2013 Profiles In Business

901 Island Park Drive | Suite 202 | Daniel Island, SC 29492 | 843-297-1424 | www.jacksonbuilthomes.com

A Note From the Publisher Newsroom Profiles in Business Editor - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.401.1094, ext. 206

Those of you who have been Business Journal readers all of these years most likely know this story, but for you newer readers, the origin of Profiles in Business bears repeating. Not long after we launched the Business Journal in 1995, businesspeople began asking us to include stories about their companies in our publication. As journalists, we always had to reply, “We can’t do that until you do something we can report as news.”

Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Staff Photographer - Leslie Burden lburden@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123 Account executives Senior Account Executive - Sue Gordon sgordon@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3111 Senior Account Executive - Robert Reilly rreilly@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3107 Account Executive - Sara Cox scox@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3109 Account Executive - Bennett Parks bparks@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3126 Contributing Writers Mary Jane Benston, Shelley Drulard, Holly Fisher, Mike Fitts, Nike Kern, Ross Norton, Allison Cooke Oliverius, Licia Jackson Contributing Photographers Gary Coleman, Jeff Blake

President and Group Publisher - Grady Johnson gjohnson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3103 Vice President of Sales - Steve Fields sfields@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3110

At the same time, many of those same people were asking if they could hire our advertising copywriters to produce Grady Johnson pieces they could use in brochures and marketing materials — but we were always too busy putting out the newspaper.

Finally it dawned on us: Why not combine the two? And looking at the success of this year’s version of Profiles in Business, it seems the marriage has been a happy one.

I hope these profiles give you some insight into the working lives of the people who make up the Charleston-area business community, because each and every one has a unique story to tell. Please accept my enthusiastic invitation to read the 2013 Profiles in Business, and I hope you will enjoy reading about this sample of Charleston business life as much as I do.

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Grady Johnson Publisher

Audience Development & IT Manager - Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116 Event Planner - Jacquelyn Fehler jfehler@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 21 Accounting Department - Vickie Deadmon vdeadmon@scbiznews.com • 864.235.5677, ext. 25 Custom media division Director of Business Development - Mark Wright mwright@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3143 Account Executive - Reneé Piontek rpiontek@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3105

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South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth The entire contents of this newspaper 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.

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Featured Profiles AirMax............................................................................ 28

Graybill, Lansche & Vinzani, LLC..................................... 31

All American Awards....................................................... 26

ISHPI............................................................................... 27

American Automated Payroll.......................................... 12

Landmark Enterprises Brokerage Group LLC.................. 18

Amerisips Homes............................................................ 29

LegalShield....................................................................... 8

Auxano Solutions............................................................ 25

LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air...................................... 16

Carolina Lanterns........................................................... 33

Liquid Box....................................................................... 24

Charleston Defense Contractors Association.................. 20

Sabal Homes................................................................... 11

Charleston Florist........................................................... 30

SLS Consulting............................................................... 19

Charleston Steel & Metal................................................ 10

SouthStar Capital............................................................ 38

The Citadel Graduate College........................................... 7

Spherion Recruiting and Staffing................................... 13

Clark & Associates.......................................................... 14

State Farm Agent Tony Pope............................................. 9

CorusTek......................................................................... 15

Trident Pain Center......................................................... 32

College of Charleston Graduate School.......................... 37

Trident Technical College................................................ 17

Design Build Construction.............................................. 34

Vision Financial Group, Inc.............................................. 22

Designs By Nature.......................................................... 36

Woodlands Mansion....................................................... 35

What makes our custom media services work for you?

We don’t just tell a story. We tell YOUR story.

From start to finish, our Custom Media team will manage all aspects of your custom publication. We have the ability to deliver turnkey projects, including development of editorial content, photography, advertising sales, graphic design and distribution.

View samples of our custom publishing work at issuu.com/scbiz For information about custom publishing, call Mark Wright at 843.849.3143

901 Island Park Drive | Suite St. 202| |Charleston, Daniel Island, SC 29492 | 843-297-1424 | www.jacksonbuilthomes.com 171 Moultrie SC 29409 | 843-953-5089 | www.citadel.edu

Students Gustavo Vazquez-Milan and Michael Swan take notes during their Intelligence Research and Analysis course.

Laura Glore and Jake Engle visit before a lecture on Open Source Intelligence.

The Citadel offers graduate programs in Homeland Security and Intelligence Analysis

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omeland Security and the intelligence communities work every day to protect Americans from terrorists, national disasters and cyber attacks. The Citadel is proud to offer Homeland Security and Intelligence Analysis classes to students who are interested in learning about the issues facing our nation’s security and the techniques needed to win the fight against those who pose threats to our country.

The Citadel educates many military and law enforcement personnel. These students, along with professionals that work in cyber security, engineering, defense contracting and emergency management, understand the challenges national security faces and would benefit from the Homeland Security

and Intelligence Analysis program.

The program was developed with input from both the Homeland Security and intelligence communities. Its focus is to teach students how to understand critical aspects of security and how to assess intelligence input by blending theory, research and practice.

