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745 N. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville spauldinggroup.net | 864.458.8585
SOUTHERN TRADITIONS When Matt Cobb was a sophomore at Clemson University, he worked
Since purchasing the business almost seven years ago, the trio has
at Circuit City with a guy named Stephen Wisdom. It was 1997, and
tripled the size of Southern Traditions. “We started with just the three of
neither Cobb nor Wisdom realized they would be co-owners of one of the
us. Now we have twenty-two team members at two branches.”
Upstate’s most reputable businesses just two decades later. Matt and Stephen became friends during their time at Circuit City, but they were both looking to advance their careers. Stephen got a job at Southern Traditions, and Matt moved into a construction job. “When I was out doing builder sales, I would run across Stephen on job sites,” Cobb says. “Once we reconnected, I reached out and got a job at Southern Traditions as well.”
And the secret to that success isn’t much of a secret.
“It’s our goal to enhance the lives of our customers and our team members through establishing and maintaining quality relationships.”
“We carry great products, but above everything else, we value our interaction with people,” Cobb says. “It’s our goal to enhance the lives of our customers and our team members through establishing and maintaining quality relationships.” The company’s people-focused mission is clear in their new core values—Customer Focus, Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Gratitude, and Profitability.
Southern Traditions is one of Greenville’s leaders in
“We’ve established a great reputation of doing quality
window treatments, installing shutters, blinds, draperies, motorized shades,
work in town,” says Cobb. “Having roots in this area is a primary reason.”
exterior shutters, and even automated awnings. If it goes on a window,
Those roots can be traced back to a budding friendship at Circuit City in
Southern Traditions can install it.
1997. Despite being apart for a while, Matt and Stephen found their way
After several years at the company, Cobb and Wisdom, along with their third partner, Sandy Williamson, were all laid off by the previous owners.
back into business together, which is good news for anyone in the Upstate with windows.
However, it wasn’t long until Cobb and Wisdom were being invited back into Southern Traditions. In 2012, Stephen and Matt got the opportunity to buy the business and bring Sandy in with them. “All three of us have a strong suit, so it has always been a good working relationship because our strengths complement each other,” Matt notes. “My background is sales, Stephen’s is operations, and Sandy’s is
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
administrative.”
30 Old Mill Rd., Greenville shutters4u.com | 864.286.0044
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK ROBERT PHOTOGRAPHY
CARMEN CRIGLER FEEMSTER, REALTOR® Growing up in Greenville, Carmen Crigler Feemster had a passion for
and their 3 kids, ages 7, 5, and 3. Carmen is feeling the full-circle of
real estate that was inspired by the heart of her family business. Carmen’s
motherhood, as she remembers her Mom, Beth Crigler, doing the exact
mentors were her grandfather, the late C. Dan Joyner, and her parents,
same thing she is now, paving her way in the real estate industry while still
who have over 20 years in the real estate industry. After graduating from
finding time for her family. Carmen does everything from planning school
the University of South Carolina and gaining some sales experience, in 2012 she was excited to begin working for C. Dan Joyner REALTORS®, the company her grandfather founded in 1964. Like her family, Carmen enjoys serving the community. For the past 5 years, she was named a top producer in the Augusta Road office, and also received awards for the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
carnivals and silent auctions to teaching Wednesday night church.
“I don’t ever want my clients to feel like they have to settle—I want them to know they can trust in me to find what they’re looking for.”
global network. She was the #22 individual residential agent for C. Dan Joyner REALTORS® this year. Carmen balances her work and home life well. She says, “My husband and kids are very supportive
She has also been asked to be a Pink Power Woman to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Carmen’s husband is a lender and knowledgeable of the real estate process. “He knows the amount of time and effort that goes into buying and selling a home, so he understands there are no set work hours.” Carmen started out at the reception desk for C. Dan Joyner, and seven years later she continues to unveil success as a REALTOR® by carrying on the family legacy. Carmen is thankful for her clients.
“Whether they are born and raised here or moving from a different state, I hope they will continue to love Greenville as much as I do.”
and understanding. They know it may be dinner time, but I’ll have to leave to go show a house. They know how important it is for me to be there for my clients.” Home-buying is a big decision – that’s why Carmen makes sure to be the kind of agent that finds the perfect home. She says, “This is about them. I don’t want my clients to ever feel like they have to settle – I want them to know they can trust in me to find what they’re looking for.” In her spare time, Carmen enjoys spending time with her husband 66
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2023 Augusta Rd., Greenville cdanjoyner.com | 864.616.5177
COMPOUNDING SOLUTIONS A Trip to Paris inspired Pam’s interest in women’s health. After many
health – are also important. High quality supplements are part of the
years in pharmaceutical sales, Pam went back to her roots and used her
foundation as well.
pharmacy degree from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) plus years
Our goal is to help women make choices that are best for them. Pam
of continued education in women’s health and hormones
offers one-on-one consultations and seminars at her pharmacy.
to start Compounding Solutions, a specialty pharmacy
She also loves to speak to women’s groups and offers private
that focuses on wellness. “The complexity of women’s hormones is so fascinating. Hormones affect so many aspects of a women’s life...our moods, sleep, weight, energy levels and drive to name
“Every woman is different and every woman has her own hormonal story to tell.”
a few. They make us feel great when they are working
group educational sessions like wine and cheese nights with you and your girlfriends. Compounding Solutions moved to a larger location in January and they are excited for you to visit. According to Pam, “We hope you’ll stop by and see us and let us partner with
together but not so great when they are out of sync,” Pam
you and your provider on your journey to better health and
said. “It is rare to find a woman in today’s world that isn’t
wellness!”
stressed. Most women don’t realize how much stress impacts their body, including their hormones.” Pam is passionate about educating women on how hormones work in their bodies. “Education helps connect the dots between symptoms and possible hormonal imbalance. Navigating the hormonal shifts leading up to menopause can be very confusing for women. Hormonal health is not just about estrogen!” Every woman is different and every woman has her own hormonal story to tell. We listen to your story and recommend ways to find a balance that’s right for you. She points out, “There is no such thing as TMI here!” Sometimes obtaining the right balance includes hormonal therapies. Your
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
lifestyle – including exercise habits, food and nutrition choices and gut
1607 Laurens Rd. Suite 110, Greenville mycompoundingsolutions.com 864.558.0507
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
THE CAPITAL CORPORATION Devin Green is a man with a very particular set of skills. Skills he has acquired over a synergistic career path. Skills that made him perfect
different perspectives,” Green says. The Capital Corporation is an investment banking firm focusing on
for a company like The Capital Corporation.
mergers and acquisitions of lower middle market companies
After graduating magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University, Green began as an investment banker with Bank of America, learning how to finance M&A transactions. He later wanted to learn how to value and grow companies, ultimately transitioning to private
– those with EBITDA between $3 and $12 million – across a
“I’m able to look through several different lenses and see things from different perspectives.”
equity. After learning how to finance, value, and grow businesses, he realized he wanted to develop an operating skill set, so he started his own wireless technology company. “I knew I wanted to learn business coming out of school, so I identified a matrix of skills that I wanted to design into, including how to finance, value, grow, operate, sell, buy, and advise companies,” Green says. “Ultimately, my goal was to develop a combination of linear
broad range of industries. The firm has closed more than half a billion dollars in transactions over the last several years and is generating a 90%+ close rate, which Green says is top decile in the industry. When Green needs to blow off steam, you might find him knocking out WODs in his local Crossfit gym, hitting
the slopes with his wife, or navigating the wilderness with his 24-hour adventure racing comrades. “I try to get out there and push the envelope a little bit,” he says. Green has a wife and three children, ages 7, 5 and 2, whose exploits also help keep his heart rate at a respectable level.
thinking, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, all of which I am still working at.” Dan Adams, president, CEO and founder of The Capital Corporation, was one of the angel investors in Green’s tech firm. When Adams found himself in need of a new COO, Green’s diverse experience fit the profile to run the investment bank. “I like to joke that I’m a master of nothing, but through my career path I’m able to look through several different lenses and see things from 68
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84 Villa Rd., Greenville thecapitalcorp.com | 864.672.8400
THE LUXURY LAKE LIVING TEAM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
After living in numerous states, followed by 12 years in Singapore, Specialization is a real perk when it comes to real estate, and no one Libby Zorbas and her husband Fred had the luxury of choosing where to knows this highly sought-after and specific market better. Their knowledge set down roots. They found everything they dreamed of and more at and experience can guide the process for any buyer, whether they are Lake Keowee. looking for ultimate luxury and amenities or a simple lake They had to have water access and four seasons but home with access to a dock. The Luxury Lake Living none in the extreme, outdoor activities and city life The team also works with many Greenville residents to Team is comprised of a in striking distance. Libby was in the U.S. and visited create a “home away from home” just 45 minutes down the team of women who live friends exploring Lake Keowee on their own search. road. Keowee IS Greenville’s lake! Some Keowee residents have and work at Lake Keowee She was so confident it checked all the boxes, she a condo in downtown Greenville, allowing them to experience and know the entire area, purchased a lot during that first visit and went back to the best of lakeside and in-town living. The Luxury Lake top to bottom. Singapore to let Fred know he could stop searching! Living Team has extensive experience with developers, but It did not take long for Libby to explore options to they are independent agents, meaning they have no agenda assist others in the search process for the perfect retirement/second home other than giving you the facts and helping you find exactly what you want. location. After a month or two in her initial real estate position, she halfWhen they aren’t helping clients, you’ll find Libby and the rest of the jokingly mentioned to her husband needing “wheels” for easily exploring team golfing, boating and enjoying the lakeside life that drew them here properties only to arrive home the next day to a bright RED Honda motor over every other spot on the map. “Everything is here,” Libby says. “The scooter in the driveway. The scooter remains a prized possession after 17 choices are incredible.” years in the business. The Luxury Lake Living Team is comprised of a team of women luxury lake who live and work at Lake Keowee and know the entire area, top to living team bottom. They worked together over the years and came together as a team dedicated to providing clients with the knowledge required to make an informed decision. Like Libby, they all went through the search process, 2900 Shady Grove Rd., Sunset only to settle on Lake Keowee as the optimal choice, and wanted to be a luxurylakelivingrealty.com resource to others on the same journey. 864.868-2600
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
DOMINION SENIOR LIVING
“I had never seen the amount of love and care that was going into caring for their seniors.”
