BEHIND THE COUNTER
LOCAL COMPANIES
SEE THE PEOPLE BEHIND SOME OF UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA’S FINEST LOCAL BUSINESSES AND GET A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT WHO, HOW AND WHY.
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Trust the Upstate’s Real Estate leader.
When our name is placed on a yard sign, it’s a sign that buyers and sellers want to see. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS represents strength, integrity, trust and quality. It’s a name you’ve come to know and trust since 1964. We’re the Upstate’s real estate leader year after year because of our commitment to you. Our 300+ real estate professionals in nine offices throughout the area can help you sell your current home and find your dream home. You’re not just buying a house...you’re searching for a place to call home and make memories that will last a lifetime. Trust the Upstate leader when it comes to your home. You’ll be glad you did.
cdanjoyner.com
Residential · Commercial · Relocation · Property Management · Senior Services
World’s Most #1 The Admired Companies Berkshire Hathaway Fortune Magazine, 2015
Top 100 Most Respected #2 The Companies in the World
Berkshire Hathaway Barron’s, 2014
Real Estate Company #1 Upstate Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS, MLS, 2014
Bringing Quality Home Since 1964. BHHS IFC 0410BTC.indd 118 BTC2015_LAYOUT.indd 1
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GBS BUILDING SUPPLY “It’s a large company that acts like a small company, with a ton of heart and determination.”
Photography by carol boone stewart
There are 115 employees at GBS, and each one plays an integral part in making the company what it is: dependable, consistent, knowledgeable, friendly and – unlike many of its competitors – local. The products offered are second to none, but leaders at the company point out that it’s the people who make all the difference. Long-term, local employees know the community, know the clients and know the GBS culture of always going the extra mile to find solutions for customers. Nick Campbell, Vice President of Sales, said the employee-owned company separates itself from the pack with staff members that work tirelessly with contractors and customers. “It’s a culture started long ago, since the inception of GBS,” he said. “It’s a large company that acts like a small company, with a ton of heart and determination.” Being local and employee-owned is motivating, he said, and helps ensure staff members always strive to do the right thing. It also leads to easier decision-making and problem-solving. “Our decisions are made right here in Greenville, and if a customer has a problem, they can reach us, no problem,” Campbell said. GBS was founded in 1972 and has grown to include a store and complete showroom in Mauldin along with locations in Six Mile, Anderson and Hendersonville. The company supplies lumber, windows, doors, trim, cabinets and decking to custom homebuilders, remodelers and homeowners. The company added a commercial division in 2011 that specializes in drywall and related products, and that area has seen
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steady growth, Campbell said. The company has also been working on rebranding to remind each customer – and each employee – that “we do the job better than anyone,” Campbell said. “That’s why we’ve seen so much growth. The recession in 2008 was tough, but we came out of it stronger and we’re seeing the fruits of that today.” There is also a focus on giving back to the community, and GBS supports charities such as the American Heart Association and the Alzheimer’s Association. They also encourage employees to donate their time and resources to causes that mean the most to them. While the company continues to grow and succeed, Campbell makes sure he and the staff remember that success is not owned, but leased. “This is an evolving business,” he said. “We have to work hard and we have to earn it every day.”
B
BUILDING
SUPPLY
PRODUCTS SERVICE SOLUTIONS
Corporate Office: 11 Geneva Ct., Greenville gbsbuilding.com | 864.288.3627
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A Celebration of LOCAL BUSINESS
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mark b. johnston President & CEO
ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Account Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kristi jennings
donna johnston annie langston lindsay oehman emily yepes
2003
2004
2005
Sponsorship & Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . kate madden
CREATIVE SERVICES
Creative Design Director . . . . . . . . . . . . .kristy m. adair Creative Design Assistant . . . . . . . . . .whitney fincannon
2006
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PRODUCTION
2008
Operations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .holly hardin Client Services Managers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . anita harley
jane rogers
Sr. Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . michael allen Contributing Photographers . . . . . . . . carol boone stewart
carolbstewartphotography.com
2009
2010
inspiro 8 studios inspiro8.com
2011
parkkonen photography myimagesbymonica.com related images photography relatedimagesphoto.com A photo essay of local entrepreneurs
Behind the Counter
Copy Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . leigh savage
jan scalisi allison walsh
201 4 Upstate, South Carolina | A Community Journals Publication
2012
2013
2014
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 13 years. I hope you enjoy reading the stories as much as we have enjoyed bringing them to you. Our team
Accounting Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . shannon rochester
designed and produced by COMMUNITY JOURNALS PUBLISHING GROUP
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.
publishers of greenville journal, upstate business journal, town magazine, & at home magazine.
So after you have read through these pages, go out and meet some of these people
communityjournals.com
you’ll see here in person. They will be happy to see you. I think you will agree that the view here in the Upstate is pretty good, no matter what side of the counter you’re on. Always remember...Shop Local! mark b. johnston, president &publisher 2
FINANCE
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581 perry avenue, greenville, sc 29611 phone: 864-679-1200
© 2015 published by community journals llc. all rights reserved. all property rights for the entire contents of this publication shall be the property of community journals. no part of this publication may be reproduced, scanned, stored, distributed or transmitted by any means – whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic – without written permission from the publisher. cover design by kristy adair.
Behind The Counter
3/29/15 9:28 PM
GIBBS CANCER CENTER & RESEARCH INSTITUTE “This very precise treatment of small areas of the body will be more and more in demand.”
Photography by carol boone stewart
Gibbs Cancer Center has a new cancer treatment that offers unprecedented accuracy and precision. The tool, the M6 version of the CyberKnife, is the only one of its kind in the Southeast. Dr. Daniel Fried, a radiation oncologist at Gibbs, says they began treating patients in December and CyberKnife is especially effective at treating tumors in the brain, lung, prostate, liver and near the spinal cord, among other sites. “The CyberKnife is unique in that it tracks the tumor as it moves,” Fried said. “This allows extremely precise treatment of the tumor with minimal damage to healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.” The CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery System is a non-invasive alternative to surgery, and though the name sounds like a cutting tool, there is no cutting involved. The CyberKnife delivers beams of high-dose radiation to tumors, and is the first and only tool of its kind. All of the radiation oncologists at Gibbs have been trained or are taking training courses to ensure they can make the best use of the valuable new equipment, and Fried said the 23 patients treated so far have been doing very well. “This is absolutely the direction radiation oncology is going,” he said. “This very precise treatment of small areas of the body will be more and more in demand.” Fried enjoys both the research side of medicine and working with patients, and his post at Gibbs is the perfect fit since it allows him to do both. He grew up in North Carolina, attended the University of Chicago
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and then earned a master’s in biostatistics at UNC Chapel Hill. Add a Ph.D. in epidemiology, followed by a medical degree and then residency, and Fried has a total of 21 years of post-graduate education. “I was doing my dissertation on molecular alterations in breast cancer DNA when I realized being stuck in a lab all day doing research wouldn’t be satisfying to me,” he said. “I realized I wanted to go to medical school.” He’s been with Gibbs for almost four years and appreciates the cuttingedge research combined with a focus on patient care. Fried’s downtime involves spending time with his family, including his wife Francesca and four boys ages 12, 10, 8 and 6. “I coach soccer, and we love getting out and exploring Greenville,” he said. “We live on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, so we love to ride our bikes or walk to town for lunch. I used to do bike races in Cleveland Park years ago, so it’s fun to ride that same loop now.”
2759 S. Hwy 14, Greer | 101 East Wood St., Spartanburg gibbscancercenter.org | 1.855.DNA.GIBBS
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MASSAGE ENVY SPA The Massage Envy Spa team has always given back, and this year they’ve found two new causes to support – the Ride to Remember, a three-day July cycling event, and the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Don Taylor, who owns two Greenville Massage Envy Spa locations with wife Caroline, is part of a team participating in the ride, pedaling over 252 miles from Simpsonville to Mount Pleasant. Don, having completed three Ironman triathlons, is used to endurance events, but this one has special meaning. “My mother died of Alzheimer’s at only 47 years old,” says Don. “This is the 30th anniversary of her passing, so this event has a lot of personal meaning. My sister Robin is coming to do it with me.” In addition, Don has organized a group to run the Marine Corps Marathon in DC for the Semper Fi Fund, an organization that supports wounded Marines. Caroline is also an avid cyclist and competes in sprint-distance triathlons, and is volunteering for the Ride and running the 10k at the USMC Marathon. It’s just another example of the Taylors’ commitment to volunteering, which also includes working with the Arthritis Foundation by helping organize the local Jingle Bell Run/Walk, an event that raised almost $30,000 for the foundation last year; and hosting Healing Hands, which raised over $1 million nationwide last year, supporting 50 million adults and 300,000 children with arthritis. “We personally have a desire to giving back, and feel it’s important as small business owners to make that available to our staff,” Caroline said. “We live here, are locally owned and operated, and are committed to our community.” The Taylors opened their two Massage Envy Spa locations, Verdae in 2007 and Pelham in 2008. Their arrival in Greenville and affiliation with Massage Envy Spa was unexpected, Caroline says. Don ran across an article about Massage Envy Spa, the first company to successfully franchise spa services based on a membership model. He showed Caroline the article, which featured a married couple, and they joked about buying one together. After more research – including reading Before You Quit Your Job – the couple seriously considered the idea, especially when they discovered an opportunity to introduce Massage Envy Spa to Greenville. “We moved home, and opened within six months,” Caroline says. It was a big change, but one the Taylors are glad they made. “It was a great concept, and it’s a great partnership,” she said. The franchise has seen steady growth nationwide. The Taylors’ Verdae Village location was the second in South Carolina, and now the company has more than 1,000 locations. “That’s been terrific for clients,” Caroline said. “ Members love that they can use it at any location nationwide when they travel for work or vacation.” Don adds that the name recognition has grown tremendously. “Now it’s practically synonymous with massage,” he said. “It’s a well-recognized and well respected brand, and that’s been fun to watch.” Locally, the business has been growing as well thanks to a well-trained staff and a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekend hours. While most clients prefer the 40% savings they get as members, non-members are of course welcome. Massage Envy Spa has a variety of offerings, including Swedish, trigger point, deep tissue, sports and prenatal massage, along with enhancements like sugar foot scrubs, aromatherapy and deep heat therapy. Four customized skin facials are also offered. When they aren’t working or participating in philanthropic and athletic pursuits, the Taylors relish time with son Austin, a Clemson junior; son Ian, a JL Mann senior; and daughter Grace, a Beck eighth-grader.
101 Verdae Blvd., Ste. 900, Greenville | 864.675.1155 3714 Pelham Rd., Greenville | 864.288.1150 massageenvy.com
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Photography by carol boone stewart
“We live here, are locally owned and operated, and are committed to our community.”
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 9:51 PM
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Photography by carol boone stewart
GREYSTONE ANTIQUES AND RESTORATION In addition to restoring and selling antiques, Greystone creates custom pieces for clients, often reworking family pieces that have been handed down. Trey Sherman says it happens all the time. Someone comes in with a beautiful piece of furniture – a recent example was a Federal sewing table – that had been damaged. The owner had taken it to a refinisher, who did a good job on the piece, but destroyed its value by removing the original finish. Trey is a restorer and an antiques dealer. “I’ve been doing this my whole life,” he said. “If someone comes in with something that has been damaged, we give them advice.” Often, the damage can be repaired while maintaining the integrity and the value of the piece. In addition to restoring and selling antiques, Greystone creates custom pieces for clients, often reworking family pieces that have been handed down. The team also creates reproductions. “We’ve been around antiques for so long, we know the right things to do to make them look old,” he said. Popular items include range hoods, kitchen islands and farm tables made from antique lumber. Tommy Sherman, Trey’s father, opened Greystone on Augusta Road in 1972. While Tommy focused on buying and selling antiques, Trey was always drawn to the workshop, where he developed a passion for creating and restoring furniture. Since Trey took over the business in 2000, he continues buying and selling, but focuses on restoration, custom work, and “problem solving.” He keeps a varied selection in the shop, including European and American pieces – especially Southern pieces – and vintage and period 6
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antiques. He has items at a variety of price points, so there is something for everyone, including fine art and collectibles. Trey earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Furman University, and is married with 10-year-old twin girls. When he isn’t working, Trey, his wife Natalie, and the girls Greyson and Olivia love to travel, see live music, and camp with their dog, Stella. As a new generation inherits their parents’ or grandparents’ furniture, Trey helps people understand their antiques and the craftsmanship that went into them. “I am very fortunate in that my job is also my passion,” Trey said. He offers quality and craftsmanship for the most discerning collector, at a price anyone can afford – right here in Greenville.
1500 Augusta St. & 101 Piney Mountain Rd., Greenville greystoneantiques.net | 864.233.3424
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 3:23 PM
Opening Doors in Your Neighborhood. It’s about home. It’s about family. And if there’s anyone who knows a thing or two about home and family, it’s Beth Crigler. She and husband David managed to raise such a tight-knit clan that their three children are nearly inseparable as adults. “They do everything together,” Beth says of her children and their spouses. And she does mean everything. The oldest two share a birthday, got married three months apart, and they each have three children – all born within weeks of each other. And, of course, they all live within a mile of their parents. “I’m the luckiest person in the world because I have the greatest in-law children,” Beth says. “I couldn’t have picked better spouses for my children.” They are so close, in fact, that Beth shares an office with her daughter, Carmen, and daughter-in-law, Ellis. The youngest, Ginny, doesn’t work in real estate, but she does help feed hungry agents through The Traveling Peddler, a catering company owned by her husband, Geoff.
Ellis Crigler,
REALTOR® 864.616.1348
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From their Augusta Road office, Beth, Carmen, and Ellis help clients from all walks of life through the process of buying and selling – whether they are feathering a new nest, in search of a bigger nest, or downsizing an empty nest. Carmen and Ellis have particularly enjoyed helping their friends begin the journey of homeownership. As the daughter of the legendary C. Dan Joyner, a career in real estate may have seemed a foregone conclusion, but Beth tried her best to avoid the family business. She taught kindergarten for several years, worked in banking for a while, but ultimately realized real estate was in her blood, and there was just no getting around it. “I always said I would never be a Realtor, but one day I decided to get my license, and I’m so glad I did,” Beth says. “I love helping people find their dream homes and seeing them work towards the goal of the American dream.” Beth’s kids most likely learned the importance of family from the example she and her own siblings have set. They still honor the longstanding tradition of vacationing together at Fripp Island – a trip the family has taken since Beth was in sixth grade. Beth and her immediate family have established their own tradition at Kiawah, where she enjoys spending time with her four – soon to be six – grandchildren.
Beth Crigler,
REALTOR® GRI, CRS, Luxury Home Specialist
Carmen Crigler Feemster,
864.420.4718 bethcrigler.com
864.616.5177
REALTOR®
3/27/15 3:26 PM
Photography by related images photography
SIGNATURE POOLS & PATIOS “We’re intent on creating processes and procedures to make the experience for the customer exceptional.”
Visitors to downtown Anderson can get a firsthand look at the Signature experience. The interactive fountain across from City Hall treats patrons of city festivals to a light show that dances to the music. Signature was brought in on the project by landscape architect William Renninger Associates based on the company’s technical expertise and experience in bringing big ideas to fruition. Big ideas. Quality over quantity. These are the tenets of Craig Sikkelee’s business philosophy. He isn’t interested in churning out cookie-cutter pools that look like every other pool in every other back yard in every other neighborhood. He and his team of designers prefer to dream right along with their clients, and then make those dreams come true. The Signature process begins with looking at pictures – lots and lots of pictures – to get a feel for what appeals to each client, followed by a candid discussion of budgets so everyone at the table has realistic expectations before moving forward. “We focus on selling the design more than the swimming pool,” Craig says. “We’re intent on creating processes and procedures to make the experience for the customer exceptional.” Sikkelee recently rebranded his company, adding a tagline – Luxury Pools & Outdoor Living – that more accurately represents his team’s capabilities. More than just swimming pools, Signature seeks to create 8
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a total backyard environment for its clients. This includes everything from bathhouses and screened porches to fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. Basically, if it can be built outside, Signature can build it for you. Craig got his start in the local pool business in the early 1980s, building above-ground pools. Today, with the help of his son, Zach, VP of operations, and daughter, Skye, office administrator, he leads a team of 25 full-time employees – including CAD experts and landscape architects – and a dedicated roster of subcontractors. Together they put their Signature on every project that comes their way.
LUXURY POOLS & OUTDOOR LIVING 1525 Roper Mountain Rd., Greenville thesignatureexperience.com | 864.991.8020
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 3:29 PM
BARRE EVOLUTION “We are excited to bring our method to the Greenville community.”
Photography by related images photography
Barre Evolution opened its doors in October 2014 at McBee Station, nearly four years after the first studio opened in Charleston. “We are excited to bring our method to the Greenville community,” says Marie Crosby, Managing Partner. “Using a ballet barre for balance, we offer an hour-long, total body workout that is extremely effective at toning, tightening, and basically shrink-wrapping your body, while increasing your metabolism – and without any stress to sensitive joints.” Greenville’s fitness community is booming with the advent of boutique studios specializing in certain types of workouts, but most of them are national franchises. The Barre Evolution method was created by South Carolina founders Nancy Meyer and Nicole Wallen in Charleston, where Barre Evolution has two other successful studios. After three years there as a favored Barre Evolution instructor, Marie was approached by Nancy and Nicole about bringing their method to Greenville. “The idea intrigued me, and I already had a home in the nearby mountains of North Carolina,” recalls Marie. The day after their conversation, Marie’s son (with his wife and new daughter – Marie’s only grandchild) announced he was taking a job in Greenville. “I took it as a sign that I was meant to take this journey,” Marie says. Marie brings about 20 years of business management experience (she managed temporary staffing companies in Ohio and South Carolina) and 25 years of fitness experience with her to the Greenville studio. She has taught a wide range of group fitness classes, including spin, step and boot
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camps, and also worked as a personal trainer. Her robust fitness background is evident in her classes – the sequences are creative and no two classes are identical. “We offer variety so your muscles are constantly challenged, and we go for the shake when working our thighs,” laughs Marie. Marie and her seven highly trained instructors lead 30-plus classes per week at the studio. They pride themselves on offering personal attention in a group setting. The workout can be altered to fit any fitness level, as well as those coming back from an injury or pregnancy. Modifications and adjustments are always given by instructors to ensure a safe and effective workout in proper form. An express 45-minute class offered four times weekly is especially popular with the downtown working crowd who can get in and out quickly. When Marie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, cooking, or playing with the new puppy that joined the Crosby household in November.
400 East McBee Ave., Ste. 103, Greenville barreevolution.com | 864.241.6964
Behind The Counter | 201 5
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Photography by parkkonen photography
THE WHISTLE STOP AT THE AMERICAN CAFÉ George Hyder, who engineered the Swamp Rabbit Train on its last journey to Echo Valley in 1961, sips a glass of sweet tea beside the vintage Wurlitzer Jukebox as Vickie Hawkins and Craig Sikkelee, who helped design and restore the Whistle Stop, share an old-fashioned milkshake. Whistle Stop Café has been open under Vickie Hawkins’ ownership for a year now, and still – 100,000 visitors later – the story of her decision to buy the restaurant is a moving one. “I bought it to preserve my family’s legacy,” says Vickie of the oldest restaurant in Travelers Rest. First opened by her grandfather, Troy Styles Sr., in 1945, and later run by her uncle, Troy Styles Jr., the restaurant was put on the market when Troy, Jr. retired, where it stayed for four years until his death. That’s when Vickie claims her late grandfather and uncle “railroaded” her. “When we paused at the café during Junior’s funeral procession for a last good-bye, I knew I couldn’t allow the place to be sold,” Vickie recalls. Much to her surprise and the family’s delight, Vickie bought the restaurant and brought it back to life as a popular destination for tourists and cyclists. Maintaining its history as a 1940s whistle stop, the café features a vintage steam engine and a replica of the Swamp Rabbit Train. On stools tucked under the original 1932 counter, kids munch food served in train boxes. Customers feast on southern favorites including fried green tomatoes and shrimp ’n grits, along with wood-fired pizzas. An electric train chugs around the ceiling in the original café, while the Caboose Express serves hand-dipped ice cream, shakes, smoothies, Hawaiian shaved ice, and beverages through a walk-up window. Vickie has tripled the size of the café, recently opening Victoria’s Station, a full-service outdoor rooftop dining experience where diners 10
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overlook the trail and a quaint nearby church. Another legacy that she has preserved is gathering a crew that feels like the café is their home. “I wanted smiling, friendly faces who are proud to be a part of the rebirth of the oldest restaurant in the Upstate,” Vickie says of her 30-member staff. “I’m very fortunate to have them.” As for Vickie, the restaurant business might have been in her blood after all. “I enjoy it very much,” says Vickie, whose goal is to continue to serve all of her life-long friends and relatives, along with the residents of Travelers Rest, and those lucky folks who stop at the Whistle Stop Café as they wind their way down the Swamp Rabbit Trail, or pause along their way across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
109 South Main St., Travelers Rest whistlestopattheamericancafe.com | 864.WHISTLE (944.7853)
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 10:00 PM
POSH PAWS GROOMING & PET SPA, LLC “Cats and dogs have always been my passion and I have a long history with pet rescue and helping animals.”
Photography by carol boone stewart
Seta Chorbadjian moved to Greenville six years ago knowing no one but her husband, Sarkis Chorbadjian. She was planning to take some time off after years of working internationally in human resources and accounting, but she missed working and found herself inspired by her husband, an entrepreneur. “I would watch him have so much fun with his work, and I started thinking, ‘What would give me a similar fulfillment?’ Cats and dogs have always been my passion and I have a long history with pet rescue and helping animals.” So she embarked on a new adventure, participating in a dog grooming program at Greenville Technical College as well as becoming a Certified Feline Master Groomer at the National Cat Groomers Institute of America. She even took massage therapy for dogs in Cleveland, OH, learning integrated touch therapy techniques. “It’s so relaxing and comforting,” she said. “It increases circulation, improves flexibility and relieves the effects of stiffness and joint discomfort.” Three years ago, she opened Posh Paws, and has seen steady growth each year as friends tell friends about the grooming spa with the unique, relaxing environment. Personalized one-on-one attention and superior care contribute to her stress-free grooming style. She enjoys stylizing pets and follows breed-specific standards when grooming dogs, and offers handstripping services for terriers. She also grooms show-quality cats. Chorbadjian, who is of Armenian heritage, was born in Jordan and then
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immigrated to Canada. She has worked for the U.S. Embassy in Jordan, was a recruiting manager for a state university in Qatar, served as a human resources coordinator for a U.S. agency during the war in Iraq and was a human resources manager for an investment company in London. She was thrilled to become an American citizen in August 2014. “I had to study hard and take a test,” she said. “Then we went to the swearing-in ceremony, which was extremely meaningful as well as emotional. It made me realize how privileged I am to have become an American citizen. Of course, we had a party afterward. It was so much fun.” After years as a business woman, she has found her niche in pet grooming. She enjoys wearing the many different hats that business ownership requires, from accounting to customer service to marketing. She relishes the time she spends with animals and building relationships with their owners.
234 Westfield St., Greenville poshpawsgreenville.com | 864.271.4377
Behind The Counter | 201 5
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3/27/15 3:33 PM
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864.232.9015 3/27/15 3:35 PM
Photography by carol boone stewart
CHRISTOPHILLIS & GALLIVAN PA “We like to take a different approach.”
No longer the new legal firm in town, the lawyers of Christophillis and Gallivan PA have grown their practice and narrowed their focus to concentrate more closely on family law. Partners Jessica Christophillis and Amanda Gallivan opened their firm three years ago, and are happy to have grown so far professionally since their days as law school classmates at the USC School of Law. The attorneys are proud to have created a woman-owned boutique law firm that thinks outside the box to serve its clients. “In family law, there’s a history and an often pre-conceived notion that there is a standard way of doing things,” says Amanda. “We like to take a different approach.” The firm is committed to finding better and more client-centered approaches to the unique issues that arise in family law situations. “We understand where our female clients are coming from, and we’re able to help dads out because we offer a perspective that they might not have thought of. We can offer a unique perspective on both angles of it,” says Jessica, who notes that their clientele is nearly evenly split, male and female. There may be something to be said for a woman’s touch in the often difficult issues that arise in divorce and custody battles. For these two attorneys, compassion is a vital part of their practice. The attorneys are also committed to their process of making sure that their representation of a person is the right fit for both the client and the firm. “We’re not a 14
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mass production law firm. We like to customize agreements between clients for divorce and custody cases. It is important, because families have to walk away with new family traditions and customs,” Jessica says. Their approach has resulted in a booming firm, with recent additions of an office manager and a full-time paralegal. The firm balances its personal approach and professional advocacy in client representation with a responsibility towards the community. The attorneys find giving back through charity donations and their time a very important part of their practice. Both are active in the Young Lawyer’s Division of the South Carolina Bar, where Jessica leads yearly efforts for the Back Pack Drive. Amanda also is the Chair of the Leadership, Education, and Development Committee of the Junior League of Greenville.
300 North Main Street, Suite 200, Greenville gclawsc.com | 864.233.4445
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 3:36 PM
Ron Burgundy may have loved San Diego, but emediagroup co-owners Bill Bishop and Joel Hogg are glad to be anchored right here in the Upstate, and they look forward to whatever the next 10 years will bring. “Most companies our size don’t make it out of the first year, but we’re going into year 11 extremely strong,” Bishop said. They’ve recently added a heavy hitter to their team whose knowledge and experience in sports-related printing surpasses the likes of Champ Kind, Brian Fantana and Brick Tamland combined.
