2011 Columbia Regional Business Report - Profiles in Business by SC Biz News

2011

IN Business

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YOU CAN Become a certified paralegal professional. Learn with peers in the classroom or online. Earn your Lean Six Sigma Certificates online and improve your organization’s efficiency. Write successful grant proposals to secure foundation, state and federal funds. Prepare for the PMP® exam and pursue an advanced project management career.

Discover HOW Learn from engaging industry leaders dedicated to your success. Gain applicable skills to impact your career and organization. Fit conveniently scheduled classes easily into your busy life. Collaborate with peers in an interactive learning environment— in class and now online!

Discover MORE: 803.777.9444 or Discover.sc.edu

University of South Carolina Continuing Education & Conferences

Enhancing and learning new job skills through USC’s continuing education offerings

Students listen to Paralegal instructor, Jan Baker as she teaches them about Legal Research.

oday’s increasingly dynamic workplace requires a broad range of professional skills, and the University of South Carolina’s Office of Continuing Education and Conferences is helping today’s workforce become more marketable in order to meet them. Founded in January 2010, the Office’s Professional Education Programs help South Carolina residents advance their careers with affordable professional education and training programs offered on evenings and weekends. All courses are taught by practicing professionals chosen for their industry expertise and exceptional teaching abilities, says Kristen Brown, Continuing Education Manager. “This high-quality instruction, combined with USC’s interactive and collaborative environment – in class and online – makes our program not only more relevant to employees, but helps them compete and advance in today’s competitive job market,” she says. Moreover, many of the online courses now provide realtime full Web platform-based conferencing, Brown adds. The Office of Continuing Education and Conferences offers

four professional certificate programs: Paralegal Studies Certificate; Grant Writing Certificate; Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belt Certificates; and the Project Management Certificate. The popular Paralegal Studies program prepares participants for successful careers in one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. Skilled attorneys and members of the State Bar of South Carolina teach courses on topics ranging from legal research and analysis to locating and interviewing witnesses. With a fully online format coming this November, students outside the Columbia area will be able to gain the credentials to enter the growing legal community. The Grant Writing Certificate program is a four-course series with sessions on the proposal-writing process, needsbased assessment and research, and program development and evaluation. USC’s Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belt Certificates, now offered 100% online with instructor-led training, prepare individuals to help their organizations streamline operations, whether they work in government, private or nonprofit industry. Widely used in today’s business world, Six Sigma focuses on organizational effectiveness and sustainability. The USC Project Management Certificate, the most recent offering, is designed for professionals who want to distinguish themselves with the Project Management Professional (PMP®) credential, a significant industry-recognized certification for project managers, and awarded by the prestigious Project Management Institute. USC’s program fulfills the education/ training requirement to sit for the PMP® certification exam and can be completed in just one week. The Office of Continuing Education and Conferences continues to offer S.C. residents other programs: Carolina Classroom, a collection of lectures and workshops taught by current and retired university faculty, alumni and Columbiabased experts; University Test Prep, for individuals taking the SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE and LSAT exams; the Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series, summer programs for academically talented middle and high school students; and conference and meeting planning services for any organization.

1600 Hampton St. Annex, Suite 208 Columbia, SC 29208 803-777-9444 Discover.sc.edu Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

The Enterprise Campus at Midlands Technical College

MTC’s Enterprise Campus offers place for businesses to start up, mature Whether your business needs to launch to the next level or build a new facility, the opportunity to co-locate with Midlands Technical College presents a unique opportunity.

MTC’s Business Accelerator, located on the Enterprise Campus, offers the next step toward success for a growing business.

he Enterprise Campus at Midlands Technical College offers a unique environment where business and education co-locate on a 150-acre college campus, producing a place where work blends with learning in a manner found nowhere else. The Enterprise Campus in northeast Richland County provides businesses the benefits of prime location, proximity to regional transportation infrastructure and research institutions, use of the college’s technology resources and faculty expertise, and access to college students who are training for careers in technology jobs of the future. In addition, companies on the Enterprise Campus have access to the 50,000-square-foot Center of Excellence for Technology. Serving as the campus anchor, the technology center provides the highest standards of interactive and instructional technology in emerging technical fields and economic development clusters, such as information technology, advanced

manufacturing and rapid prototyping. The facility is one of the Southeast’s largest and most advanced metal-working training facilities. Premium conferencing and auditorium spaces are equipped with compressed video telecommunications capabilities and satellite downlink. Also on the Enterprise Campus is the college’s 25,000-squarefoot Business Accelerator, designed to accommodate emerging businesses, industries or technologies that have left the research and development stage and are ready for startup production. The multibay facility’s flexible design can be adapted to the needs of tenants. Companies initially housed in the Business Accelerator can permanently locate elsewhere on the Enterprise Campus. The Enterprise Campus is adjacent to the Carolina Research Park at Interstate 20 and Interstate 77 in northeast Columbia. The campus is about 15 minutes from downtown Columbia, the University of South Carolina main campus and USC’s Innovista research and development campus. The Enterprise Campus is a 25-minute drive from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and 90 minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Midlands Technical College is a comprehensive two-year institution that annually enrolls 18,000 credit students seeking to develop career skills or transfer to a four-year college or university. The Corporate and Continuing Education Division trains more than 30,000 people a year and is one of the largest providers of noncredit professional upgrade training in South Carolina.

P.O. Box 2408 | Columbia, SC 29202 151 Powell Rd. | Columbia, SC 29203 www.mtcenterprisecampus.com

2 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

A Note From the Publisher We are proud to present to you our inaugural issue of the Columbia Regional Business Report’s Profiles in Business. One of the things I’ve noticed as I travel around the Midlands is its diversity of businesses, from manufacturing to technology firms to health care and much more in between. All of these organizations are loaded with talented people.

CEO and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103 Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110 Publisher - Bob Bouyea bbouyea@scbiznews.com • 803.401.1094, ext. 200 Editor - James T. Hammond jhammond@scbiznews.com • 803.401.1094, ext. 201 Managing Editor - Andy Owens aowens@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3141 Senior Copy Editor - Beverly Morgan bmorgan@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3115 Special Projects Editor - Allison Cooke Oliverius aoliverius@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3149 Creative Director - Ryan Wilcox production1@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117

Going about our daily routines, it is easy to allow the things that make the Midlands unique to fade into the background and to forget about all the expertise that is at our fingertips.

Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Senior Account Executive - Sue Gordon sgordon@scbiznews.com • 803.401.1094, ext. 202 Account Executive - Robert Reilly rreilly@scbiznews.com • 803.401.1094, ext. 203 Account Executive - Paul W. Dunn pdunn@scbiznews.com • 803.401.1094 ext 207 Circulation and Event Manager - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113 Circulation, Event & Business Coordinator Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116 Contributing Writers - Christine S. Carroll, Chuck Crumbo, Holly Fisher, Allison Cooke Oliverius, Lisa Lopez Snyder, Susan Levi Wallach Staff Photographer - Leslie Burden

We created Profiles in Business as a vehicle for companies to offer our readers a small sample of the knowledge they possess and the work they do. The narrative format of Profiles in Business allows these advertisers to share with you what they do day in and day out — things that are sometimes too complex for the usual display advertising format. In addition, we feel the information provided in these pages delivers value to you as you search for information that can help you make wise decisions for your business and personal life.