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For Lindsey Daugherty, her career as the executive director/ principal of Dominion Senior Living was a long time in the making. She felt a calling to help the elderly from a young age, since her grandmother and mother both worked in senior living. Lindsey grew up going to nursing homes with her mother and fell in love with helping seniors. “I wanted to be a director/producer at one point, but senior living is where my heart led me.” Lindsey was the regional director of operations at a senior living company in North Carolina, writing articles on how to efficiently and passionately manage such communities, when she felt like she needed to be more involved. That led Lindsey to Dominion, where she immediately realized it was a special place. “I had never seen the amount of love and care that was going into caring for their seniors.” Following her heart, Lindsey and her family set their eyes toward Upstate South Carolina. Lindsey assisted in developing the new housing for Dominion Senior Living and became the principal of
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Dominion Senior Living of Anderson. She is now the principal for Dominion at Patrick Square in Clemson as well. The care for seniors at Dominion is truly red carpet worthy. One resident’s family member said, “We call it the castle on the hill.” Dominion has made a stunning and welcoming community that residents are happy to call home. What truly makes Dominion stand out from other communities is their programs that are personalized to each patient and their individual needs. The programs offer assisted living, memory care services and respite care. Each program is designed to focus on individual residents where they are in the aging process. The assisted living program allows residents to maintain their independence by offering services like a full-service salon, a Cyber Café where they can join friends, and on-site rehabilitation and health services to keep them at their best. However, if residents do need assistance, skilled staff members are available 24/7. Respite care is available for residents who require short-term and day visits. This
program extends a helping hand to caregivers who need a place they can trust for their loved ones while caregivers are away from home. Residents in the respite care program have access to all the great services provided to full time residents. The memory care services at Dominion are focused on residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments. Each staff member in the Memory Care group is extensively trained in top evidence-based programs to ensure the utmost quality in the care of the residents. Always striving to improve, Dominion wants to begin reaching out to seniors in the early stages of the aging process. Next year, Dominion plans to bring on Dominion Independent Living communities and Dominion Home Living. “Our goal is to be proactive,” Lindsey says. “We want to be an advocate all the way through the aging process.” Dominion Home Living will provide seniors with
the option to live independently in their own home, but have access to the services Dominion provides. This new program will allow the staff to meet with patients where they feel the most comfortable. Dominion Senior Living has perfected the personal touch when it comes to their seniors. The leaders of the company are involved in building these communities from the ground up. In designing, building, developing, constructing and managing, the Dominion staff works together as a team to make these communities a special place for their seniors. Lindsey feels like there is no other place like the Upstate to have Dominion Senior Living. “There is something in the hills, true southern hospitality. We are a close-knit community, and we have a lot of hometown people who believe in us.”
100 Pershing Ave., Clemson 3461 North Highway 81, Anderson dominionseniorliving.com 864.350.5348 Behind The Counter | 2019
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DEHOLLANDER & JANSE FINANCIAL GROUP Rob DeHollander and Roy Janse began their partnership over their
“We were in the category of ‘happy to be there,’ ” Janse says.
shared love of problem solving. “We got to know, like, and trust each other,
As Janse crossed the border for a pre-Olympic regatta in 1994, a young
and we looked at business in the same way,” DeHollander says. “We were
lady visiting from Clemson turned his head. When his attempts to woo her
looking for better options for our clients, so we decided to go independent.” Rob and Roy hung out their shingle as the DeHollander & Janse Financial Group in July of 2009. They serve as financial advisors acting in a fiduciary capacity, meaning they are
to snowy Edmonton failed, he moved to the United States and
“We were fiduciaries before fiduciaries were cool.”
required to act in the best interest of their clients. Fiduciaries are more common now than when DeHollander & Janse got their start in the industry, but it’s always been the way of doing business that’s made the most sense to them. Prior to coming on board with American Express, DeHollander worked as a chemist and an environmental engineer, and his technical
made her his wife. Janse began his career in IT consulting, which appealed to both his analytical nature and his knack for helping people understand and work through issues. When the tech industry hit rough waters in the early 2000s, he looked to financial
services as a new career path that checked those same boxes. Both DeHollander & Janse stay busy with their active families full of boys but both manage to find time for giving back. DeHollander serves on several local boards. Janse shoulders a number of responsibilities at his church.
background has served him well as a financial planner. “I’ve always been a numbers guy,” DeHollander says. “I enjoy figuring things out and finding solutions. We’ve always believed in acting as trusted consultants when helping clients. One size does not fit all. We were fiduciaries before fiduciaries were cool.” Roy Janse may be known as a financial advisor, but sailing fans may recognize him as a member of the Canadian team in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games.
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3515 Pelham Rd., Greenville djfinancial.com | 864.770.0220 Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
C.O.R.E. GROW STRONG Fitness and strength have always been at the center of Currie
the signature workout blends Pilates, yoga, plyometrics and body weight
Gossett’s life. Her skills on the volleyball court at Mauldin High School
exercises with the goal of sending clients out the door a little bit better
earned her a scholarship to play at Wofford College, and that experience
than they came in.
solidified her lifelong love for feeling fit and strong. When a bad back injury landed her in physical therapy, Currie discovered Pilates as the most effective way to stay strong during her recovery and keep her back strong for the long term. Thus began an ardent love affair with the
“I wanted to create a place where I wanted to be, where I
“I wanted to create a place where I wanted to be.”
method that withstood moves across the Southeast and even a stint in Germany. “During this time I started witnessing this insane boom in the boutique
could have zen,” Currie says, adding that she assembled her team of instructors from the perspective of a dedicated student. “An instructor can make or break your experience.” The boutique carries performance and leisure athletic wear for both women and men, from top brands like Michi, Varley,
Koral, Terez, Rhone, and Vuori. C.O.R.E.’s popular selection of leggings and such also pop up all over town at in-home parties, fitness studios,
fitness industry,” she says. “We’re all running around in leggings – whether
and other wellness-focused businesses. Follow them on Instagram
we’re working out or not.”
@coregrowstrong to stay in the know.
After she and her husband settled in Charlotte and welcomed their first child a few years ago, Currie began toying with the concept of a full-service fitness studio married with an athletic boutique. The Gossett-Carnegie family – now numbering four – came home to Greenville last summer, when Currie’s husband joined Gossett Concrete Pipe Company, founded by her great-grandfather in 1944. Currie had been watching the growth and progress in her hometown over the years, particularly in the fitness community, and thought the time was right to launch her vision here. When a retail location in the heart of downtown became available, C.O.R.E. found its home.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
C.O.R.E. stands for Confidence – Optimism – Resilience – Energy, and
1 N. Main St., Suite N, Greenville coregrowstrong.com 864.520.1699
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY; BUS PROVIDED LOCALLY BY WUNDERBUS, THEWUNDERBUS.COM
FOSTER VICTOR
Connecting with their clients through Instagram allows them to build relationships and connect based on experiences both in the Upstate and abroad.
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What makes Greenville, Greenville? Even though this Southern town has grown into a travel destination and foodie city, it has held true to its roots of being a caring community of people. Natives are known for their warmth, caring for each other and for any and all who come to call it home. What strikes so many of our visitors is that no matter the size of the city, the small-town feel remains. While many factors play into what makes our city what it is, a peek into the practices of Foster Victor Wealth Advisors gives us a glimpse of how things should work for upstate businesses. Composed of 15 team members and going on three years of service, Foster Victor Wealth Advisors delivers a collaborative financial planning process to assist individuals and businesses alike. In order to succeed, the team learned that creating a culture where clients feel understood and
engaged would be crucial. Connecting with their clients through Instagram (see @fostervictorwealthadvisors) allows them to build relationships and connect based on experiences both in the Upstate and abroad. Whether it’s showing their philanthropic side through service, their fun side through sporting events or their love for each through squad outings, the pictures represent memories that are more than just work. Composed of many Furman, Wofford, and local alumni who fell in love with the Upstate during their college years, the group constantly seeks ways to give back to the community that has given them so much. Over the last three years, the team has participated in countless 5Ks, galas, fundraisers, and projects. From building a deck as part of a Rebuild Upstate project, to getting some
exercise as part of the Alzheimer’s Walk, to being the title sponsor of the YMCA Beast Mode Games as they watched crew members compete, the group constantly finds itself enmeshed within the community by being benefactors and participants in local events as their collective desire to embrace Greenville pushes them along. That support doesn’t just end at 5pm. At Foster Victor Wealth Advisors, working with a team-centric mentality shifts the focus from what we traditionally consider the workday to what matters most in life: family. Over the past year and during the upcoming, the team will celebrate numerous engagements, weddings, and births of children. Team members cheer for each other from the sidelines of these events as they are often top of the guest list. Whether it’s a special occasion or a holiday, the team loves to
celebrate and enjoy a great meal on and off the clock. Most people spend the majority of their days with co-workers but it’s their families at home who give them the motivation to work. Foster Victor Wealth Advisors has become an extension of many families to one. They take the love and support they received, give back to the community that supported them, and find further motivation to do what they do because of these experiences. This circle of support is contagious and something that draws clients, businesses and other professionals to work with the firm. Financial planning can be daunting, but when you’re working with people that share your values, the finish line seems reachable.