The team is also heading into the big-time thanks to a recent arrangement with Hubbell Lighting, which migrated its print and fulfillment center to emediagroup’s base of operations. This symbiotic partnership allows Hubbell to extend its printing capabilities while complementing a new years in an chapter of growth at emediagroup.
After 10 ever-changing industry, emediagroup continues to thrive thanks to an ability to adapt and expand.
The team has also purchased a new digital press that expands its burgeoning bib-number business. From simple race bibs to personalized full-color designs, emediagroup printed more than 10 million bibs last year, and will print even more this year. With the new equipment installed this year, printing is twice as fast, and an offline finishing system that will be installed in a couple months will speed race numbers to events even more quickly.
The Anchorman team had to learn to navigate the new world of 24-hour news, but emediagroup has already mastered the swift changes to the printing industry by running around the clock. Bishop said the “e” in emediagroup stands for many things, and could just as easily stand for “everything electronic,” as the company continues to innovate for clients who are also becoming more digitized, working smarter with automated processes. From conventional and digital printing to vehicle wraps, large format printing to screen printing and of course, runners numbers, emediagroup is the action team that is on the scene. Stay tuned to see what emediagroup does next as they enter their second decade. And of course – stay classy, Greenville.
864.232.4604 | www.emediagrp.com
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3/27/15 3:38 PM
BANK OF TRAVELERS REST ...blending small-town customer service with innovative banking technology and practices. Being Bank of Travelers Rest means blending small-town customer service with innovative banking technology and practices. The community bank headquartered in Travelers Rest is among the few banks to manage its credit card and merchant services products in-house. Most banks – even some of the larger ones – make the sale and then outsource the service. With Bank of Travelers Rest managing its own products, their customers have the ability to reach out to someone local and find answers and solutions to their credit card and merchant service needs. “Our mission is to provide outstanding financial services to our customers,” noted Eric Wall, Vice President and Director of Marketing. “We feel that part of offering outstanding service to our customers includes being able to provide direct, bank access to a local representative who not only knows about our products and services, but also can provide the level of care and quality of delivery that we expect from the Bank of Travelers Rest team.” Pictured is the bank’s card servicing team: (left to right) Karina Bovender, Card Services Manager, Candace Hellberg, Card Services Specialist, and Margaret Glick, Chief Operations Officer. The team services both consumer and business credit card accounts and provides cost-effective merchant card processing solutions for businesses. “We want to be a solution for our customers,” commented Glick. “Our goal is to provide our customers with a variety of competitive products combined with personal service. When our customers have a question, they know they can call the bank and we will find them an answer. That isn’t always the case, especially in the card arena.” The team is shown with two of the newest merchant services solutions that they offer for business customers. Karina is holding a mobile swipe device that connects to any smart phone or tablet for businesses to take payments on the go. The other solution shown in the center is the bank’s newest introduction, the Clover, a complete web enabled point of sale system that has the ability to handle everything for businesses from analytics to inventory control to being the cash register. Glick and her team stand as solution providers for their small business customers. “We understand that our business customers are experts at servicing their customers and we strive to provide that same level of expertise to them,” Glick went on to say. “Part of our service to them is researching and implementing the technologies and custom solutions that help them focus on their business while helping them keep their costs low. That way while our customers are behind their counters growing their businesses, we’re behind our counter servicing them.” Bank of Travelers Rest was founded to bring financial products and services to people living and working in northern Greenville County. Nearly 70 years later the bank remains committed to this ideal, even as it expands throughout the county. Bank of Travelers Rest currently has nine locations and is starting work on its tenth, a branch on Woodruff Road.
42 Plaza Dr., Greenville bankoftravelersrest.com | 864.834.9031 16
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Behind The Counter
Photography by related images photography
3/27/15 9:59 PM
Behind The Counter | 2014
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Photography by carol boone stewart
GOLDEN STRIP GLASS, INC.
Last year was a great year, benefited in part by a recovering economy, as well as the company’s long history of excellent service. Dominick Abbate loves to hike, but he hasn’t walked away entirely from the company that he founded in 1991. Not yet. Although Dom, as he is known, takes great pride in the work that his sons, Matthew and Michael, have done since they took over the reins at Golden Strip Glass, he still shows up at work every day. He describes his management style this way: “I fly in, cause havoc and fly back out.” Dom has seen his sons make improvements in the business that he might not have undertaken—such as the complete renovation of the showroom, including new lighting, new displays, stained concrete, and a nice glass opening for the custom framing business—but he is pleased with the results. Behind the counter, better mechanization has improved processes for the glass service business, which is well-known in the retail and construction industry for shower enclosures, mirrors, table tops, cabinets, glass, curved glass, and new windows and window glass replacements, as well as aluminum commercial storefronts, doors and curtain walls. Change matters. “Customers who walk in the showroom ask, ‘What happened to this place?’ ” Dom relates with pride. Last year was a great year, benefited in part by a recovering economy, as well as the company’s long history of excellent service. Dom predicts that 2015 will be stellar as well, with a number of large commercial projects on the horizon, including the Stone and Main project in downtown Greenville and the Anderson Veterans Affair Clinic. 18
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Although Dom intends to ease into retirement little by little, it’s easy to understand why he’s reluctant to cut ties completely with a business that he likens to a child that he raised himself. Starting from cutting glass out of his truck in 1991, Dom nursed Golden Strip Glass into a business that now reaches across the Upstate and into North Carolina and Tennessee. Nevertheless, Dom anticipates a retirement on the move. A dedicated hiker who has hiked until all 10 of his toenails fell out, Dom spends time walking the hills in Travelers Rest and Hendersonville, NC, and loves to conquer mountains in Texas, New Hampshire, and Canada, often accompanied by his wife. He feels free to move about. “I know I have two qualified sons who can take care of business,” he says.
343 Miller Rd., Mauldin goldenstripglass.com | 864.297.9989
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 3:40 PM
EVERYTH I N G WE TOUCH TURNS TO SOLD
#1 T most EAM for un in our its SOLD 16 regio state n #4 n and ationa lly
Call us and we’ll furnish a rating sheet to use when interviewing agents
U
OUR TEAM:
www.ChetandBethsmith.com
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his Treat t th n wi o i s i c e d re it a c e h t es! deserv
3/27/15 6:15 PM
Photography by carol boone stewart
PURPLE TUNA TEES INC.
“Whether you need 12 shirts or 20,000, our service is the same and we’ll make sure our customer gets the highest quality through the entire process.” Purple Tuna Tees is surfing into another huge year! Don’t let the purple walls, surfboards, palm trees and laid-back mentality fool you. While the folks at Purple Tuna Tees like to get creative and have fun, they know their business: unique designs, quality products, order fulfillment, workflow management and unbeatable customer service. They know how to have fun, but more importantly, they know how to help their clients make a splash with off-the-hook embellished apparel and promotional products. Because of that commitment to quality, Purple Tuna Tees has grown by leaps and bounds since Cary Hinze founded it in 2007. A move in 2013 led to more than double the space, which the company needed as it took on larger corporate clients such as 9Round, Oobe, Upward Sports, Loggerhead Apparel and Carolina Elite Soccer Academy. Thanks to the efficiencies brought by a new scheduling system and equipment like a digital “direct-to-screen” machine, an automated folder bagger and a growing fulfillment center, Purple Tuna is ready to sail with more large corporate clients, but Hinze points out that no order is too big or small. “Each job is unique,” he said. “Whether you need 12 shirts or 20,000, our service is the same and we’ll make sure the customer gets the highest quality through the entire process.” Hinze, who has a dual degree in art and business, started out of college as a designer for Cryovac and designed t-shirts on the side. He started Purple Tuna Tees out of his home before moving to his first location on Garlington Road. It was soon a “packed tuna can,” so the company took a leap of faith to purchase and move to the expansive – and very purple – 20
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location on International Court, near Miller Road. When he isn’t working, Hinze loves to go – where else – to the beach, where he soaks up the good life and surfs “badly.” He even built a tiki room in his house, where he enjoys hanging out with daughter Kylie Odetta, a singer-songwriter; wife Lori, who is a manager for Kylie; and son Keaton, who attends college and plays soccer in Virginia. He says the Tuna team, now 20 employees strong, is like a second family, as many are trusted friends with decades of experience in the different facets of the business. Like Hinze’s beloved ocean and beach, things at Purple Tuna look smooth and relaxing on the surface. But you can rest assured that underneath, the Tuna team is swimming swift and strong to ensure their clients get the best product, the best service at the best price. It’s local embellishing and fulfillment with screenprinting, embroidery and dye sublimation, at its best, “packed fresh daily.”
16 International Ct., Greenville sales@purpletunatees.com | 864.254.6133
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 5:26 PM
MARCHANT COMPANY downsizing as empty nesters. They are also experts at assisting clients with the purchase of investment homes and work with clients throughout the Upstate – from Spartanburg to Greenville to Anderson, and all points in between. Marchant Company also manages more than 500 rental homes through its property management division. Even in the midst of celebrating a fantastic year for their team, Brian, Jolene and Anne are quick to remember and offer a heartfelt thank you to the many loyal clients who have helped put them on TOP.
100 West Stone Ave., Greenville marchantco.com | 864.527.4518
Photography by carol boone stewart
The March to Sold team is at the TOP of their game and celebrating a record-breaking and award-winning 2014, with an amazing 144 real estate closings throughout the Upstate. Brian Marchant, Jolene Wimberly and Anne Marchant are no strangers to the TOP – they have been Volume Team of the Year for Marchant Company two years running, and have their sights set on being TOP producing agents again in 2015. They credit the success of their team to the unparalleled service, unmatched support, and unbiased representation they bring to each and every client they serve. Their 65 years of combined real estate experience doesn’t hurt, either. The REALTORS® who make up the March to Sold team work seamlessly together – sharing information at each stage of each transaction – which results in superior responsiveness to client needs and profitable and successful closings. The bond between the three of them was forged long before they began working together. Anne and Jolene began their enduring friendship more than 35 years ago, when Brian was just a little boy. This means the trio are deeply familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses and able to play on those to function as a highly efficient and effective team delivering the best possible service to their clients. The March to Sold team can guide you through any real estate transaction, whether selling, buying a first home, upsizing, or
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3/28/15 3:47 PM
Photography by carol boone stewart
LAFAYETTE SCIENTIFIC CLEANERS “It’s so fulfilling to be able to take over my father’s legacy and maintain the quality that he worked so hard to create for 60 years.” It has been three years and counting since Todd Honeycutt Johnson took over her father’s business. She is enjoying it more than ever. “It’s so fulfilling to be able to take over my father’s legacy and maintain the quality that he worked so hard to create for 60 years,” says Todd of Lafayette Scientific Cleaners, the iconic cleaners on Augusta Street known for its top-quality services. Founded by her father, Bill Honeycutt, in 1954, the company’s legacy is such that, along with a strong local customer base, out-of-town customers drive from Columbia and Greenwood, and even mail their clothing, to take advantage of the meticulous care that their garments receive. Todd has put her own stamp on her father’s long years of hard work. The men’s shirt laundering service added last year has been a raging success, offering pre-spotting, hand finishing, and button replacement and minor mending for no extra charge. In-house alterations is the most recent addition. But the basics of the business still remain: a thorough process that ensures individual attention to each garment, from initial inspection to hand-spotting, dry cleaning with non-harmful solvents, hand pressing and several additional careful inspections before the garment is returned to the customer. “We want to be the Rolls-Royce of dry cleaners,” Todd says. She still consults with her father, and has adopted his nurturing attitude towards her family of employees—a total of 18 in an approximately 5,000-sq.-ft. 22
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plant. “I’m here for my employees, and I try to do whatever it takes to inspire them to do their best,” she says. Todd returns to her hometown from Atlanta every week to run the business. With a tough year of cancer treatments in 2014 behind her, she has found a new appreciation of how important each and every day is. “I don’t let the little things get me down,” Todd says. “My whole attitude has become much more positive.” A small sports convertible that Bill bought Todd when the cancer was discovered lifts her spirits, and she can be seen driving with the top down and the heater on high even in cold weather. Going forward, Todd is always on the look-out for ways to serve her customers better, and to expand the cleaner’s offerings. “I want our customers to continue to drive here for our services, long into the future,” Todd says.
1707 Augusta St., Greenville lafayettecleaners.com | 864.242.5606
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 5:27 PM
COWART AWARDS
Celebrating 50 years creating awards that make winners smile. As they celebrate 50 years, Cowart Awards would love to know the stories behind the Greenville community’s most prized awards. If you have a trophy with a story that is old, unique or special to you, let Cowart Awards know by visiting the company’s Facebook page. Share a photo and brief story to be entered in a contest with prizes awarded at the upcoming 50th Celebration. You may be a winner! Cowart Awards continues as a family business, and looks forward to the next 50 years!
912 Laurens Rd., Greenville awardsthatwork.com | 864.271.9131
Photography by carol boone stewart
Cowart Awards is celebrating 50 years creating awards that make winners smile. It was 50 years ago when George Cowart Sr. and his brother Tom founded the business, which is now operated by George’s wife Cheryl along with her son George Jr., daughter Erin and brother Raji. Cowart Awards celebrates a golden history and looks forward to a shining future. The awards business has changed greatly over the decades. Now, instead of local bowling leagues looking for trophies and engraving in a backyard garage, customers are shopping a virtual showroom via Google for unique awards that are then shipped globally. Products and processes have changed as well. Utilizing digital graphics, the company now offers more customized awards. In house Cowart Awards can etch glass and crystal, sublimate and laser engrave wood, metal and plastic while still using the traditional diamond drag engraving process. The expert staff also produces awards with UV full-color printing. The founders could have never foreseen the changes that were in store for their business, but Erin, who started working with the company in 2003, knows they would be proud of the success and growth – and the continuing commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Because while the world has transformed in the past 50 years, and the business has as well, one thing hasn’t changed at all: every trophy has a story. From plaques awarded for a job well done, to a prized trophy earned with a last-minute score or even a well-timed bowling strike, trophies are reminders of fond memories and exciting victories.
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3/28/15 1:24 PM
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE dedicated customer service
FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1969 OVER 250 YEARS COMBINED HEALTH EXPERIENCE 9 CERTIFIED NATURAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ON STAFF BILINGUAL WELLNESS ASSISTANCE
The staff at Garner’s Natural Life is just as committed to your health as you are! With a passion for natural wellness, they love helping customers feel their very best!
Greenville’s Finest Selection of:
www.garnersnaturallife.com
Aromatherapy Vitamins and Herbal Supplements Body Care including Organic and Gluten-Free Holistic Pet Care Over 200 Bulk Herbs
F orest Park Shopping Center • 27 South Pleasantburg Drive, Suite 20 • Mon.-Sat. 9-9; Sun. 11-7 • 864.242.4856 BTC2015_LAYOUT.indd 24
3/27/15 3:41 PM
CAROLINA CONSIGNMENT “People who buy new furniture are replacing old furniture, and need to do something with those pieces. We provide them an outlet.”
Photography by carol boone stewart
When Carolina Consignment opened its Main Street Simpsonville doors five years ago, it was a two-person operation. Today they have grown to a staff of 14, with a second location serving Spartanburg with gently used furniture and accessories from the finest homes in the Upstate. “We had customers coming from Spartanburg and felt a store there would be successful,” says John Dickens, a former banking executive who runs the consignment business together with his son, Will. Will got his start in the furniture business working alongside his mother, Linda, at Carolina Furniture and Interiors, which once occupied the building Carolina Consignment now calls home. The two stores – which might at first glance seem at odds with one another – work closely together and refer customers back and forth. “People who buy new furniture are replacing old furniture, and need to do something with those pieces,” Dickens says. “We provide them an outlet.” Carolina Consignment also has found a new customer base in the children of longtime customers of its sister store, and helps these young families fill their first homes with quality used pieces. Quality is key – you won’t find just any old cast-off at Carolina Consignment. Will takes great care to meet with potential consigners and appraise each item before accepting pieces into the shop. This is why Carolina Consignment has become a trusted resource for interior designers and Realtors® across the Southeast. Social media – managed by Heather Hiles, who has been with Dickens since the inception of Carolina Consignment – has been a game changer for the consignment industry. Dickens says he has seen it create a sense of urgency and competition among would-be buyers. “We post items that are on their way to the store and the next thing you know people are here waiting to pick it up,” Dickens says. Knowledgeable salespeople and a trusted warehouse and delivery team round out the Carolina Consignment crew.
875 NE Main St., Simpsonville carolinaconsignmentllc.com | 864.228.1619 Behind The Counter | 201 5
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MOBIUS CONSTRUCTION Custom homes, renovations and additions, and even commercial construction – the team at Mobius does it all. What is Mobius? a) a Greenville construction company that specializes in creating extraordinary, timeless homes b) a challenging watersports trick c) a dog d) a German mathematician who created a surface with only one side e) all of the above
mobiusconstructionsc.com | 864.517.6000 26
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Behind The Counter
Photography by related images photography
The answer is e, and they all play an important role for Dave Smith and Matt Ruth, who founded Mobius Construction. The company works primarily with established neighborhoods in downtown Greenville to create traditional homes that blend seamlessly with older neighboring homes. The team recently relocated to a South Washington Avenue office that is just minutes from the neighborhoods where they do much of their work. The projects continue to roll in as clients tell friends about the Mobius way of handling construction – responsive, flexible and fair. But most importantly, clients love the finished product. Custom homes, renovations and additions, and even commercial construction – the team at Mobius does it all. If clients aren’t sure what they want, they can rely on Mobius for planning and design, and they can count on the finished product to be on time and under budget. Matt grew up in Greenville, attended Christ Church and then studied civil engineering at Virginia Tech. He started out mixing mortar, laying brick and driving nails as a college student and now manages multimillion dollar projects with finesse. He lives in Greenville with wife Wendi and sons Harrison, 6, and William, 3. Dave Smith is also a Virginia Tech graduate and spent 18 years in engineering and project management before founding Mobius. He fell in love with construction while building his first home in 1992, and now lives on Lake Hartwell with wife Jamie and dog Mobius. Matt and Dave share more than a business and a love of design and construction – they also share a passion for all things lake-related, from boating to fishing to skiing and kneeboarding. They first met while enjoying Lake Hartwell. That’s why the name Mobius is the perfect fit. It combines Matt and Dave’s engineering and mathematical backgrounds with their lake-loving ways. You can count on Mobius to tackle any construction project with passion, skill and bold ideas.
3/27/15 9:38 PM
Local photographer. International appeal.
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3/27/15 9:36 PM
Photography by carol boone stewart
DAVIS AUDIOLOGY
“Our mission is to help people hear their world and embrace their life.” If you feel at home when you enter Davis Audiology, that’s all part of the plan of taking hearing healthcare in the Upstate above and beyond. Situated in a former home on East North Street that has been revamped for the medical offices, owner Dr. Kristin Davis has taken great care to ensure that the office feels homey, with a fireplace in the waiting room, comfortable chairs, and plenty of natural light to show off the art on the walls. The renovated space, which has received rave reviews from patients, is symbolic of the goal of her audiology practice. “Our mission is to help people hear their world and embrace their life,” says Kristin. Hearing loss, often accompanied by anxiety and denial, is more easily treated when patients and their families feel comfortable and safe in a medical setting. Along with treating patients with state-of-the-art care and incorporating family members in the treatment regimen, Kristin believes that education and support are vital elements in her patients’ effective functioning. Outreach efforts include a new monthly group, Upstate Open Ears Meet-up, led by a patient. “It’s open to anyone in the community to meet as a group for three hours of refreshments, topics, questions and answers,” Kristin describes. Both Davis Audiology doctors attend, as well as patient and group leader Beverly Zwahlen, a retired ExxonMobil executive whose significant hearing loss since childhood hasn’t stopped her from accomplishing her dreams. “She’s an inspiration,” Kristin says. 28
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Ongoing outreach efforts include wellness programs at physicians’ offices and corporations, and administering free hearing screenings by appointment. An ongoing in-office eight-week aural rehabilitation class started in March. “It takes people a long time to take action about their hearing. We want people to be pro-active,” Kristin says. Davis Audiology has flourished since its move from its original location in Greer last year. Dr. Alexandra Tarvin, Au. D., has joined the practice. “Our move has been tremendously supported by the public. We’re seeing patients from all over the Upstate,” Kristin says. “They know it’s a place where we will take good care of them.” Kristin is delighted with her new location, and the 19-year audiology professional and mother of three enjoys her practice more than ever. “What I envisioned has become a reality. It’s very rewarding for me and for the patients,” Kristin says gratefully. For information on programs offered by Davis Audiology, please call 864.655.8300 or visit www.davisaudiology.com.
Davis 4318 East North St., Greenville davisaudiology.com | 864.655.8300
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 6:20 PM
BETSY VARNADOE, COLDWELL BANKER CAINE “Being at the closing and handing over the keys has been my favorite part so far.”
Photography by related images photography
Real estate can be a stressful, demanding line of work. But Betsy Varnadoe worked as a registered nurse for 12 years before jumping into the house hunting game, so it takes more than a tough negotiation to get her heart rate up. In fact, Betsy’s experience in helping patients prepare for and navigate complicated – and sometimes scary – medical procedures makes her uniquely suited to walk clients through the complex process of buying or selling a home. “I care about helping people and wanted to continue doing it, but I couldn’t do it in healthcare anymore,” Betsy says. Betsy moved a lot as a kid – she’s an Air Force brat – which may be when the seed for her interest in real estate was first planted. She’s always loved peeking inside homes, and regularly visited open houses even before becoming an agent. Betsy first entertained the real estate notion while job hunting five years ago, when she and her husband, Brent, moved from Columbia to Greenville. She eventually found a job in healthcare and put real estate on the backburner for a few more years. At the end of 2013, Betsy was burned out. Her daughter, Lucy, would be starting kindergarten soon and she wanted more flexibility to show up for school functions and chaperone field trips. All signs pointed to a career change, so with the full support of her husband, she took the leap. Shortly after getting her real estate license she got a call from a
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former colleague who was moving to Greenville and looking for advice – not knowing that Betsy had changed careers. That person became her first client, and the closing happened on Betsy’s birthday. The universe seemed to be in favor of her choice. “I’ve had a really good first year – every time I have a closing it reaffirms my decision,” Betsy says. “Being at the closing and handing over the keys has been my favorite part so far.” Betsy loves working with first-time homebuyers, particularly in the North Main area, where she lives with Brent, five-year-old Lucy, and their first child, Gracie – a nine-year-old Boykin Spaniel.
111 Williams Street, Greenville bvarnadoe@cbcaine.com | 864.323.2799
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MUNCASTER FINANCIAL SERVICES
LD53005-3/15
“Our mission is to make a profound, positive impact on our clients’ lives and the lives of their families.”
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Growing up as the son of an attorney, Richard Muncaster watched his father make a positive impact on the lives of his clients and always knew he wanted to help people in a similar way. After graduating from Clemson University, he spent 10 years working as a financial planner for national and regional firms before deciding to strike out on his own. This year Richard is celebrating his 20th year as a financial advisor and 10th year at the helm of his own firm – Muncaster Financial Services. Over the past decade, Richard and his team have developed a wellrespected reputation as knowledgeable advisors committed to service – devoting their time and undivided attention to each client, while helping guide them down a path toward their financial goals. The team assists clients in a wide range of areas, including retirement, educational and estate planning; insurance; investment solutions; and employer/employee benefits planning. Richard compares the financial planning process to that of building a house – you need an architect with a clear vision, a skilled and reputable builder, and routine maintenance to keep things running smoothly. His team fills each of those roles for their clients, beginning with the end in mind to build a solid plan to help clients reach their goals, and regularly reviewing and adapting that plan as it evolves. “We sit on the same side of the table as our clients, helping them make informed decisions,” Richard says, adding that he and his team of advisors routinely collaborate with attorneys and CPAs on their clients’ 201 5 |
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behalf. “Our mission is to be our clients’ financial quarterback – their most trusted advisor – and to make a profound, positive impact on their lives and the lives of their families.” Muncaster Financial Services is active in the community, supporting local charities like The Meyers Center, Meals on Wheels, Christ Church Episcopal School and Generations Group Homes. Richard currently serves on the Meals on Wheels Board of Directors, supports the Cystic Fibrosis Kick Off For a Cure, and serves as a Greenville Clemson Alumni Club Director. Richard and his wife Elizabeth are expecting their first child in April. Muncaster Financial Services, Inc. is a Greenville, S.C.-based independent financial services firm offering a full range of tailored planning solutions for individuals, multi-generational families, and corporations. Utilizing decades of combined industry experience, the professionals at Muncaster Financial Services partner with their clients to create strategic financial plans utilizing trusted, macro-economic principles. For more information, visit www.muncasterfinancial.com. Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA) member FINRA, SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. Non-Security products and services are not offered through TFA. Muncaster Financial Services is not affiliated with TFA.
411 University Ridge #100, Greenville muncasterfinancial.com | 864.527.0434
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 3:47 PM
GREENVILLE CARPET ONE
After 27 years in the flooring business, Michael knows how to make sure customers feel right at home in his 5,500-square-foot showroom.