Bob Bouyea Publisher

Contributing Photographer - Jeff Blake

SC Business Publications LLC A portfolio company of Virginia Capital Partners LLC Frederick L. Russell Jr., Chairman

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

The entire contents of this publication are copyright by SC Business Publications LLC with all rights reserved. Any reproduction or use of the content within this publication without permission is prohibited. SCBIZ and South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. THE ALLIANCE O F

A R E A

B U S I N E S S

P U B L I C A T I O N S

Featured Profiles 1x1 Design......................................................... 13

Pitts Insurance Team......................................... 28

Advanced Automation Consulting........................ 7

Pollock Company................................................. 4

Charleston Marriott Hotel.................................. 24

Pratt Industries.................................................. 10

Cimbas............................................................... 25

S.C. Governor’s School for Science

eGroup............................................................... 27

& Mathematics.................................................. 18

Equity Payment Inc............................................ 23

SCJobMarket.com............................................. 11

IT-oLogy............................................................. 14

S.C. Whitmore School........................................ 12

Katherine J. Anderson Design/Interiors............. 22

Sonoco Recycling.............................................. 26

Lexington Medical Center.................................... 8

Spirit Communications........................................ 9

Lutheran Homes of South Carolina.................... 16

Stevens & Wilkinson.......................................... 20

McKay, Cauthen, Settana & Stubley, P.A............ 19

Technesis Technology Solutions........................ 21

Midlands Technical College................................. 2

tw telecom........................................................... 5

Palmetto State E-cademy.................................... 6

USC Dept. of Continuing Education ..................... 1

Cover photo by Leslie Burden Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

Pollock Company

Pollock Company dedicated to putting customers and community first

R. Joseph Pollock, Owner

hen Pollock Co. was founded in 1965, it offered typewriters, adding machines, calculators and dedicated customer service. Today the company specializes in document management, offering products that range from large, high-speed, high-volume, black-and-white and color production copiers to desktop printers.

But the one thing that hasn’t changed is Pollock Co.’s commitment to providing excellent customer service. “Our customers want and deserve that,” says R. Joseph Pollock, president and son of founder E.B. Pollock II. “And we know how to offer that value.” Pollock Co.’s dedication to customers and the communities it serves is what separates the firm from competitors. One example of its dedication is that Pollock Co. does not use subcontractors. The person who services Pollock equipment is on the Pollock Co. payroll. And because employees of Pollock Co. offices in Augusta and West Columbia are part of the communities they serve, they have a vested interest in customer satisfaction. All products offered by Pollock Co. are “network ready” and offer standard features such as printing, scanning and copying. Pollock Co. also offers application software for these products. “Most people see our industry as high-tech, fast moving; and that is very true,” Joseph Pollock says. “The product and support we offer today is very different than just a few years ago. We’ve adapted and continue to invest heavily in training our people.” Pollock Co.’s commitment to customers and its communities has been recognized by one of its primary suppliers, Konica-Minolta. The leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies from the desktop to the print shop has given its annual “PRO-TECH” award for customer service and satisfaction to Pollock Co. for 18 consecutive years. In May 2010, Konica-Minolta added another honor to Pollock Co.’s trophy case by presenting Joseph Pollock with its first annual “Award for Excellence,” recognizing the Pollock Co.’s ongoing and extensive commitment to the local community. Such award-winning dedication to customers and the community also is reflected in the bottom line. At the end of the current fiscal year June 30, Pollock Co. will achieve its best financial performance ever. What’s more remarkable is that the record was accomplished despite a challenging economy. “This could not have happened without outstanding products, employees, services and customers,” Joseph Pollock says.

1711 Central Ave. | Augusta, Ga. 30904 706-733-0537 112 Corporate Blvd. | West Columbia, SC 29169 803-233-0900 www.pollockcompany.com

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tw telecom

Shown from left to right: Jeremy Brock, AE; Chris Knierim, Sr. AE; Paul Curlee, Sales Manager; Chris Oberg, General Manager/Vice President

Big company capabilities, hometown service tw telecom helps businesses connect and communicate

or two decades, tw telecom has provided industry-leading converged services, Ethernet, transport and data networking, VoIP, VPN and security to enterprise organizations in the U.S. and around the globe. In fact, tw telecom connects more U.S. commercial buildings to its fiber-optic network than any other competitive communications provider and has the third-highest market share of retail Ethernet ports in service, with one of the 10 most interconnected IP backbones in the world. As a result, tw telecom customers reap the benefits of a reliable, flexible and scalable network at a competitive price and on an easier-to-manage network platform. “We wanted a redundant connection for business continuity purposes. tw telecom’s timeliness, responsiveness to our needs and pricing were the deciding factors,” said Michael O’Leary at Rhythmlink. What really sets tw telecom apart from other providers is hometown service and a deep-rooted, customer-first mindset that exists at every level of the company, according to tw tele-

com’s CEO, Larissa Herda. Unlike some providers who might give you the runaround, tw telecom’s national and local support teams are empowered to be customer advocates who listen carefully to your needs, get to know your business, your network and your name. “tw telecom has provided superior customer care to our services and to our requests for support,” said Mark Warren at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank. One reason tw telecom is so efficient is its commitment to local market leadership. tw telecom has two National Operations Centers that work in concert with local sales, operations and service teams to deliver innovative solutions and a customer experience that excels above the competition. Helping customers connect and communicate easily is what tw telecom offers companies — one network for all communications. So while technology continually changes, what will remain is tw telecom’s commitment to provide big company capabilities and quality hometown service.

1401 Main St., Suite 102 | Columbia, SC 29201 803-753-5057 | www.twtelecom.com

Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

Palmetto State E-cademy

Virtual public high school provides nontraditional learning environment for S.C. students

Social activities let students spend time with friends!

raditional classroom settings don’t work for all students, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t talented individuals with great potential. Given the right environment, they can graduate and be successful. In fact, that is the purpose of Palmetto State E-cademy, a virtual high school serving the state of South Carolina. In 2007, the state Legislature approved the use of virtual schools for students seeking a nontraditional learning environment. Parents, educators and community members around the state joined forces to create PSE with state-of-the-art technology, experienced teachers and a diligent governing board. “The students who come to Palmetto State E-cademy are motivated and want to finish school but need a nontraditional, flexible program to complete their education,” said Dr. Barbara Stoops, executive director. “PSE exists to meet the needs of these special students and provide an avenue for them to continue their education and earn a high school diploma.” PSE is different from other virtual schools in that it is focused only on the Palmetto State. All the teachers live in South Carolina,

are certified to teach in the state and have an average of 10 years of teaching experience; in fact, 80% have master’s degrees. At PSE, students choose from one of four academic tracks. Instructors work with students on a personalized, yearlong learning program. Target deadlines are set within each course to help students budget their time and stay on task. Over the course of a year, a typical student may take three to four courses per block, up to six full-year courses, or any combination thereof. Courses include core academic areas of math, language arts, science and social studies, as well as electives in areas such as world languages, business and marketing, digital technologies, fine/ visual/performing arts, life/study skills and physical education. PSE’s partnership with Southern Wesleyan University provides a dual credit option for its students. The program is free and students who participate can earn as many as 30 university credits while completing their high school educational requirements. “I believe our biggest draw for new students is the opportunity to graduate from high school in a time frame that is based upon the student’s needs following one of four different tracks to create a schedule that is unique to each student,” Stoops said.

I can complete high school on my time.

115 Atrium Way, Suite 200 | Columbia, SC 29223 803-227-6670 | 877-593-9138 toll free PSEcademy.org

6 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

Advanced Automation Consulting

Advanced Automation Consulting Inc. believes even when it comes to information technology, people are the key “We believe in local resources for local projects and don’t utilize subcontractors.” John Denise President, Advanced Automation Consulting

AAC’s old-school approach includes owning their office building. “Nothing says stability like brick and mortar on the balance sheet.” John Denise

he message at Advanced Automation Consulting Inc. is clear and consistent: The company helps solve the technology needs of its customers, but its foundation is working with people. President John Denise, who started the business in 2003, learned that strategy through experience. “I’d worked in the information technology consulting and staffing business for many years and had seen the good, the bad and the ugly of this business,” Denise said. “I was determined to create a company with a culture completely focused on doing the right thing for our clients and consultants.” The company, which has more than 40 employees, provides IT consulting and staffing services for companies of all sizes. This involves forging long-term partnerships with clients, thoroughly understanding their business and providing them the human capital required to improve their performance. “Our team works hand in hand with our client’s team at the client’s location to complete their projects as efficiently as possible,” Denise said. “Our services are not limited to any one

platform or technology and are completely tailored to what works best for each individual client. Services can be provided on either a contract basis, an option-to-hire basis or occasionally as a direct placement with the client. It all depends on the unique needs of the client.” The AAC staff perform a variety of roles for clients, ranging from network engineers all the way up to providing strategic consulting and CIO services. What really sets AAC apart from competitors is its oldfashioned approach to doing business. First, AAC puts its clients’ needs ahead of everything else. “It sounds simple, but it’s expensive and very rare in today’s world,” Denise said. This ties in with the second precept, that of hiring the most qualified personnel available and providing them with the ongoing support they need. This reduces turnover and helps mitigate personnel risks for the client’s project. The third principle is supporting economic development in the local community. “We don’t believe that outsourcing or flying in resources from out of town is in anyone’s best interest,” Denise said. “We believe in local resources for local projects and don’t utilize subcontractors. Everyone we assign to a client’s project is an AAC employee with outstanding benefits.” AAC has focused on achieving controlled, sustainable growth by focusing on long-term partnerships as opposed to chasing potentially large short-term deals. It is expanding by opening new offices throughout the Southeast. AAC is a graduate of the USC Columbia Technology Incubator and was an SC Launch company. In fact, the first company to pay back its SCRA investment with interest. Denise is proud of that, but he keeps his eyes on the real prize — helping clients. “The bottom line is that technology is an enabler, but people are the key to successfully implementing and leveraging technology. Better people simply provide better results.”