10 S. Academy St. Suite 250 Greenville
The Foster Victor Wealth Advisors team loves to support local businesses like the Wunderbus seen here.
fostervictorwa.com 864.720.2000 Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
ADAM PETERSON – STATE FARM Storms are tough. Proverbial storms can be tougher. In some
“People don’t tend to think of their insurance as a savings tools,” he
cases, such as for a new insurance agent, it can be the toughest. It isn’t
explains, “so we try to advocate for our clients in more helpful ways than
uncommon for a new agency to be unsuccessful. In fact, some estimates
just one. Of course we’re there when they need us making a claim, but
place the failure rate close to 90 percent! There are, however, the
we see other moments as times of need. Educating everyone so that they
exceptions: the bits of sun that shine through the cloudy sections of sky. At any given point, there are roughly 1,000-1,200 new State Farm agencies across the country, and just this past year, Greenville was home to the 36th in
thoroughly know what they’re paying for, that they’re getting
“That human connection is important.”
the nation for new agencies. Adam Peterson was introduced in last year’s Behind
all the discounts they qualify for, and any other way we can have that human connection is important.” Life can occasionally be a little dark and stormy. Situations toss us blindly into trouble we didn’t see lurking behind us. The last thing we want during these times is to be left out
the Counter. A second-generation insurance agent, PC alumni, and fiancé
in the rain. Having someone with an unchanged mission of advocating
to a fellow South Carolinian, Adam has made a name for himself over the
for his clients, coupled with a personal, local, and altogether human
last year and a half in the Greenville’s insurance scene.
approach to the business makes Greenville proud to have Adam Peterson
Growing up in the business and possessing a natural passion for
call it home to shine his light.
helping others, there’s a wide variety of assistance with which Adam helps the Upstate’s residents. Most people may not realize that State Farm has a bank; that it can provide not only automobile insurance but life, health, homeowners, etc. As more people move to Greenville from out of state, he can easily help with state transfers and relocation services. What’s more, he’s quite proactive in caring for his clients, not settling to be a mere faceless name behind a billing statement. He wants his clients to know they are taken care of by someone they know and trust. 76
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517 S. Pleasantburg Dr. Ste C, Greenville sfsouthcarolina.com | 864.605.7733
STRIVE PERFORMANCE COACHING Wish it, dream it, do it – it’s a phrase Dr. Ann Holland uses to inspire
happy in our personal life, it is apparent in our professional life, and vice
her clients and a personal motto for the way she lives her own life. After
versa,” she said. From fine-tuning hard or soft skills, helping an emerging
30 years developing leaders and managers, helping them move forward in
leader get to the next level or guiding a midlife career change, she helps
their careers and achieve the success that they desire, Dr.
her clients identify what is holding them back and then
Holland is relaunching her practice here in Greenville.
overcome those barriers.
The motto, emblazoned on a sign in her office, sums up her goal to help people recognize their own inner desires and then reach them. “What gets me up in the morning is my passion to help people to grow toward their dreams and aspirations,” Holland said.
“Once you have clarity and competence, you can build the confidence to get to your desired outcome.”
Her STRIVE model is rooted in neuroscience and psychology, which she studied in-depth as she earned masters
In addition to personal and professional development coaching, working with organizations as well as individuals, she serves as a keynote speaker and professional meeting and workshop facilitator. Holland and her husband have loved living in many different places, though she says they plan to stay put now that they’ve put down roots in Greenville. “We just fell in love
degrees in human development and organizational management and a
with it,” she said. “It has everything we want in life – mountains, lakes and
Ph.D. in human development. She is a certified personal and professional
beaches – and we feel very much at home here.”
development coach, and has worked in industries ranging from healthcare, retail and higher education to hospitality, manufacturing and government. The proven proprietary STRIVE model – stretch, transform, rewire, integrate, visualize and energize – builds an empowering new vantage point for clients. “Each person is unique in their life story and their challenges, but it boils down to clarity, competence and confidence,” she said. “Once you have clarity and competence, you can build the confidence to get to your desired outcome.” People find the structure, discipline and feedback of a coach crucial to their transformations, she said. Clients also tend to be enlightened to learn
StrivePerformanceCoaching.com ann@striveperformancecoaching.com | 860.805.6757
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
how much their personal and professional lives are connected. “If we’re
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ATLANTIS LUXURY POOLS There are some people who simply have a natural talent for a few of the most unique crafts. Stephen Smith and his unique craft of designing luxurious outdoor settings is of no exception. He is a father, and grandfather, a biker, a church volunteer, an Upstate native, an artist, a craftsman, and an utter visionary. Beginning his career after designing his first outdoor living space in his early twenties, he has continued to cultivate his natural talent of envisioning and designing custom pools and outdoor living space for the last thirty years. Atlantis Luxury Pools has been in the business of conceiving and creating the highest of the high-end personal paradises for residents all over the Upstate. Beginning with an individual consultation, Stephen and his crew design a custom-built outdoor area for their clients that fits solely their style, tastes, and needs. Because of this particular attention to each customer, one will not be able to spot “an Atlantis Pools design” as if there is some style replicated time and time again. What one may notice, however, is a pattern of highquality craftsmanship where no detail is left overlooked. Only then would the resident proudly boast that he went to Atlantis for his outdoor design needs. Stephen understands that he is in a niche market, and that his services are not what everyone is looking for when they first flip to “pool services” in the yellow pages. He is not a pool cleaner or one to come over and install a diving board in the backyard one afternoon. His projects tend to start around $100K and move upward. He does, on the other hand, work tirelessly to ensure that his customers’ dreams come to an ultimate reality and that each aspect of their personal vision is accented in the finished product. For those interested in his services, scrolling through the photo galleries on his website provides scene after
“We help people discover their own paradise.”
scene of breathtaking views that are thoroughly augmented by his work. From there, one can see that he does not only specialize in pools, but creates an entire atmosphere around it. From fire features to landscaping and on to outdoor kitchen structures, his work truly speaks for itself. Diving in to this specialization has been rewarding on both sides, admittedly. Stephen says that hearing his customer’s satisfaction is his favorite part of each project. Planning well upfront, transparently providing every monetary and practical detail that the customer needs, accuracy, and attention to detail all are a part of the recipe for his success. When each project is finished, he can rest well knowing that he and his crew and have surpassed expectations. Such personal paradises are not something easily obtained by stopping by one store or another. They take time, impeccable attention to detail, and superior customer service that guarantees the process goes as smoothly as possible. Stephen Smith ensures this sort of experience as evidenced by his decades of service. By transforming outdoor areas into luxurious resting spaces, he has contributed to furthering the beauty of our area. Indeed, there are some who have incredible natural talents. In most of these cases, the works will speak for themselves. Stephen’s is of no exception, and as his spaces speak for themselves, they leave one speechless.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK SUSKO VISUAL DESIGN
120 Johns Rd., Greer atlantiscustompoolssc.com 864.346.6955
Photography by Mark Susko Visual Design
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMERON REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY
BUSY BEEZ CLEANING For as long as Bonnie Conforti can remember, she wanted to be a
And perhaps the most important service Bonnie provides is unmatched
mom. Her dream became a reality when she got married and had three
customer service. Bonnie says, “We show up when we say we are going to
sons. Conforti homeschooled her three boys to stay home with them as
show up, we charge what we say we are going to charge, and we do exactly
much as she possibly could. By 2009, her children were growing up, playing sports, and Bonnie realized she wanted a career—one that would allow her to make a difference but still allow her to be home with her boys. Pondering her options, Bonnie confided in another homeschool mom, who suggested that Bonnie look into cleaning homes. Her friend even provided Bonnie’s first client—her friend’s mother—who is still a client of
what we say we are going to do.”
“We show up when we say we are going to show up, we charge what we say we are going to charge, and we do exactly what we say we are going to do.”
Busy Beez offers a variety of services that include one-time deep cleaning, move in/move out cleaning, spring cleaning, laundry service, and maintenance to keep clients’ home looking their best. Bonnie, now with grown children, still has a passion for taking care of kids, and is a volunteer in her church’s children’s area. She loves a good book or documentary and relishes the
Bonnie’s ten years later. That led to Conforti creating the
opportunity to do business with the people of the Upstate. “We
Busy Beez Cleaning business, which quickly grew in the
respect their home, we appreciate the opportunity to come in
homeschool community from the simplest and most important form of
their homes and we know that they trust us to do what we can to make
marketing, word-of-mouth.
their lives easier.”