Photography by carol boone stewart
It’s all in the family at Greenville Carpet One, where Michael Wilson runs the company with help from Braxton, 20, and Garrison, 18, both students at Clemson. Daughter Ashton, 9, is often in the store playing with samples and “doing her decorating thing,” while Haydon, 7, can typically be found riding the forklift with his dad. And then there’s Belue, a 35-year-old blue and gold macaw who loves to greet customers with a selection from his 50-word vocabulary. The older boys have helped out with the business since they were in middle school, and Michael said since they’ve been at Clemson, they come home to work on breaks and have even been signing up new customers. An avid Clemson fan while growing up in Anderson County, Michael has enjoyed seeing his sons thrive at the school he loves – and where they have been attending football games since birth. When Michael was starting out in the carpet, paint and wallpaper business, he counted the Clemson athletic department as one of his clients. Now he celebrates all things Clemson with an orange and purple tiger-striped office. He started Michael & Co. Interiors in 1988, focusing on commercial flooring, which is still a large portion of his business. He bought Carpet One four years ago, which focuses on flooring for retail and high-end builders. One of the perks of Carpet One is that as one of the largest flooring companies in America, with 1,000 stores in its buying group, the company can get the lowest prices from the very best flooring manufacturers and
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pass those savings on to customers. In Greenville, Michael says clients can expect the best customer service, quality and price. The sales staff and installers undergo comprehensive training, allowing the company to offer full warranties on products and installation. Residential and commercial account managers and interior design professionals help each customer through the process to find the perfect product. Michael points out that though the name is Carpet One, the company also specializes in hardwoods, laminate, vinyl and tile. “We’re not your average flooring company,” he said. “We’re very quality conscious.” After 27 years in the flooring business, Michael knows how to make sure customers feel right at home in his 5,500-square-foot showroom. Many long-term clients love to check in with the kids or exchange a few words with Belue. And the Wilson family makes sure every customer walks away with their expectations exceeded.
226 Pelham Davis Cir., Greenville www.carpetonegreenville.com | 864.281.0006
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GREENHILL PHARMACY “I make sure that we take care of everybody and that our quality is still there as we grow.”
Greenhill Pharmacy owner Tommy Martincic has two important words for his customers: Thank you! The compounding pharmacy that Tommy opened in 2013 at Simpsonville’s Five Forks is thriving. With the staff more than doubling to handle the increased business and referrals, Tommy is deeply grateful for the community’s support during an exciting time for him and his business. “This is the most fun I’ve had in the world of pharmacy, and I’ve been in this work for 20 years,” says Tommy, who particularly enjoys knowing the names of his patients, their children, and even their pets. This friendly and personal atmosphere has been part of Tommy’s plan for the pharmacy from the start: a small, hometown pharmacy where the staff knows the folks that walk in the door. Tommy’s goal to bring compounding to the world of pharmacy is catching on as customers rely on his skills of transforming and customizing medicine into any form needed, from creams to gelatin troches, lollipops for children, or powders that can be sprinkled on a pet’s food. Doses can be measured to the milligram for greater accuracy and effectiveness. The pharmacy offers bio-identical hormones, as well as a variety of supplements and essential oils, and wrist and knees braces for athletes. Recently added to its offerings is a mineral-based skincare line from Glo Therapeutics. All of the products made and sold are carefully chosen and checked for purity. For Tommy, the work has been relentless – six days a week for 15 months. But in a sign that the mission fits the man, Tommy says it hasn’t seemed like hard work at all. He’s delighted with his technicians, a lively group who make the workplace fun, and plans to add additional pharmacists. Although he has been asked about the possibility of expanding, Tommy wants to get this pharmacy in tip-top shape first. “I make sure that we take care of everybody and that our quality is still there as we grow,” Tommy says. “I’m not opposed to a second or third location, but we want to do one location right first.” Tommy considers the pharmacy one of his children, and in a lovely parallel, his one-year-old child, Seraphina, is growing up with the pharmacy. Although his work schedule is tough, he enjoys spending the weekends with his wife, Amanda, and four little girls.
2351 Woodruff Rd., Ste. 107, Simpsonville greenhillrx.com | 864.520.1550 32
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Behind The Counter
Photography by related images photography
3/27/15 3:50 PM
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MELISSA MORRELL Whatever it takes! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner REALTORS®
greenvilleagent247.com 864.918.1734 34
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Photography by carol boone stewart
“If you’re not on it 24/7, you’re not going to be serving your clients in this market,” Melissa Morrell says of her round-the-clock approach to customer service in a constantly changing real estate market. This sense of dedication is largely responsible for her consistent performance as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS’ #1 individual agent – she’s held the top spot for four years running. “I’m not willing to give it up,” she says. Giving up is just not in Melissa’s nature. Whether it’s finding the perfect home for a client, negotiating a complex transaction, or working toward her goal to complete one 5K road race each month this year, Melissa is razor-focused on exceeding goals. Not only has she completed a race each month, but she’s set personal records and ranked among the top for her age group. Fitness has always been a big part of Melissa’s life – she spent much of her youth in ballet shoes and later aerobics for several years – but she had always been intimidated by the idea of running. She had, however, been a longtime supporter and active volunteer for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. In fact, she was the top overall individual fundraiser for the 2009 event, and has served as co-chair the past three years. She took on these roles to honor her mother’s brave battle against breast cancer. Her mom lost that fight last summer, and Melissa and her siblings were motivated to do more than volunteer and fundraise; they felt called to physically run the race in their mother’s honor. Once an idea takes hold with Melissa, she likes to see it through. You’re likely to spot Melissa at any number of local races as she continues her yearlong quest – she’ll be the one wearing pink. When Melissa isn’t providing top-notch service to a client, she’s probably helping with homework or ferrying one of her three kids – ages 8, 12, and 16 – to one activity or another. And somehow she still finds time to rescue the family’s socks from the enthusiastic maw of Palmer, a goldendoodle puppy that recently joined the Morrell clan. She says that without the support of her husband and biggest fan, Tony, she could not possibly do it all! Her skill set knows no bounds, and she brings them all to the table for her clients. And that’s why she’s a top agent – she never stops and she never gives up.
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 5:30 PM
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
“Our slogan is Movers Who Care, but that’s truly a core value, not just a motto.”
Photography by carol boone stewart
The Feldmans bought their Greenville Two Men and a Truck franchise in 2002, but they keep moving – purchasing three additional franchises in the past two years. “But Greenville is where we live and where we’ll stay,” said Rebecca Feldman, who owns the company with husband Bryan. The three new ventures – in Tallahassee, Fla.; Richmond, Va.; and Chesterfield, Va. – came from sudden opportunities that arose for the Feldmans, which is also how they came to own their first Two Men and a Truck franchise back in 2002. Bryan had worked as a mover while at the University of South Carolina, and then worked as a customer service rep and assistant manager at the Columbia franchise. After Bryan managed a franchise in Atlanta, the newly married couple received a phone call saying the Greenville Two Men and a Truck franchise was for sale. “He knew that’s what he wanted to do, and he said, if I’m doing this, we should do it together,” said Rebecca, who was working at Georgia Tech in fundraising at the time. “I was excited that it was something we could do together.” They started with only two trucks and built the company to 18 trucks operating in Greenville. They employ more than 50 and offer a variety of services, including local and long-distance moves, fullservice packing and business moves. They also have a satellite office in Spartanburg. The reason for their steady growth is simple: “Providing customers with the best customer care possible,” she said. “Our slogan is Movers Who Care, but that’s truly a core value, not just a motto.” Nationally,
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the company has a 96% referral rate, an excellent number, but the Feldmans strive to have every single customer rave about their moving experience. Despite a busy work schedule, the family makes time for other interests, especially activities with their kids Reid, 9, and Caroline, 7. Bryan is an avid runner and Rebecca is past president of the Augusta Circle Elementary PTA and president-elect of the Junior League, an organization that allows her to work with local charities while boosting leadership skills. As they continue to expand their geographic reach, the Feldmans are careful to hire the best people and offer training so that the process runs smoothly from beginning to end. “We are still a small, familyowned business that cares about our customers,” Rebecca said.
208 Transit Dr., Greenville twomenandatruck.com | 864.329.1228
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Photography by carol boone stewart
PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF GREENVILLE “We’re always looking at how we can make life easier for the working parent.” In 2009 Lauren Briles was running a successful real estate business and looking forward to starting a family with her husband, Tim, in the not-too-distant future. Lauren had been watching many of her young professional friends struggle with the lack of high-quality childcare geared toward dual-income families. There were several excellent programs downtown, but they were wait listed, or their hours were not ideal for working parents, or both. The need for child-care programs for dual working parents piqued Lauren’s entrepreneurial interest, and she went looking for a concept to fill the void. After researching many options, Lauren discovered Primrose Schools and proudly opened the doors of the first Primrose School franchise in South Carolina in August 2014. Primrose School of Greenville brings to the community an industry-leading educational curriculum designed to strike the balance between learning and play by blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. As an AdvanceED accredited private preschool, Primrose offers full-time child-care services for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years, and an after-school and summer camp program for elementary-aged students. Recognizing that a great school requires outstanding staff, Lauren utilized best practices established by Primrose Schools to assemble a team of teachers that bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their jobs. All of the teachers working at Primrose School of Greenville have a passion for helping children learn and grow in a safe, loving environment; 36
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and, many either hold or are working toward an education degree. “We want them to be engaged and have a love for teaching children,” Lauren says of her primary hiring requirement. Additionally, Primrose School of Greenville is open year-round and offers flexible drop-off times beginning at 6:30AM and remaining open until 6:30PM, thus accommodating the often unpredictable and everchanging schedules of working parents. Children at Primrose are served a healthy breakfast, lunch and two snacks each day, virtually eliminating the work and worry parents deal with in having to create and plan daily meals. Naptime bedding is provided and laundered in-house. And, on Thursdays, parents can place an order for a take-home dinner with the on-staff chef. “We’re always looking at how we can make life easier for the working parent,” says Lauren, and the services offered by Primrose School of Greenville accomplish just that.
404 Houston St., Greenville primrosegreenville.com | 864.370.8118
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 3:58 PM
SILVER SALON
“We provide an experience, from offering a complimentary drink to our music selection and atmosphere.”
Photography by parkkonen photography
As a girl, Erin Silver only wanted an American Girl doll for one reason – to cut its hair. To this day, she remembers cutting that hair and thinking, “That’s a great haircut!” She’s still passionate about hair, and she’s poured that talent into Silver Salon, which opened its doors in Powdersville in 2012. Though she had just finished college three years prior – a business degree from Anderson University in 2009 – and had just gotten married, everything fell into place for her to achieve her entrepreneurial dreams sooner rather than later. Her parents were instrumental in making sure she got that degree before pursuing her goals, and also encouraged her to own her own salon. Her husband serves full time at Newspring Church, but also pitches in as salon handyman and technical advisor. Silver Salon has grown from one stylist to a staff of seven, so Erin knows she has filled a need in the community. Silver Salon, located on Highway 153 in Powdersville, is just 10 minutes from downtown Greenville and is accessible to people from all over the Upstate. Silver Salon offers a “downtown” feel for people who might not feel like driving to town. “We provide an experience, from offering a complimentary drink to our music selection and atmosphere,” she said. “We set ourselves apart.” The online scheduling system makes it simple to book an appointment anytime via text or the website.
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She selected L’anza Healing Haircare products, which are sulfate, paraben and carcinogen-free. The ingredients are designed to penetrate into the hair, healing it from the inside out. “I’m a detailed person, and I love that each product addresses a specific need,” Silver said. The staff also makes sure to stay on top of the latest styles, from basic cuts and color to more advanced techniques like ombre, balyage (a softer version of ombre) and a new offering called American Wave. Her team just became certified in this technique, which gives a much softer, more natural look that the “old-fashioned perm” most of us remember. Silver loves giving back by doing what she knows best. Her team has volunteered with Help Portrait, held at the Lot Project in Anderson, SC. With this event, her team helps to provide free hair and makeup to those in need prior to each person getting a beautiful portrait of themselves. Though her parents thought her childhood interest in hair was “just a phase,” Silver is living proof that with hard work, some phases turn into passions – and successful careers.
117 Bracken Ln., Easley silversalononline.com | 864.220.4979
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Photography by related images photography
ALLEN TATE REALTORS, WOODRUFF ROAD OFFICE “Our team members are very happy to help one another, and they genuinely care about their clients.”
Making a splash in the Upstate… There’s a new team in town, and it’s taking the Upstate residential market by storm. From its office on bustling Woodruff Road, Allen Tate Realtors is steadily moving up in the rankings. Now with a team of 28 diverse and dedicated Realtors and still growing, broker-in-charge Rhett Brown credits teamwork and training for the company’s success. “Our team is really cohesive,” Rhett says of the Realtors that she has hired and trained to serve residential markets in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Pickens. Allen Tate Realtors deals exclusively in residential real estate. For Rhett, it’s the company culture that solidifies the teamwork and makes the most of the training. “I’ve never seen a company this large that has this kind of welcoming and friendly energy,” says Rhett, a real estate veteran of 20-plus years who signed with Allen Tate Realtors to create the Woodruff Road office. “Our team members are very happy to help one another, and they genuinely care about their clients.” It is Rhett’s goal to hire a diverse group of Realtors – diverse in all ways, from gender to age to ethnic background – and to support them in any way that she can. One of the company’s strengths is its training, which Realtors new and experienced alike undertake initially and on a regular basis. Even the old hands learn valuable information from the company’s thorough training, according to Rhett. Rhett has a state-of-the-art office from which to deploy her team. Set 38
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up to house as many as 40 Realtors, the office boasts the latest wireless technology in a very modern, clean space. A kiosk that looks like an enormous iPad at the storefront allows buyers to search for houses on the market. Rhett reports that the residential market is in fine shape, but inventory moves fast in this seller’s market. The Realtors at Allen Tate take pleasure in giving back to their communities under its Tate Cares initiative. Each region contributes locally to three areas: arts and cultural organizations, the United Way, and education. In the Upstate, all branches are preparing to kick off a fundraising campaign to benefit the United Way and the Metropolitan Arts Council. Come fall, all Upstate branches will re-unite for a fundraiser to benefit the Greenville, Pickens and Spartanburg District 6 school districts. This event, hosted locally last year, raised more than $23,000.
1025 Woodruff Rd., Ste. D-104, Greenville allentate.com | 864.516.7465
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:00 PM
PALMETTO PROSTODONTICS, LLC “I wanted to work on more challenging cases that require a lot of thinking.”
Photography by carol boone stewart
Jason Minton was six years into his career as a mechanical engineer when he looked up from his desk one day and realized he hated what he was doing. He felt compelled to help people in some way, and this job just wasn’t cutting it. “I worked as a sourcing engineer. A good year for me would be shaving $3 off the cost of a golf cart,” Jason remembers. “When I stand in front of St. Peter, I don’t want to tell him that’s what I spent my life doing.” Jason had always been fond of working on small projects – an interest that led him down the engineering path in the first place – and when he thought about combining that with his desire for making a difference he came up with dentistry as his first choice for a second career. He discovered the field of prosthodontics while shadowing dentists to beef up his dental school application. Prosthodontics is a specialty dealing with advanced restorative dentistry, focusing on the mouth as a whole rather than one tooth at a time, and Jason’s training had an emphasis on esthetics and cosmetic dentistry. Although patients can refer themselves to the practice, patients typically come by way of referral from their primary dentist or another dental specialist, and typically require extra attention – some cases requiring months of treatment to get their dental health back on track, which suits Jason just fine. “I wanted to work on more challenging cases that require a lot of thinking,” he says. “Seeing fewer patients, but spending more time with each one.”
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A weekend trip to Nashville in the midst of his career change turned out to be another life-altering decision. It was there he met his wife, Katie, who was out celebrating the completion of her pediatric residency at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Jason was a Sugar Creek kid, and both his and Katie’s parents currently live on Lake Keowee, so Greenville felt like home to both of them when deciding where to practice their respective brands of medicine. Jason began seeing patients at Palmetto Prosthodontics, located in the Five Forks area of Woodruff Road, in early March of this year. Katie is on staff at Parkside Pediatrics. Together the couple has two young daughters. “After a decade of sacrifice and planning, it is exciting to finally be in a position to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I’m excited about what the future holds,” Jason says.
145 Woodruff Place Cir., Simpsonville palmettopros.com | 864.509.6259
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Mary
I
t opened in 2003, but 12 years later, Mast General Store is such a downtown Greenville staple that it seems like the old-fashioned store with oldfashioned service has been here forever. The excitement of opening on Main Street downtown in a renovated building – formerly the home of Meyers-Arnold – hasn’t lessened for the staff so many years later, and the customers are the first to notice the welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Headquartered in Valle Crucis, NC, where the original store opened in 1883, the Mast Store business model of an employeeowned store, where everyone has a stake, has seen great success not only in Greenville, but in eight other lucky cities. Plus – number nine city location is opening this spring in Winston-Salem, NC! A tourist destination as well as a local draw, Mast Store attracts folks from all over the country and the world, young and old, to browse a unique range of merchandise that includes a little bit of everything – home accessories (including jams and jellies), toys, comfy footwear, casual accessories, outdoor clothing and gear, and the sweetest draw of all, many varieties of old-fashioned candy. “It’s so wonderful to meet people,” says Mast General Manager Mary Nase. “We ask customers if they’re from here, or where they come from. We have such a diverse staff that it’s easy to find common interests with our
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Tim customers, and we have such a variety of merchandise that customers always find something that appeals to them.” Mast Store is unique in many ways, but it’s particularly notable for the longevity of its employees. Mary is proud to note that she and her three managers have been at Mast Store since the doors opened, as well as a number of other staff members. “This is such a strong group of employees,” Mary says of her staff of 32. “I am blessed to have them.” The staff enjoys the interaction with the customers as much as Mary does. Tim Dorsey, who manages Outdoors and Footwear, listens to his customers with great interest when they tell him about their hiking and camping plans. “My goal is to help people maximize their outdoor experience by providing the correct equipment, the right clothing,” says Tim, who knows that nothing can ruin a great hike like ill-fitting hiking boots. A hiker himself with a degree from the University of Memphis in parks and recreation, Tim hikes many of the same trails that his customers enjoy. Men’s and Women’s Sportswear Manager Bryan Howell is a long-time retail veteran. He started his career in college while studying communications at Winthrop College, and has loved the world of retail ever since.
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Eddie
Bryan
The great array of men’s and women’s clothing available at Mast General gives him ample inventory from which to choose just the right piece of clothing for every need. “It’s the people who make it great,” says Bryan. “We love getting to know them.” Bryan enjoys USC sports, and spending time with his wife and two sons. Perhaps the sweetest job of all belongs to Eddie Poore, who manages Toys and Mercantile and ensures that no child leaves disappointed by stocking the many varieties of candy for which Mast General Store is famous. For Eddie, a Greenville native who has spent a long career in retail, providing the old-fashioned treats that fill the barrels at the store is especially fulfilling. In his spare time, Eddie is devoted to Tennessee Walking Horses – he has owned a two-time world champion – and helps organize a semi-annual horse show to benefit local charities.
For Mary, a 30-plus-year retail veteran, the opportunity to carry on the old-fashioned general store concept started by original store owner Henry Taylor in 1883 is a privilege. Known as the store that had everything in the tiny town of Valle Crucis, NC, the original store was a place where everyone’s credit was good and merchandise was often bartered. As the Mast General Store has expanded, it remains important for the new location to be sited in an older building in keeping with the old-fashioned atmosphere, but Mary takes particular pride in the old-fashioned values that have stood the test of time as well for the company. “We value friendliness, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere. We’re very passionate about our customer service,” Mary says. Mast General Store gives back to its community as well, with year-round collections of shoes and warm outerwear and by working with local non-profit organizations.
111 North Main Street, Greenville • MastGeneralStore.com • 864.235.1883 Mon.-Thurs. 10-6 ; Fri. and Sat. 10-9; Sun. 12-6 • Parking is also available behind our store in the Richardson Street Garage. Use our back entrance.
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Photography by carol boone stewart
FIVE OAKS ACADEMY
“It’s not just academics, but inward confidence and self-knowledge that transcends any curriculum.” There is an overwhelming feeling that you have found something unique and special when walking onto the campus of Five Oaks Academy, set around a 100-year-old former farmhouse on 11 acres in Simpsonville. Five Oaks Academy Executive Director Kathleen Trewhella-Grant and her team have created a welcoming environment that focuses on creating global thinkers and 21st-century learners. Though the Montessori educational method was created more than a century ago by Maria Montessori, it is a forward-thinking philosophy that adapts perfectly to what educational researchers are saying students need to thrive today. Dr. Montessori focused on critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and time management, which are valuable skills for the 21st century workforce. The only needed adaptation to her method is technology, which they incorporate through the use of Compass Learning, Kahn Academy, Rosetta Stone and coding courses. A low student:teacher ratio allows each child to receive a customized education. Students learn using hands-on materials that give them a concrete understanding of complex concepts as well as addressing the many different learning styles. Children learn in a self-directed way and are able to make choices but within the framework and guidance of the teacher. “Our team knows when to step in and when to step back and let the children solve some of their own problems,” Trewhella-Grant said. Students follow a rich curriculum that lets them explore their own interests but exceeds state standards in every academic area as well. “Every January our alumni return for the parent workshop, Life After Montessori, to talk about their transitions to high school and college and they 42
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have done remarkably well,” Trewhella-Grant said. “It’s not just academics that they excel in, but their inward confidence and self-knowledge transcends any curriculum.” Many alumni credit their success in high school to not only the rigorous academics, but also to the time management skills they learned during their years at Five Oaks Academy. The school is accredited through the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA), allowing students to participate in events like spelling bees, music competitions and the Battle of the Books, in which the middle school students recently won first place in the state. The school has clearly filled a need, growing from 30 students 12 years ago to 215 today. It recently expanded the Upper Elementary and Middle School programs to accommodate growing demand. It is the only Montessori school in the area that offers a cohesive program from toddler through eighth grade. The global community within Five Oaks Academy and its unique diversity give students an educational experience you won’t find anywhere else.
1101 Jonesville Rd., Simpsonville fiveoaksacademy.com | 864.228.1881
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 10:02 PM
TINDALL ARCHITECTURE WORKSHOP The list of awards and accolades – local and national – prove that TAW knows exactly what they are doing.
Photography related images photography
Matt Tindall had a wakeup call one day and needed to make a change; he was going to live to work and not work to live. At Tindall Architecture Workshop (TAW) – led by Tindall, an awardwinning architect, and wife Julie, who keeps everything running - they do things differently. They prefer blue jeans and flip-flops to suits and ties. They work from home, not in some sleek office space, because spending time with their kids is a priority and being mobile keeps them engaged in the community. And while they may not look like the typical architectural business, the list of awards, accolades and happy clients – local and national – prove that TAW knows exactly what they are doing. Matt Tindall is a licensed architect and has focused on residential design since moving to Greenville in 2004. Things were going well for the growing family, which now includes kids ages 7 and 5. “But we wanted to place an emphasis on quality of life and our family,” Matt said. “That made us reevaluate what we were doing. We knew we could improve both our family life and the practice of architecture by owning our own business.” TAW opened its doors in May 2014, and they haven’t looked back. “Our kids are growing up understanding how important it is to work hard and have good balance,” says Julie. “It’s been priceless.” Matt quickly realized he needed help … someone with great design skills and a strong work ethic to help manage and grow their client base. Kirsten Schoettelkotte joined TAW in August 2014. She has an
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undergraduate and master’s degree in architecture. Together, they focus on new homes, renovations and additions. They work throughout the Upstate, in several mountain communities, and around Lake Keowee. Clients know that Matt is not simply a designer, but an architect, which means more training and more knowledge about good design practices and their applications in real life. Matt is also a woodworker and builds custom furniture, a growing niche for the business. A commitment to quality – both in home design and furniture – has gained an appreciative clientele that is eager to tell their friends. “It’s all about a happy client,” Matt says. You might see the Tindalls around their North Main neighborhood, at Buncombe Street Methodist Church, or out playing tennis at the Kroc. Or you might see Matt active on the City of Greenville’s Zoning Board of Appeals and The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s Architectural Review Board. But you won’t see the stereotypical architect. And if you hire Tindall Architecture Workshop, you can be sure you won’t end up with a stereotypical home.
Greenville tindallarch.com | 864.275.9766
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A.T. LOCKE, PC There are many ways to tell the story of a business. For A.T. LOCKE, that way is numbers. The company, founded in 2008 by Anna T. Locke, tells business stories through financial statements for entities that need assistance in financial services and accounting. The team of accountants and financial professionals integrate seamlessly into each client environment by working both at the client’s office or facility and from the A.T. LOCKE headquarters. For Anna, it’s the engagement that’s important. “We want our clients to see our role as part of the company,” Anna says. “We help them solve cash flow problems, help them with sales, celebrate with them when they reach milestones. When a company hires us, we’re going to be engaged with them.” Any good storyteller must know his or her subject well. With such a varied clientele, it’s vital that the accountants are immersed in all aspects of their clients’ businesses. To deliver the numbers that are critical for each individual business in a timely manner, Locke employees participate in management meetings, inventory meetings for manufacturers, and other meetings that are a significant part of engaging with the clients’ businesses. With clientele that range from manufacturers to retail stores, non-profits, advertising agencies and more, Locke’s accountants bring a wide variety of experience to each new engagement. Anna, who started her career in public accounting doing audit by day and tax by night, founded her firm after wondering what her clients were doing with the numbers that she worked so hard to complete. “It’s always important to know what the numbers are, how they’re being used, and how to make them a strategic part of the business,” Anna says. “I wanted to see reporting as an active tool.” The firm hires accountants with a variety of backgrounds, including a high percentage of CPAs, and professionals from very large corporations as well as smaller companies. It’s the breadth of experience that allows the 18-member firm to serve its range of clients throughout South Carolina, as well as in Georgia and North Carolina, and a handful of international companies. “We work with our clients for years, so we’re always looking for the best long-term fit, in terms of accounting and personality,” says Anna. The firm has seen double-digit growth since its inception, and is researching other markets in which to expand its business model. When she’s not staying connected with her team – the firm has weekly lunches to touch base – Anna finds herself volunteering. She’s particularly drawn to organizations that present creative solutions, such as InnoVision, which recognizes and celebrates innovation. She serves as vice chairman of the planning committee for Next High School, a statewide charter school slated to open in 2015 which is designed to deliver curriculum from a project-based approach. She served as chairman of the Center for Developmental Services, which serves people with disabilities and special needs, and is involved with Clemson University’s accounting department. She lives in Greer, and has served on the Greer Chamber of Commerce Board. Currently, she’s a new participant in the Liberty Fellowship, a life-long program focusing on leadership in South Carolina. Her volunteer work echoes her professional ethos: cultivating new ideas and staying engaged with her clients and her community. Still, it’s not all work and no play.