7891 Broad River Road | Irmo, SC 29063 803-726-4900 | www.AACsc.net

Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

Occupational Health at Lexington Medical Center

Occupational Health keeps workers safe from head to toe “It runs the gamut from head to toe. We potentially can see just about anything that happens at the job.” Dr. Dana Rawl Physician, Occupational Health

Dr. Dana Rawl (front) and the staff of Lexington Medical Center Occupational Health

he hard hat in the logo says it all. Occupational Health at Lexington Medical Center strives to ensure worker wellness and safety — from applicant drug screening to retiree farewell party — by consulting with area businesses. Services include: • Pre-employment drug and fitness screenings. • Safety inspections to help businesses lower the risk of employee injury. • Screenings and testing for exposure to hazardous substances. • Immunizations. But because accidents and illnesses may still occur, the program also treats the injured and, if necessary, refers them to specialists. “It runs the gamut from head to toe,” says Dr. Dana Rawl, one of two physicians at Occupational Health. “We potentially

can see just about anything that happens at the job.” “Anything” usually means a muscle or bone injury, Rawl says — from the man who bends down to pick up a box and throws out his back, to the secretary who has spent too long with her fingers curled over a poorly positioned keyboard and developed carpal tunnel syndrome. It also can include other types of injuries, such as the landscape worker, whose mower dislodges a rock and propels it into his eye. “It’s kind of like working in an urgent care center,” Rawl says – except that none of the patients are children. Instead, they are adults who have smashed fingers, concussions or ragged cuts as the result of accidents at work. Director Laura Lott estimates that Occupational Health has served more than 700 businesses, regularly seeing patients from 200 businesses monthly. The practice cares for an average of 850 patients each month. The center’s staff includes two physicians who specialize in occupational health and environmental medicine: Rawl and Alice Barker, both graduates of the Medical University of South Carolina. The ability to refer patients within its network of care is one of the strengths of Occupational Health, Lott says. As part of Lexington Medical Center, “if we have to refer (a patient to a specialist), it would be inside the same system.” That, she says, is an advantage other occupational health practices in the Midlands cannot promise. “As industry grows, the future is bright,” she says. “There are a lot of opportunities to help people.”

300 W. Dunbar Road | West Columbia 29170 803-755-3337 557 Columbia Ave. | Chapin 29036 803-932-0645 www.lmcocchealth.com

8 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

Spirit Communications

When it comes to South Carolina communications, it’s Spirit all the way

Spirit Communication’s Columbia team: Grey Humphrey, executive vice president of sales; Walt Burnside, Columbia regional sales manager; Tim Tyler, director of sales for business markets.

fter more than 20 years serving South Carolina businesses, Spirit Communications knows what it takes to keep its clients in communication. Spirit is comprised of two of South Carolina’s largest independently owned communications companies that recently began operating as a single entity. Spirit Telecom, a phone, data and Internet provider, and PalmettoNet, which operates one of the most expansive fiber networks in the state, now conduct business together as Spirit Communications. Spirit Communications is owned by the independent telephone companies of South Carolina and dedicated to serving South Carolina businesses by providing the latest technology in voice services, networks and the Internet. Its South Carolina headquarters is located in downtown Columbia on Hampton Street, where Spirit also houses core network equipment, its data center, voice switches and Internet access points. From there, it serves many of the capital city’s

major law firms and financial institutions, as well as the state’s government agencies. Spirit Communications brings combined telecommunications services to South Carolina companies, offering a full range of voice, network, on-demand conferencing and Internet hosted solutions. The result: a single provider that can customize and seamlessly integrate the optimal solution for any company in any industry sector anywhere throughout the state via a dedicated circuit on its private, secure network. With its own multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) network and its servers housed in South Carolina, Spirit can guarantee a quality of service and a class of service on its network. “Because we are owned by the independent telephone companies of South Carolina, we are in a unique position to serve businesses no matter where they are in the Palmetto State,” said Grey Humphrey, executive vice president of sales for Spirit Communications. Spirit’s approach is flexible, reliable, cost-effective, and tailored to support productivity and business continuity that includes such services as: • Fully managed voice over IP • Data networks • Internet access and services • Local voice, long-distance and toll-free services • Conference calling • Private line services • Broadband services over an MPLS network Use of MPLS network technology brings a number of advantages. It ensures that sensitive data is fully protected during transmission and provides control of bandwidth among voice, data and Internet. This combination of features is one of the reasons that the state of South Carolina chose Spirit as its provider of telecommunications services. Spirit’s dedication to providing new and innovative products within its existing markets and to grow into new markets is paying off. In Grant Thornton’s 2010 list of the South Carolina 100, Spirit ranks 45th among the state’s largest privately held companies.

1500 Hampton St. #101 | Columbia, SC 29201 803-726-7000 www.spiritcom.com Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

Pratt Industries - Simpsonville and Summerville locations

100% Recycled Box Manufacturer creates new fulfillment and packaging solutions center in Summerville

Bill Fruetel (from left), Frank Adams, Todd Bowman and Susan Henderson make up the management team at Pratt Industries in Simpsonville. Jerry Ward (not pictured) manages the new Summerville facility.

ratt Industries is headquartered in Conyers, Ga., with a major converting facility in Simpsonville. The company has doubled its business in recent years and plans to continue that trend by providing award-winning customer service to manufacturers and consumer products companies seeking 100% recycled packaging for their products. This growth recently inspired Pratt Industries to expand to Summerville to offer its newest service of fulfillment and distribution solutions. Products can be packaged in either a climatecontrolled or industrial environment in Summerville. “We can pull products from the Port of Charleston into Summerville, log each part into our Warehouse Management Software, design and produce creative packaging for the products, re-pack them and distribute them to the world from a single point of contact,” said General Manager Frank Adams. “The complete project management, from design to manufacturing to inventory control and supply chain solutions offered to customers, is second to none.” Founded in 1987, Pratt recycles paper and corrugated containers into new products for a 100% green packaging solution. That effort

earned it 2010 Partner of the Year Award and Eco Options Environmental Partner of the Year from Home Depot, as well as accolades from the Captain Planet and Global Green organizations. “Our ability to complete structural and graphic design, manufacture corrugated packaging and displays, as well as supply other packaging materials and complete fulfillment solutions for our customers’ products is something that is rarely available in our industry,” Adams said. “We truly partner with our customers by becoming part of their internal team for packaging solutions.” Pratt’s biggest challenges in recent years have been positive ones — dealing with tight space issues as the customer base has grown. The Simpsonville location created more than 15 jobs in the past year, including an additional shift to manufacture corrugated packaging, as well as staffing the new location in Summerville. “Our business strategy is to work with companies that are ready to challenge the status quo,” Adams said. “Our company desires to design and test what customers need for packaging their products.” The largest cost of packaging isn’t in the materials, it is from the products that are damaged as a result of the wrong packaging, he explained. “We grow where our partners need us,” Adams said, adding, “...We desire to build strong business relationships.”

The Simpsonville manufacturing site will expand to offer more packaging solution opportunities like those offered at Summerville.