Bonnie committed herself to working two days out of the week for her new business venture, and when she could no longer meet demands by herself, she decided to expand her business. Now, she has seventeen employees at Busy Beez Cleaning. Hiring only dedicated, experienced staff, Bonnie personally conducts interviews to ensure a good fit for the company. Staying true to Busy Beez motto, “We Clean Green,” the company cleans with 100% green products to ensure safety for children, pets and the environment. 82
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31 Boland Ct., Greenville busybeezcleaning.com | 864.343.1723
ANDREW PLUNKETT, REALTOR® Sports teaches an array of values: responsibility, teamwork, trust, and you do what you do. There’s an emotional basis here: the way you perform determination, to name a few. They teach us essentially that individual will be how you feel about it all.” Andrew goes on to note how if there’s effort, while extremely important, is not the only element that renders stress from one side, the client will pick it up as well. It’s always best to go success. That effort, aided by others and guided by a forward confidently and competently. coach-like figure, leads all involved to a goal. Because of his team mentality, he’s too honest to take all the This was a central notion for Andrew Plunkett as he credit for his initial success. “My partner Brian Culbertson is “No matter what shape began a realty career in the Commercial Division at fantastic. He’s a part of this experienced team that I’ve learned adversity comes in, you C. Dan Joyner. Born and raised in Memphis, TN, a lot from. Matt Carter, the broker-in-charge, has been a big always have to face it he attended the University of Tennessee, eventually help. Having someone guide you along the way helps you with confidence.” transferring to North Greenville to finish his studies. recognize that you are not alone during the process of starting He had played baseball his whole life, and even played at a new career.” both universities. Baseball has been an influential part of Andrew’s life. It’s After falling in love with the Greenville area, he decided to settle here. taught him the value of teamwork, of hard work, and given him the drive “It’s such a friendly place,” he says, “It’s great to be in a location between to take care of business owners around the Upstate. Greenville is more bigger cities but living somewhere that hasn’t overgrown itself.” While than able to nourish these values, and it’s one of the many reasons we’re many of his friends went back to their respective homes after college, proud to be called home by those who live likewise. Andrew already felt at home in the welcoming atmosphere that Upstate South Carolina had provided. Launching a new career can be tough. While networking at events and using social media or other new platforms to grow his base, Plunkett couldn’t help but notice the similarities in the workforce and what he had gleaned throughout so many years from being on a team. 24 Vardry St. Suite 401, Greenville C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS “There’s going to be growing pangs, but no matter what shape adversity joynercommercial.com 864.735.0457 comes in, you always have to face it with confidence. Remind yourself why
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK SUSKO VISUAL DESIGN
®
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
SANDY SOBA, REALTOR® Sandy Soba’s long career in the fashion industry took her from a great little metropolis.” New York to L.A. and all over Europe. During that time she leased, A lover of music of all genres, Sandy is a regular attendee of the bought and sold many homes – even losing two to earthquakes – and Greenville Symphony and has been known to blast club music in her learned a lot about real estate from the consumer side. car. She and her husband spend their free time cooking “Searching for places to live in Europe was a bit of a and discovering new restaurants around town, and she culture shock,” she says. is committed to taking one week a month off to continue “I love that Greenville’s When Sandy and her husband landed in Greenville exploring the world. Of particular interest are places culture keeps expanding. six years ago, she was ready for a change and traded known for their natural beauty – they have lived in It’s become a great little her passion for fashion for a real estate license. She Germany and Italy and have traveled to Norway, Iceland, metropolis.” discovered her love for the real estate business through Spain and Scotland, to name a few, and spend as much the process of searching for her own home here. time as they can in California, New York and Los Cabos, “My brother is a commercial architect and my Mexico. sister is an interior designer, so I’ve always been exposed to and loved “We’re looking for our retirement destination, and we’re literally architecture,” she says. looking all over the world,” she says. “We’re having fun discovering that.” Sandy also found Greenville’s growing international community to be the perfect market to use her unique perspective and multilingualism to help business people and their families relocate and transition into life in the Upstate. “When I came back to the States I wanted to help people,” she says. “I’m fluent in German and Spanish – and a little Italian and French are also in the mix – so I can help bridge the language gap.” Sandy takes great joy in introducing her clients to all Greenville has 1030 E. Butler Rd., Greenville to offer. sandysoba.com 864.200.7455 “I love that Greenville’s culture keeps expanding,” she says. “It’s become 84
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SAMSON STONE “Turning your vision into reality” is the motto at Samson Stone, and
products in the market and seek training for new and better ways to install
owner Silas Lewis has done that for himself and for his clients. After
those products.” Being on the cutting edge of stonework, masonry and
dreaming of owning his own business, Silas finally made that a reality in
building trends has helped grow Lewis’s business, but it is the relationships
2005. Now, he is turning clients’ visions into beautiful homes and outdoor living spaces by providing customers with all types of stonework, stucco, masonry, and more. Born and raised in Greenville, Silas attended Clemson
his company builds that keeps customers coming back.
“We care about our clients and their vision.”
“We build relationships with our clients and strive to understand their needs and execute a plan to meet that need,” he says. At Samson Stone, the client’s vision is the most
University for business management before becoming
important part of planning a job, and the client’s satisfaction
the co-owner of an internet service provider. Desperately
is the most important motivator. “We care about our clients
wanting to get out from behind a desk, Lewis took a job with a stone
and their vision. We want to build a relationship with them to achieve a
company. It didn’t work out, so he found himself working at a gym. “While
common goal, and we want them to be satisfied with the end result.”
working at the gym, I started getting calls from people that I had worked
Silas has even brought his relationships from home to work, as his
with before,” Lewis says. “They needed help and didn’t have a reliable stone
wife, Shelley, helps with administrative duties at Samson Stone and even
contractor, so I filled that need and grew my own business.”
makes occasional deliveries. When he’s not at work, Lewis can be found
And the business has certainly grown. Today, Samson Stone has
fishing or coaching his son’s baseball team. He says the best part of raising
more than sixty highly skilled masons and three knowledgeable
a family and building a business in the Upstate is the people. “Because we
superintendents—Jay Allen, Nathan Beck and Ricky Carroll—as well as an
emphasize relationships, we get to meet a lot of wonderful people. Seeing
operations manager, Andy Joines, and a yard manager, Hunter Kay. “We
their dream turn into a reality is very rewarding.”
have crews that can install projects with great detail and management that has a presence on all of our jobs,” Silas says. Having served thousands of residents and businesses over the years, Samson Stone has developed an efficiency, quality, management, and communication that are unmatched. Never satisfied, Lewis and his staff are always looking to improve the
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
building experience for their clients. “We continually search for the best
205 E. Lee Rd., Taylors SamsonStoneSC.com 864.325.2022
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HILARY HURST, REALTOR® Even as a young girl, Hilary Hurst enjoyed tagging along with her grandparents in Glenville, North Carolina, showing houses and learning about the real estate business. Now, as a REALTOR® at Coldwell Banker Caine, she continues to carry the example of a strong work ethic that was set for her. Now, with 11 years of real estate experience under her belt, Hilary is confident this is the career for her. Her clients know her as a hard worker, expert multitasker, and excellent negotiator. Her dynamic personality allows her to connect with each client she works with. One client commented, “We loved working with Hilary. She handled both selling our house and buying our new one. She’s great at communicating – it was like working with a friend.” With the trusted name of Coldwell Banker Caine behind her, Hilary enjoys working with a wide variety of clients throughout the Upstate. From first time home buyers to sellers in the luxury market, she has seen it all and is not afraid of a challenge. Hilary was born in Sylva, North Carolina, but has lived in the Upstate since she was 10 years old. Hilary enjoys helping people, specifically military families, relocate and find their home here. A giver to the United Way and a board member of the Eastside YMCA, Hilary
“It gives me a sense of relief when I meet my clients’ goals, it’s so rewarding to see their faces light up when I’ve found them the perfect home.”
recognizes the importance of giving back to the community that has been so generous to her. She is also a member of Greenville, Spartanburg, and Western Upstate MLS. In her free time, Hilary enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and their two dogs. Hilary enjoys spending time at Lake Keowee. Despite her busy schedule, she recognizes the importance of taking care of herself. She stays extremely active through running and attending regular Pure Barre classes. Tenacious and determined, Hilary goes above and beyond in every area of her life. Her glowing client reviews tell you that she is not only a talented REALTOR®, but she is a pleasure to work with! When asked how it feels to help a client close on a home, she says, “It gives me a sense of relief when I meet my client’s goals. It’s so rewarding to see their faces light up when I’ve found them the perfect home.” To Hilary, a closed transaction means more than a paycheck. She finds joy in helping people take their next step in life. If you’re looking to buy, sell, relocate, or learn more about the Upstate real estate market, call Hilary. You can also follow along on her real estate journey on Instagram @hilaryhurstupstaterealestate today!