68 Pointe Circle, Ste. 2202, Greenville atlocke.com | 864.908.3062
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Behind The Counter
Photography by carol boone stewart
3/28/15 1:34 PM
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Photograph provided
PALMER DISTINCTIVE DENTISTRY “Our purpose is to make people well, and that’s what we feel like we do.” John J. Palmer, DMD, began his practice as a traditional dentist in 1982 after graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina, performing the general procedures that all dentists perform. But over the years, several personal experiences conspired to change the focus of his dental work. Dr. Palmer’s embrace of holistic dentistry started 20 years ago after his wife, who worked with him as a dental assistant, suffered a miscarriage and experienced symptoms of fibromyalgia. Dr. Palmer didn’t make the connection at first between her work and her diagnosis of heavy metal toxicity. Several years later, after he too was diagnosed with mercury poisoning, his research convinced him that the link to mercury and certain health issues were clear. “Mercury is poisonous to every system in the body,” says Dr. Palmer, who believes that mercury is a toxic poison that can be linked to an array of diseases, including fibromyalgia, Alzheimers, Parkinson’s, depression, arthritis, and many more. As a national board member and Fellow with the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, an organization that gathers research on toxicity, Dr. Palmer treats the handling of mercury very seriously. Protective clothing, respirator masks, high suctions, and special filters are used to protect the patient, doctors, and employees as the mercury is removed. “Our purpose is to make people well, and that’s what we feel like we do,” Dr. Palmer says. He works with other doctors to help patients after their mercury filling replacement, and finds it very rewarding to see his patients’ health improve. 46
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As the practice evolved into holistic care over the last 12 years, Dr. Palmer and his associate Daniel Knause, DMD, take not only the removal of mercury fillings with a barrier protection seriously, but what they replace these restorations with as well, using only the most biocompatible, BPA-free composites, or biocompatible porcelain restorations. Palmer Distinctive Dentistry is one of the few practices in the state to provide porcelain implants, which are the most biocompatible implants to date. Ozone therapy, an oxidative treatment for periodontal disease, has been very beneficial in preventing the need for gum surgery. Palmer Distinctive Dentistry stays at the top of its game by consistently training the doctors and team to focus on patient care. “We want to WOW our guests every time they come through our doors!” Dr. Palmer says. When Dr. Palmer isn’t working or speaking with other dentists about mercury safety, he enjoys golfing, scuba diving, and spending time with his family.
134 Milestone Way, Greenville www.palmermd.com | 864.332.4373
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:09 PM
BRADSHAW, GORDON & CLINKSCALES, LLC “We try to remember that our clients hire us to take the hassle out of their accounting work for them.”
income tax and compliance work. The partners are primarily natives of Greenville, and the few that weren’t born here have adopted it as their hometown, so giving back is second nature. A long list of local non-profits are on the receiving end of their time, treasure and talents. With a staff of 35, including 19 CPAs, Bradshaw, Gordon & Clinkscales is committed to providing the highest quality auditing, accounting, tax, management consulting, litigation and business valuation services to its clients. And while the recent loss of partner Roger Clinkscales is deeply felt among his former colleagues and clients, the firm is steadfast in its resolve to preserve his legacy by continuing to deliver top-notch service to each and every client.
630 E. Washington St., Greenville bgcllc.com | 864.233.0590
Photography by carol boone stewart
Relationships are at the heart of Bradshaw, Gordon & Clinkscales. Relationships with their clients, with one another, and with the community they serve. Carefully fostering each of these relationships throughout its 30-year history is what has allowed Bradshaw, Gordon & Clinkscales to grow into one of the largest accounting firms in Upstate South Carolina. And they haven’t forgotten what got them there. “We try to remember that our clients hire us to take the hassle out of their accounting work for them,” says Pete Tiffany. “Our focus is on making our clients’ lives easier.” Clients gain a true, dedicated partner, who strives to build a relationship with them and stands together with them to face challenges head on. Once you become a client of Bradshaw, Gordon & Clinkscales, you’ll find it hard to leave. Employees tend to stick around, too, as evidenced by their low turnover rate. Long hours are not uncommon in the accounting industry, but it’s also not uncommon to see BGC employees flexing those hours around the needs of their families and other personal commitments. “We have a number of people who came back to us after leaving and realizing that this is a great place to work,” says Mandy Satterfield. Promoting from within is another BGC hallmark. Ellison Smith joined the staff in 1999, was promoted to tax manager in 2004, and kicked off 2015 by being named partner in the firm. Smith, well-liked and highly respected among both partners and clients, specializes in
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TREESGREENVILLE “We focus on educating the public about why trees are good.” As a high school freshman, Joelle Teachey routinely arrived early to school to participate in nature walks through the surrounding woods. Her dream vacation is an off-the-grid excursion into the wilderness. So it’s no surprise she has found her niche as executive director of TreesGreenville. “I like trees. I like nature. I like the wilderness,” Teachey says. “Trees are important.” In her role at TreesGreenville, Teachey has made it her mission to not only plant trees – though plant they have, to the impressive tune of 3,700 in the past 10 years – but also to educate the community at large on why we should all love them just as much as she does. Teachey attributes the success of TreesGreenville to the support the organization receives from a long list of corporate partners – partners she says want to be associated with the organization because of its educationfocused approach. “We’re maintaining the friendly face of trees,” she says. “We focus on educating the public about why trees are good. We’re friend to all and foe to none.” Planting 3,700 trees is all well and good, but we don’t begin to realize the substantial air and water quality benefits they provide until they reach maturity. Teachey says the average life of a tree in an urban environment is seven to 13 years, but trees can and should live much longer than that. TreesGreenville is working with landscapers and municipal maintenance crews to address the many factors that can negatively impact a tree’s health. Those efforts are paying off – TreesGreenville boasts a 99% survival rate in the first two years after planting, and a 98% survival rate overall. “We’ve done a great job of identifying our site partners and working with them on maintenance plans when they need guidance,” Teachey says, explaining that any school, park, or neighborhood in Greenville County can request a planting or technical support and education on proper planting, mulching, pruning, and watering for their existing landscape. Proper watering in the first two years is critical to giving trees a healthy start. Many TreesGreenville planting sites, particularly schools, do not have the staff or infrastructure needed to accomplish this. Thanks to a forwardthinking grant from TD Bank, TreesGreenville recently purchased watering equipment and a truck dedicated to keeping those leafy youngsters properly hydrated.
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Behind The Counter
Photography by related images photography
3/28/15 5:06 PM
Behind The Counter | 2014
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Photography by parkkonen photography
NATHALIE M. MORGAN, LLC A working single mother and a fierce advocate for her clients, attorney Nathalie Morgan knows the law from the inside out. Along with her 15 years of experience as a practicing attorney who handles cases from divorce to custody, paternity, child support, step-parent adoptions, and immigration, Nathalie has experienced some of her client’s circumstances personally. “I can empathize with my clients as a single parent,” says Nathalie, who treasures the time she spends raising her five-year-old daughter Chloé. In fact, in a practice that employs three single mothers, the tricky balance between work and home is an issue addressed every day at Nathalie’s office on West Stone Avenue in Greenville. A dual national (born in Belgium) who has enthusiastically settled in Greenville after earning her law degree at Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, Nathalie is the tri-lingual (English, French and Spanish) daughter of an attorney who knew she wanted to practice law from an early age. Now, she finds deep satisfaction in her work helping her clients through the difficult challenges of divorce or custody proceedings, watching the joy of step-parent adoption, or the priceless moment of obtaining a green card. “I enjoy achieving things for my clients and changing their lives. I like helping a stay-at-home mother out of a very controlling relationship and watching her bloom, or obtaining custody for an amazing father, or helping make the best of a difficult process such 50
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as divorce,” Nathalie says. “We not only give our clients competent legal advice, but we support them the best way that we can.” Nathalie’s language skills help her serve in cases of special immigrant juvenile visas for minor children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and can’t viably return to their native country. She has been elected to the Hispanic Alliance board, has served on the Greenville County Human Relations Board, and has participated in many other community activities. Nathalie is as enthusiastic about Greenville as she is about her practice. Now the sole owner of her building on Stone Avenue, she looks forward to the revitalization of the area, and often takes advantage of the amenities in a flourishing downtown Greenville. When she’s not working, she enjoys taking daughter Chloé cycling or on a field trip to the circus or a museum, or traveling to the beach. “I embrace being a single mother. It’s great working hard, and then knowing I can go home and enjoy my daughter,” she says.
201 West Stone Ave., Greenville greenville-divorce.com | 864.242.6655
Behind The Counter
3/28/15 3:50 PM
CRAWLEY’S PARTY SERVICES “The most rewarding thing about this profession is the personal friendships I’ve created with customers.”
Photography by lisa carpenter
Roland Crawley has had a variety of jobs in his 65 years, from drug counselor to restaurant manager, but every job has had one thing in common – a focus on his love of people. His latest venture, Crawley’s Party Services, certainly fits the bill, offering a variety of services for parties, from basic bartending to a full turn-key service that includes beverage planning. purchasing, layout and more. “Anybody can serve drinks, but it takes a certain person to have the personality that people are looking for,” Crawley said. “Ninety percent of my customers over the years have become personal friends, so it’s not just a customer-type relationship, it’s also a friendship.” Crawley opened the business two years ago, and has built up a steady clientele made up of many repeat customers who keep coming back to him for help. He’s overseen the drinks at small parties of 10 to more than 350 people, and across Greenville to Charlotte, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach and even St. Petersburg, Fla. “We travel, and I’ve stayed as long as five days for a wedding,” he said. Repeat customers know that no matter how large the event, or how many days, they can count on expert service with the personal touch. Crawley grew up in Greenville and graduated from Beck High School. After his years as a drug counselor, he enjoyed a stint running his parents’ restaurant, Burn’s Place. But when they retired, he wanted to go in a different direction and joined his older brother providing bartending services for events. After his brother passed away, Crawley continued and expanded the business. When he isn’t working, Crawley can often be found belting out 70s classics by Earth Wind & Fire or Smokey Robinson while singing karaoke. He also loves going dancing – another reason his business has been a perfect fit. “Parties are the perfect place for me to work,” he said. “It blends right in with the things I like.” Though he is approaching the age many retire, Crawley said he is having so much fun that he sees continuing for at least another decade. “I just appreciate the customers I have had,” Crawley said. “I love the personal aspect of it. When I’m sick, my customers reach out to help me. The most rewarding thing about this profession is the personal friendships I’ve created with customers.”
PA R T Y
S E R V I C E S 864.385.4215 Behind The Counter | 201 5
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RON’S CARPET & AIR DUCT CLEANING “I wanted to offer our customers the best that’s out there. Any time that I’ve diversified, I’ve gone Cadillac.” You know those beautiful area rugs that cover your hardwood floors that are so tricky to clean? Maybe you didn’t know where to turn, but here’s the good news: Ron’s Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning has state-of-the-art equipment to render your rugs, no matter their size, clean and fresh. “We have specialized equipment, the most modern that you can find in the area, for cleaning Oriental carpets,” says Ron Verga, who founded Ron’s Carpet 44 years ago. Responding to the trend toward hardwood floors covered with area rugs, Ron added the top-of-the-line cleaning equipment several years ago. “We receive all kinds of rugs to clean, from a $20,000 silk rug to a regular nylon area rug.” The process starts with a special dusting machine that removes all the particulate matter. Then the rug is immersed in a 1,200-gallon wash tank to be cleaned with stainless steel paddles. After a thorough rinsing, the water is dissipated from the rug in a large 900-rpm centrifuge machine. The pile is groomed and reset, and the rug is dried at 140 degrees. After careful quality control and spot checking, the product is a fresh and gorgeous rug – as Ron says, “as clean as the sheets on your bed” – ready for pick up or delivery. There’s also a process for cat or dog urine removal for an added charge in which the enzymes are broken down and flushed out with water through the centrifuge before the regular cleaning process. Most odors, including smoke, can be eliminated, although discolorations can’t be remedied. The addition of the rug cleaning equipment has been a great draw for Ron’s Carpet, which serves customers from all over South Carolina and from North Carolina. For Ron, buying the best equipment available is key. “I wanted to offer our customers the best that’s out there. Any time that I’ve diversified, I’ve gone Cadillac,” Ron says. The company has expanded over the years, and now offers services that include water restoration and cleaning services for air ducts, tile and grout, windows, wall-to-wall carpet, upholstery and hardwood floors, as well as power washing. Ron’s description of his Cadillac style might be a reference to his hobby – cars. The owner of many beautiful cars through the years, Ron is anticipating picking up his new Corvette from the factory in Bowling Green, KY, along with his son, Ron Jr., who has followed him into the business and is a vice president at Ron’s Carpet.
62 Airview Dr., Greenville ronscarpetcleaners.com | 864.297.6440
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Behind The Counter
Photography by related images photography
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Photography by parkkonen photography
TWILL
“We just wanted this to be a place you could hang out and feel at home.” Denim is the everyman and everywoman of every man and woman’s closet, demonstrating panache for nearly every occasion short of the boardroom. Co-owners Carolyn Haas and Lauren Page opened Twill, a denim and lifestyle boutique, to give this staple its due. The dream of opening a store together came to fruition in July of 2014. The friends were sure their combined experience would work to create a successful business. Page studied fashion merchandising at the University of Georgia, while Haas studied fashion design in Italy through Clemson University. Both have worked in boutiques and showrooms throughout the Southeast. “We asked ourselves, ‘What’s missing [in Greenville]? What kind of store do we want?’” says Page. They looked to other boutiques for inspiration and their own lifestyles and tastes. “Both of us live in jeans and have a casual lifestyle, so we just decided to go that route,” says Page. At the end of the day, the goal was simple. “We just wanted this to be a place you could hang out and feel at home.” More like a Restoration Hardware–inspired living room than a retail store, the interior pays homage to the South’s agricultural and industrial roots with salvaged wood accents, a deep, well-worn leather couch, sliding barn doors, vintage factory carts converted into display racks, and steel-pipe shelving. The result is subdued, refined, casual, and lived-in—a vision of a modern, urbane South. 54
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Of course, the centerpiece of Twill is an expansive wall of jeans that spans an entire side of the store. Neatly hung and folded along this wall are 15 denim lines, including J Brand, Frame, Genetic, Citizen, and Mother. There’s even a selection of maternity jeans (inspired by Haas’s motherhood) and a small-but-growing men’s section. Tops, jewelry, and accessories that mirror denim’s versatility round out the store. “We try to pick pieces you can mix and match, dress up and down,” says Page. “We try to have a little something for everyone,” Carolyn says. “If we have five different women from five different backgrounds come in, we want everyone to be able to leave with something.” That’s the humble promise of denim—most of the time, it just works. And with Page and Haas at the helm, Twill is set to deliver that promise to just about everyone.
2222 Augusta St., #7, Greenville twillsc.com | 864.520.2486
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 10:05 PM
MIDTOWN ARTERY
Midtown Artery supplies luxurious original artwork and sculpture to sophisticated collectors and corporate clients nationwide.
Photography by related images photography
When Charlie Thompson moved from Michigan to South Carolina 35 years ago, the idea that he would become involved in the business of selling art could not have been more remote. With a degree in engineering and financial management from Michigan State University, his early career was spent in manufacturing. In 1989 Thompson indulged his dream of owning a business by founding a regional home IV therapy company. Thompson first became interested in fine art in the early 90s, when his wife purchased a piece of original artwork for their newly constructed home. Though he loved the piece, he remembers experiencing a bit of sticker shock at the time. Following the sale of his company in 2005, Thompson began working with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to raise money for Type 1 Diabetes research through their Ride for the Cure and annual gala. It was his work on this gala – where he bid on and won a piece of original artwork by Greenville artist Ric Standridge – that would prove to be a turning point in his career. “Ric and I became great friends. He was a mentor to me and taught me a great deal about the importance of original artwork,” Thompson says. Then, in April of 2008, not having predicted the impending American economic collapse, Thompson opened Midtown Artery, a fine art gallery focusing on a slate of nationally and internationally acclaimed emerging and career artists with limited distribution.
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“We went through some very tough times during those first few years but pushed on with the passion that high-end artwork and sculpture would continue to be in demand,” Thompson says. Undaunted by the economic climate, Midtown Artery continued to thrive and eventually required a larger space to accommodate the scale of artwork they carried. The new location at the Village of West Greenville on Pendleton Street opened in 2013. “It was a perfect opportunity to relocate our gallery to a more urban and edgy environment and surround ourselves with other creative talent,” Thompson says. “It also allowed us to utilize the space for special events and the impact on sales as a result of that decision has been huge.” Midtown Artery supplies luxurious original artwork and sculpture to sophisticated collectors and corporate clients nationwide.
M I D T O W N
A R T E R Y
1241 Pendleton St., Greenville midtownartery.com | 864.420.5387
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HOLLIDAY DENTAL
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry with an event venue atop
7 Legacy Park Rd., Greenville parkviewatverdae.com | 864.252.5845 hollidaydentalgreenville.com | 864.233.8639 56
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Behind The Counter
Photography by parkkonen photography
Dr. Joseph “Happy” Holliday became a dentist in 1983 and built a successful dental practice near McAlister Square. But when he and his wife Janice discovered the Hollingsworth Park neighborhood, with its attractive homes, scenic Legacy Park and the Legacy Square commercial area, they knew it was the perfect place to live, work and play. The couple, who have three grown children, moved to Hollingsworth Park and opened Holliday Dental two years ago – just a half-mile stroll from their home. “We can walk or bike,” said Janice, who handles bookkeeping, payroll and human resources, among other duties. “It’s just down the hill and past the pond.” The dental practice continued thriving in the new location, with almost every existing client following them to Legacy Square, plus new friends and neighbors becoming clients thanks to the convenient location. Holliday specializes in “smile makeovers,” including veneers, teeth whitening, bonding and Invisalign. “If someone comes in self-conscious about their teeth or smile, Happy really enjoys helping them,” Janice said. “He’s artistic and he’s a perfectionist, and the staff is the same way.” The practice has continued to grow and thrive thanks to great dental results and long-term relationships with patients. The entire team makes sure that each patient feels comfortable and taken care of, and walks away feeling like he or she had a great experience. While the Hollidays enjoy being in the dental business, their move to Hollingsworth Park opened up another opportunity – one they didn’t see coming but one they have enjoyed. Legacy Square is part of the “new urban development” plan for Hollingsworth Park, which includes neighborhoods at a variety of price points and walkable access to parks and commercial areas. The master plan dictated that Legacy Square should be made up of twostory buildings, but when the Hollidays built their dental practice, they only needed one story. Because they loved the location so much, they ended up adding a garden terrace upstairs, which by the end of 2014 had become a beautiful space well-suited to hosting events. Park View hosted its first event in November of last year “and by December we were slammed,” Janice said. With space for less than 50, the venue is intimate but has a full kitchen, heart-pine floors, flexible seating, luxury finishes and – as the name suggests – outdoor seating areas with leafy park views. Park View has hosted rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, corporate events and more, and has a list of preferred catering vendors, including Table 301. Clients can also bring their own food and beverage if they choose. “I’ve always enjoyed entertaining and planning parties,” Janice said, so while Park View has its own staff, she is heavily involved in the planning stages and is frequently onsite for most events. When they aren’t working, the Hollidays love spending time with their family, which includes three grown children: son Hayes, a real estate attorney in Greenville who is married to Katelyn, a pharmacist at GHS; daughter Abbie, a photographer and online boutique owner in Charleston who is married to Caleb Jordan, an assistant pastor at New Spring Church; and John Lawrence, who has completed dental school and is currently completing a residency at a Naval hospital in San Deigo. “He plans to eventually go into business with his dad,” Janice said. They enjoy gardening, spending time outdoors, and traveling, including family skiing and boating trips. The couple has completed mission trips to Haiti, Ecuador and Mexico, and Dr. Holliday is also a regular volunteer at the Greenville Free Medical Clinic. They attend and enjoy worshipping at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, where they have been involved in various volunteer and leadership roles over the years. Soon, the Hollidays will have a new reason to celebrate – their first grandchild is due this spring.
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Photography by parkkonen photography
CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY SALON “When people come here, they are the star.”
Have you ever been to an upscale salon where the vibe was so pretentious and hip that you felt out of place? The Christopher Ashley Salon is far from that! The staff at Christopher Ashley makes sure every client feels comfortable and relaxed. The refined yet urban space offers luxurious products with a personal approach to your visit. The staff isn’t concerned with being avant garde or trendy, but on creating something that is as unique as the individual. It has to look like it ”belongs” to the person. “I dislike the idea of hairdressers that have attitudes, like rock stars,” Chris says. “When people come here, they are the star.” Christopher and Ashley Maddox opened the salon in 2006 with a more artistic vision for hair. Clients rave about the hair painting. Instead of foils, the stylists free-hand paint color throughout the hair. Colors melt together creating the perfect harmony of tones. It’s the closest thing to “childlike” hair. The couple learned the technique 20 years ago from a renowned French hairdresser, and have evolved the skill over the years. They make sure the staff is well trained with all techniques. They don’t offer a broad range of services, but they do make sure that the cuts and color they offer are top-notch. “Our thinking is, be great at a couple of things instead of being okay at a bunch of things,” they said. They want clients to walk away thrilled and tell everyone. That’s why the focus is on showing personality through the hair – whether 58
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buttery blonde, cinnamon brown or sunset red – and cuts that work with each client’s natural texture. That could mean shaping with scissors, razors or texturizing shears to unleash the full potential. Because as the Maddoxes know, nothing impacts a person’s look – or their confidence – quite like hair. “If you had to wear just one outfit for six weeks, you’d better love it,” Chris says. “A good stylist is always looking at what he can tweak to make it better – but always something suitable for the client.” When the Maddoxes aren’t working, they love to spend time with their daughters, Isabella, 9, and Alaina, 7. “We love pushing the girls in their tree swings and chasing Mavis, our goldendoodle, around the backyard,” Chris said. “There is something going on every day.”
101B W. Court St., Greenville christopherashleysalon.net | 864.242.0777
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:16 PM
HARRISON LIGHTING Lighting Is The Jewelry Of The Home
For example, the lighting needs to be right beginning from the front entrance, to the foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen and rest of the house. You may have beautiful fabrics and trim, but without proper and decorative lighting, it can lose some of its appeal,” advises Phil. Lamp aficionados will be glad to know that locally famous Robert Fonville along with two other technicians are available for lamp and fixture repair. Harrison Lighting also boasts the largest selection of lamp shades in the Upstate, with qualified sales associates to help you choose the right one for your lamp. Although the Phil and Lin enjoyed the historic location in Lewis Plaza, they are excited about the increased traffic that the new location has brought. “People drive by, turn around and come in to see us,” Phil says. When not working hard at Harrison Lighting, they enjoy spending time with their large family, at their church, and are both dedicated Rotarians.
3021 Augusta St., Greenville harrisonlighting.com | 864.271.3922
Photography by parkkonen photography
Here’s something that you may have always known, but didn’t have the words for: Lighting Is The Jewelry Of The Home. That pearl of wisdom comes from Phil Watson, the co-owner with his wife, Lin, of Harrison Lighting. Phil knows his lighting: He has been studying the field of lighting and lighting design in advanced courses ever since he and his wife partnered with former owner Don Harrison in a 300-sq.-ft. store in Lewis Plaza in 2004. Now, from the antique restoration and repair business that originally started in Don’s garage, Harrison Lighting has outgrown its Lewis Plaza location and grown into a 4,000-sq.-ft. showroom on Augusta Street near the Mauldin Road intersection. Featuring a full line of residential lighting, Phil describes his offerings this way: “If it illuminates in or around the home, we handle it.” From landscape lighting, electric and gas lanterns, chandeliers and wall sconces, to lamps and shades, can lights, under cabinet lighting, and restoration and repair, Harrison Lighting is lighting central for the homeowner. For Phil, who has always been in product sales and business development, the lighting business in which he started as a consultant quickly became an all-consuming vocation. “We thought we’d do just a little here and there, but it required all of us,” he says. Lin handles the financial, purchasing, and most of the floor management while Phil specializes in lighting consulting and sales. “I consult with customers to see what kind of lighting they need.
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Photography by parkkonen photography
JACOB MANN, COLDWELL BANKER CAINE STILL ON TOP!
You might find Jacob Mann shouting out a counter-offer while coaching first base at his son’s baseball game, or signing a listing agreement at another son’s basketball game. For Jacob, the top-selling Realtor at Coldwell Banker Caine, there is no clock punching when it comes to his passion for real estate. “When you love your job, you don’t count the hours,” Jacob says. “I’m advocating for my clients all the time, doing my best to represent them.” Hard work and passion are only two ingredients for Jacob’s consistent place at the top of the residential Realtor rankings, a remarkable record that spans from his award as Coldwell Banker Caine’s Rookie of the Year in 2001 to holding the #1 or #2 spot as the company’s top producer for more than a decade. His annual closed production consistently ranks in the top 1% of Coldwell Banker sales associates nationwide. Jacob’s success is in part due to his versatility. He loves selling to first-time home buyers as much as selling luxury homes. Delighted to work with any buyer or seller, Jacob gives each of his clients the meticulous attention that he is known for. “Before the offer is achieved is a huge part of the job, but during the contract negotiations and close, it is so important to have an advocate holding your hand to get you to that closing table,” Jacob says. “I have to micromanage every step of the way to ensure that my clients get the 60
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service that they expect and nothing slips through the cracks.” Jacob credits his father, developer Bud Mann, for his sense of a home’s potential. “Dad was a Realtor at one point. I’d watch him talking about knocking walls out. I was eight years old, learning the business.” Now, Jacob can see the potential in a home with nightmare colors, or how to knock out a wall to open the kitchen to the den. His wife, Elizabeth, is an interior designer, adding to Jacob’s design knowledge. Jacob hired ace assistant Anne Garrett last year. “She’s amazing. I simply can’t get it done without her,” Jacob says. Along with his blazing work schedule, Jacob enjoys volunteering with his kids’ schools, and attending his three sons’ games and extracurricular activities. “I just love my career and being with my family,” Jacob says. Call Jacob today if you want the “Top Mann” in the business!