1410 Old Stage Road | Simpsonville, SC 29681 864-963-0992 | www.prattindustries.com Summerville, SC | 843-695-6006

10 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

SCJobmarket.com

SCJobMarket.com connects local employers with local candidates

Melissa Verzaal, SCJobMarket.com account executive

just ‘shotgunning’ their resumes nationally or internationally. In addition, skills, education and experience levels trend higher within the readership of the business publications.” Because Internet recruiting is quicker, easier and more costeffective than other methods, SCJobMarket.com can efficiently serve small and large firms. The company offers single job postings for companies that have the occasional hiring need and packages that range from multiple to unlimited job postings for companies that hire more frequently. The clean design and easy online interface allow jobs to be posted and viewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, giving job seekers and employers access to results on any schedule. Employers posting jobs can also post a company profile page. Verzaal says, “Posting a company profile that includes a description of the company and logo is a wonderful way to market your company and look for job candidates at the same time.” SCJobMarket.com is a division of SC Biz News, the publishers of the Charleston Regional Business Journal, the Columbia Regional Business Report, GSA Business and SCBIZ magazine. For more information on SCJobMarket.com, contact Melissa Verzaal directly at 843-849-3104 or mverzaal@scbiznews.com.

nline and local. The recruiting service SCJobMarket. com captures the best of both worlds. The service combines the speed, efficiency and economy of the Internet with local knowledge and good, old-fashioned customer service to successfully connect local employers with local candidates. SCJobMarket.com account executive Melissa Verzaal says, “I provide the difference between using a big national site and a site that is focused only on South Carolina. I have a relationship with the employers posting jobs, and they know they can call me for technical help or help with wording the job descriptions on the site. Because I live here, I know the state and what works in South Carolina.” Verzaal says, “There are several advantages in using a job site that is owned and operated by the local publishers of the region’s business newspapers, SC Biz News. Candidates tend to be of a higher quality because they are usually located within the area of the job being offered, are focused on local jobs and are not

389 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 200 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-849-3130 | www.scjobmarket.com Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

South Carolina Whitmore School

‘School Your Way’ allows students to master lessons at any hour, on any day

“I started high school feeling frustrated, and defeated. I graduated feeling independent, smart and successful.” Alina, Whitmore graduate and current college student

orget dress codes, big yellow buses and the drama that comes with high school. After a year of planning, the state-chartered South Carolina Whitmore School will open its virtual doors to more than 200 students this August. Students will be able to attend classes around the clock, for free, whenever they wish, via the Internet. “We don’t have classes of 25, 30 kids all being walked through their textbooks at the same time,” says Principal Ellen Ray. Instead, each student will be “virtually the only child in their class.” Whitmore School students will work one-on-one with certified teachers, completing and redoing each assignment until they earn at least a B. Students may enroll in and complete

classes at any time, without worrying about traditional semesters and time off. School will be open 24/7, 12 months a year. So a night owl can complete course work at 2 a.m. and an early riser, at 5 a.m. Likewise, the teacher can respond to student work at all hours — an ideal environment for any student with time constraints that make attending traditional schools difficult. All course materials are available online or in the library, so students will have no textbooks to lug from class to class. The school also has a small number of computers to lend. Ray developed the Whitmore School after watching her own daughter struggle to keep up. Before her daughter had completed the first quarter of ninth grade, Ray says she knew her daughter would never earn a high school diploma. So Ray enrolled her daughter in online classes, where she earned all As and Bs and, in less than four years, her diploma. Ray’s daughter now attends college classes online. “Her turnaround is what inspired me,” says Ray, who has experience in both education and business. Ray stresses that the curriculum for the South Carolina Whitmore School, powered by CompuHigh LLC, meets all state standards, as well as those for regional accreditation. All teachers are certified in the subjects they will teach, including special education and languages. The state Department of Education also has approved the South Carolina Whitmore School to aid in dropout prevention, Ray says — though the curriculum can be tailored to suit all students: special needs, reluctant and accelerated. Like all other public school students in the state, those at the South Carolina Whitmore School will take mandated end-ofcourse and High School Assessment Program exams. “Our feeling is that all kids are bright and that learning is really a function of time. One student may master the lesson in a day, and another may master the lesson in a week — both achieve mastery,” Ray says. “Online classes, with our mastery-based approach to learning, are ideal for students who need to work to support their family, are parenting or pregnant teens, or are teens who would benefit from completing courses at their own pace.”

P.O. Box 1054 | Chapin, SC 29036 866-476-6416 www.sc.whitmoreschool.org

12 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

1x1 Design

1x1 Design builds for the future “A successful building is one that fits the client’s known needs today and anticipates for those in the years to follow.” Asheley Scott Founder, 1x1 Design

photo by KICKSTAND STUDIO

Asheley Scott, AIA, LEED AP

sheley Scott can tell you that architects should have a firm grasp on each client’s present needs, as well as their future needs. That’s why 1x1 Design, a new full-service architectural firm founded this year by the Columbia native, stresses innovative design that anticipates next-generation practices, both for clients and future employees. “A successful building is one that fits the client’s known needs today and anticipates for those in the years to follow,” she said. The same is true of a successful company, and Scott is taking steps to make sure her company is built to last. Scott’s goal is to create a company that brings an updated dynamic to the practice of architecture. “I envision a firm that not only promotes architecture as a positive profession inside the office, but beyond to the larger community as well,” she said. “As architects, we have the potential to literally shape a city — and that is powerful in itself. I believe the profession can also be a jumping off point for greater impact on the more intangible aspects of one’s personal and community involvement.”

1x1 Design sees the value of taking on projects of all sizes and complexities, from small renovations and additions to major buildings, both residential and commercial. “We want to be accessible to those needing architectural services and provide them the quality services they need,” she explains. Before founding 1x1 Design, Scott already had impressive credentials, including architectural work for a variety of clients in the corporate, retail, medical and international market segments. “In architecture, our training prepares us for a variety of design challenges, independent of size, budget or location. Each project is a new exercise in problem solving, often very independent of the last,” she said. Scott, who earned a bachelor’s degree in design from Clemson University and a Master of Architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology, is also a LEED Accredited Professional. She has taken on leadership roles with several volunteer organizations in the community and was named one of the Midlands’ top “20 Under 40” young professionals by The State newspaper in 2011. When asked about starting a company, Scott admits that it isn’t the most typical route for an architect. “I’m part of an emerging generation of professionals who are finding that their career doesn’t necessarily follow the typical path that previous generations did,” she said. “Perhaps it has been spurred by the unsteady global economy or the rising value being put on the creative based economies in the region. Regardless, it’s about working most effectively within this new dynamic to move forward and achieve success.”

P.O. Box 5875 | Columbia, SC 29250 803-834-4048 www.1x1design.com | ascott@1x1design.com Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

IT-oLogy

Front (L to R) Maria Price, TM Floyd & Co., Kristine Hooker, IT-oLogy, Diedre Murphy, IT-oLogy, Elisa Limbaugh, IT-oLogy Back (L to R) Powers Strickland, IT-oLogy, Lonnie Emard, IT-oLogy, Alicia Dorwart, IT-oLogy, Todd Lewis, Palmetto Computer Labs

omewhere out there are the IT wizards of the future — only they don’t know it yet. And that’s what IT-oLogy hopes to change. A regional consortium of 65 businesses and 21 institutions of higher education, with its base across the street from the S.C. State House, IT-oLogy aims to grow the informational technology talent pipeline by promoting IT careers to K-12 students, providing college students with real-world experiences and connecting businesses and professionals with networking and professional-development opportunities. The lack of IT talent in what IT-oLogy calls “the pipeline” has reached epidemic proportions, says Lonnie Emard, executive

director of IT-oLogy. The non-profit organization is the result of a consortium formed in January 2009 by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, IBM and USC. The three entities’ Consortium for Enterprise System Management has been re-branded the less tongue twisting “IT-oLogy.” U.S. industry will need 900,000 IT workers within the next 10 years, but less than half that number are likely to possess the necessary education. “This (is) not a problem to be solved by one company or one university,” Emard says. The IT-oLogy logo is a friendly bright green typographical face whose “Os” form eyes and its “L,” an elongated nose. A