coldwellbanker.com 864.313.6077
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
111 Williams St., Greenville
WESTFIELD GREENVILLE Westfield Greenville, opening its doors in the spring of 2019, provides a unique space for events in the Upstate. The venue provides 20,000 square feet with an open concept to be filled with the breadth and depth of events that speak to the soul. “We’ve conjured this space from rich imagination. Westfield hosts those that covet and crave being set apart. We don’t want to limit the creativity of our guests,” says Paula Rallis, co-owner of Westfield. As a real estate developer of more than 500 properties, Paula and her husband have developed a knack for finding the best use of an empty building. Renovating spaces like the Handlebar into the Stone Pin, and Shinola into the North Main neighborhood pizza spot D’Allesandro’s, the Rallis family took on their largest project yet. After owning the building at 405 Westfield Street for a few years, the couple knew that it was meant to be filled with the moments that matter most to the people of Greenville. “Hopefully, we can provide a space that doesn’t compete with a vision, it simply adds to it,” explains Paula. Westfield is a large, open building bleached white, with eight black steel windows standing at fifteen feet tall overlooking the Swamp Rabbit Trail and downtown Greenville. A full kitchen, bridal suite and green room are behind the doors in the great hallway. And in
“Conjured from rich imagination, Westfield hosts those that covet and crave being set apart.”
addition to its wealth of indoor space, exit the handmade wooden pivot doors to the outdoor patio measuring 5,000 square feet. Westfield Greenville is a blank canvas for brides, with the ability to put any Pinterest board to shame. Whether it’s a small, intimate ceremony or a seated dinner for 600, the space lends itself to customization that will fit any bride’s vision. Paula’s partner in the business, Farrah Redmon, has been a wedding planner in Greenville since 2013. She grew up in Greenville, and her knowledge of the area and planning expertise provide another layer of proficiency at Westfield. The renovation was completed by Michael Redmon with The Boardman Group – also Farrah’s husband. “This has truly been a family project between the four of us. With Paula and Ron owning the building, Paula and I running the business, and Mike doing the renovation, we’ve put a lot of love into these four walls,” says Farrah. At Westfield, Paula and Farrah hope that they will be able to provide the space for events that have yet to see breath – a restaurant’s winter menu introduction at a farm table seated for 100. A 90s DJ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
brunch benefiting a local charity. Goat yoga. What will you dream up?
405 Westfield St., Greenville westfieldgreenville.com 864.660.3437
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GVLTODAY GVLtoday was created to educate and activate our community and our advertising partners’ customers. For our audience we do this daily, meeting them where they are via our 6AM morning email, website and social media platforms with the information and conversations they need to know to start their day. We like to say we are a community-driven conversation, focusing on the positive momentum that is happening where our readers live, and by making sure they know exactly where they can invest their time, talent, and treasure to participate locally. We talk with, not at our audience like the real people they are, in a conversational tone, like you would speak to a friend over a cup of coffee or a cold beverage at the bar. Our readers seem to love this approach. The environment we have created allows our audience to actively participate in these conversations. Each and every day we receive hundreds of messages from people in this community that are doing great things, or with questions they want answered. We do our best to package and distribute these conversations to our engaged audience daily. This is no small task, because we are fortunate that there is a lot of good going on in Greenville! We designed the product to be collaborative with local content creators with the mission to highlight their creative contributions to drive awareness to the stories and events they want the community to know. For our advertising partners, we bring them into the Each and every day we conversation via branding and integrated custom content. receive hundreds of Our platforms support their desire to participate with messages from people the most relevant conversations and position their brand in this community that front and center with our local, social, and vocal audience. are doing great things, or For many of our partners we are also able to serve as a with questions they want distribution partner, complementing and amplifying their answered. own content strategies. Our advertising partners seem to like this approach as well. GVLtoday is just three years young and delivered to over 50,000 email subscribers daily and growing. Our lead GVLtoday producers Heather Long and Kendall Henderson create the GVLtoday product each day and are supported by our entire 6AM City staff. The best way to share your news, events, and questions with our team is to shoot us an email at hello@gvltoday.com. In 2017, GVLtoday’s parent company 6AM City was created as a product innovation of Community Journals, to meet both reader and advertiser demand. The brand has been designed to scale our digital publishing model into similar high growth cities. 6AM City currently publishes products in Greenville, S.C. (GVLtoday); Columbia, S.C. (COLAtoday); Charleston, S.C. (CHStoday); Asheville, N.C. (AVLtoday); Chattanooga, T.N. (NOOGAtoday); and Lakeland, F.L. (LALtoday) with a combined audience of over 190,000 subscribers. If you are a local business looking to get in on the action, we have designed a number of ways to participate based on price point and marketing objectives. For more information on these opportunities, email us at ads@gvltoday.com If you are not signed up, what are you waiting for? Head on over to GVLtoday.com. We look forward to seeing you at 6:00 a.m. every Monday - Friday!
46 Lois Ave., Greenville gvltoday.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
Pictured (left to right): Ryan Johnston, Logan Brown, Keaton Wylie, Emily Herron, Kendall Henderson, Heather Long, Ryan Heafy; not pictured: Chloe Rodgers, Mary Willson, Nicole Trimble.
Photography by carol boone stewart
UPSTATE EVENT SERVICES If there is one thing Greenville knows how to do, it’s how to throw a party. From festivals to weddings, birthday parties to fundraisers, the Upstate can pull people together for a good time. And when there’s an event scheduled, David and Patty Revels are often behind the scenes. Owners of Upstate Event Services, the Revels have been making Greenville’s parties memorable for two decades. “I’ve never lived anywhere that likes to party as much as Greenville,” says David. “There’s a gala here for everything.” Together, David and Patty make quite the party-planning team. David has a degree in theatre lighting and design from Mars Hill University, so he knows how to put together an event from a theatrical standpoint—how is it going to look, how is it going to feel? Patty has a degree in food and nutrition from Winthrop University, and she knows the nuts and bolts of the operation—how many tables, how will it be arranged? In fact, it was at Winthrop University that the two met and got married in 1992. Patty was a student, and David worked for the college dining company. After they were married, David took other positions in the company going to Mercer University, Georgia Tech, Riverside Military Academy, USC-Upstate and finally Clemson University in 1994. In 1999, the Revels opened Upstate
“There’s a gala here for everything.”
Event Services in West Greenville, hoping to provide a “one-and-done shop” for Greenville’s events. While primarily a rental company, they can also provide services like event planning, bartending, officiating, and decorating services. “We do a lot of specialty lighting and draping,” David says. “We can provide event planning, coordinating, sound, lighting, tables, chairs, tents and decorating that will make the event complete.” Celebrating its 20th anniversary this May, Upstate Event Services has been an essential part of countless weddings and events in the Greenville area. They’ve also been able to give back to the community that has helped them build their success. “For charity events, people give generously, and I love that about our town,” remarks David, who says his company provides a discount to organizations in the nonprofit sector. Last year, Upstate Events gave discounted services to more than 80 charities. David and Patty are always looking for new ways to help the community and bring the best events to the Upstate. In the two decades since opening, David says the internet has transformed the event business. “Instead of people coming in to rent something, they they can have their dream wedding or event with their unique budget. That’s where we come in.”
1225 Pendleton St., Greenville upstateeventservices.com 864.220.1220
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID POLESKI PHOTOGRAPHY
come in with a picture from social media. They want to know how
EASTSIDE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID POLESKI PHOTOGRAPHY
In 1979, Louie Chemell and David Hazelhurst were talking about how cater to Greenville’s ever-growing corporate market to include VIP airport and cool it would be to own a limousine. They had always been fascinated with local transportation and shuttling large corporate events in and around the them, perhaps in the same way all of us are when we see one in downtown Upstate of South Carolina. Greenville. No matter how old we are, every time we see a Greenville natives and friends from the start, Louie and David limousine, our first thought is, ‘I wonder who that is.’ spend their free time at Clemson football games or enjoying Lake “The Upstate is a When Hazelhurst actually bought a limousine, his friend Hartwell. They love the Upstate and say they wouldn’t want to wonderful place to live, a do business anywhere else. “The Upstate is a wonderful place to Louie said, “Let’s do something with it.” And when Miss wonderful place to raise South Carolina Kimberly Aiken became Miss USA, they live, a wonderful place to raise a family, and a wonderful place to a family, and a wonderful found their first opportunity. “We worked something out, do business,” says Chemell. And in the past twenty years, they’ve place to do business.” and we drove Kimberly around for a week,” says Chemell. become a cornerstone of the community in Greenville. “We’ve done “People started asking us if we could do their events, so we couple’s weddings, then their children’s weddings, and now we’re wound up buying another one, and another one, and another one.” starting to do their grandchildren’s weddings.” Starting out with one limousine because it would be “pretty cool” With the new trends of application-based and ride-sharing services, has expanded to a fleet of more than fifty vehicles—making Eastside Eastside sets itself above with added quality and safety. “Those drivers can be Transportation Services one of the largest luxury, executive and shuttle approved in about four minutes,” says Chemell. “It takes us about a week to do providers in the Upstate. a background – drug check and longer to train our drivers, because we want “We have a great team and have several employees from our first years in our clients to have the safest and highest quality ride at their event.” business. Our sales and office manager, Shari McGrory, has been with us the From two guys and a limousine to over sixty employees, Chemell and longest and Delon Bigsby, operations, has been here about 15 years. We still Hazelhurst have built an important service in the Upstate that has given back have several drivers that have been with us for the long haul!” to countless charitable events as well. And after twenty years in business, when In addition to limousines, Chemell and Hazelhurst have expanded into we see a limousine in downtown Greenville and think, ‘I wonder who that is,’ the world of executive car services and shuttles, including a contract to be the chances are, it’s Eastside Transportation. inside vendor at the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport. They just renewed that contract again in November of last year to provide airport transportation to 2311 Airport Rd., Greer and from GSP. Eastside has the ability to provide personalized service to lone eastsidetransportation.com celebrities, newlyweds and large events. Eastside Transportation continues to 864.609.5466
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK SUSKO VISUAL DESIGN
ROTO-ROOTER PLUMBING & DRAIN SERVICE Most Greenville residents have seen Matthew Zaffuto without even realizing it. His baby picture still adorns the Roto-Rooter billboard on Interstate 385, even though Matthew has just turned eleven years old. It started out as a marketing decision—a cute face to put a personal touch on the franchise. However, over the last ten years, Matthew has become so much more to the business. Matthew’s parents, Mike and Abby Zaffuto, and their family own nine Roto-Rooter franchises in the Carolinas, with their home office in Greenville. Their family got involved with the business in the 1980s when Abby’s dad saw a classified ad in the newspaper and bought a franchise. When Abby and Mike graduated from Clemson in 1996, she joined her dad in business right away. Mike joined her a couple years later. As the business grew, so did Mike and Abby’s family. They now have two daughters—Katie, 17, and Allie, 15—and in 2008, Abby gave birth to their first son, Matthew. “Pretty much right away, we knew something wasn’t quite right,” Abby remembers. “He presented with developmental delays. Basically, he wasn’t meeting milestones.” For years, the Zaffutos traversed the long journey to find a diagnosis for Matthew. It wasn’t until he was eight years old that Matthew finally got some answers. He
“We just want to magnify the voice we have here to help this cause.”