111 Williams St., Greenville 325Mann.com | 864.325.MANN (6266)
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:18 PM
T-N-J TRAILERS, INC.
Wanda founded T-N-J Trailers together with her parents in 1989, when she was just 22, a career move she says was “totally accidental.” in the automotive industry. As luck would have it, husband number two happens to be a trained – and naturally gifted – mechanic, so she gave him a job. “He saved this company on repair work,” Wanda says. She likes to call him “The Trailer Doctor,” and he turned out to be as adept at repairing trailers as he was at mending Wanda’s broken heart. Throughout the difficult times, T-N-J has maintained its commitment to selling trailers at the best prices and is a market leader in providing high quality trailer customizing and maintenance. Rounding out the T-N-J surgical team is Mark’s son, Michael, a welder. Wanda says he is every bit as talented as his old man. Mark’s daughter, Jennifer, who Wanda adopted when they were married, works in the office, making T-N-J once again a full family affair.
8825 Augusta Rd., Pelzer tnjtrailers.com | 864.243.4214
Photography by carol boone stewart
If there’s one thing to be said about Wanda Alexander, it’s that she knows how to roll with the punches. Wanda founded T-N-J Trailers together with her parents in 1989, when she was just 22, a career move she says was “totally accidental.” A young couple from Texas rented a house from Wanda’s parents because of the shop out back, a great space for Diamond C Trailers, which they had come to town to sell. Homesickness got the better of them after about 10 months, and they didn’t want to haul all those trailers back to Texas. And just like that, Wanda’s family was in the trailer business. The name of the business at that time was TNT, but Wanda and her mom were selling Tupperware through a distributor of the same name. Wanda decided if they just turned that last T into a J they wouldn’t have to invest in a new sign for what was supposed to be just a sideline business. Wanda, her first husband, and her parents ran the company together for several years. Ownership changed hands along the way as marriages dissolved, but when Wanda’s father passed away in 2007, she became the sole proprietor. But Wanda isn’t standing alone. She met her current husband, Mark, in 2006 when she sold him a trailer. Though she swore she would never work with another husband, the recession that hit in 2008 forced her to eat her words. Trailer sales plummeted – people were fixing what they had instead of buying new – and then her husband was laid off from his job
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This Can Be the Best Time of Your Life RICH IN ACTIVITY, FREEDOM, AND RESPECT
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Continuing Care Retirement Community INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE • SKILLED NURSING • WELLNESS
A carefree lifestyle awaits you at Greenville’s Premier Retirement Community. One by one, Cascades members are embracing a new way to experience retirement. From resort-style amenities to five-star service to a steadfast commitment to fun. The Cascades is a unique community where members enjoy the freedom to indulge their passions and explore new horizons. With a full-service, on-site Wellness Center and nationally recognized, award-winning wellness program, Cascades is the preferred choice for people who want to live long, live well and live independently. 10 FOUNTAINVIEW TERRACE • GREENVILLE, SC 29607 • 864-528-5507 • CASCADES-VERDAE.COM
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Photography by parkkonen photography
HEIDI PUTNAM, COLDWELL BANKER CAINE Heidi was Rookie of the Year in 2012, ranked #11 in 2013, and #9 in 2014 for the Coldwell Banker Caine Greenville market. You’ve seen that long-vacant house in a great neighborhood that looks impossible to love back into a home. It’s tempting ... but who do you call for help with such a project? Call Heidi Putnam. The Realtor at Coldwell Banker Caine in Greenville has created a bit of a niche in the Upstate market. Heidi’s the one who can tell you how to open the kitchen to the den, if you can knock down a wall, how to let light in to transform a dark room, how to utilize an awkward space – in short, she can help you create a modern dream home within the good bones of a fixer-upper, or add the perfect touches to a home that’s almost there. A former landscape designer for eight years with a master’s degree in landscape design, Heidi always knew that she’d become a Realtor one day. She had a knack for it, having renovated four homes of her own within a few blocks of one another in the Augusta Road area. “I always looked for the house that was a dog,” Heidi says. “I can see the potential. I feel like every house has a story.” In fact, Heidi is so well-known for her domestic vision that her Instagrams of her latest renovation had their own enthusiastic following. And her success has reflected her passion. Finally entering the real estate profession in 2012, Heidi was Rookie of the Year in 2012, ranked #11 in 2013, and #9 in 2014 for the Coldwell Banker Caine Greenville market. 64
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“I don’t really sell houses. I consult with people about their needs and see if we can find a house that matches them, or can be made to match them,” says Heidi, who spent time working in construction management for a few months to learn the lingo and the basics. “I love it. I think most houses need a little something, unless they are brand new.” The Wofford College graduate now has a very busy career, but still makes time for a little gardening and raising chickens in her back yard. Heidi and her husband, Matt, spend a lot of time at their two teenaged children’s sporting events, and she enjoys playing tennis on three tennis teams based out of the Kroc Center.
111 Williams St., Greenville cbcaine.com | 864.380.6747
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:22 PM
LIV ® DOWNTOWN GVL downtown restaurants and retail establishments, and recently hosted a virtual West End boutique crawl. Wendy not only lives downtown, but also knows what it’s like to run a downtown business, as proprietor of the Swamp Rabbit Inn. Being entrenched in the downtown lifestyle puts the LIV™ Downtown GVL team at the forefront of what’s happening in downtown Greenville’s fast-moving real estate market. LIV™ Downtown GVL also uses their advanced digital approach and social media skills to connect sellers to a broader pool of clients than downtown agents focusing on the local market can offer. “Condos downtown go fast, buyers need the advantage of boots on the ground,“ Wendy says. “We know that market. We’ll be your eyes and ears to find the perfect urban dwellings.”
200 S. Main St., Ste #200 A, Greenville Wendy Lynam 864.517.4617 | Marie Kernell 864.423.1868 livedowntowngreenville.com
Photo inspiro 8 studios
Greenville’s secret is out, and everyone wants a piece of it. Wendy Lynam and Marie Kernell understand the yearn to be a part of what Greenville has to offer better than most. Ten years ago, Wendy was living in blustery Chicago and looking for a new home with a more forgiving climate that wouldn’t require sacrificing all the things she loved about living in a major metropolitan area. She looked at cities across the country, exhaustively weighing pros and cons, and Greenville came out on top. Marie fell in love with our fair city after moving here from St. Louis with her husband, Joe, when he took on the role of Greenville County Administrator in 2004. Wendy and Marie met on the sidelines of the St. Joseph’s soccer field shortly after moving here and became fast friends. Wendy crossed paths with commercial real estate entrepreneur Marty Navarro, of NRE Property Group LLC, while looking for space to lease downtown. Together the three of them saw an opportunity to pool their talents and experience to tap into the growing market of people who don’t live here, but want to. Their market is a targeted one – people who can work anywhere and want a high quality of life with a lower cost of living. And a temperate climate with easy access to mountains, lakes, and beaches doesn’t hurt. LIV™ Downtown GVL relies heavily on research-based and data-driven digital marketing to reach potential clients and give them a local’s perspective on living downtown. They use their blog to showcase
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CROSS CREEK REALTY, LLC
Steven Smith is a Realtor with a big advantage when it comes to selling land: he’s also a licensed forester. The 1993 Clemson graduate holds a degree in forest resource management. He founded Cross Creek Timber in 2009, a timber procurement company that purchases standing timber and pulpwood throughout the Upstate. Steven’s work in the timber industry piqued his interest in real estate: “I opened Cross Creek Realty in 2013 as a sister company to Cross Creek Timber in order to better serve our clients with buying and selling recreational properties, timber tracts and farms.” Having a working knowledge of land and a true understanding of timber has shown to be invaluable in real estate. “We have the willingness to put our boots on the ground and analyze a piece of property. Beating the bushes is a daily routine for us,” says Alan Brockington, a Realtor and Cross Creek Timber’s operations manager. “We understand the value of not just the dirt but the timber too.” Alan graduated Clemson in 2004 and resides in Easley with his family. Cross Creek Realty utilizes modern tools to be knowledgeable about property, including aerial photography and GIS mapping. “We can look at a topological map and discern general things like where flood plains, creeks, ridges and valleys are located. Aerial photographs show roads, water features and open spaces. We can tell the history of the property by looking at the timber.” Always dedicated to the benefit of clients, Cross Creek Realty recently added Realtor Bradley Smith to handle special projects. “People call us with needs that might not fit within our core business model and Bradley is available to help serve them,” Steven says. Bradley lives in downtown Greenville and enjoys gardening and bee keeping on the family farm in Easley. Cross Creek Realty and Cross Creek Timber take great pride in being results-driven companies. “We do not feel that because we are in business and carry a license that we should automatically get paid. We get paid when the job is done and the customer is satisfied,” he says. For Steven, the synergy of the timber company and the real estate company is very satisfying. “I love it,” he says. “I love working with land and timber.” When he’s not working, Steven enjoys hunting, specifically for black bears, and he treasures spending time with his family who live in downtown Greenville.
PO Box 14245, Greenville crosscreekrealtyllc.com | 864.517.3621 66
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Photography by related images photography
“I opened Cross Creek Realty as a sister company to Cross Creek Timber in order to better serve our clients with buying and selling recreational properties, timber tracts and farms.”
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:26 PM
STYLE ENVY “You have three seconds to make a first impression. You need to make sure to get it right.”
Photography by carol boone stewart
Ashley Bickerstaff has a gift. In one morning, she effortlessly managed to transform a friend’s wardrobe, adding style, personality, flattery and – most importantly – a major boost of confidence. “I realized I could do something with this,” Ashley said. With two young children at the time, she wanted to use her skills and knowledge but needed flexible hours, so she launched Style Envy and became a personal wardrobe stylist. In 2011, she added professional image consulting to her offerings. She now has a thriving business serving men, women, teens and corporate clients. “The services I offer are very tailor-made and client-specific,” Ashley said. The professional image component of her work has taken off recently, with banks, accounting firms and law firms hiring her to do presentations on how to look the part of a successful professional. Bickerstaff has seen firsthand that when her clients look like the brand they want to portray, it makes a big difference on the bottom line. “You have three seconds to make a first impression,” she said. “You need to make sure to get it right.” Though she enjoys working with corporate clients, she also loves working with people who want to upgrade their wardrobe, clean out their closets or simply learn what looks best on them. She works with local boutiques who act as retail partners. They suggest her services, and she makes sure to shop their selections. And while women’s fashion is a passion, she also enjoys shopping for men, and finds that after working with women, they will often sign up their husband for a session. She worked with Meg Hawkins first, and then Meg signed up husband Zeno Hawkins (pictured). “He’s a CEO (of Highland Homes) so he needs to look the part. Now they both make me look good,” Ashley said. Ashley spends her off hours with husband Lindsay, son Neill, 14, and daughter Murphy, 10, going on bike rides and hiking. The Augusta Road-area resident is also passionate about her Pure Barre workouts. And then, of course, there is her hobbyturned-job, shopping. “Don’t be envious of other people’s style,” she said. “You can have that too – just give me a call!”
ashley@mystyleenvy.com | 864.915.4440 Behind The Counter | 201 5
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Photography by nspiro 8 studios
TANDEM INNOVATIVE PAYMENT SOLUTIONS “Our goal is to be the Southeast’s leader in merchant processing.” There are many companies in the merchant card processing business, but Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions suggests this: How about doing business locally, with a company that offers speedy and reliable local service, and a commitment to transparency and trust? “We’re building it one customer, one relationship at a time,” says Tandem President Larry Feniger. A former banker, Larry started Tandem when he saw a niche in the market for a local payment processor that could provide better service than the national players. He left his comfortable banking job and regular paycheck to start Tandem, working alone from a small office in 2009. Lots of hard work and six years later, Tandem now has a bigger office, 15 employees and 1,500 merchants. Along the way, Larry built the best-educated team in the Upstate. There are only five Certified Payment Professionals in the Upstate, and Tandem has four of them, including CFO Evan Black. Evan believes the business thrives because of its commitment to helping its local business partners grow their businesses. “We truly are advisors that can help a company understand the industry and grow through our different products,” Evan says, including customer loyalty programs and top-notch analytics to track and increase customer sales. “We want them to be our clients forever.” To that end, Tandem has never raised a merchant rate and requires no long-term contracts. Nevertheless, it maintains an attrition rate well below the 68
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industry average, and has been recognized for its excellence by the Better Business Bureau and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. A rapidly changing field – with the expansion of mobile payments and smart chip technology in credit and debit cards – the merchant card processing industry can be hard to follow. In addition to Tandem representatives personally meeting with customers, the company also keeps its customers apprised of industry changes with monthly newsletters. Now with headquarters in Greenville and offices in Charleston, SC, Greensboro, NC, and Fernandina Beach, FL, Larry sees no ceiling on the company’s growth. “Our goal is to be the Southeast’s leader in merchant processing,” he says. As the business grows, Larry continues to enjoy his enthusiastic family of employees, as well as spending time with his wife Liza and their two children. Larry is active on the Palmetto Board at the United Way, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and as a coach for the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy.
728 North Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville tandempayment.com | 864.672.1570
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 10:11 PM
INSPIRO 8 STUDIOS
Interior and Architectural Photography “To photograph the finished work is so rewarding.” experience. “Architecture school changes the way you see the world,” she said. “I see everything now, based on proportion, color, balance and scale.” When she isn’t taking photographs for her business, she can be found taking “a gazillion pictures” of her kids: Maddi, 10, and Asher, 8. She enjoys spending time with family, being involved and serving at her church, exploring trails around the Upstate, and just being at home. “Our home is a charming 100-year-old bungalow in the heart of downtown Greenville with enormous trees and a creek in the backyard. Combine that with wonderful neighbors – it’s an incredible place to live!” Lehde also serves on the Clemson Visual Arts board, part of the art department at Clemson University, and has a passion for promoting local artists. “All these creative fields … art, architecture, design and photography … these are gifts that allow me to appreciate beauty in the people and places around me.”
inspiro8.com | 864.243.8316
Photography by inspiro 8 studios
After years of creating beautiful, comfortable spaces, Rebecca Lehde has tightened her focus on her favorite part of the business – capturing images of the finished product. “To photograph the finished work is so rewarding,” she said. “I’m not documenting a space, but capturing the essence of a space and what it feels like to be there.” Lehde earned a degree from the University of Florida College of Architecture and Design, and went on to pursue a career in interior design. When she and her husband moved to Greenville in 2005, they founded Inspiro 8, where he focused on residential architecture and she focused on interior design. But her favorite part of each project was at the end, when she was behind the lens. When her husband Mitch joined Ridgeline Construction Group, they agreed it was the perfect time to transition Inspiro 8 into a photography business, allowing her to pursue what had been both a passion and hobby. Lehde knew that her years as an interior designer would translate perfectly to photographing interior and architectural spaces, allowing her to communicate well with clients, designers, architects and others involved in each project. She has found a niche working with businesses that want to communicate their design ideas to clients and potential clients through websites, marketing materials and social media. She understands that the photos she creates don’t just document a project or space, but create a visual
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3/27/15 4:27 PM
CONSTANTINE DENTAL “I see daily the positive effects that a smile can bring.”
1 West Prentiss Ave., Greenville ConstantineDental.com | 864.607.8848 70
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Photography by related photography
Rich Constantine knows good advice when he hears it. When the mentors he had shadowed told him to find the place where he wanted to raise a family, and then find a place to work, the seed of Rich’s odyssey from his hometown in Pennsylvania to South Carolina was planted. With dental school at West Virginia University almost finished, Rich and his wife, Trish, headed south to shop for a new hometown. They visited a number of wellknown cities along the way, but when they stopped in downtown Greenville, it was love at first sight. “We were looking for sunshine and a place that was on the rise,” Rich recalls. The couple was struck by the beauty of downtown, the vibrant feel, the proliferation of restaurants, the kindness of strangers. They even found it warm in March, and to the surprise of their waitress at lunch that afternoon, asked for outdoor seating. Now, this driven dentist is ready to open his own practice in downtown Greenville at a new office on Prentiss Avenue after six years as a dentist in another practice. A general dentist who enjoys all aspects of his profession and its healing effect on his patients, Rich’s vision for his practice echoes the same welcoming feeling that he finds so attractive in his adopted hometown. “I enjoy dentistry, I enjoy working with my hands, and I enjoy caring for people. I’m thankful that my profession doesn’t force me to keep separate who I am and what I do,” Rich says. “I see daily the positive effects that a smile can bring and I want to provide that for my patients in a comfortable, trusting environment.” Look for his new office, set to open in June, to reflect the shady trees and lovely architecture of its surroundings. “I feel fortunate to have found a location in a part of the city that inspired us to relocate to Greenville. I look forward to becoming part of the neighborhood and having the opportunity to give back to the community,” Rich says. Meanwhile, when Rich isn’t pursuing continuing education to ensure the finest care for his patients, the Constantines, both former Division I college athletes, enjoy staying active at local gyms and athletic events and cheering their alma maters on game days, as well as hunting for the perfect meal at various restaurants downtown.
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:28 PM
KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY “Selling or buying a house can be a stressful time for a family. Our agents enjoy providing professional service with a big dose of love.” Michael, whose experience has included investing, construction, and teaching business at the university level, came to Keller Williams in his current role due to the great growth opportunity that Keller Williams offers. “I love the chance that we have to help people every day. It’s about the mission, not the commission. Selling or buying a house can be a stressful time for a family. Our agents enjoy providing professional service with a big dose of love” Michael says. Greenville’s real estate market provides great opportunities with its thriving local economy, booming downtown, and a supportive local government. “We’re known as a place to work, play, live, and retire. Being in the real estate industry, allows us the opportunity to meet people from around the globe consistently as they choose to call Greenville home,” Michael says. Along with welcoming new Broker-in-Charge Lynda Sams, a 30-year real estate veteran and former Greater Greenville Association of Realtors board president, Michael looks forward to continuing to aid his agents with their work/life balance, giving back to the community, and spending time with his wife and four beautiful children.
403 Woods Lake Rd., Greenville joinkwupstate.com | 864.234.7500
Photo Provided
Keller Williams Realty has moved to a new, state-of-the-art 15,000-sq.-ft. office on Woods Lake Road – a sizable space that can accommodate the explosive growth of a Greenville office that is part of the #1 real estate company in North America. For Michael Brown, CEO and team leader, the extraordinary culture at Keller Williams is the reason for its massive success. Keller Williams is an industry leader in training and technology with the insight that real estate is a local business done by local agents. The new office includes a dedicated fiber network to help his 213 agents and 30 staff members with online transactions – and he is proud that Keller Williams was named the #1 training organization in the world by Training Magazine in February. “If they like, our agents can go to a class every day, or check out information 24/7 online. National training is free for our agents,” says Michael, who is launching a brand-new productivity coaching program that former broker-in-charge Bill Lawton is rolling out for new and existing agents. “The program shares strategies that embody our motto: A career worth having, a business worth owning, and a life worth living.” The company philosophy encourages individual development, and empowers employees through profit-sharing, beneficial commission plans, and an in-house Agent Leadership Council populated by top agents who advise on business management. “At Keller Williams, everyone is a stakeholder. The better we do, the more chance our agents and staff (stakeholders) have to earn additional income,” Michael says.
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ANNETTE STARNES “I really enjoy working with people, especially when I have a small part in helping make their dreams come true!” Coldwell Banker Caine REALTOR®
340 East Main St., Ste. 100, Spartanburg astarnes@cbcaine.com | 864.415.1763 72
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Photography by carol boone stewart
Annette Starnes has her dream job. Eight years ago, Annette Starnes’ lifelong dream of having a career in real estate finally came true. She takes pride in helping her clients consider all the aspects of buying or selling a home in the Greenville/Spartanburg area. That passion is what drives her to give her clients the best possible advise and service. “When I take on the responsibility of helping someone sell or buy a home, I try to make sure they are making the right decisions,” says Annette, who is generally ranked as one of Coldwell Banker Caine/Spartanburg’s top five agents. Annette offers thoughtful and honest advice to her buyers, reminding them that the home they buy now may not be their last. “I encourage them to be sure they are making a good decision for now, and for the possibility of selling the home in the future,” she says. Annette believes that selling a home is about finding the right agent who will do what it takes to get it SOLD! Her clients benefit from Annette’s gifts for design, staging and improving a home. She helps sellers create a warm and welcoming atmosphere to entice prospective buyers. “I am even happy to help my sellers shop for that perfect rug, throw or colorful pillow. I don’t just stick my sign in your yard, I go above and beyond and do what it takes!” Before entering the real estate world, Annette, a North Carolina native and 25-year Spartanburg resident, was a manager with Harris Teeter and in sales for Verizon Wireless. When she isn’t on the road between appointments, she enjoys tennis, entertaining and traveling. She treasures spending time with her family, especially her son and two daughters. Last year she took her second cruise to Alaska with her loving and understanding husband of 28 years. His support has been a major part of her success in the demanding real estate business. Annette is thankful for the many people she has met along the way that have enriched her life. “So many of my clients have become my friends,” she says, “and I really enjoy working with people, especially when I have a small part in helping make their dreams come true!”
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:32 PM
MAVIN CONSTRUCTION “We make sure our team has the tools, software and education to operate at the highest level.”
One way they set themselves apart is through their staff – they hire, train and retain mavins. That means they always seek employees with integrity and drive, only hiring those who will be a mavin for every client. “We spend a lot of time and money bettering ourselves and our team,” DJ said. “To be a mavin, you never truly arrive. If you want to stay at the top of your game, it’s about learning and bettering yourself, so we make sure our team has the tools, software and education to operate at the highest level.” They also work with employees throughout the year to support the charitable causes that mean the most to them. They support the Julie Valentine Center and participate on boards such as the City of Greenville’s Design Review Board and the Furman Alumni board. The Malos and the Dohertys share a love of the outdoors and “anything family-centric,” DJ said. Todd and wife Suzanne have two boys, Jack, 13, and Graham, 10, and DJ and his wife Stacey have son Dutch, 6, daughter Lane, 4 and baby Anna Pearse, 5 months.
1200 Woodruff Rd., Suite B-9, Greenville mavinconstruction.com | 864.263.3713
Photography provided
What is a mavin? The dictionary defines it as a trusted expert in a particular field who seeks to pass that knowledge on to others. What does it mean at Mavin Construction? It means a team that works to earn the trust of clients by delivering a successful and rewarding construction experience. “Our goal is to work with companies that have recurring needs and do all of their work, from fixing a door knob to ground-up new construction projects,” said Todd Malo, who founded the company with DJ Doherty. Todd and DJ founded Mavin in 2012 after working together in construction for more than a decade. They have already grown to 16 employees, with a core general contractor business as well as a maintenance division. Projects in their portfolio this past year include the chapel at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Anderson University’s biochemistry laboratory, Tryon Equine Hospital, and SC Telco Corporate Headquarters. They have also worked on projects for Henry Schein, Gerber and Morgan Stanley and are in the preconstruction phase for a new project for Fellowship Greenville. Todd and DJ knew they would work well together in starting a new business because they have similar values – integrity and a high expectation of how each client should be treated – but they have complementary strengths. “Todd is very nuts-and-bolts, and operationally focused,” DJ said. “I think a bit broader – marketing, strategic business development.”
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Photography by related images photography
JOYNER COMMERCIAL
“We give back to the community that has given us so much.” Their conference room window looks out over bustling downtown Greenville, and the outlook is excellent at Joyner Commercial: the Commercial Division of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors®. When Berkshire Hathaway joined forces with C. Dan Joyner Realtors’ commercial division, it created a company that offers the best of both worlds: the resources, marketing, and national ties of Berkshire Hathaway, and the local, people-focused power of C. Dan Joyner. “It is a family here,” said Broker in Charge Matt Carter of the team of 20. “For our company and our clients, that’s important, and that’s what C. Dan Joyner is all about.” Joyner Commercial focuses on every segment of the commercial market, including industrial, retail, office and multifamily. It is also a true brokerage, so the company isn’t competing with developers. “We represent our clients’ interest, and we take pride in that,” Carter said. “We give them the good or the bad – the unguarded truth.” Fortunately, the news has been largely good so far in 2015. The Upstate is particularly sought after, with a lot of out-of-town and foreign investment, along with banks that want a regional headquarters here. There is an improved lending environment, and vacancy rates have tightened up. “The market has been great this year, and we hope that sustains,” he said. “The recession hurt everyone, and there are still pockets of the market that are not healthy, but people are realizing that the Upstate is a golden spot.” The C. Dan Joyner Company has been brokering real estate since 1964, and has been the Upstate’s largest real estate company for more than 15 years. The 74
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company became affiliated with respected Berkshire Hathaway in 2014. Carter joined Joyner Commercial in 1997, and said there are many who have been there longer. The commercial office has also grown in number in the last few years. The company prioritizes community involvement, focusing on two annual fundraising efforts: The United Way and the American Heart Association. Joyner Commercial’s agents also participate with the Greenville Transit Authority, Meals on Wheels, and numerous other local charity organizations and various community boards and committees. “Community involvement is part of our responsibility,” he said. “We give back to the community that has given us so much.” Pictured – Back Row: David Dempsey, Hays Reynolds, Steve Hoover, Wayne Smith, Steve Greer, Joe Teague, Stephen Harrill, Barney Atkinson, Hope Tz Schmalz, Helcio Cardoso, Leah Carter. Front Row: Nelson Garrison, Greg Huff, Matt Carter, Michael Joseph, Susan Dodds. Not pictured: Ted Arnold, Steve Bichel, Charlie Timmons. Dog: Steadman
24 Vardry St., Ste. 401, Greenville joynercommercial.com | 864.233.7724
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:40 PM
C. DAN JOYNER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO. The company, with its staff of 14, now manages almost 500 single-family homes and oversees more than 50 homeowners associations.
loving what you do. “It’s easy to wake up and commit to what you are doing when you are excited about what you’re doing,” he said. Right now, Crigler’s hobbies are his kids: son Bo, 3; and daughter Mary Ellis, 1. He and wife Ellis are also preparing for the arrival of daughter Reed in April. They love to go to the beach or lake, and, with 25 family members in a one-mile radius, the tight-knit clan often gathers for meals, laughter and golf cart rides. Crigler expects more growth in his company’s future, and will do all he can to keep expanding on the family legacy. “I hope in 30 years, my kids are looking to me and I can watch them help build the company,” he said.