14 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

IT-oLogy

IT-oLogy advances IT talent from the classroom to the boardroom smile beneath the brand name emphasizes the fact that people — not coding or hardware — make up the consortium and the IT industry. IT-oLogy isn’t about technology, Emard says. “It’s about people, skills and advancing IT talent. It’s really more about providing experiential learning opportunities for students and professionals,” he says. “Students really can learn only so much in a classroom. “They play a game, they text,” Emard says of those in kindergarten through 12th grade. “We need the kids who are inspired to ask, ‘How did we make that magic?’ ” IT-oLogy is working from the classroom to the boardroom to grow the IT pipeline through three initiatives: Promote IT (K12), Teach IT (higher education) and Grow IT (professionals and businesses). To make this happen, IT-oLogy relies on partners. “We’ve used an army of volunteers coming from our partner companies,” Emard says. Colleges and universities also lend their people and expertise. One of IT-oLogy’s main projects is Student to Professional, where students work to create projects for nonprofit organizations in a professional manner, tutored by business people and professors. The result is a real-world learning experience for students who will ultimately become the source for the next generation of solutions and applications for businesses. IT-oLogy also works with K-12 teachers, outlining 27 distinct career paths that will lead to challenging careers and top salaries in South Carolina and beyond — with the acquisition of at least an associate’s degree. Students, parents and educators need to know that IT is more than hardware repair and programming, and that careers in information technology can be found across all industries — from manufacturing to aerospace, government to health care, insurance to the arts. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

K-12 Initiative IT-oLogy is working in K-12 schools to get the best and brightest young people and their parents interested in the IT profession through the following opportunities: • Create IT camps • Virtual job shadows • Educator field studies • Career fairs • IT-oLogy summer IT camp • Student to Professional program

College & University Initiative In collaboration with IT-oLogy, companies work with colleges and universities on applied business research projects and experiential learning opportunities that strengthen and align classroom skills to current and future IT business needs. This is being done through some of the following opportunities: • Next Generation IT internship program • Academic/Industry Career Connections • Real-world classroom projects

Professional Initiative IT-oLogy is working with IT professionals across all industries to provide continuing career development opportunities, such as: • Palmetto Open Source Software Conference • Institute for the Management of IT • Support for user groups • Professional development opportunities through IT-oLogy partners

Promote IT

Teach IT

Grow IT

1301 Gervais St., Suite 200 | Columbia, SC 29201 803-354-5730 | www.IT-oLogy.org

Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

Lutheran Homes of South Carolina

Residents Joe and Margaret Zeigler and Dr. Thomas Brown, President and CEO of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina, stand in front of a new Active Lifestyle home at the Heritage at Lowman.

Lutheran Homes provides quality health care and much more

or more than a century, Lutheran Homes of South Carolina has had only one mission: keeping older adults healthy in mind, body and soul. It does so in myriad ways, from providing repair and cleaning services in the home of those living independently to caring for the critically ill and their families through hospice. It also encourages those it serves to reach out to others through volunteer work. “You can come into our communities at any level of care,” says Thomas Brown Jr., president and CEO of Lutheran Homes

of South Carolina. “We make sure that our service matches the needs of the people we’re trying to serve.” That vision ensures the proper quality of care and positions Lutheran Homes to maintain its high level and breadth of care as government and insurance regulations undergo change. A not-for-profit organization, Lutheran Homes serves 1,200 to 1,300 older adults and their families daily. • Its BeWell Home Services run the gamut from repair to cooking, from cleaning to transportation, providing personal attention and kindness. BeWell also provides respite for caregivers,

16 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

Lutheran Homes of South Carolina “You can come into our communities at any level of care,” “We make sure that our service matches the needs of the people we’re trying to serve.” Thomas Brown Jr. President and CEO of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina.

as well as transportation to doctors and other appointments. BeWell Home services are available to those living independently, as well as residents on Lutheran Homes’ campuses. • Its nurses and its occupational, speech and physical therapists ensure that injured older adults may remain independent for longer periods. Those recovering from stroke, surgery or injury work with interdisciplinary teams in order to regain their physical functions, to eat properly and to maintain health. “So many people think of Lutheran Homes as long-term care,” says Denise Dickinsen, vice president for planned growth and development. “We love to see people go home” when they regain healthy independence. And, of course, Lutheran Homes maintains high quality in the services for which it is well known: • Housing and award-winning wellness programs for older adults needing a variety of services in residences throughout the state, from the Lowcountry to the Midlands to the foothills. The continuum of care aids those who are independent as well as those needing occasional to constant care and attention. • Hospice care, which it has been providing since 1995, for those at the end of life. Services include treating patients and caregivers with compassion so they may live without pain, preparing them for end-of-life health and legal issues. Lutheran Homes serves people of all faiths. “The fact is, we serve more Baptists and Methodists,” Brown says with a smile. As its clients become more diverse, it has developed culturally sensitive programs to meet those needs, including the Gift of Today hospice program for African-American families and Gesher Jewish Outreach, which addresses the religious and ethical issues of Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Judaism. But the organization provides more than health care; it strives to meet other community needs, from leadership to education. In 2010, it invested time and resources valued at more than $2.5 million into the communities it serves — an investment over and above its services to clients and patients.

Lutheran Homes staff members lead community and civic organizations. They train high school and college students planning to work in health and other professions. “It just amazes me when I learn about who we’re training,” Brown says. “Who” includes physicians, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, chaplains, social workers and, of all things, computer scientists. Residents of the Heritage at Lowman in White Rock have become part of the curriculum for USC students who are teaching the older people the ins and outs of Facebook and shopping online. Those served by Lutheran Homes also serve others — it “keeps you young and feeling valued,” Brown says. Residents of several communities work with elementary school children, sew surgical masks for pediatric patients and craft lap robes for hospice patients. Following is a list of services provided by Lutheran Homes: • In the Lowcountry: BeWell Home Services, Franke at Seaside in Mount Pleasant and Lutheran Hospice. • In the Midlands: BeWell Home Services, Rice Estate in northeast Columbia, the Heritage at Lowman in White Rock, Trinity on Laurens in Aiken and Lutheran Hospice. • In the Upstate: BeWell Home Services, RoseCrest in Inman and Lutheran Hospice. Contact Lutheran Homes of South Carolina at 800-756-9443.

Margaret Zeigler, resident at the Heritage at Lowman, tending flowers in her Active Lifestyle home.

300 Ministry Drive | Irmo, SC 29063 800-756-9443 www.lutheranhomessc.org Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

S.C. Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics

S.C. Governor’s School for Science and Math the ‘best academic experience in South Carolina’ “The more students we can get to stay here (in South Carolina), that all leads to prosperity — which is our bottom line.” Kim Bowman CEO, Foundation for S.C. Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics

Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM president and Kim Bowman, GSSM EVP/GSSM Foundation CEO

f you want to envision the economic future of South Carolina, think tennis shoes and backpacks. For each of the past 23 years, 128 very select students have attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics in Hartsville, a two-year stop on the way to becoming bioengineers, computer scientists, nanotechnology specialists — all professions the state’s leaders hope will ensure its economic future. “The more students we can get to stay here (in South Carolina), that all leads to prosperity — which is our bottom line,” says Kim Bowman, CEO of the school’s foundation. During the past five years, the number of graduates who have remained in the state or returned to it after college has trended upward to 65%-70%. Bowman credits the state’s

Palmetto Fellows and LIFE scholarships. Among more recent graduates are an environmental engineer in Irmo, a math teacher at the prestigious Hammond School in Columbia and a lawyer working for the state’s Legislative Audit Council. One hundred percent of Governor’s School graduates attend college. Eighty percent pursue advanced degrees. The school’s 1,300 alumni and current student body of 133 hail from throughout the state. The school’s summer camps and recruitment efforts with middle and high school students work to ensure that geographic diversity. One of only 12 public residential science and math high schools in the country, the Governor’s School is “the best academic experience in South Carolina,” Bowman boasts. Students work at the college level with college professors who “really, truly specialize in teaching mastery of subject matter to super smart kids.” This summer, one 17-year-old worked as a member of a team at Clemson University applying for a patent — not an unusual event for students of the Governor’s School. Students — all juniors and seniors, split about evenly into boys and girls — live on campus, immersing themselves in their educations at what is known affectionately as “Smartville.” Students also develop their musical and literary talents, and participate in sports and clubs. The education is mostly free, except for an annual fee of $2,000 instituted as the result of state budget cuts in the early 2000s.