was diagnosed with Activity Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP) syndrome, a condition that was not discovered until 2014. “He was approximately the 25th kid diagnosed,” Abby says of her son. “Today there are around two hundred.” The rare syndrome is the result of a mutated gene that affects brain development, causing Matthew to have intellectual disabilities, fatigue easily, and have a high pain tolerance.
In so many ways, he’s just a normal kid. “Matthew is a super happy kid,” Zaffuto says. “He’s never upset and has a great personality.” He loves going to Clemson games, and he has played at Top Soccer and the Miracle League—local sports leagues for children with special needs. New scientific research has offered hope to ADNP children like Matthew. As one of the few known causes of autism, ADNP has garnered a great deal of attention from the scientific community. “The testing is pretty promising,” according to Abby. “It may not help Matthew now that he’s older, but the hope is that we can help other children before their brains are developed.” Roto-Rooter and the Upstate have rallied around Matthew to support treatment and a cure for ADNP. The Roto-Rooter Franchise Association raised about $16,000 at its annual conference. Abby, Mike, and their franchises have helped support the cause through the ADNP Kids Research Foundation, and they have recently begun fundraising for a clinical trial for Matthew, who went to New York last summer to begin participating in a study. Abby, along with the wonderful people at Roto-Rooter, are working on a plan to provide consistent contributions through their business to the charities and science that will hopefully lead to a cure. “We just want to magnify the voice we have here to help this cause,” Abby says. “At some point, we knew we had more than just a cute kid on a billboard,” says Dustin Littrell, head of the marketing team for Roto-Rooter in the Upstate. “We have a sweet kid that is unique in so many ways, including being one of just a few hundred kids with this condition. We think it’s time to tell his story.” And the community has embraced Matthew. From sports leagues for kids with special needs to excellent doctors and therapists at the Children’s Hospital and Greenville Genetics, the Upstate has provided the Zaffutos with a supportive place to grow their business and their family. “It’s still challenging,” Zaffuto says. “But I think we’re lucky to live where we live.” So next time you’re heading down I-385 and see the Roto-Rooter billboard, you won’t just think of top-notch plumbing, drain and water cleanup services. You’ll recognize Matthew as well. For more information on ADNP Syndrome or to make a donation, please visit www.adnpfoundation.org.
136 Tanner Rd., Greenville rotorooter.com 864.448.0707
Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID POLESKI PHOTOGRAPHY
RICK ERWIN DINING GROUP “Rick Erwin” is a near household name in most Greenville social circles. With eight fine-dining restaurants and a catering division, we
invest, Michael was the planner that made it happen. Rick pointed to the proverbial destination, and Michael drew the map.
have come to equate the name with high-quality food as well as an overall remarkable experience. Diners often meet Rick as he strolls through the restaurants, checking on their meals and thanking them for their patronage. With a gentleman’s handshake and authentic smile, the sense of welcome is more than apparent. Customers in his
McCarthy was another choice source of talent that made
“We see one man, hear one name, but experience the effort of many more.”
restaurants come away with a distinct satisfaction that has delighted their taste buds and painted their memories with a dining experience that was next to none. It would be all too easy to attribute such a successful enterprise to the
the Rick Erwin’s of today possible. A once sous-chef in the WestEnd Grille, he is now corporate chef and lead recruiter of the talent that enriches each of the eight current restaurants. Chefs now come from all over the country, and each skill set is reviewed by McCarthy to ensure the customer receives nothing but the best. Today, the three are co-owners of the growing Rick Erwin Dining Group, and with a distinct lane of
responsibility. Some say that if your life flashes before your eyes, make sure it is
man who bears the restaurants’ name. However, as John Donne famously
worth watching. Erwin and his group of gifted partners try to ensure
wrote, “No man is an island, entire of itself.” Peeking into this particular
just that in their own particular way. Each patron receives a memorable
operation reveals at least two others whose friendship and partnership has
experience from beginning to end. Their determined efforts are naturally
made this dream a reality to the delight of many an Upstate gastronome.
portrayed in the epicurean art that they provide the Upstate. Indeed, no
Enter Michael Ivey and Jason McCarthy, two men whose functions
man is an island, and thus the story of Mr. Rick Erwin.
serve as major gears to this well-oiled machine. A decade ago, Ivey was an executive at Suntrust Bank and (providentially) a habitué at Rick Erwin’s West End Grille. As Erwin and Ivey became friends, then Clemson “tailgaters”, Ivey was asked one day about becoming CFO. After conceiving the possibility, they realized they were ready for a second restaurant, hence Rick Erwin’s Nantucket Seafood. The two became a classic pair. Rick was the eye that saw where to 94
Behind The Counter | 2019
648 S. Main St., Greenville rickerwins.com | 864.546.3537
MISSION GRAPE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID POLESKI PHOTOGRAPHY
His wife and sister-in-law are integral parts of Mission Grape, providing Over the last few years, Matt Tebbetts has decided to take a risk. And warehouse, functional and operational support. His wife, Carly, and her after eighteen years with Greenville Federal Credit Union, he decided to sister are also active in raising money to fight cancer with the Prisma turn his passion into a career. Tebbetts and his wife have always had a love Health. Carly and her sister have both battled cancer, and Matt says that’s for wine, taking trips across the country and across the world to sample part of the reason he was willing to make the leap to become wines and meet the people producing it. However, it an entrepreneur. wasn’t until a breakthrough introduction that Matt saw an “We want to do things “We don’t want to live life with regret,” Matt says. “We opportunity to chase down a dream and bring a muchthat are meaningful.” want to do things that are meaningful. When you are dealt needed service to the Upstate. a significant blow, you realize you have to do things you are Traveling and drinking wine had always gone handpassionate about.” in-hand for the Tebbetts, but when they partnered with The Tebbetts are now following those dreams and giving back to the importer T. Edward Wines, from New York City, they knew they had to community in more ways than one. Mission Grape is bringing wines from take advantage of their enthusiasm for wine and their community’s need Italy, France, Spain, Argentina, Chile, the US and elsewhere to the winefor a local distributor. Matt then traveled to France and Italy to meet drinkers of the Upstate. But it’s his location and relationships that give with producers that would eventually work with Mission Grape. “What Mission Grape an advantage over regional or national distributors. “We started as a conversation took the form of trial and error for a while,” says have a lot of businesses in our community that are local, and we hope Tebbetts. “With the support of our community, it has grown into a fullthose same retail shops and restaurants will give us the opportunity to time business more quickly than we ever expected.” provide them with great wines at a reasonable price.” Mission Grape is currently the only local wine distributor in the Upstate. It provides sales and support to restaurants and retail establishments. Having their warehouse nearby allows Tebbetts to deliver or restock wines within hours instead of days, keeping his clients fully supplied on the wines that the people of Greenville love. Away from his 4,000-square-foot warehouse, Matt can be found building relationships around Greenville and the state, traveling to new places around the world in search of the best wines or spending time with missiongrape.com his family. 864.918.2919
Behind The Counter | 2019
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAN ASHLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
VISTA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT GROUP Frank DuPree founded Vista Capital Management Group in 2007 times and enabled aggregated analysis of portfolios and trending capabilities, with a goal of creating a boutique multifamily property management the underlying foundation of property management has remained constant. company that brought the sophistication of institutionalThe nuts and bolts of the industry haven’t changed. Our goal grade management together with the accessibility and the is always to maximize the effective gross income, to control “Our goal is always to maneuverability of a smaller firm. Frank and his president property expenses, and thus, drive the net operating income,” maximize the effective of operations, Wayne Redding, have both been in the DuPree says. With a staff that is extremely attentive to detail gross income, to control multifamily management business for over 40 years. Frank and committed to deriving the full potential of their assets, property expenses, and Wayne worked together at both Boston Financial Vista is able to focus on these fundamentals. and thus, drive the net Company and later with AIMCO and its predecessor, In addition to a platform that delivers successful results, operating income.” Insignia. Prior to leaving AIMCO to start Vista Capital Vista emphasizes strong relationships with top-tier service Management Group, Frank was regional vice president of providers in each of the markets in which it operates. AIMCO, overseeing almost 20,000 apartment units under management. Vista Capital Management Group is headquartered right here Frank and Wayne believe that Vista’s strongest asset is its people. in Greenville. Through the expertise and commitment of their staff of certified property Frank likes to say, “To be successful in life, you have to do what you say managers, Vista has earned the designation of Accredited Management you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it.” This dependability Organization (AMO) from the Institute of Real Estate Management and transparency are clearly displayed in his work. (IREM). “Having the right people in the right place attributes to the success of real estate investments,” says Redding, president and director of property operations. With this vision, it is clear that working with Vista provides the unparalleled service that their clients deserve. Vista currently provides property and asset management services for over 2,100 units throughout the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions and is 207 Whitsett St., Greenville equally dedicated to providing only the best in service to each and every one. vistacapitalmanagementgroup.com | 864.404.3500 “While technological advances have led to quicker, more proactive response 96