735 N. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville cdjpropertymanagement.com | 864.242.4466
Photography by carol boone stewart
Alex Crigler has a big portrait of his grandfather on the wall of his office. “Every day, I’m reminded I’m here to continue his legacy and to improve it in every way that I can,” he said. “It’s a lot to live up to, so I just really make sure I’m committed to what I’m doing.” His grandfather – or as Crigler knew him, Pop – is the late C. Dan Joyner, who built the area’s largest real estate company before passing away in 2012. Crigler’s uncle, Danny Joyner, and his father, David Crigler, have continued that legacy and built it even further, including a recent partnership with Berkshire Hathaway. Crigler started out with the company at age 21, and after working at other firms returned to his family company in 2013. He started out in commercial sales, but found that he especially enjoys the property management side. “We try to make every single person comfortable,” he said. “They know their assets, their property is going to be protected. We’ve been doing that for 40 years.” Crigler also inherited a firm belief in the Golden Rule from his Pop, and puts it into practice every day. The company, with its staff of 14, now manages almost 500 singlefamily homes and oversees more than 50 homeowners associations. This year, the company added a division that manages commercial property, “so now we are all things property management,” Crigler said. The keys to his company’s success, he says – traits shared by his grandfather, father, uncle, mother, sister, wife and aunt, who are all involved with the family business – are hard work, commitment and
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Photography by inspiro 8 studios
CLARK’S FINE JEWELERS Clark’s Fine Jewelers is a gem – a well-established, family-owned jewelry store, built on Christian values, located in the heart of Simpsonville on thriving Fairview Road. Clark’s Fine Jewelers, formerly Gold Collections, was founded in 1992 by Ann Wasson and her son-in-law, Frank Clark. Ann’s daughter, Ashley, left her teaching career to join the family business in 1999. Now that Ann is semi-retired, Ashley and Frank are running the shop. Frank runs the large jewelry repair shop. “We keep all of our repair work in-house, which gives customers a lot of comfort,” says Frank. Ashley is the buyer and bookkeeper, and sells along with parttime employees Suzie Summers and Janet Fowler. When they renamed the business and put up the new Clark’s Fine Jewelers sign, the family was thrilled with the response. “The sign went up at 8 am, and by 10 am, we had new customers,” says Ashley. “We want to let folks know that we are their hometown jeweler, and maintain the same quality, professionalism and integrity that we’ve had for 20 years,” says Ashley. “We take pride in the strong relationships we have developed over the years with our customers and our community. It means a great deal to all of us.” Their expertise and friendly customer service sets them apart from the large chain jewelry stores. The couple takes pride in helping each customer choose the perfect piece of jewelry for that special someone. Clark’s Fine Jewelers offers custom-designed pieces as 76
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well as a large selection of silver and gold jewelry, pearls, diamonds, colored stone jewelry and an extensive selection of watches, including Bulova and Seiko. Frank and Ashley have three children and live on a small farm out in the country, complete with ducks and chickens. Though the shop is open six days a week, they enjoy camping and working in the garden in their leisure time. It is a challenge running a business and raising a family. Frank and Ashley work hard at both. “It is a blessing to be a part of a familyowned business,” says Ashley. “There is always a family member there to help you out when you need it.”
679 Fairview Rd., Ste. B, Simpsonville 864.228.2920
Behind The Counter
3/28/15 4:38 PM
GOLDEN CAREER STRATEGIES “I coach one-on-one in person, by telephone, Skype or FaceTime.”
and networking strategy. “I coach one-on-one in person, by telephone, Skype or FaceTime,” he said. “Greenville is such a sweet spot that I get a call every week from someone who wants to move to Greenville.” Everyone has heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Myles says, “It’s who knows you!” He makes sure that connections are made for his clients. “We coach their value statement or elevator speech, we go with them to events, introduce them to people and share our network with them.” At 74, Golden didn’t expect his current level of success, which has continued to build. He now represents about 65 clients at any time, and has assisted more than 2,000 people in finding new careers. “I thought I might work part time and make a few bucks,” he said, laughing. “But word of mouth kept bringing more people. I’m still enjoying what I do, though I’m looking forward to the next chapter. We hope to find someone as passionate about the business as we are.”
33 Market Point Dr., Greenville goldencareerstrategies.com | 864.527.0425
Photography by carol boone stewart
Myles Golden was at a crossroads: After 35 years with The Ivan Allen Company, a leading office products company, and as President of the Greenville subsidiary, the company was sold. With that merger behind him, he was looking for his next step. He made an appointment with a national outplacement firm seeking assistance for his own “outplacement,” or help identifying his best career path and brushing up his resume and interview skills. After a breakfast consultation at the Commerce Club, he walked away with more than a plan to find a new job – he walked away with a job. “My company didn’t sponsor outplacement, and I was told it wasn’t offered as a retail service,” he said. “Being an entrepreneur at heart, I realized thousands of people don’t get employer-sponsored outplacement. In fact, only about 10% of corporate America sponsors outplacement but displaced employees really need career transition services.” Before he knew it, he was working in outplacement and organizational development with large clients like BIC, Honeywell and Flagstar, the former parent company of Hardee’s and Denny’s. “I loved every minute of it,” he said. “I loved helping people identify, prepare and land new careers.” In 2001, he decided it was time to found his own company, blending his business knowledge, leadership skills and networking acumen to help job candidates. His specialty is executive coaching, and his connections span the world. The staff of 9 includes his wife Ann Golden, client services director, CFO and career assessment consultant, along with experienced coaches for resume development, interview preparation, negotiating skills
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Photography by carol boone stewart
FLAGSHIP PROPERTIES
“We expanded our real estate services with the acquisition and operations of THE OFFICE CENTERS, the Upstate’s largest executive suites business.” Benji Smith and Jon Pickhardt say diversity is the strength of their real estate businesses. Pickhardt says, “Whatever your needs, we have someone who excels in that field. The business is uniquely positioned to help buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants in both residential and commercial properties. We are literally a one-stop shop.” In 2008, local real estate businessman Benji Smith founded Flagship Properties, focusing on commercial real estate. Jon Pickhardt partnered with Smith shortly thereafter and the business flourished through acquisitions and business development. Seven years later, the Flagship group has evolved to include three divisions: Flagship Commercial, Flagship Property Management and Flagship Residential. 2013 brought even more expanded real estate services for Smith and Pickhardt when they acquired ownership and operations of THE OFFICE CENTERS, partnering with current owner Lawrence Fischer. Most people are surprised to learn that THE OFFICE CENTERS is the largest executive suites company in Upstate South Carolina, serving more than 170 companies in four locations. Fischer remains active on the board of directors and serves as a friend and advisor. Smith, a South Carolina native, has been at the forefront of the Upstate real estate community since 1997. He jokes that he mixes business with exercise by starting the Flagship Triathlon Team at the office, where he loves being challenged by the younger team athletes. 78
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Smith just celebrated 21 years of marriage to Nancy Netter, M.D., and they have two busy teenage sons. Pickhardt has worked in Greenville real estate since 2006, and was president of the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors in 2014. A sports enthusiast, Jon and his wife Melanie are devoted to volunteering at their two sons’ school and assisting with youth sports programs. “My vision was to design a full-service real estate company surrounded by people who share the same ideals of taking care of clients’ needs and enjoying the journey,” Smith says. Benji and Jon are holding a boat rudder, which is one of many nautical items displayed at the Flagship office located at 33 Market Point Drive, Greenville, SC 29607.
33 Market Point Dr., Greenville flagshipsc.com | 888.728.8908
Behind The Counter
3/28/15 1:26 PM
UBS FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
“We want our clients to enjoy their lives more and worry less, because they’re dealing with us.” The ALFA Group at UBS serves a select group of families across the United States – from Palm Beach to New York, from Greenville to Silicon Valley, and points in between. With their experience backed by the global resources of UBS, the ALFA Group is prepared to help meet wealth management need. The team is supported by a very competent staff that includes Anissa Calhoun, Senior Client Service Associate; Melissa Fowler, Registered Client Service Associate; and Michele Tate, Client Service Associate. Their warmth and professionalism is evident to all whom they so competently serve. Mike, Steve, and Jeff are Financial Advisors with UBS Financial Services Inc. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of UBS Financial Services Inc. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees (including its Financial Advisors) provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with your legal counsel and/or your accountant or tax professional regarding the legal or tax implications of a particular suggestion, strategy or investment, including any estate planning strategies, before you invest or implement. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. ©UBS 2015. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC.
UBS Financial Services Inc.
17 West McBee Ave., Greenville ubs.com | 864.241.6335
Photography by related images photography
For the ALFA Group at UBS, process and planning drives client outcomes, but true success is measured by relationships. Having access to the universe of investment opportunities doesn’t hurt either. And that’s what attracted Jeff Allen, Steve Armaly, and Mike Lee to their current work at UBS Financial Services, Inc. All experienced financial professionals – Mike from JP Morgan, Steve from Pricewater-houseCoopers, and Jeff from US Trust – along with Gary Forte are part of the ALFA Group. “I think the independence and the open architecture that we have with clients was most attractive,” Jeff says of UBS, where he serves as Vice President and Financial Advisor. ALFA is a financial planning-focused group that deals primarily with individuals who have between $1 million and $50 million in liquid assets. All aspects of the clients’ financial lives are considered from retirement planning, investments and estate planning to insurance and debt management strategies. “We want our clients to enjoy their lives more and worry less, because they’re dealing with us,” says Mike, who is Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager. It’s ALFA’s disciplined process and the creation of an individualized financial plan which allows their clients to relax and focus their energy on the most important areas of life – faith, family, and health. “By beginning every relationship through a detailed financial planning process, we develop an understanding of what’s most important to our clients,” says Steve, who is First Vice President and Wealth Advisor. For the ALFA Group, the relationships that they form with clients, frequently spanning generations, are the most important and satisfying part of the profession.
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Photography by related images photography
BIG O DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM If it’s possible to have the automobile business in your blood, Kyle and Jake Odum’s veins are humming with it. The two brothers, who run Big O Dodge Chrysler Ram Jeep together on Laurens Road in Greenville, grew up at the dealership, doing odd jobs after school with their father, Michael Odum, who founded the dealership as Big O Dodge in 1983. “We were washing cars, or sweeping floors, or sweeping rocks into potholes,” recalls Jake, who is the Dealer Principal. “Dad was always trying to teach us a lesson about hard work, to make us appreciate it.” Kyle, who serves as New Car Manager, says the brothers would have it no other way. Far from feeling coerced, the brothers enjoy their work. Although they lost their father in a motorcycle accident in 2003, and their oldest brother, Tanner, who ran the business after their father’s death, in a car accident in 2008, the brothers maintain that the lessons that they taught have not been forgotten. “I think a big part of our success are the ideals and values that my Dad had,” Jake says. “We have inherited the company that he built. And our mother, Beverly, is the glue that holds it all together.” Beverly Odum is a vital part of the business, handling marketing and vendors and providing invaluable input into major decisions. Both brothers attended Northwood University in West Palm Beach to study automotive management and marketing. Already accustomed to long working days, the brothers have worked diligently to make the 80
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14-acre dealership the most well-known Ram dealership in the state, and have consistently turned a profit year over year. “We have plans for more locations,” says Kyle, who is proud of the dealership’s higher-than-average retention rates. “We have 75 employees, some with extremely long tenures. We always try to promote from within.” For Kyle, it’s gratifying to meet the public, and to hear that his father and brother are still fondly remembered. “It’s great for us to hear folks say something nice about my father or my brother, how they went out of their way to do something nice for someone.” Jake describes himself as a gearhead who enjoys riding his motorcycle or rock crawling in his Jeep when he is not spending time with his two daughters, Addie and Stella Bleu. Kyle is happily married to his wife Lynn, with whom he loves to travel and also enjoys mountain biking in Western North Carolina and playing soccer.
2645 Laurens Rd., Greenville bigododge.com | 864.288.5000
Behind The Counter
3/28/15 4:44 PM
GREENVILLE CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS capital campaigns to follow. After its opening in May, the Center will be ready to welcome students to already-scheduled classes starting May 11 in media including jewelry, sculpture, drawing, painting, and fiber arts. Students may sign up in person or online for classes. For Cherington, who recently moved back to her hometown of Greenville after living and working in Manhattan and Asia, the opportunity to lead such a transformative entity allows her to use her skills in development, public relations, and public policy for an important cause. “Art, and the ability to communicate through art, is of the utmost importance, and it’s so effective in creating community,” says Cherington, who is married to artist Darin R. Gehrke. The couple, along with their 3.5-year-old daughter, are enjoying Greenville and the joy of reconnecting with family and friends. Pictured L to R: Director of Operations Allen Armstrong, Executive Director Cherington Love Shucker, and Founders Rebecca Romanek Johnson, Linda Furman, Don Kilburg, Tracy T. Hardaway, Carrie Burns Brown, Randy Armstrong, Pat Kilburg, Bryant C. Brown and Earle Furman.
25 Draper St., Greenville artcentergreenville.org | 864.735.3948
Photograpy by inspiro 8 studios
There’s a new anchor for the visual arts community coming, and it’s located in the Village of West Greenville at the historic Brandon Mill under development by Pace Burt. The Greenville Center for Creative Arts, comprising two buildings on the site for a total of 77,000 square feet, will offer public art classes for children and adults, private and community art studios, and art exhibits and events when it opens May 1. “When the Greenville County Museum of Art school closed, it created a void,” says Executive Director Cherington Love Shucker. “Our founders saw that access to art-making for everyone is a fundamental need of a healthy community.” The ambitious project has been in the planning for a year, and Cherington credits the strong board of founders for its serious approach to creating the building blocks for an entity that will stand as their legacy for years to come. “They did a phenomenal job in their research and making the case that a Center was needed,” she says. The board, staff and volunteer leaders are mindful as well that the Center will draw 1500 to 3000 students yearly to the historic neighborhood, and contribute to its vitality further by attracting visitors during First Fridays events and Greenville Open Studios sponsored by the Metropolitan Arts Council, as well as other events and exhibits. “The response from the Greenville community has been great. We’ve heard so many say they’re delighted that we’re moving forward so quickly,” Cherington relates, adding that the start-up money has been raised, with
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Photography by carol boone stewart
GOLDEN YEARS MOVING
“We treat all of our clients like I would hope someone would treat my grandparents.” Take Alison Longenecker’s experience as a nurse, her heart for working with the elderly and her passion for treasure hunting. Add in Donna Van Norden’s marketing degree, organizational skills and years of event planning, and you have the ideal duo to run Golden Years Moving. The two owners take what can be a challenging, overwhelming process for seniors – many who are downsizing and getting rid of a lifetime of accumulated memories – and turn it into something fun. They’ve done everything from track down lost diamonds (the homeowner had inadvertently tucked them in a cabinet behind the kitty litter) to holding an impromptu dance party after finding a bag of 1960s wigs. “We really become friends with our clients,” says Alison. “We make sure it’s a very positive experience.” They manage the entire moving process for seniors – and, in an increasing sector of the business, for non-seniors who simply want the experienced team to oversee their move from start to finish. “People say, ‘I’m 45, but my wife and I are overwhelmed or too busy.’ We cater to all ages now.” But their services are designed to meet the needs of seniors, including weeding through belongings, shipping heirlooms to family members, and selling or donating the rest. The “Golden Girls” can do everything for a client, from customized floor planning, overseeing the moving company, and coordinating painters and repairs, all the way 82
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through unpacking and setting up a new home. Or, clients can pick and choose just a few services. “No two moves are alike,” Alison says. In a free one-hour consultation, Golden Years Moving can learn top priorities and build trust for such a personal job. The company was founded three years ago after Alison read an article about this growing industry. The women were friends through their children, who went to school together, and when the article came up over dinner, both women agreed they should jump in. “I always wanted to own my own business, and I did it at 50,” Donna says. They joined the National Association of Senior Move Managers, which offers insurance, training and a nationwide network of contacts. While organization, planning skills and hard work are important to their success, Alison and Donna say the key to their continuing growth is their personal touch. “We treat all of our clients like I would hope someone would treat my grandparents,” Donna says.
12 Terra Ln., Greenville goldenyearsmoving.com | 864.901.3870
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:50 PM
IRON TRIBE FITNESS
The goal behind the Iron Tribe concept is to make working out fun and effective, but also accessible for both the teenage soccer player and the grandmother. equipment and functional movements to instead focus attention on maximizing the body’s performance.” “My goal is to create a community of 300 athletes that are determined to transform their lives,” Rob says. To that end, Iron Tribe facilities are keenly focused on their training being safe and sustainable. Rob has worked with a breadth of individuals ranging from cancer survivors to NFL players. He is extremely excited about transforming lives in Greenville, as well as giving back through Iron Tribe’s charitable partnerships with organizations like Neverthirst and Team Red White and Blue. A graduate of Samford University, Rob fell in love with this area during his regular visits to see his brother, a former Furman University baseball player. Now, he’s delighted to join his wife, Upstate native Laura Sims, in calling Greenville home.
2227 Augusta St., Greenville irontribefitness.com | 864.990.2020
Photography by related images photography
When Iron Tribe Fitness opens in May, it will be a gym of a different stripe. At its core, Iron Tribe is focused on changing lives. It uses an organized and fun 45-minute daily workout as one of its tools to deliver amazing results. But membership is limited to only 300 people. This ensures personal attention from the coaches and support from the Tribe. “It’s not personal training, but intentional training,” says Iron Tribe manager Rob Jackman. The goal behind the Iron Tribe concept is to make working out fun and effective, but also accessible for both the teenage soccer player and the grandmother. “The best thing about Iron Tribe is watching a diverse group of people succeed when faced with a common challenge,” Rob says, reflecting on his experience with Iron Tribe in other markets. New members participate in a 101 Program over the course of a month to learn the fundamental movements of the program and the dietary habits they recommend. For Iron Tribe, nutrition and fitness go hand in hand. “Diet is 80 percent of fitness,” Rob notes. To that end, the gym offers fresh meals based on the principles of the Paleo diet (eating lean meats, fruits and vegetables, while reducing grains, dairy and processed foods), as well as healthy snacks and supplements. The hottest selling breakfast item? Paleo pancakes. Developed by a committee of exercise scientists at Iron Tribe’s brand headquarters, the workouts are varied and progress is constantly monitored. Sounds complicated, but when asked about the equipment required to get into Iron Tribe shape, Rob put simply “we utilize basic
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Photography by inspiro 8 studios
THE BLOOD CONNECTION
“Blood is one of those things that can’t be manufactured, so we depend on the community to give this precious gift.” When you donate your blood at a bloodmobile or a donor center, you are providing part of the 400-500 pints of blood that The Blood Connection must collect every day to supply local hospitals. “The hospitals depend on our blood supply 100 percent to ensure that it’s always there when needed,” says The Blood Connection’s President and Chief Executive Officer Delisa English, who supervises a workforce of 267. “We don’t want anyone to ever worry if there’s blood on the shelf for them.” The Blood Connection is an extensive operation, including donor centers in Spartanburg, Greenville, Greenwood, Oconee, Easley, and Hendersonville, as well as 13 bloodmobiles that travel throughout the Upstate and parts of Georgia and western North Carolina. The collected blood comes to the Biologics Processing Center at the main office in Piedmont to be prepared and tested before it’s delivered to hospitals. For Delisa and her staff, it’s much more than a job. “Once you get into this profession, it’s hard to get out because it’s such a great mission. Every day, you know you’re having a positive impact,” says Delisa, a 25-year veteran in the blood donation field who moved from Columbia to Greenville to head the local office. “I’m in awe of what our staff does every day.” Part of the staff ’s job is to make blood donation as easy and painless as possible. Donors, who may give blood every other month, can expect to spend an hour or less, and are treated to a refreshment and a snack. 84
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One donation can save up to three lives. “Blood is one of those things that can’t be manufactured, so we depend on the community to give this precious gift,” Delisa says. The Blood Connection staff believes in giving back as well, participating in United Way fundraising efforts, the Harvest Hope Food Bank food drive, and building houses for Habitat for Humanity. Last year, the employees helped support a 5K run and had a bake sale, a car wash, and a silent auction to raise money for Be the Match, a bone marrow registry. For Delisa, the move to the Upstate has been an unqualified success. She finds her staff an inspiration and enjoys being closer to her freshman son at Clemson University (she has another son in Washington, DC), exploring the beautiful scenery, and antiquing with her husband, Michael.
1099 Bracken Rd., Piedmont thebloodconnection.org | 864.255.5000
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:52 PM
TURNER AGENCY INSURANCE
“Choosing the right insurance agent for your business and personal needs can be one of the most important decisions a person can make.” through individual and group volunteer efforts. The staff is involved with Meals on Wheels, their churches, and other organizations. Giving back is a way of life for each team member, as well as the Turners’ children, Clay, Carey and Ellis. When Ross had ideas about how to improve the state government, he didn’t just talk about it – he decided to run for office, and became a S.C. Senator in 2012. Julie, who met Ross at a Commodores concert years ago, never expected her husband to be a senator, but is proud of the work he is doing. “His small-business background and common sense serve him well in Columbia,” she said. It’s just another way the Turners give back to the community where they were raised. “We are proud to make a difference in the lives of our clients and those in need. We love what we do!” she said.
623 Halton Rd., Greenville turneragencyinc.com | 864.288.9513
Photography by carol boone stewart
Turner Agency Insurance has been meeting the business and personal insurance needs of the Upstate and beyond since 1962. While still locally owned, the services the company provides have grown tremendously as insurance needs have become increasingly more complex. Clarence Turner Jr. founded the company with the belief that “If you take care of the customer, the rest will take care of itself.” Clarence’s son Ross Turner started his career with Travelers Insurance, but when he had to choose between moving to Connecticut or joining his father’s agency, the decision was easy. “He wasn’t cut out to be a Yankee,” Julie Turner, his wife said with a laugh. “So he joined his father, and has never looked back.” Ross is now president, and Julie heads up agency marketing, with 18 employees and over 2,500 clients. “Choosing the right insurance agent for your business and personal needs can be one of the most important decisions a person can make, and we offer great choices from someone you can trust,” she said. The agency, recently named one of the best places to work by the S.C. Chamber, is always working harder to be better. “We believe in personal service, long-term relationships, and providing our clients with one source for all their insurance needs,” she said. The agency represents companies such as Travelers, The Hartford, Frankenmuth, Auto Owners, State Auto, Central, Liberty Mutual, and more. Being local – both Turners were raised in the Upstate – allows the team to offer great value, make their own decisions and support the community
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Photography by related images photography
BROWN MACKIE COLLEGE “It’s good to give back to the community that you are working in, and it’s good to teach students that.”
Greenville has 18 new registered nurses. The registered nursing program at Brown Mackie College Greenville has graduated its first class, and more nurses are on the way, with 58 registered each year in the two-year program. The graduating nurses joined 274 Brown Mackie graduates (20132014) who have completed the college’s career-oriented curriculum in areas such as business management, information technology, accounting, occupational therapy assisting, medical assisting, surgical technology, criminal justice, paralegal, and healthcare management. Degrees include certificates, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees depending on which course of study is pursued. Campus President Karen Burgess, a 23-year education veteran, explains that the college customizes its approach to accommodate its student body, many of whom are non-traditional students with families and jobs, with two daytime schedules and one evening schedule. In addition, students take one class per month – with one mid-term, one final, and one instructor. At semester’s end, a student will have completed four classes. “Managing one course at a time is easier than having four at a time. It’s intense learning, but it works,” Karen says. Graduates, most of whom remain in the Greenville County area, enjoy a 71 percent job placement rate. Part of that success is Brown Mackie’s careful read of the local labor market. “We hold program advisory committee meetings to show members of the community 86
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our curriculum and ask what we should change or add,” says Karen, who adds that the college is always considering new programs based on its tracking of local labor trends. The students enjoy ample opportunity to work in and give back to the community, including externships and plenty of charitable work. Last year, Brown Mackie captured the best overall float title for the third year in a row in the Christmas Parade, and the college’s March of Dimes Walk efforts raised the most money of any Greenville-area college. The college supports the Meyers Center and Parkinson’s groups, and always participates in Hands On Greenville every year. “Charity work is a focus for us,” Karen says. “It’s good to give back to the community that you are working in, and it’s good to teach students that.” Karen and her executive committee members serve on local boards. When Karen, who relocated to Greenville from Pennsylvania in 2009 to open the local campus, isn’t working or volunteering, she enjoys golfing, taking long walks with her husband and her dogs, and heading to the beach.