401 Railroad Ave. | Hartsville, SC 29550 843-383-3900 www.scgssm.org

18 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

McKay, Cauthen, Settana & Stubley, P.A.

Come out on top with The McKay Firm “We are growing, but we run lean, which allows us to pass savings to our clients while assuring excellent service. Our goal is effective and fair representation and the best results.” Julius “Jay” W. McKay, II Managing Partner, McKay, Cauthen, Settana & Stubley P.A.

McKay Firm Partners: Peter Leventis, IV, M. Stephen Stubley, Janet Brooks Holmes, Daniel R. Settana, Jr., Julius “Jay” W. McKay, II and Mark D. Cauthen

ith more than 100 years in business, McKay, Cauthen, Settana & Stubley P.A. has a proven record of success. The Columbia law firm focuses on defenseoriented civil litigation in the areas of coverage disputes, general negligence, governmental liability, medical malpractice, health care law, products liability, professional licensure disputes, trucking law and workers’ compensation. McKay Public Affairs, an affiliate of The McKay Firm, offers procurement, legislative advocacy and media consulting services. “We work hard at providing excellent, broad-based service to our clients,” said managing partner Julius “Jay” W. McKay. “The key is building long-term relationships.” McKay’s grandfather founded the firm in 1908 and his father, Douglas McKay Jr., began practicing law in 1941. “Mr. Doug,” as he was known by his friends and colleagues, retired at the age of 89 and passed away in 2008. He was the chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Improvement of Workers’ Compensation Laws and was the first attorney to receive the Worthy

Adversary Award from the American Trial Lawyers’ Association. He was also one of the 2011 S.C. Bar Foundation Memory Hold the Door honorees. The McKay Firm is more than just a local law practice. In 2010 and 2011, U.S. News & World Report put The McKay Firm among the country’s Best Law Firms in the area of Workers’ Compensation Law. The McKay Firm was also selected by A. M. Best for its 2012 Recommended Insurance Attorney Directory. Jay McKay is listed in SuperLawyers, a recommendation from his peers based on his expertise with complex medical and corporate litigation. The McKay Firm has an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review measure of ethical standards and professional know-how. Litigation is the firm’s major strength. “We litigate a lot of cases, which is rare nowadays,” said McKay. To McKay, litigation is often the best way to ensure the best outcome for a client. “You plan your strategy, but you also have to be able to change it seamlessly at a moment’s notice. You have to take complex matters and break them down so everyone on the jury can understand everything, which can be difficult with complicated medical or industrial issues.” By the end of the year, The McKay Firm plans to add more attorneys, bringing its total to 13. “We are growing,” said McKay, “but we run lean, which allows us to pass savings to our clients while assuring excellent service. Our goal is effective and fair representation and the best results.”

1303 Blanding St. | Columbia, SC 29201 803-256-4645 www.mckayfirm.com www.mckaypublicaffairs.com Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

STEVENS & WILKINSON

Lasting legacy through smart design

hat is the hallmark of Stevens & Wilkinson, a design firm whose brand is built on successfully meeting client’s design and functional goals. This rich, 93-year history and experience are combined with a creative culture and utilization of the latest technologies, positioning the firm to tackle today’s design challenges with unique solutions through smart design solutions. Stevens & Wilkinson has helped to build the Midlands. Notable projects in Columbia include development of the once abandoned Macy’s department store into the vibrant Columbia Museum of Art, numerous office buildings along Main Street, including the recently completed Meridian and First Citizens buildings, the Richland County Library with a design that features a full glass streetscape to showcase the books and activity of the building interior, and the Township Auditorium, a Columbia mainstay recently renovated to expand the reception and lobby space where patrons can now graciously socialize before and after shows. The conversion of an 1893 cotton mill into the South Carolina State museum and the extensive renovation to the South Carolina Statehouse (including a structural retrofit to

allow the building to withstand an earthquake) are examples of projects that have influenced the entire region. “Our breadth of experience with culturally significant projects distinguishes us in today’s market,” says Bobby Lyles, company chairman. Lyles attributes the firm’s long-term success to a business plan that combines the creative side of architecture and engineering with the ability to listen and understand our client’s goals. “Every project requires a thoughtful, comprehensive solution,” he says.

Stevens & Wilkinson is a full service design firm comprised of architects, engineers (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical), and interior designers. This working structure encourages interdisciplinary exploration while simplifying management, providing clients with a single point of contact and sole source responsibility. The firm specializes in projects for education (schools and universities), high-end corporate, government/civic, healthcare, hospitality, and military facilities. 1501 Main St., Level G | Columbia, SC 29201 803-765-0320 www.stevens-wilkinson.com

20 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

Technesis Technology Solutions

With Technesis Technology Solutions, small businesses get proactive IT management “Your technology is vitally important to you — why would you want your technology partner to deliver anything less than a best-in-class solution?” Frank Piet, CEO, Technesis Technology Solutions

Technesis’ Columbia Team

very company depends on a solid technology infrastructure, but not every company can afford to maintain and staff one. That’s where Technesis Technology Solutions comes in. Technesis provides managed end-to-end IT services to small businesses throughout the Carolinas from its offices in Columbia, Greenwood and Charlotte. “Our standard service includes best-in-class on- and off-site data security, 24/7 network monitoring and reporting, network management, and a full suite of requisite technology support,” said Frank Piet, Technesis Technology’s CEO. “In addition to managed services, we are the Tier 1 provider of Vertical Communications’ Wave IP phone system in the Columbia and Charlotte markets. And, of course, we install and support network and security infrastructure.” Technesis Technology Solutions began as Microprice Technologies in 1992. In 2010, A. Thomas Inc. acquired the company, rebranded it and changed it into one that stresses proactive managed services built around an entire product suite. “What

differentiates us is our approach to business — proactive IT management,” Piet explained. “We don’t put out fires — we prevent them. Though you can’t foresee everything, our proactive approach to technology management can keep your business operational 99% of the time.” Solving technology challenges before they reach a crisis point is much more efficient and cost-effective than waiting until “technology melts down and requires herculean effort to get operational again,” said Piet. “Our approach is more than proactive — it is predictable. As a client, you can expect to see our technologists at a predefined date and time every week. You can set your watch by our arrival.” Piet has such faith in his staff that each employee has the authority to address a customer issue on the spot, providing prompt action. He considers his associates the company’s main assets, pointing out that even the best plans can fall short without the right people to carry them out. Though Technesis Technology’s target market is small businesses with 10 to 50 employees, its technology partners run the gamut of the biggest names in business hardware and software. Among them are Microsoft, Vertical, Symantec, Quest (PacketTrap), AppAssure and Cisco. In addition, Technesis is a certified reseller for such major firms as Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, IBM, CA Technologies and Trend Micro. “We offer solutions, not piece-meal tools and quick fixes,” Piet said. “Your technology is vitally important to you — why would you want your technology partner to deliver anything less than a best-in-class solution?”

536 Meeting St. | West Columbia, SC 29169 803-748-7600 fpiet@gotechnesis.com | www.gotechnesis.com Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

Katherine J. Anderson Design/Interiors

Katherine Anderson offers custom interior designs

Katherine J. Anderson, Interior Designer

atherine Anderson has a keen eye for the treasure hiding in a home, whether it is an antique icebox with pride of place in the kitchen or the bones of a beautiful house buried beneath layers of old paint and grime. She isn’t interested in sending her design customers hunting for new gewgaws and furniture to make a statement — she concentrates on how they live or work, focusing her attention on their comfort and personal style.