Behind The Counter | 2019
COMMUNITY JOURNALS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONFIRE VISUALS
“It’s been a hell of a journey,” said Mark Johnston, president and CEO very best readers, advertisers and contributors we could ever hope of Community Journals Publishing Group. for in this market.” Twenty years ago, Johnston and his wife Donna hatched the idea for a Of course, the media landscape has changed since the first Greenville community newspaper around their kitchen table. At the Journal was published in 1999. “We’ve had to adapt and grow,” time, they were unsure if their publishing model would Johnston said. That growth has included an increased focus on work. The Johnstons knew they needed a top-quality digital platforms for the publications. “We feel very fortunate product, the contributions of many talented people, and The company’s eagerness to embrace growth and change, that from day one, strong relationships with the local business community to combined with its inherent entrepreneurial spirit, has led to the community has support the product through advertising. an ever-expanding roster of products and services offered supported us.” Their model has withstood the test of time. In the to clients. “If a company needs different products, digital past two decades, the Johnstons’ vision has made an products, events, or a custom print publication – we can impact on the Upstate community by offering local news respond to that because all decisions are made right here on across a range of publications – publications that have been embraced by Perry Avenue,” Johnston said, referring to the West Village office that has readers and advertisers alike. In addition to the Greenville Journal, the been the company’s home base for the past five years. company publishes TOWN Magazine, Upstate Business Journal and At Everyone at Community Journals wants to say a big “thank you” to Home magazine and special publications like the ever-popular Behind the Greenville for a great twenty years of partnership and support. Counter. Each of these publications was created in response to a community need. Understanding what the publications’ readers want and forging community partnerships has been a key to success. “From the very start, we were all about being with, for and about the communities we serve,” Johnston said. “We feel very fortunate that from day one, the community has supported us.” In fact, Johnston said he doesn’t know if the publishing model 581 Perry Ave., Greenville could have worked anywhere outside of Greenville. “We’re in a communityjournals.com dynamic community in Greenville, SC,” Johnston said. “We have the 864.679.1200
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“WE ARE MORE THAN AWARDS.” At Cowart Awards, we’re committed to providing personable, timely service, products of the highest quality and a level of expertise, resourcefulness and knowledge that is standard-setting in the industry.
Since the move to Laurens Road in 1968, Cowart has been serving the Upstate with awards and recognition, but that is only a part of what we do.
People are what make Cowart different. We each share a working knowledge of the awards and recognition industry and the know-how and wherewithal to get things done. We’re committed to providing quality products you’re proud to present, and awards recipients are proud to keep.
We come in early and stay late. We ask, “Why?” We ask,“What if?” We do more than trophies, plaques and engraving. We innovate. We create. Whether name badges, interior signage, apparel or anything requiring custom production…we find one-of-a-kind solutions.
Cowart was founded in 1965 in a West Greenville garage by brothers Tom and George Cowart Sr. The Cowart brothers prized excellence, a tradition honored today by George Cowart Jr., Cheryl Taylor, Erin Hester, Raji Ward and The Cowart Team.
Because awards and recognition mean something to people. They have impact. They have meaning. They’re worth our time. They’re worth our best.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN PHOTOGRAPHY
912 LAURENS ROAD, GREENVILLE | 864-271-9131
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMERON REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY
MEYER DENTISTRY Dr. Meyer is helping his patients to have more confidence in showing off their smiles. Combining personable service with current technology and a great deal of experience, the team at Meyer Dentistry is making each patient’s dental health a long-term commitment.
Dentistry and family have always been connected for Dr. Meyer. His father, uncle, brother, and two cousins are all dentists around the country. “As a kid, I never wondered what I’d be when I grew up – I always said I’d be a dentist, just like my dad. I have never doubted that decision; I love my
The focus on patient comfort and care is a priority at Meyer Dentistry. Dr. Meyer wants them to have a relaxed, anxiety-free experience in the office and a confident smile afterwards. Building long-lasting relationships with patients, he is able to follow changes in patients’ lives and
profession and being able to help each patient.”
“We want our patients to feel like they are a member of our family.”
overall health, to better understand their dental needs. “We want our patients to feel like they are members of our family,” Meyer says. “Continuity of care and trust is important to our practice.” Practicing dentistry for 29 years, Dr. Meyer has seen a lot of
When Dr. Meyer is away from the office, he is usually enjoying time with his family. He and his wife, Anne, have three children—two in college, Jacob and Ella, and one in high school, Kate. They live on a mini-farm, raising horses, goats, chickens, rabbits, among others. Dr. Meyer spends time working outside with his hands, doing landscaping and building projects that
often involve the whole family. Dr. Meyer has raised a family and developed a business that mirror the
improvements in the field, and has managed to stay on the front lines of the
Upstate community. “The importance is on family and people,” Meyer says
newest innovations in oral health. This includes Full Smile Rejuvenation,
of the Greenville-area. “That is what impressed us when we made our first
which is a customized plan that may include veneers, crowns, dental
visit here and what has made Greenville our forever home, personally and
implants, dentures, bridges or whitening to help achieve patients’ smiles of
professionally!
their dreams. As a general dentist he is able to help patients achieve their optimal dental health with regular care. Dr. Meyer has even ventured into sleep dentistry, helping people with mild and moderate sleep apnea, assisting patients to find a better quality of life. That relaxing atmosphere is created by the well-trained and experienced
1212 Haywood Rd. #300, Greenville
team. “The team has years of experience in the field, and we have a family
meyerdentistry.com
atmosphere. I love working with this group of people,” Meyer says.
864.213.4442
100
Behind The Counter | 2019
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA PARKKONEN
From left: Anne Lamb, Wealth Regional Director; Beth Toney, Wealth Team Director; Todd Harward, Wealth Advisor; Shane Kendrick, Wealth Advisor; Charles Clementson, Wealth Advisor; Maggie Sims, Wealth Advisor; Judy Schoemer, Personal Trust Specialist; Sam Gillespie, Wealth Advisor
BB&T HAS GROWN INTO ONE OF THE MOST STABLE AND SUCCESSFUL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE NATION.
BB&T’s wealth management approach is driven by a longstanding culture of personal service and integrity. And BB&T’s clients in Greenville know the value of doing business with BB&T, one of the most stable and successful financial institutes in the nation, is in building relationships with experienced advisors rooted in this culture. Clients have access to a dedicated wealth advisor supported by a team of specialists with deep knowledge 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 areas 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 focus on 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 create deeper, more meaningful connections and relationships that continue for years, decades – even generations,” said Wealth Regional Director Anne Lamb. Traditional banking services are provided by Branch Banking and Trust Company, Member FDIC. Only deposit products are FDIC insured. Loans, lines of credit and credit cards are subject to credit approval. Trust and investment management services are provided by Branch Banking and Trust Company. Other investment solutions are offered by BB&T Investments and BB&T Scott & Stringfellow, divisions of BB&T Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products are provided by McGriff Insurance Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BB&T Insurance Holdings, Inc. BB&T Securities, LLC, is a wholly owned, nonbank subsidiary of BB&T Corporation. Securities and insurance products or annuities sold, offered or recommended by BB&T Securities, LLC, BB&T Insurance Holdings, Inc., or Branch Banking and Trust Company are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by a bank, not insured by any federal government agency and may go down in value. BB&T and its representatives do not offer tax advice. The information provided should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult with your individual tax advisor and/or attorney regarding your individual circumstances.
2 W. Washington St. | Greenville, SC 29601 864-282-3172 | BBT.com
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMERON REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY
MEYER DENTISTRY Dr. Meyer is helping his patients to have more confidence in showing off their smiles. Combining personable service with current technology and a great deal of experience, the team at Meyer Dentistry is making each patient’s dental health a long-term commitment.
Dentistry and family have always been connected for Dr. Meyer. His father, uncle, brother, and two cousins are all dentists around the country. “As a kid, I never wondered what I’d be when I grew up – I always said I’d be a dentist, just like my dad. I have never doubted that decision; I love my
The focus on patient comfort and care is a priority at Meyer Dentistry. Dr. Meyer wants them to have a relaxed, anxiety-free experience in the office and a confident smile afterwards. Building long-lasting relationships with patients, he is able to follow changes in patients’ lives and
profession and being able to help each patient.”