75 Beattie Pl., Ste. 100, Greenville brownmackie.edu | 864.239.5300
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:52 PM
SW PROMOTIONS
“We believe giving our customers unmatched customer service is the right way to conduct business!” you are likely to find him pounding it with his running shoes on, relaxing with his family on Lake Hartwell, watching his girls play sports, or volunteering in the Greenville community where he grew up. The SW Promotions team prides itself on its creative approach to setting their clients apart from their competitors with custom-designed and targeted promotional item programs. He is thankful for the success his company has seen so far and plans to continue to reach new heights, but adds he never wants to grow so large that he can’t show up for his customers. “I’m not in it for one order,” he says of his approach to building personal relationships with his clients. “Give me an opportunity – I like my chances.”
728 North Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville swpromotions.net | 864.233.2311
Photo provided
Sam White knows he only has one chance to make a first impression and he is okay with that. “Attention to detail is crucial in our business,” Sam says, explaining that customers of his promotional products company, SW Promotions, need their items accurate and on time or they don’t need them at all. “We get a lot of repeat and referral business, so we feel like we are doing something right since people are passing our name along.” Sam says one key to his success is his ability to adapt to a changing market. The internet is a great tool for researching products and comparing prices but Sam makes his customers a promise the virtual world can’t match. “If you have a problem, you can’t call the internet,” he says. “If you call me with a problem, I am not going to avoid answering the phone. We believe giving our customers unmatched customer service is the right way to conduct business!” When he started his company a few years ago, he also adapted to a shift in traditional family roles by hiring his father, Sam White, Sr., a 35-year veteran of the industry. Sam, Sr. brings considerable experience and knowledge to the sales department. Rounding out the SW Promotions team is Jill Antley, who holds down the fort at the office by overseeing the customer service and accounting functions. Sam’s wife, LeAnne, also helps with product sales. When Sam is not pounding the pavement to meet his clients’ needs,
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Photography by related images photography
NOVUS ADVISORS
“We offer tactically managed, risk-based investment funds in qualified retirement plans.” Principals Jennifer Belshe and Christopher Connelly of Novus Advisors, an SEC-registered investment advisory firm, are proud of their company and the services that it provides. The firm specializes in institutional asset management, fiduciary services and innovative investment solutions for retirement plans and pension funds. “We offer tactically managed, risk-based investment funds in qualified retirement plans,” says Jennifer. “This is a unique alternative to the mutual fund options that are typically offered.” With backgrounds in wealth management and banking at large institutions, the partners at Novus Advisors are excited to bring this kind of institutional asset management, previously available only to high-net-worth individuals, to all retirement plan participants. One of the goals of the investment strategies offered by Novus Advisors is to reduce overall portfolio volatility and drawdown over a full market cycle. “Protecting assets in volatile markets is just as important as participating in capital appreciation,” says Jennifer. “Oftentimes we see investors who can achieve high market returns in the short-term, but if they are unable to protect their portfolios during times of substantial market volatility the results can be devastating. That’s where our investment strategies can add tremendous value.” As an experienced ERISA 3(38) Investment Manager, Novus Advisors understands the importance of providing quality investment options in retirement plans. For many who have retirement assets but aren’t particularly market-savvy, these investment options are a great choice. 88
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Both licensed investment advisors, the partners have similar backgrounds in banking, having worked in trust departments and with high-net-worth clients. In 2010, they saw a space in the retirement market for a unique service, and they decided to take the leap to work together. Now, they deal with clients across the country, working in nearly all 50 states. “Being an independent investment firm, we are able to offer options that are not available at most large institutions. We have the whole investment universe available to us, and we love the flexibility,” says Chris, who anticipates excellent growth as clients discover the innovative options offered by Novus Advisors. Jennifer, who is happy to have returned to South Carolina in 2006, loves to travel and enjoys living and working downtown. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Erin, and their five children and is a competitor in Brazilian Jujitsu, a mixed martial art. Jennifer Belshe and Christopher Connelly are dually registered as Investment Advisor Representatives with Trustmont Advisory Group, Inc. and Novus Advisors, LLC.
14 S. Main St., Ste. 200, Greenville novusadvisors.com | 864.272.3579
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:55 PM
AMY EMERY INTERIOR DESIGN “I let my designs be driven by my clients. My job is to create something they love.”
commercial spaces, but soon found residential projects falling into her lap. “I truly enjoy both types of design and it gives me diversity,” she said. Each project is “completely and utterly different” because she meets with clients to understand their personal tastes and their lifestyles, helping create a space that is both functional and aesthetically appealing. The main reason she wanted to open her own firm was to ensure she has plenty of time for daughters Ella, 8, and Lili, 5. “I love the flexibility,” she said. “I can be available for them when they need me – before they get older and don’t want me around!” She loves traveling and including her girls in her adventures, but she also loves being at home in her North Main neighborhood, spending time with neighbors and walking her girls to school. “I absolutely love Greenville and couldn’t imagine a better place to be, both personally and professionally,” she said.
amyemery.com | 864.270.3680
Photography by parkkonen photography
Amy Emery has been an interior designer for 16 years, and she’s found over and over again that clients start out thinking they might not be able to afford an interior designer – and then realize that they couldn’t afford NOT to have one! “Sometimes people are afraid of the cost, but they should consider the resources we have access to and the expertise behind every selection,” said Amy, who was previously co-owner of ID Studio before opening Amy Emery Interior Design last June. “The cost of the fee may be completely offset by the discounts passed on or even expensive mistakes that are avoided.” There are hundreds of decisions to be made with interiors projects that can be completely overwhelming. Amy ensures that people make smart choices that will reflect their personal style. “I don’t want my designs to have a certain look,” she said. “I let my designs be driven by my clients. My job is to create something they love.” Amy earned a degree in interior design from the University of Georgia before heading out to Denver, CO, to start her career. “I just wanted to live somewhere new,” she said. “And the snowboarding was fun too!” She soon got a job at an architectural firm, where she specialized in commercial design. “I was involved in all different types of projects and they were amazing mentors. When I moved to Greenville, I felt I had enough experience to work solo,” she said. She started a design firm in Greenville, and planned to focus on
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Photography by related images photography
JORDAN LUMBER COMPANY
If you need hardwood flooring—whether traditional or exotic, retail or custom—Jordan Lumber has it all. If you need hardwood flooring—whether traditional or exotic, retail or custom—Jordan Lumber Company has it all. The family-owned company, flourishing since its founding in 1934 by C.G. Jordan, specializes in hardwood flooring – and only hardwood flooring – serving builders, independent installers, and homeowners. “There are a lot of years of experience in the family,” says David Sweeny, who joined the family and the business after marrying a Jordan, his wife, Kerry. It was a natural fit for him, having spent time at his grandparent’s lumber company near Lake Wylie growing up. Now a vice president, he has been working with pride for 13 years alongside his brother-in-law, vice president Keith Jordan, and his father-inlaw, president and owner Gary Jordan. “When you’ve got a familyowned and operated business, the service is different. We have an interest, we’re all in the business together, and that creates a trust and a connection with our customers,” David says. The office on Rutherford Road encompasses showrooms and a large warehouse. Customers who buy retail hardwood flooring know that Jordan Lumber uses reputable suppliers, and homeowners or builders who use the company for materials and installation can count on Jordan Lumber to ensure top-quality work. As with any long-successful company, Jordan Lumber has adapted to meet the market demands. Still dedicated to its core business, the company has responded to the increased demand for specialty hardwoods and installations. “We install a wide array of hardwood floors to meet the 90
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most discriminating of tastes,” says Keith, who joined the family business in 1997 after graduating from Clemson University. “Now wood is being used through the whole house, even in basements.” David has found his work as part of the Jordan family satisfying. “We have a great relationship, and I enjoy dealing with clients, helping them beautify their homes.” With three children, David would be delighted to see a fourth generation join the family business. “But I’m not pushing that,” he says with a laugh. Keith, who has a hobby of wood working, sees steady growth ahead. “We have very loyal employees who have been with us for a long time. We have high-quality employees across the board that are very respectful of our customers and their homes. We treat them well and they treat us well. We really enjoy operating in the Upstate market,” Keith says.
104 Rutherford Rd., Greenville jordanlumbercompany.com | 864.232.9686
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 4:55 PM
PARALLEL FINANCIAL PARTNERS Clients’ interests and firm’s interests always moving in the same direction.
Parallel Financial’s ability to take a wide lens and creative approach to its clients’ needs is represented in its choice of location – in Greenville’s booming West End. “We love being part of Greenville, and we wanted to be a part of downtown and that creative feel,” says Anthony, who, along with Brian, is a 15-year investment veteran. The Parallel team has recently grown to six people, all dedicated to serving their clients’ best interest. The staff has just completed its first United Way giving campaign and is passionate about giving back to the community. Both men are happily married with children. Brian is a member of Radius Church and when not working, enjoys cycling, backpacking, and performing in local theater with his daughter. Anthony is very involved at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, plays golf, and enjoys watching his daughters play sports.
511 Rhett St., Ste. 2A, Greenville parallelfinancial.com | 864.385.7999
Photo provided
Parallel Financial Partners is more than a name for firm principals Brian Boughner and Anthony Mahfood. It represents their appoach to their clients – a way of describing how their clients’ interests and the firm’s interests are always moving in the same direction. The firm, just celebrating its two-year anniversary, was born from the principals’ desire to do business differently from larger institutions by not being subject to corporate mandates or product-focused solutions. Parallel’s conflict-free approach serves as the foundation for its investment process, fee structure, and planning advice. Using a third-party custodian, Charles Schwab, offers clients full transparency with their investments. Blogs, emails and social media also keep clients plugged in to the financial world. “We manage investments and provide holistic financial advice to our clients. We don’t require any account minimums because we are more interested in the right relationship than how many zeros are in a client’s account,” says Anthony. The firm’s clientele includes young professionals, retirees, business owners, professional athletes, and foundations. “We really consider ourselves a family-based firm; we serve not only our clients, but their children,” Brian says. “We’re looking for long-term relationships.” For Brian, the world of finance is more exciting now than ever. “It’s very dynamic because the markets are dynamic, and people with their money can be dynamic as well. We’re in unprecedented times for financial markets. It’s more important than ever to have a plan in place,” Brian says.
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Photography by related images photography
CENTURY BMW
Declared a Center of Excellence for the second year in a row – a designation that ranks it in the top five percent of all BMW dealerships in the country. Century BMW has experienced an epic turn-around. From ranking last in customer service, the BMW dealership has been declared a Center of Excellence for the second year in a row – a designation that ranks it in the top five percent of all BMW dealerships in the country. And it only took two years. How did they do it? General Manager Chad Domonoske says it’s simple enough: “We turned it around by taking care of our customers, making sure they were happy when they came in, happy with the service. And we got involved in the community.” Chad is part of a team of managers brought in from Houston to oversee changes at the ailing dealership. Owned by Sonic Automotive Group, Century BMW is one of more than 100 dealerships nationwide that have benefited from the parent company’s mission to be the best place to work and shop. Employees are such a significant part of the recipe for success that Chad has trained at several outstanding US companies – the Ritz Carlton and Disney World – to study how these companies treat and retain employees. At Century BMW, the managers are evaluated annually by the employees; hiring the right employees and retaining them is a job requirement. The hiring process is slow and thorough, with many interviews and complete background checks. “You can’t build a good store and a good culture if you’re losing 92
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people,” says Chad, who reports that the employee turn-over rate has decreased from 60 percent to under 25 percent. The new car business has doubled, and the pre-owned car business has more than doubled. The service department now ranks at the top in the industry. Century BMW has reached out to the community, participating in the American Cancer Society’s Moonlight and Magnolias Ball this year, and donating to many other non-profits. Chad worked his way up through sales, finance and management at other Sonic Automotive Dealerships in Houston. He was promoted to general manager after Tommy Kuronoff returned to Houston to lead another Sonic Automotive Dealership. For Chad, the move has been a good one. “Greenville is such a clean, safe town, and it’s beautiful. We love it here,” Chad says of his wife and three-year-old daughter. “We look forward to many great years here.”
2934 Laurens Rd., Greenville century-bmw.com | 864.234.6437
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 10:14 PM
HAPPY COW CREAMERY better milk – when they were allowed to roam in fresh fields of alfalfa, oats and rye each month. He developed his 12 Aprils grazing program in 1987, and has become an authority on grazing and quality milk production. He received numerous awards for his ground-breaking discoveries, including the Career Achievement Award from the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association for his work to “create a healthier planet through sustainable agricultural practices and the promotion and production of healthy food.” For Trantham, who is married to Linda, a retired schoolteacher, it’s a job he loves. When he isn’t working, he gets time off to no-till a field or do something exciting, like canoeing or fishing. He is glad he’s passed down his love of the farm to his grown children, Tammy, who is the herdswoman and takes care of the baby calves, and Tom, III, who handles many of the jobs in the store. Both have helped steer its steady growth. “Hopefully they’ll take over if I kind of retire sometime,” he said.
332 McKelvey Rd., Pelzer happycowcreamery.com | 864.243.9699
Photography by carol boone stewart
Happy Cow Creamery is in its 13th year selling fresh milk, butter, cheese and other products at its scenic farm store in Pelzer, and the business is not just surviving – it’s thriving. “Our business has grown more each year, 12 years in a row,” said owner and farmer Tom Trantham Jr. Why has his farm had so much success? The answer is simple, according to Tom. “Because we have quality products, fair prices and good service.” The quality shines through in the milk, which is low-temperature pasteurized to preserve natural nutrition and only travels 48 feet from cow to bottle. While fat was once considered the enemy, Trantham said the whole milk is his top seller, and is chock-full of vitamins and healthful enzymes. Trantham gets letters almost every day from people who haven’t been able to drink milk for years but find that they can drink Happy Cow – and enjoy every sip. People travel from across the state and even from Georgia and North Carolina to stock up. Happy Cow is also a popular field trip destination for elementary and preschools across the Upstate, and Trantham said that’s a great way to educate young consumers, who will then tell their parents about Happy Cow’s products. Trantham bought his 100-acre Greenville County farm in 1978, but was a traditional farmer back then, using chemicals and feeding cows grain from silos. It wasn’t until the cows broke free one April and began to graze that Trantham recognized that the cows were happier – and made more,
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Photography by carol boone stewart
SEALEVEL SYSTEMS You may not know what Sealevel Systems makes, but you’ve most likely benefitted from its products. The company makes industrial computers, serial interfaces and other devices that play a key role in the effectiveness of public safety communications, military tactical radios, factory automation systems, and products that improve medical care, among other applications. “We make specialized products that help other products perform optimally,” said Ben O’Hanlan, president of Sealevel Systems. “First responders need reliable communications when answering an emergency call, and our warfighters need battlefield intelligence for a combat advantage. Our work is especially satisfying because our products make a real difference in quality of life for people around the world.” The company was born in 1984, when Tom O’Hanlan, Ben’s father, designed a communication adapter for the IBM PC. He and his wife Susan saw a growing need for these devices, so they founded Sealevel in 1986 to create them. Now, 29 years later, the company manufactures more than 350 hardware and software products that enable computer connectivity and control. It’s a true family business, with son Ben becoming president in 2011 and his sister Sarah serving as vice president of brand strategy. “We’re still family owned,” Ben said of the company that has more than 60 employees on its 17-acre site in Liberty. Their modern, 52,000-square-foot facility houses all operations, including circuit board assembly. 94
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Sealevel has always stayed at the forefront of the ever-evolving technology industry. “Our customers demand products designed to exact specifications that deliver exceptional performance and reliability,” Ben said. “To accomplish that, we have an in-house team that handles all aspects of project management, electrical design, software design, and compliance and certifications.” And the name Sealevel? It’s a frequent question for the technology company, but that’s what Tom wanted – a name that didn’t sound like a technology company. Sea Level was the name of the jazz/blues/rock band that once backed the Allman Brothers, and now their leader and keyboardist, Chuck Leavell, is the celebrity spokesperson for the company and one of Tom’s close friends. Sealevel’s commitment to the community has led the O’Hanlans and their employees to give to a variety of children-focused causes, including education and the arts, and they were honored to receive the Philanthropic Spirit Award from the Community Foundation of Greenville in 2012.
2779 Greenville Highway, Liberty sealevel.com | 864.843.4343
Behind The Counter
3/28/15 4:53 PM
MARTIN GARDEN CENTER
“Our staff has the knowledge to help people find what will thrive.” Creative Officer; Mary, Greenhouse Guru; Jen, the Jen of All Trades; Kayla and Sierra, Masters of the Machine; and Adrian, Service Ambassador – with creating unparalleled customer loyalty. Reggie grew up surrounded by plants. Her mother, a Master Gardener, currently maintains a garden with more than 1,000 plants and 300 specimens. Apparently, gardening is in the blood, as is creating “things of beauty,” a term Reggie throws around quite often. Recent “things of beauty” include rustic herb gardening arrangements, a plant painter’s palette, and repurposed rotting logs used for unique mixed containers. When she isn’t working, Reggie spends time with her son Rory, a high school senior; an amazing group of friends; and two neurotic but lovable rescued dogs. Other than that, it’s all about the work – at least for now. “My goal is to make Martin Garden Center a Greenville destination,” she said. “I want people to come back just to see what we’re going to do next.”
198 Martin Rd., Greenville martinnursery.com | 864.277.1818
Photography by carol boone stewart
Reggie Meehan has never been busier or more exhausted at the end of each day. She’s also never been happier. After spending more than 20 years in the environmental engineering field with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a large consultant to the EPA, and finally her own environmental consulting business, she looked forward to a career change. Now in her second career, she’s thrilled to “follow my bliss and inspire people to create beautiful gardens,” she said. “I’m the luckiest person I know.” She purchased the independent retail garden center portion of Martin Nursery from Ann Sparkman, who ran it for 37 years. “It was perfect,” said Reggie. “Ann wanted to retire and spend more time with family, and I was looking for something.” She added with a laugh, “Now, I have an active social life… I married a nursery.” Martin Garden Center is known for its lush greenhouse and its breathtaking array of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, house plants, tropicals and more. “We just carry what’s suitable for this climate,” Reggie said, adding, “Our staff has the knowledge to help people find what will thrive.” Before taking over, Reggie thought she knew a lot about plants, but admits that she has been humbled by the expertise of Martin’s staff. “Ann put together a great group of people,” Reggie said. “They know plants inside and out.” Reggie instead seeks to empower her employees as the Chief Inspiration Officer, crediting her inherited staff – including Denise, nursery manager and Mayor of Plantsville; Mary Beth, Chief
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Photography by related images photography
CHEVES MUSSMAN OUZTS GROUP Greenville’s Most Proactive and Trusted Real Estate Group The principals of the Cheves Mussman Ouzts Group at Coldwell Banker Caine – Thomas Cheves, Steve Mussman, and Jamie Ouzts – all hail from the Upstate, and their deep and wide knowledge of the inventory of residential homes for sale within a 25-mile radius of downtown Greenville is the key to taking advantage of a tight market. “One of the ways we separate ourselves is knowing where the inventory is, whether it’s public knowledge or not,” says Thomas, who is the #3 agent at Coldwell Banker Caine. The team members pooled their residential real estate experience – a cumulative 25 years – three years ago to leverage their service to their clients. “We’re all aware of one another’s clients and needs and wants, and oftentimes, clients have three sets of eyes and ears for them to accomplish their goals,” says Steve, who was Rookie of the Year in 2009. Three sets of very good eyes and ears. The group sold 85 properties last year for about $23 million in volume, an impressive result for a group that lands the agents in the top tier. “We take this very seriously. We can’t shift the entire market, but we give our clients the best advantage to make or save several thousand dollars more,” Thomas says. “It’s exciting to land the right properties for the right clients, which is one of the reasons they refer people they care about to us.” The group describes its approach as straightforward and results-driven. “We take a business approach, based on our understanding that nine times 96
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out of 10, a home will be our client’s largest asset,” Jamie says. “By now, consumers are tired of the fluff and gimmicks that they see. They care about THEIR results,” Thomas says. “Our group has been successful at attracting new clients directly through the great results we have produced for past clients. Many people know at least five real estate agents and they’re sick of being solicited. Essentially, attracting clients through them hearing about great experiences with us from their friends, family, and colleagues is a win-win, as long as we can truly deliver.” The team shares the goal of becoming the top Coldwell Banker Team in the Southeast by 2018. Cheves Mussman Ouzts is the exclusive marketing team for Four Fifty Park, a new 53-unit condo development downtown.
111 Williams St., Greenville buysellgvl.com | 864.201.0006
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 5:00 PM
BRIGHT+CO MARKETING CONSORTIUM call on a digital agency, a PR firm, a creative firm for ads. We coordinate all of it under one cohesive strategy that delivers better results.” BRIGHT+CO provides the agency infrastructure, from project leadership to cost controls to quality control processes to bring the consistency of message, quality and project management best practices. The unique business model has worked—BRIGHT+CO has converted a 100-year-old home on Williams Street to provide a place to congregate and collaborate, a space where great ideas on a whiteboard can marinate and build into that next big idea. For Jennifer, owning her own business has actually allowed her more flexibility to spend time with her four children and her husband. “Many of us want a work/life balance,” she says. “I’m having the time of my life interacting with smart people who are great at what they do.” When she’s not hard at work, she loves spending family time on the beach at the Outer Banks, or relishing a long weekend in Savannah.
118 Williams St., Greenville brightcomarketers.com | 844.817.SMART (6278)
Photography by carol boone stewart
The un-agency is how Jennifer Sutton describes the company that she founded in late 2013. With all the capabilities of a traditional advertising agency, BRIGHT+CO Marketing Consortium takes a different tack to fulfill its clients’ complex and diverse marketing needs by pulling together teams of experts to custom design solutions. And the solutions aren’t just piecemeal. Instead, Jennifer has joined forces with some of most strategic and creative minds that bring their collective experiences to achieve brand strategies and accompanying executions that help businesses grow and flourish. “We offer access to some of the best talent in the branding, advertising, digital, PR and marketing worlds,” Jennifer says. “Most companies want more out of their marketing dollars and better results. Our approach offers companies a very modern, nimble, tech-savvy and cost-efficient way to get the best, most up-to-date thinking and talent.” Jennifer, a 25-year advertising agency veteran, created her company to bring more punch to clients’ marketing dollars by employing teams of experienced people—from small agencies, boutique shops, writers, graphic designers, and creative strategists, to art directors, social media specialists, digital architects, digital designers and more—to deliver better thinking with less overhead, less bureaucracy, and less waste. “We’ve become a competitive alternative,” says Jennifer, who utilizes professionals with decades of experience. “No longer do clients need to
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INTERIORS MARKETPLACE OF THE CAROLINAS With 13 stores under one roof, it’s no surprise no one leaves empty-handed.
Tom Van Deren had an empty building that needed a business. Sandy Callahan had more than 15 years of experience in the Greenville interiors market. A group of vendors was looking for an Eastside location from which to peddle their wares. The stars aligned last November, and INTERIORS Marketplace of the Carolinas was born. “The vendors all know me from years of working together,” Sandy says. “They told Tom, ‘we’re coming, and we want her.’” Sandy loves being recognized as a familiar face by new visitors to her new retail home, and prides herself on developing a personal relationship with her customers. “We greet people, chat, and find out where they’re from,” she says. “We end up learning about their families. We’re getting back to that old-time feel.” Good, old-fashioned customer service combined with the latest in home decor and accessories is what makes INTERIORS Marketplace of the Carolinas a popular destination for folks looking for lamps to brighten up their homes or the perfect gift to brighten someone else’s day. Oftentimes they come in just for the love of looking itself. “People love to come in and walk around and look at what we have,” Sandy says. “They may see an item they didn’t know they needed, but they walk out with it.” With 13 stores under one roof, it’s no surprise no one leaves emptyhanded. Everything from fabrics, accessories and art to custom window treatments and embroidery can be found at INTERIORS Marketplace of the Carolinas, as well as bed, bath and novelty items. Some vendors use the store as their primary storefront; others take advantage of the opportunity to add a second retail location without adding overhead. Sandy is intimately familiar with each line in the store and handles the sales end of things so all the vendors have to do is keep their booths stocked. Sandy’s experience and knowledge of inventory also means she’s able to help customers pull together coordinating items from all over the store. There really is little need to shop anywhere else! The vendors under our roof are: Adorable Creations, Affordable Elegance, Bobbie J Designs, Bishop House, Charisma, Designs From Beth’s House, MX2, Nicole Douglas Interiors, Rabbit’s Three, Palmetto Tree Collection, The Stitch Place, Trade Route, Tate’s Designs.