“I try to make it the best it can look like (but still) like you,” she says of her home and office redesigns. “I don’t want anyone to walk into the space and say, ‘Oh, Katherine Anderson helped you.’ “We’re not all about buying new stuff,” Anderson says. “We need the things you love — we’re all about the treasures of your life.” Anderson has long focused on the beauty in everyday life. Her degree from Mary Baldwin College is in music. After school, she framed artwork at G. Walker Gallery, learning from and envying the artists and designers whose work surrounded her — “I just loved the whole creation part.” So she re-entered school to earn a design degree from the University of South Carolina. When she found herself divorced with three young children, she had to “put myself out there” more forcefully. And so she did, creating and advertising her own business. Her passion is what keeps her “out there” — that and the passion she finds in others. One of her favorite tasks was taking down to the studs an 1890s farmhouse, which then was restored into a home that could be functional in the 21st century and beyond. She also finds offices fascinating — studying the way people work and then creating an office that fits their style. Anderson also offers “turnkey moving” for those “who don’t want to fool with a move” because of illness or retirement. For years, she has worked with Still Hopes, the Episcopal retirement community. Anderson and her staff examine what a client owns and what he or she “needs to take to fit into the new space.” Within several days, Anderson and her crew will sort, pack and move ... and then unpack and set up in the new location. “We hang all the pictures, make up all their beds,” so the client can move right into the social activities of the new life rather than worry about unpacking and organizing. The business has earned a Best of Columbia designation for commercial design from Columbia Metropolitan magazine. As business continues to prosper and grow, Anderson says she can’t imagine doing anything else. “I love it,” she says. “I am so lucky.”

112 N. Shorecrest Drive | Columbia, SC 29209 www.kjainteriors.com

22 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

Equity Payment Inc.

Living in a digital economy: Is your business ready?

Paul Truesdale

oing business today means accepting plastic, whether you are a small business owner, a major corporation or the government. Since 2003, credit and debit transactions have surpassed all other forms of payment in the United States. “Too many business owners treat plastic or

digital currency like they do cash,” said Paul Truesdale, the Columbia-based partner in Equity Payment Inc. “They can’t fathom that a 16-year-old sitting behind a computer overseas can bring their business to its knees by hacking into their unsecured PC with a couple of clicks.” Equity Payment Inc., a South Carolina-based merchant processing company, is a leader in the industry focusing on two critical business needs: educating the business owner on the most secure, cost-efficient way to handle electronic payments; and being the business owner’s advocate by providing concierge-level service. The company has offices throughout South Carolina and an extensive network of locations nationwide. In addition to standard processing services, the company provides gift and reward programs, check processing, remote deposit capture, funding and a health care provider-specific processing solution called A-Claim. A-Claim dramatically increases cash flow and the collection rate at the point of treatment. “Let’s say I’m seeing my doctor for an in-office procedure that insurance won’t cover,” Truesdale said. “The typical office will charge only the co-pay when I check out, not knowing if I have met my deductible or if the procedure is actually covered. With A-Claim, the office can swipe my insurance card before I see the physician. When I check out, the staff already has all my insurance information and can settle all payment details at the time of treatment. It also reduces the need to send out bills and lowers employee expense, significantly reducing overhead. The medical practices that use A-Claim love it.” Another Equity Payment special service is providing nextday funding for all major card brands, including American Express. Truesdale said this ability is a key factor for many of his clients. “We can show you how to have the money in your bank the next day.” According to Truesdale, “Many small businesses are unaware of upcoming legislation in the Durbin Amendment, which takes effect Oct. 1, and how it will affect debit card interchange rates. The impact from the Durbin Amendment could result in a 30%-40% reduction in interchange rates for some merchants, while negatively impacting others.”

3304 Millwood Ave. | Columbia, SC 29205 803-360-9516 www.equitypayment.com Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

Charleston Marriott Hotel

Meet you at the Marriott! “We work with our clients to ensure they have accommodations that meet their objectives and placing. We stay flexible and react to any request to create a positive effect.” Lori Cox Director of sales and marketing, Charleston Marriott

The Marriott Sales & Event Team

hatever corporate event you have on the planning schedule, the Charleston Marriott is the place to hold it. The hotel, owned since 2006 by JHM Hotels, has undergone a multimillion-dollar, top-to-bottom renovation, making it one of the premier hotels in the South Carolina Lowcountry, just minutes from the bustle of downtown Charleston. With 50,000 square feet of flexible event space indoors and out, along with plenty of high-tech audiovisual equipment, the Charleston Marriott can easily host meetings for up to 1,100 participants. That includes its brand-new Crystal Ballroom, which has 15,000 square feet of space and a dedicated meeting planner suite with closed-camera televisions, a hospitality center and more. It’s all part of the Charleston Marriott’s “When you look great, we look great” approach to business. “We work with our clients to ensure they have accommodations that meet their objectives and placing,” said Lori Cox, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing. “We stay flexible and react to any request to create a positive effect. We continually learn, improve, and

create value for our guests.” Such staff dedication pays off: JHM Hotels recently chose the Charleston Marriott’s general manager, Patrick Rogers, as its 2010 General Manager of the Year. As part of a top hotel brand, the Charleston Marriott shares a solid reputation for service excellence. Its staff is Marriott-trained, which means not only exceptional customer service but also comfortable, clean, modern rooms and public spaces throughout. “Marriott puts a lot of effort into training to focus on the needs of all our different types of guests,” said Cox, “whether they’re staying with us for business reasons or during leisure travel. And the Marriott Rewards loyalty program is a great perk.” Besides its generous, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, the Charleston Marriott caters to a vast variety of needs, including long-term stays, relocation and catering for all types of events. For the corporate traveler, the Marriott offers a business center and fitness facility with cardio, elliptical, free weights and outdoor pool. It is convenient to many businesses and universities. Parking is on-site and free. Its Aqua Terrace rooftop lounge overlooks the Ashley River — “It’s a great place to unwind and meet informally with colleagues,” said Cox. As for the future, Cox said to look for the Charleston Marriott to continue to improve and change as the market changes, and always put guests first.

170 Lockwood Blvd. | Charleston, SC 29403 843-723-3000 marriott.com/chsmc

24 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

Cimbas

Cimbas offers technology solutions you can bet your business on

Cimbas IT and Telecom Team

imbas knows excellent customer service and staying nimble in a constantly changing technical industry is what keeps customers coming back to the Irmo-based full-service IT and telecom agency. With the company’s addition of business cloud computing services, Cimbas can offer clients exciting new alternatives for running their businesses technology. “We offer infrastructure as a service over the cloud, an environment in which companies can securely and safely operate their business applications over the Internet,” said Scott Ainsworth, president. “This means businesses don’t have to manage servers, which can be time-consuming and costly. For small to midsize businesses, this takes away a huge burden of trying to manage and keep up with technology and allows them to focus attention back to their core business.” Because Cimbas can securely run many virtual environments for a host of clients, Ainsworth explained, the cost of technology becomes “much more efficient with less invested capital and risk. Clients pay for IT computing as they go, much like a utility bill. Instead of investing in servers and IT infrastructure and IT

salaries, they pay a monthly fee for what they utilize.” Cimbas recently completed construction on a building to house its corporate offices and its cloud computing service center. It’s all part of Cimbas’ emphasis on technology positioning. “That’s a key phrase for us,” Ainsworth said. “It means that we help our clients utilize and position technology to improve and enhance their business without taking over their business. In turn, clients can better serve their customers.” Ainsworth described Cimbas’ approach as consultative. “Our expertise enables us to introduce our clients to the right technology solution at the right time,” he said. “With the convergence of telecom and IT technologies, Cimbas can assist clients on a broad spectrum of topics, from business phone systems and cable and wiring infrastructure to IT managed services that include on-site server management and now cloud computing solutions. We affirm that our customers know their businesses, and our team of experts knows technology, in which we will work on their behalf.” Cimbas commits to continually assess new technology trends and adapt the ones that best assist businesses. It also plans to continue helping its clients understand and manage technology and always have an eye toward the value of technology dollars.