“We want our patients to feel like they are a member of our family.”
overall health, to better understand their dental needs. “We want our patients to feel like they are members of our family,” Meyer says. “Continuity of care and trust is important to our practice.” Practicing dentistry for 29 years, Dr. Meyer has seen a lot of
When Dr. Meyer is away from the office, he is usually enjoying time with his family. He and his wife, Anne, have three children—two in college, Jacob and Ella, and one in high school, Kate. They live on a mini-farm, raising horses, goats, chickens, rabbits, among others. Dr. Meyer spends time working outside with his hands, doing landscaping and building projects that
often involve the whole family. Dr. Meyer has raised a family and developed a business that mirror the
improvements in the field, and has managed to stay on the front lines of the
Upstate community. “The importance is on family and people,” Meyer says
newest innovations in oral health. This includes Full Smile Rejuvenation,
of the Greenville-area. “That is what impressed us when we made our first
which is a customized plan that may include veneers, crowns, dental
visit here and what has made Greenville our forever home, personally and
implants, dentures, bridges or whitening to help achieve patients’ smiles of
professionally!
their dreams. As a general dentist he is able to help patients achieve their optimal dental health with regular care. Dr. Meyer has even ventured into sleep dentistry, helping people with mild and moderate sleep apnea, assisting patients to find a better quality of life. That relaxing atmosphere is created by the well-trained and experienced
1212 Haywood Rd. #300, Greenville
team. “The team has years of experience in the field, and we have a family
meyerdentistry.com
atmosphere. I love working with this group of people,” Meyer says.
864.213.4442
100
Behind The Counter | 2019
INDEX
SAM HANKINS, BROKER ASSOCIATE
EVERYTHING WE TOUCH TURNS TO SOLD!
When it comes to helping people buy or sell a home, Sam
after his dad in playing soccer, a sport Sam played growing up. Sam still
Hankins has the ability to bring details to life, finding his clients
loves the outdoors, whether it is camping, fishing or snowboarding.
their perfect home in the Upstate or selling a home in record time. Multimillion dollars in real estate sales have landed
Sam has become a certified relocation agent to help bring
Sam at the top of the C. Dan Joyner’s list of agents,
more out-of-towners to the Upstate. “I love helping people
earning him a spot in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices “Top 10 Agents” and President’s Circle
M AS A E T R U O WE KEEP G AXE! N I W O R H AT SHARP AS
The Hankinses love the Upstate and have no desire to leave. Instead,
for 2017 and 2018.
“I love helping people new to the area discover our wonderful city.”
Sam has called Greenville home all of his life, and he is using his knowledge of the city to find clients their
GVLTODAY .....................................................................88-89 Hilary Hurst, REALTOR®........................................................ 86 Holliday Ingram Real Estate Law .....................................56-57 Ike’s Carpet, Rug & Upholstery Cleaning, Inc. ..................32-33 Jacob Mann, REALTOR® ....................................................... 16 Jeff Meister, REALTOR® ........................................................ 62
find their new home here in Greenville,” Hankins says. “And
A.T. Locke.............................................................................. 8
Jennifer Van Gieson, REALTOR® ........................................... 55
I love helping people who are new to the area discover our
Adam Peterson – State Farm ............................................... 76
Jersey Mike’s ..................................................................40-41
wonderful city.”
Alex & Ellis Crigler, C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS® ...................... 50
Jill Chapman, REALTOR® ...................................................... 47
Amy Hammond, REALTOR® .................................................... 9
Jordan Lumber Company ..................................................... 17
Andrew Plunkett, REALTOR® ................................................ 83
Luxury Lake Living Team, The ............................................... 69
Sam hasn’t become one of Greenville’s most familiar real estate agents by accident. He has made a name for himself
perfect match. He is one of the most prolific real estate agents on social
through his outgoing attitude and relentless work ethic. “I don’t just set it
media in the Upstate, employing up-to-date marketing tools to work for
and forget it,” he says. “Anyone who hires me to be their agent knows that
AssuredPartners .................................................................. 45
Maggie Aiken, REALTOR® .................................................... 39
his clients in selling their home. “I work extremely hard for each and
I am a go-getter.” Whether it’s getting an offer on a house or finding his
Atlantis Luxury Pools ......................................................80-81
Martin Garden Center ......................................................... 30
every client and want to give them the latest and greatest in marketing
client’s next dream home, Sam Hankins doesn’t give up until he has it.
Bank of Travelers Rest.....................................................78-79
Massage Envy ....................................................................4-5
BB&T Wealth ............................................................Back Gate
Melissa Morrell, REALTOR® .................................................. 35
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS® – Commercial Division ................................. 36
Meyer Dentistry ................................................................. 100
in real estate in 2014. “Most importantly, I want to help people in our
Bogari European Contemporary Furniture ............................ 26
community,” he says. “I want to be a key part in one of the biggest
Mobius Construction ........................................................... 27
Busy Beez Cleaning ............................................................. 82
Nathalie M. Morgan Family Law & Immigration Law............. 38
C. Dan Joyner Property Management Co. ............................. 20
P&H Consulting Raymond James ......................................... 42
C.O.R.E. Grow Strong .......................................................... 73
PartnerMD .....................................................................60-61
Capital Corporation, The ...................................................... 68
Patrick Furman, REALTOR®................................................... 43
Carmen Crigler Feemster, REALTOR® .................................... 66
Petal Pickers Flower Company ............................................. 15
Chet & Beth Smith Group, The ......................Inside Front Cover
Rhett Brown, REALTOR® ...................................................... 11
Christophillis & Gallivan....................................................... 54
Rick Erwin Dining Group...................................................... 94
Comfort Keepers ................................................................. 31
Ron’s Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning ...................................24-25
Community Journals ............................................................ 97
Roots .................................................................................. 14
Compounding Solutions ...................................................... 67
Roto Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service ............................92-93
Corley Plumbing Air Electric ............................................52-53
Sallé Galloway ...............................................................28-29
Countybank ........................................................................ 18
STAYING SHARP
Sam Hankins, Broker Associate .......................Inside Back Gate
Cowart Awards ..............................................................98-99
Samson Stone ..................................................................... 85
It’s what helps us slice through the competition. The Chet and Beth Smith Group has been successfully helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs for over 20 years in the Upstate. And even though our team has closed more than 4,300 sales, representing over a billion dollars in sales volume, we are not complacent – we take our responsibilities to our clients seriously and we don’t take their business for granted. That’s why we are always looking for the sharpest edge and any tool we can employ to help our clients hit their target with accuracy, whether it is finding the right home in this competitive market, or selling their home for the highest possible price and the best possible terms. So if you’re even thinking about buying or selling, give us a call today for a non-obligation interview!
CSS Tree Service .................................................................. 21
Sandy Soba, REALTOR®........................................................ 84
Dehollander & Janse Financial Group ................................... 72
Southern Traditions .............................................................. 65
Dillard-Jones ....................................................................... 23
Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System ............................... 3
Dodds and Associates, C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS ................. 37
Spaulding Group, C. Dan Joyner REALTORS® ........................ 64
Dominion Senior Living ...................................................70-71
Spinx Co. ............................................................................ 13
Drift Float & Spa.................................................................... 1
Splash on Main ................................................................... 51
Eastside Transportation Services ........................................... 91
Stephanie Miller, REALTOR® ................................................. 59
Five Oaks Academy ............................................................. 58
Strive Performance Coaching ............................................... 77
Forest Kitchen Design Studio ............................................... 19
Taylors Mill.......................................................................... 46
Foster Victor ...................................................................74-75
Tribus Design Studio ............................................................ 22
Galt Innovations .................................................................. 12
Tuck & Howell ..................................................................... 44
Genco Pool & Spa ..............................................................6-7
Two Men And A Truck .......................................................... 63
Golden Strip Glass ............................................................... 34
Upstate Event Services ........................................................ 90
Graydon & Thompson CPA ................................................... 48
Vista Capital Management Group ........................................ 96
Greenville Carpet One ......................................................... 10
Westfield Greenville ............................................................ 87
Greystone Antiques ............................................................. 49
Wilson & Associates Real Estate ............................. Back Cover
when they work with me, because that’s what every seller deserves,” Sam says. “It doesn’t matter how big or small the transaction, I want to give the best service I possibly can.” Sam always knew he wanted to be in sales, and he found his calling
financial decisions of their lives.” But Sam isn’t finding his success alone. His wife, Viviana, works as the Client Relations Manager for him, and Sam calls her “the cornerstone of our business.” He also has a son, Shane, who has taken
3539 Pelham Rd., Greenville mygreenvilleschouse.com 864.561.8119
ler, , Alex Crig z Nunnally Li , n ee ee u rie McQ Wendy McK Gray, Guth s Crigler, , Michelle Walsh, Elli er ie p o at K K e , h ik M d Bet iel, Chet an Holly Dan
If you are thinking about SELLING or BUYING or BUILDING a home….
call Chet and Beth Smith 458-SOLD (7653)
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEY ASHFORD PHOTOGRAPHY
www.ChetandBethSmith.com
®
Mission Grape ..................................................................... 95
HERE’S THE
#
1
REASON TO WORK WITH WILSON ASSOCIATES.
NUMBER ONE LOCAL INDEPENDENT AGENCY* NUMBER ONE AGENT * NUMBER ONE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD™
Okay, so that’s three reasons. But you get the point. Nobody treats their clients as well as we do at Wilson Associates.
WE’RE EVERYWHERE ™
864.640.8700 | wilsonassociates.net
*Source: Greater Greenville Multiple Listing Service January 1, 2018 – December 31, 2018