2129 Old Spartanburg Rd., Greer interiorsmarketplacecarolinas.com | 864.520.8155 98
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Behind The Counter
Photography by inspiro 8 studios
3/27/15 5:02 PM
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Photography by inspiro 8 studios
THE MORGAN GROUP
Home to buy or sell? The Morgan Group will get right on it! Bob Morgan and his team are ready to do business. The Morgan Group, a team of residential Realtors at C. Dan Joyner Realtors, formed in January 2014, and its three members – Bob, Paul Gallucci and Jessica McKnight – were so successful last year that they reached the top 2% nationally for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and the top 10 in the local C. Dan Joyner company. Realtor Mitchell Shaw recently joined the team, making it an even four. “We’re like a company within a company,” says Bob. “We have our strengths, and the strength of additional marketing and expertise within C. Dan Joyner and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.” Bob believes in synergy, and he has made good use of it in choosing his team. A 15-year real estate veteran with a retail and recreation background, he had plenty of experience with closings before becoming a Realtor – his family moved 13 times. “We understand what it’s like to sit at the other side of the table,” jokes Bob. “All of us work with buyers and sellers. If you understand buyers, you can help sellers, and vice versa.” Bob has been been in the top 3 percent or higher in the nationwide network for 12 of the last 15 years. Paul has been with C. Dan Joyner for seven years after a real estate career in Long Island. Because he has relocated, he understands the challenges when families move from another city. He also has expertise in investment properties and foreclosures. Realtor Jessica McKnight, the team’s administrator, previously worked as an administrator for C. Dan Joyner Co. She is intimately involved in 100
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marketing, closings, and setting up appointments. The daughter of an appraiser, Jessica understands measuring homes and the appraisal process. Mitchell Shaw brings 30 years of experience in medical sales. Like Bob, Mitchell and his wife have been in closings 13 times. He believes that his sales experience working with medical professionals in area hospitals will benefit the Morgan Group. When the team members aren’t working, they have a variety of interests. Bob loves time with his wife and three children, and is a huge sports fan who tailgates at Clemson University home games. Paul spends his spare time with his wife and young children, as does Ohio transplant, Jessica. She and her family are enthusiastic Ohio State fans. Mitchell is a cyclist who enjoys time with his wife and two children. “We’re good at relieving the stress of buying or selling. It should be fun,” says Bob, who enjoys the positive work atmosphere and his colleagues.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors 745 North Pleasantburg, Greenville hometobuyorsell.com | 864.242.HOME (4663)
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 5:04 PM
DR. TOM ATKINSON ORTHODONTICS the child from missing too much of any one class, and Dr. Tom estimates that parents save the equivalent of an entire week’s wages by using the BraceMobile during the 18-24 months that most children wear braces. Parents can access the BraceMobile via a complimentary consultation at Dr. Tom’s main office, where braces are usually applied. Parents sign an authorization and then the periodic braces adjustments can be performed at participating schools. “And that’s a lot to smile about,” say the couple. “Yesterday’s model for getting braces is hugely inconvenient for families. We’re changing that,” says Dr. Tom, who has been an orthodontist for 25 years. “I love working with kids. We watch children transform from being shy and embarrassed about their smile, to someone happy and more confident.” What happens when the BraceMobile is not being used for patient care? “It goes to schools and community events. We’re always getting requests for the BraceMobile to provide educational, career day, and entertainment opportunities,” Jette says.
20A Creekview Court, Greenville drtomsortho.com | 864.329.1971
Photo provided.
It’s a brilliant solution to save time and money for busy moms and dads – a mobile orthodontic clinic that visits schools and turns what used to take 3-4 hours out of your day into a quick, 20-minute appointment for kids without requiring parents to be there. The BraceMobile is the creation of Dr. Tom Atkinson Jr., and his fiancee and Patient Relations Coordinator, Jette Robertson. It is one of the country’s first mobile orthodontic clinics, and the only one in South Carolina. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art dental equipment, the fifthwheel trailer is a satellite office on wheels that allows Dr. Tom to perform virtually every service done in his office near Haywood Mall. It has been on the move since October 2014, serving his patients at each school every 6-8 weeks – and at no extra charge. “The reception has been overwhelming,” says Jette. “Parents, teachers, and school administrators love it.” Students miss on average only 20 minutes of class when they make their pre-scheduled appointments for braces adjustments on the BraceMobile – much less than with traditional orthodontic appointments. Dr. Tom keeps parents updated on their child’s progress after each appointment via his exclusive Video Progress Report sent to the parent’s computer or smartphone. “We’ve partnered with schools to offer this exclusive service so that parents no longer have to interrupt their day,” says Dr. Tom, who with his team performs all procedures when the BraceMobile arrives at area schools two days a week. Careful coordination and scheduling prevent
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Photography by carol boone stewart
SMITH & JAMES
99 years of changing styles, changing times, and building generations of customer relationships. Next year, Smith & James will celebrate a century of selling men’s clothing in Greer. That’s 99 years of changing styles, changing times, and building generations of customer relationships. Smith & James got its start in Greer in 1916. From the 1930s straight through to the 1970s, Paul Smith Sr., nephew of the founder, grew the store through a focus on quality and integrity, and he taught those lessons to Bernard Price. Price was hired by Smith in 1961, became part-owner in 1978 and bought out the entire store in 1991. Price works part-time, though dayto-day operations are now managed by his son Brandon Price, who joined the company in 1997. “My dad has worked here for 54 years,” Brandon said. “It’s just one of those things, you eat, sleep and breathe it growing up.” Though the history is long – it’s the oldest retail business in Greer – the offerings are decidedly modern, with top brands sought out by men of all ages. “Our personal service stands out,” Brandon said. “We get to know our customers, what they like and what looks good on them. And we have quality items you can’t find everywhere.” Suits and sportcoats are still big sellers, but the store has diversified to offer casual brands like Southern Tide, Peter Millar and Tommy Bahama. They also have premium denim brands like Citizens for Humanity and AG Jeans, along with their own line of unique Clemson and Carolina merchandise. 102
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The success led to an additional location for Smith & James at the Shops at Greenridge, which opened almost 10 years ago. It keeps life busy for Brandon, who with wife Missy, a schoolteacher, has kids Griffin, 11, and Mallory, 9. “It’s a lot of hard work, like any business,” he said. “But we are thankful for our loyal customers, because that’s what we’re all about – creating lifelong customers.” Beyond a passion for the family business, Brandon and his dad also share a love of restoring old cars. Brandon still has the 1964½ Mustang convertible that he and his dad restored while he was in high school. Both Bernard and Brandon are proud of their hard work on the restoration of a 1959 Chevrolet Impala completed more than 20 years ago. Recently, Brandon has begun an extreme restoration on a very rare 1960 Impala, shown here.
222 Trade St., Greer | 864.877.6525 1125 Woodruff Rd., Ste 1603, Greenville | 864.234.8880 www.smithandjames.com
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 10:17 PM
NEAL PRINCE STUDIO
Photography by related images photography
“We are honored to be creating homes our clients love … and to contribute buildings that extend a great tradition – that is pretty rewarding.”
If you desire a well-designed home, Neal Prince Studio has mastered the art of delivering it. As specialists in custom home design, the architects at Neal Prince Studio can expertly deliver any size or style of home. Last year, the team designed homes as diverse as an 8,800-square-foot Tudor style manor and a 725-square-foot bungalow. “We cover the entire range of custom home scales and types,” says John Edwards, AIA, Neal Prince Studio’s leader. “Our clients are drawn to us because they enjoy our fun and engaging design process – they appreciate the thoughtfully designed homes that are the natural result of it.” In fact, one of the strengths of the six-member design team is its eagerness to deeply engage homeowners in the process so that the character of the home truly reflects the character of the owner. “We translate clients’ visions into an architectural storyline,” says Lee O’Shields, Assoc. AIA, a designer in the studio. Working collaboratively informs all design decisions and transforms their discoveries about a client’s lifestyle into a home that is singularly theirs. The result is an award-winning studio that has received considerable accolades, earning nearly 40 design awards over the past decade, including praise from Greenville Realtors, the State Housing Authority and national honors from the AIA’s Custom Residential Architects Network. The team benefits from the variety of work. “We do new construction, renovations, and additions, covering arts & crafts style homes on Earle Street to Mid-Century modern homes in Botany Woods,” John says. “The diverse projects have an unexpected symbiosis. Doing really small homes sharpens your puzzle mastery, that spills over into thinking more efficiently when you are faced with a larger home in the Cliffs Communities.” Sustainability was an integral part of the studio’s design philosophy long before the present green revolution. John refers to it as something that is built into all designs – whether guided by the standards of Energy Star, EarthCraft, LEED or just common sense. When not hard at work designing homes, John, Lee, and their Neal Prince Studio colleagues love to expand their knowledge by visiting great buildings, hiking in the mountains or immersing themselves into downtown Greenville. John says, “We love what we do and the amazing place that Greenville has become. We are honored to be creating homes our clients love … and to contribute buildings that extend a great tradition – that is pretty rewarding.”
110 West North St., Ste. 300, Greenville nealprincestudio.com | 864.235.0405 Behind The Counter | 201 5
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Photography by inspiro 8 studios
SQUEEGEE CLEAN
“What really draws me is the instant gratification of seeing what you’re doing to someone’s home, beautifying it in front of your eyes.” Michael Holmes has a passion for glass – clean glass. The Wofford College graduate discovered his love for cleaning windows when he took a summer job in Martha’s Vineyard as a college sophomore as – you guessed it – a window washer. “What really draws me is the instant gratification of seeing what you’re doing to someone’s home, beautifying it in front of your eyes,” explains Michael. Michael maintained his window washing as a side business as he worked in the real estate and computer fields. But when the economic downturn in 2008 resulted in a job lay-off from an industrial real estate company, he decided to wash windows full time, and Squeegee Clean was born. “I learned how to do windows properly, safely, and I learned the tools of the trade that summer in Massachusetts,” says Michael, whose employees are fully insured and licensed. The home-grown company, specializing mostly in residential window cleaning, gutter cleaning and flat-surface pressure washing, has grown 20 percent in revenue each year since it opened. The company works in crews of two or three, and Michael himself travels to homes or offices to give same-day estimates. The company, which will clean any kind of glass including chandeliers and mirrors, also has some commercial high-rise clients in the Greenville/ Spartanburg market. Although he won’t divulge his secret cleaning ingredients, Michael uses 104
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a water-based cleaning solution formulated for windows and squeegees that are cut to fit any type of window. “It’s not really the ingredients, but how you use them that’s key,” he says. Michael believes the difference that his customers enjoy with Squeegee Clean is the company’s reliability, attention to detail, and the willingness to go the extra mile. “That’s what our customers have told us. We show up on time and surpass expectations,” Michael says. For Michael, making the transition from being part of a crew to management has been challenging, and he misses the gratification of cleaning. “But I trust my guys, and I think it will be easier for me to grow this business because of them,” Michael says. When he’s not working on growing the business, Michael enjoys hiking and mountain biking and spending time with his wife and five-year-old daughter. “My daughter’s ladder climbing skills are impressive,” he says, “but her window cleaning technique needs some work.”
1355 Pinecrest Rd., Spartanburg mysqueegeeclean.com | 864.415.9007
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 5:05 PM
SIDEWALL PIZZA COMPANY spicy peppers. Everything is homemade, from the dough to the salad dressings to the pizza sauce to the ice cream. Frant said they always offer homemade vanilla and dairy-free coconut milk ice creams, and they add a daily feature of inventive flavors like brown sugar caramelized banana or chocolate mint full of homemade brownies. An extensive list of wines and craft beers – with featured local selections – makes this a great place to meet up with friends. In the warm weather, there is outdoor seating in a landscaped area overlooking the trail. During their rare time off, the couple likes to run, visit with friends in town, spend time supporting other local businesses, and volunteer in the community. “We love being small business owners,” O’Mara said. “It’s exciting to meet new customers and see our regulars every week. And it’s so cool when folks connect with old friends and make new ones during a meal at Sidewall.”
35 S. Main St., Travelers Rest sidewallpizza.com | 864.610.1406
Photography by inspiro 8 studios
The old tire store was purchased to house a canoe business, but it came to life as Sidewall Pizza Company, an already-popular new gourmet pizza restaurant in booming Travelers Rest. Andy O’Mara and Loren Frant came to Greenville in late 2013 looking for a new location to house the production of their handcrafted canoes with Merrimack Canoe Company. They found Travelers Rest and immediately fell in love with the charming town along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. They discovered the old tire store on Main Street, complete with large slide-up doors along one side, and when they realized it was too small to build canoes, they couldn’t bring themselves to sell it. “We loved the building and the town,” O’Mara said. “We had talked about opening a pizza shop one day, and this time and place turned out to be it!” So Sidewall was born, despite the fact that neither owner had ever worked in a restaurant or even been in a restaurant kitchen. “We aligned ourselves with smart people and did our research,” O’Mara said. “We came up with a concept we are really proud of.” Sidewall, which opened in January, specializes in unique pizzas and salads that use top-quality ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible. Sausage and bacon are from a local farm, and the owners are aligning with more farmers for fruits and vegetables. Popular selections include the Protein, with sausage, prosciutto, pepperoni and bacon; and the Tommy, with creamy roasted garlic sauce, mozzarella, caramelized onions, spinach, mushrooms, and sweet and
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Photography by inspiro 8 studios
THORN: A LIFE STYLED “I’m finally doing what my real love and passion is. I love to help people add fun pieces to their wardrobe.”
When Kim Haines set out from her hometown of Greenville to study fashion merchandising in Atlanta, she carried with her a dream to one day open a boutique of her own. After years of working in retail management, followed by a decade as stay-at-home mom, Kim is finally living that dream following the opening of Thorn in August of 2014. “I’m finally doing what my real love and passion is,” Kim says. “I love to help people add fun pieces to their wardrobe.” Kim chose the name Thorn as a tribute to her mother, whom she lost to ovarian cancer four years ago. Kim’s mother was always among her biggest supporters, but wasn’t here to see her daughter realize her dream. Borrowing from Thornton – her mother’s maiden name – was a way for Kim to ensure her mother would always be a part of what she inspired Kim to build. “She knew I always wanted to open a boutique, but she didn’t get to see it happen,” Kim says. “Her strength and love are what motivated me to do it.” Kim was also motivated by the need she saw in Greenville for a boutique serving women who want to be trendy and fashionable, but not look like everyone else in town. She describes her store as a scaled up version of someone’s closet, where customers can mix and match pieces from all over the store to create a look that expresses their individuality and is versatile enough to go from work to soccer practice to drinks with the girls. Thorn carries jewelry from a number of local artists, and is always 106
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looking for new local lines to carry. Her mission is to curate a collection of pieces you won’t find in every other boutique in Greenville, and the feedback she has received from customers over the last several months indicates she is doing just that. “Most people that come in comment on our unique items,” Kim says. In addition to Thorn, Kim has two other babies – ages 8 and 11 – and worried how they would adjust to the new demands on her time. They’ve turned out to be extremely supportive, even serving as her guerilla marketing department – spreading the word to friends and teachers and driving traffic to mom’s store.
7 West Stone Ave., Greenville thornlifestyled.com | 864.373.9024
Behind The Counter
3/27/15 5:09 PM
CAHALY’S CUSTOM CLOTHING “More than anything, our specialty is service.” hometown of Anderson nine years ago. Now, he has a clientele of guys who like a more modern, trim-fit suit with colorful options as well as gentlemen who still prefer a much more traditional style. Outside of work, Craig spends time with wife Andi and son Nash, 8; daughter Collins, 6; and son Creighton, 3. Craig played baseball at Cleveland State, a junior college in Cleveland, Tenn. When he graduated, he moved on to the University of South Carolina. Now he enjoys coaching his kids’ teams, and he is also a huge Gamecock fan, attending every home football game. He’s thankful for the growth of the Upstate, which has led to growth for his company. “I love the Upstate and am very blessed to be working here,” he said. “It has been more than I could have imagined, and I don’t ever plan on leaving.” (Pictured from left to right: Craig Cahaly, Michael Curry, Cydney Leonard and Josh Runion.)
14 West McBee Ave., Greenville | 864.438.1091 208 S. Main St., Anderson | 864.965.9070 cahalyscustomclothing.com
Photography by related images photography
When a customer spilled on his tie before a big meeting, Craig Cahaly rushed him a new one. He’s done emergency ripped-pants pickup while a client was at the gym – and had the pants ready by the time the workout was over. “More than anything, our specialty is service,” said Craig, who owns four Cahaly’s Custom Clothing stores. “I don’t think there is anybody that compares to the level we will go to take care of people.” That’s the part of the job he likes most, though he didn’t intend to get into the men’s clothing business. Craig was in college at the University of South Carolina and wanted a part-time job. He ended up working in a men’s clothing store, and that changed the trajectory of his life. “I ended up really enjoying helping people,” he said. Now he brings personal service, extraordinary fit, a vast selection and exceptional value for men who want to look their best, but don’t want to spend a lot of time thinking about it. One of his specialties is combing through clients’ closets to tell them what they don’t need as well as what they do. Another is creating the perfect custom fit, no matter a customer’s size or style. “All men aren’t 40 regular,” he said. With his meticulously cut custom suits, sport coats, shirts and trousers, men can be assured of the perfect fit. His team will also come to your home or office, any day, any time, or meet with customers in the store. Turn-around time for custom garments is among the fastest in the industry, with just a three to five-week wait for a custom suit. Craig has 16 years of experience, and opened his first shop in his
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COMMUNITY JOURNALS
Our publications serve as portfolios of the diversity, beauty and energy inherent to the communities we serve.
581 Perry Ave., Greenville communityjournals.com | 864.679.1200 108
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Photography by carol boone stewart
Back in 1999, our publisher did some research. Specifically, people wanted more: more local news about what our community was doing, where it was going and who was going to take us there. With that in mind, we began what we believed was a powerful concept in our industry: a hub for information and conversation that was not only about the Upstate, but embedded with, rooting for and investing in a community. To that effect, we are 100 percent local, choosing to focus on the issues, challenges and successes that affect the Upstate region. Our team is local, our office is local, our partners are local and our award-winning coverage is local. Our weekly publications – the Greenville Journal and the Upstate Business Journal – reach more than 100,000 readers each week and many, many more community members, business leaders and decisions makers across Greenville, Spartanburg, Pickens and Anderson counties through digital and print. Our monthly magazine, TOWN, highlights the Upstate’s captivating people, culture and experience with each high-impact issue. All of our publications serve as portfolios of the diversity, beauty and energy inherent to the communities we serve. We – just like you – are a team of doers. We believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration, as in the power of talent when talent works hard. In this past year, Community Journals took home more awards from the South Carolina Press Association than any other in its category. From beat reporting and editorial writing to entire publications and creative, our staff was recognized for excellence across the board by our peers statewide, and not for the first time. Our sales and events staff, as well as our digital team, put on some of the most distinguished events of the year, bringing our community together to be recognized and celebrated. We’ve come a long way since the 90s, and not just with our hairstyles. Though we’ve learned some hard lessons, our hard work has paid off, and there’s nothing else we’d rather be doing in our bright, thriving corner of the world. Back in 1999, we realized something crucial about the Upstate market. Our communities are packed with smart, energetic people who want to take part in building our community from the roots up. We plan to continue to serve those communities from within, and we hope you’ll continue building the Upstate with us.
Behind The Counter
3/28/15 5:33 PM
Community Journals Carrier Team
Proudly delivering the pages of Behind the Counter, as well as our other great titles:
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NTHS
The Village Hairdresser 864.370.4466 | ponthieuxs.com
864.434.3054 | vinoandvangogh.net
864.232.9484
Owned by Mike and Wanda Ponthieux, this unique custom design jewelry studio opened in 2001. “We love using sentimental pieces of jewelry to recreate that one-of-a-kind piece.”
Owner Marquin Campbell offers art for sale, a variety of adult clay classes, workshops with visiting artists, and summer camps for kids four and up. “It’s a fun, approachable way to do art-making.”
“We treat our clients with love and respect,” says owner Ophelia (Obie) Allen with pride, who co-owns the salon along with Jackie Brown Worrell. They are proud to be considered a Christian beauty salon.
1818
Augusta VILLAGE
864.991.8592 | LeGrandBakery.com
864.242.1466 | paisleyandpaper.com
864.242.0316 | augustagrill.com
LeGrand Bakery owners Laure and Emmanuel LeGrand have something delicious for you: fresh baked goods, including pastries, and coffee, as well as salads and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.
Invitations, stationery, fine paper, gifts—all are available under one roof at this locally owned store where the merchandise is carefully hand-picked by owners Marty and Bryan Garrison.
Owners Bob Hackl, Buddy Clay and Curtis Flint attribute the restaurant’s success to its high-quality food and commitment to customer service. Enjoy famous crab cakes and perfectly prepared filet mignon as well as salads and tasty appetizers.
Home Equity Lines of Credit - NO CLOSING COSTS more information and full disclosure at bncbanksc.com
G R E E N V I L L E | 550 E. McBee Ave. | 864.250.9800 864.241.4001 | bellabridesmaids.com 1818 Augusta St. | Suite 120 | 864.312.6751 “We listen to each bride’s vision of her perfect wedding day, and consult with her on choosing the dresses for her bridal party to complete the look,” says Bella Bridesmaids Owner Kristy Young.
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864.312.6751 | bncbanksc.com Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.
864.331.3333 | wisteriasalonspa.com
The Augusta Street branch of BNC Bank opened in 2014, and was an immediate success. Manager Melissa Calhoun credits the hard work of the staff, and particularly the loyal support of customers.
“Our mission is to serve and support one’s discovery of beauty through a commitment to performance, community involvement, and team growth,” says Owner Jodie Reece.
3/27/15 10:37 PM
THE EBICYCLE STORE, LLC
“E-bicycles allow anyone to experience the joy and freedom of bicycling.” John has just recently retired from Milliken as president of the Chemical Division after a 34-year career. The couple met five years ago at a fundraiser in Spartanburg and are now engaged. They have five children between them and are building a house in Verdae. This is their first retail business. The two love being outside, running and biking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, gardening, and traveling. One of their favorite yearly excursions is to Belgium for the “Dodentocht,” a 24-hour, 100K on foot event. “It’s an annual lesson in perseverance,” Inge says. The business has made John’s “retirement” quite busy. “It’s been really fun, though, more like a hobby, totally different than corporate life,” he says. “It’s not only about making money. It really is about bringing the joy of bicycling to anyone, getting more people outside, getting exercise and connecting with their friends and community.”
550 S. Main St., Ste. 201, Greenville theebicyclestore.com | 864.243.8992
Photography by inspiro 8 studios
A new business can come from anywhere, even creeping up from behind on a bike path in the Dutch countryside … John Rekers and Inge Flackett, both longtime local residents, were road biking in Europe last summer, pushing hard into a stiff headwind, when an elderly woman pedaled by them quietly, effortlessly, and upright on her Dutch-style city bike, with grocery bags on the back and a smug smile on her face. John and Inge were feeling a bit humbled until they figured out that the Dutch woman was riding a “low-speed pedal-assist electric bicycle,” or “e-bicycle” for short. These bicycles look and sound like regular bikes, but with a key difference – a silent, low-power electric motor senses the rider pedaling and provides an extra boost. The rider has to pedal, but it’s easy to climb hills and go much further than otherwise. And the rider controls the amount of boost – from none at all to a high level for steep hills or if tired. “These bikes are very popular in Europe,” John says, particularly among commuters and older folks who want to get fit or stay active, as well as for people of all ages just for fun and convenience. The eBicycle Store was started to bring these products to the bicyclefriendly, but hilly, Upstate area. “E-bicycles allow anyone to experience the joy and freedom of bicycling, and to get the fitness benefits. That’s why we’re doing this,” John says. Inge is from Belgium, but is also an American citizen, was formerly an international flight attendant, and speaks four languages. She’s currently earning a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health at Clemson University.
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INDEX Allen Tate Realtors, Woodruff Rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Amy Emery Interior Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Annette Starnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 AT Locke, PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 Augusta Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Bank of Travelers Rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Barre Evolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover Beth Joyner Crigler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Betsy Varnadoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Big O Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Blood Connection, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Bradshaw, Gordon & Clinkscales, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Bright + Co Marketing Consortium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Brown Mackie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 C Dan Joyner Co., - Commercial Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 C. Dan Joyner Property Management Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Cahaly’s Custom Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Carolina Consignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Cascades Verdae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63 Century BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Chet & Beth Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Cheves Mussman Outz Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Christopher Ashley Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Christophillis & Gallivan PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Clark’s Fine Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Constantine Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Cowart Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Cox Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Crawley’s Party Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Cross Creek Realty, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Davis Audiology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Delta Apparell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Dr. Tom Atkinson Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 eBicycle Store, LLC, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 eMedia Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Five Oaks Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Flagship Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Garner’s Natural Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Garrison Opticians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover GBS Building Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Golden Career Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Golden Strip Glass, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Golden Years Moving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Greenhill Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Greenville Carpet One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Greenville Center for Creative Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Greystone Antiques & Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Happy Cow Creamery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
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Harrison Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Heidi Putnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Holliday Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56-57 Ikes Carpet, Rug & Upholstery Cleaning, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Inspiro 8 Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Interior Marketplace of the Carolinas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98-99 Iron Tribe Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Jacob Mann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Jordan Lumber Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Keller Williams Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Lafayette Scientific Cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 LIV Downtown Gvl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Marchant Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Martin Garden Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Massage Envy Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 Mast General Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 Mavin Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Melissa Morrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Midtown Artry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Mobius Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Morgan Group, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Muncaster Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Nathalie M. Morgan, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Neal Prince Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Novus Advisors LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Palmer Distinctive Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Palmetto Prostodontics, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Parallel Financial Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Posh Paws Grooming & Pet Spa, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Primrose School of Greenville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Purple Tuna Tees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Ron’s Carpet & Air Duct Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-53 Sealevel Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Sidewall Pizza Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Signature Pools & Patios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Silver Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Smith & James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Squeegee Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Style Envy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 SW Promotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Tandem Innovative Payment Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Thorn: A Life Styled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Tindall Architecture Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 TNJ Trailers, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 TreesGreenville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-49 Turner Agency Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Twill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Two Men & A Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 UBS Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Whistle Stop at the American Cafe, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
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SINCE 1974 GARRISON’S HAS BEEN OUTFITTING THEIR CLIENTELE WITH FASHION FORWARD EYEWEAR
MIGNON BORCHERT, PHIL SILBERMAN & NICKI DAVIDSON JONES
GARRISON OPTICIANS Fine European Eyewear McDaniel Village M-F 9:30-5:30 & by appt.
864-271-1812
garrisonopticians.com
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D iv e.S ur f .F ish D e lt a Apparel, I nc. 3 2 2 S. M ai n Street G re e nvi l l e SC 29601 8 6 4 -2 3 2- 5200
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