Business Cloud Technology Positioning

131 Ministry Drive | Irmo, SC 29063 803-509-5050 cimbas.com | info@cimbas.com Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

Sonoco Recycling

Sonoco Recycling offers customized recycling solutions to meet your sustainability goals

Recovered materials are sorted at a Sonoco Recycling MRF, to be internalized in Sonoco mills or processed by other end users, closing the recycling loop.

onoco Recycling is one of the world’s leading recyclers. It operates 48 recycling facilities globally and collects approximately 3.5 million tons of paper, plastic, metal and other materials annually. Sonoco Recycling is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonoco, a global packaging company with more than 300 operations on five continents and 17,000 employees serving customers in 34 countries. Sonoco’s experience in recycling and waste management dates back nearly a century. Today, Sonoco Recycling provides

services and sustainability solutions to more than 15,000 commercial, industrial, municipal and governmental entities. It offers comprehensive recycling solutions tailored to meet each client’s unique sustainability needs, regardless of scale or complexity. Sonoco’s customized solutions aim to provide a number of measurable benefits including: substantial cost savings, potential revenue, enhanced productivity, reduced environmental footprint and secure material handling. Locally, Sonoco Recycling operates a large material recovery facility, or MRF, in Columbia that processes commingled material for the City of Columbia, Lexington County and Richland County, as well as many other local municipalities. Located in the heart of the Midlands, the facility includes a commercial recycling operation, curbside processing and a state-of-the-art education center used to inform the public about the benefits of recycling. Its education program impacts the lives of more than 10,000 people per year and is often used as a resource by local schools, universities, community groups and more. The Columbia MRF has been in operation for almost 40 years and employs 90 staff utilizing multiple tipping floors and two weigh scales to ensure rapid turnaround of all collection vehicles. It operates 24 hours a day Monday through Friday, which allows for ease of doing business for a wide range of material suppliers. Each year, the Columbia MRF recovers and processes more than 100,000 tons of recovered material, approximately 60% of which is consumed by nearby Sonoco mill facilities to be turned back into products consumers use every day, making Sonoco one of the few closed-loop packaging suppliers in the industry. The Columbia MRF is one of three of its kind at Sonoco Recycling, but the company realizes that the equipment and technology is only as good as the people behind it. The company is proud of its waste management experts, who provide personalized service and customized solutions designed to achieve their clients’ sustainability goals through landfill diversion, hauling and landfill fee reduction, revenue stream enhancement and a reduced environmental footprint. Sonoco Recycling’s mission is to be “the recycling partner you can count on.”

1132 Idlewilde Blvd. | Columbia, SC 29201 803-779-0500 | Toll Free: 877-9-SONOCO www.sonocorecycling.com

26 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

eGroup

eGroup: Technology Solutions for Serious Competitors

An example of “any device, anywhere, any time,” eGroup delivers a Windows 7 desktop to an iPad.

amed one of South Carolina’s Top 25 Fastest Growing companies by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce for the past two years, and recognized as one of the fastest growing regional businesses the past four, eGroup has been one of the Southeast’s premier IT Solutions and Services providers for the past 11 years. “Simply put, eGroup is a visionary company with the ability to execute swiftly in a rapidly changing information technology landscape,” said Mike Carter, Principal, eGroup. Designing and deploying innovative and cost-effective technology solutions that enable customers to achieve a competitive advantage keeps eGroup prominently on the forefront of technology - especially as the industry shifts to the uncharted

new territory of cloud computing and secure application and information delivery. “As users demand consumer-style access to data and applications on any device, anywhere, at any time, our eGroup vSpecialist Team, staffed with experts in both private and public cloud technologies, are designing and delivering these solutions,” said Carter. “Our solutions drive our customers’ cost containment, revenue growth, or customer service objectives by addressing challenges associated with mobility, access to critical applications and data, along with security.” eGroup’s expertise and core competency is focused in three distinct areas: Cloud Services (public and private), Application Services, and End-User Computing. To deliver these solutions, eGroup has strategic partnerships with IT Industry leaders that include VMware, Cisco, and EMC, along with Citrix, Microsoft, and Trend Micro. eGroup is the only authorized Vblock certified partner headquarted in South Carolina. Named to the inaugural CRN Tech Elite 250 List, eGroup keeps its customers beyond satisfied with the ability to visualize and execute. “eGroup was instrumental in assessing our virtual environment and assisting us in moving to the next level in virtualization in a secure and reliable manner,” said John Davis, director of IS Operations, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank. “eGroup proved that they can deliver enterprise solutions in very large environments. We have found eGroup to be a valuable partner that can achieve results.” With the proliferation of end user devices like iPads, iPhones, Droids, MacBooks, and Blackberrys, executives are demanding secure access to their applications and data while also expecting optimal performance. “eGroup is unique in our ability to deliver these services rapidly to our customers,” said Carter, “we excel in our ability to deliver information technology solutions as quickly as executives define the need for them.” To learn how eGroup can help your business utilize progressive technologies to gain the competitive edge, contact eGroup today at 1-877-eGroup1.

1316 Washington Street, Suite 101 Columbia, SC 29201 1-877-eGROUP-1 www.eGroup-us.com | blogs.eGroup-us.com Special Advertising Supplement | 2011 Profiles in Business

Pitts Insurance Team

Valued relationships keep Pitts Insurance Team on top

Conveniently located across the street from Spring Valley subdivision

onsumer relationships are at the heart of business success for the Columbia-based Pitts Insurance Team LLC. Founded in 1980 by F. Lee Pitts as The Pitts Agency Inc., the company has since continued to grow, with a total of 5,000 personal and business accounts Lee’s son, James S. Pitts, became agency principal in 2008 and oversees the firm’s personal and business insurance products. The company, which specializes in building custom programs, offers personal lines, including automobile, home, renters, boat, motorcycle, RV and flood insurance. Business product policies cover areas such as workers’ compensation, business auto, bonds and special events. Pitts Insurance Team also offers term, whole, universal and variable universal life insurance products. But it is the company’s slogan, “More than just insurance,” that reflects the firm’s practice, Pitts says. “Other agencies stress low limits and use some cartoon character to make you laugh,” he says. Values and ethics are an important part of the company’s effort to develop its staff professionally and personally.

“Our team understands that we’re protecting our clients’ assets, dreams and quality of life,” he says. “As a result, it’s the meaningful relationship and mutual trust that we build with our policyholders that we feel sets us apart from the competition.” Pitts Insurance Team has a products specialist in the each of its auto, home, commercial and life lines. Specialists attend regular continuing education programs to keep up with the latest insurance products. Pitts plans to add an investment product specialist to his staff, as well as a customer concierge, who will contact all clients who had recent interaction with Nationwide Insurance. That effort, Pitt says, will help ensure that each client receives the best service, and that the individual’s contact with the company has been handled satisfactorily. The company has received recognition and numerous awards for its work, including the Achieved On Your Side Certification from Nationwide Insurance, which requires that the agency maintain a high level of training, continuing education and customer satisfaction scores. In 2009 and 2010, the firm also achieved the prestigious Champion award, which recognizes agents who place in the top 8% nationally in sales, retention and profitability for Nationwide Insurance.

James S Pitts, CLU, ChFC, AIC Agency Owner

F. Lee Pitts III CLU, ChFc Agency Founder

9450 Two Notch Road | Columbia, SC 29223 803-788-1342 | 803-736-8139 www.pittsinsuranceteam.com

28 2011 Profiles in Business | Special Advertising Supplement

“I’ve always trusted Nationwide Insurance® to protect my business.” - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Co-Owner, JR Motorsports Nationwide Insurance Business Customer

Nationwide Business Insurance agents are specially trained to help protect your business. And with an On Your Side® Review, you can have the coverage you need at the right price for you.

Call for a quote today

(803) 788-1342

James S. Pitts, CLU, ChFC, Pitts Insurance Team, LLC Pittsinsuranceteam.com Serving NE Columbia Since 1980, On Your Side Certified Champion Award Winning Agency, SC 29223

Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. The NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion logo and word mark are used under license by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. NASCAR® and the NASCAR® logo are registered trademarks of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. Nationwide, Nationwide Insurance, On Your Side and the Nationwide framemark are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2011 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. The JR Motorsports logo and the name, likeness and signature of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and all related rights are property of, are used with the permission of JR Motorsports, LLC and JRM Licensing, LLC. Paid Endorsement.