“There is a certain approach to analyzing intelligence issues,” said David C. Hurley, PhD, The Citadel’s Department of Criminal Justice’s Homeland Security and Intelligence Analysis coordinator.

“There are rarely absolutes in intelligence, and by the time all the information has been gathered, the event has passed. In order to predict the adversary’s behavior, students of the program will learn

to think like intelligence professionals.”

For both Homeland Security and Intelligence Analysis programs, students must complete five courses that total 15 hours of graduate study. The courses are offered both online and in the evening and are taught by PhDs with intelligence and Homeland Security experience and senior practitioners with successful careers in the field.

The Citadel’s goal is to be placed as a regional and national leader in Homeland Security and Intelligence Analysis.

“Currently, we are working to achieve recognition as a Center of Academic Excellence from both the intelligence community and the Department of Homeland Security,” Hurley said.

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4000 Faber Place Drive, Suite 300 | Charleston, SC 29405 | 843-323-4337 | www.teamnusouth.com

From left: Herman Rice, Angel Quintero, William Wall, Jamaal King, Stephen Michel, Bonnie Brodie, Michael Boyles, Shuvona Rembert-Spann and Michael Johnson. Photo/Bubblephotography

NuSouth Independent Associates, Independent Associates with LegalShield helps save on legal services

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t some point, any businessperson will need legal assistance, but they quickly find simply asking some questions results in a hefty bill for legal services.

That’s where NuSouth Independent Associates, Independent Associates with LegalShield team members Herman Rice, Stephen Michel and Angel Quintero can help. As independent associates with LegalShield, they work with businesses and individuals to create a plan that gives them access to attorneys around the country for a flat monthly fee.

“Small businesses have the same issues of big business, but typically they can’t afford the access to the legal system because of their limited resources, especially if they are a brand new

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business,” Rice said. “LegalShield Business Plans helps small business owners protect and grow their business while giving them peace of mind knowing who to call and what it will cost.”

LegalShield provides families, employees and small businesses with affordable access to professional legal services and identity theft protection and restoration services through its legal service plans. The company provides legal services through a network of independent law firms across the U.S. and Canada and currently protects about 30,000 families and businesses in South Carolina.

LegalShield gives customers the ability to speak to an attorney without worrying about the high hourly cost. For one flat monthly fee, they

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have access to legal counsel no matter how traumatic or trivial the issue. “So with a LegalShield card, families and businesses live more and worry less,” Rice said.

NuSouth Independent Associates is a collective of Charleston-based independent associates with LegalShield. NuSouth associates have a combined 25 years of experience marketing LegalShield legal service plans.

NuSouth Independent Associates also works closely with insurance brokers, financial planners and other business owners who want to offer legal service plans. Their mission is to empower every family, employee and business in South Carolina through affordable access to the legal system.

1661 N. Main St. | Summerville, SC | 843-851-2222 | www.tonypope.com 3044 U.S. 17 North | Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 | 843-884-3400 | www.tonypopeagent.com

From left: Tony Pope, Mary Snyder, Cathy Merrick and Melissa Stabene

State Farm Agent Tony Pope expands in Lowcountry

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ony Pope’s name has become synonymous with State Farm, a family of insurance and financial services companies serving millions of customers in the United States and Canada. His Summerville office has qualified for the company’s Chairman’s Circle Award for the past 11 years.

Last year, Pope was ready to expand, and State Farm was beginning to allow agents to open more than one office.

Pope was selected as the first multi-office agent in South Carolina when he expanded into Mount Pleasant.

Pope settled on Mount Pleasant because it’s fast growing and having offices at each end of

the Charleston area allows him to best serve the region. Pope also grew up in Georgetown and has a few clients there, so being in Mount Pleasant provides better access to that community, he said.

While potential customers in Mount Pleasant might be inclined to think Pope is new to the market, he stresses that, while his office there is new, his experience with State Farm covers two decades.

He’ll bring that long-term knowledge and his brand of customer service to the East Cooper area.

Pope often hears from attorneys who commend his office for quick follow-ups and accurate paperwork for a real estate closing. “We take care of people and build relationships,” he said.

With 15 licensed agents, Pope’s offices bring a diverse mix of talents to their mission of helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams.

Pope has long been an active member of the Charleston area community, serving five years on the board of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, the town of Summerville Planning Commission, the Dorchester County Economic Development board and as past chairman of the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce board.

Pope is in his third year as assistant district governor for the Rotary Clubs in Berkeley and Dorchester counties.

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2700 Spruill Ave. | North Charleston, SC 29405 | 843-722-7278 | www.charlestonsteelandmetal.com

Jonathan Steinberg, Vice President/Industrial Relations Manager

Family-owned Charleston Steel & Metal continues to grow

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harleston Steel & Metal is one of the original green businesses. For 120 years, the Lowcountry family business has been recycling steel, copper, aluminum and other metals for use by industry in the Carolinas and beyond.

Samuel Steinberg started the company in 1893 in his King Street back yard. The business has since grown to its North Charleston and Mount Holly locations plus four satellite offices in South Carolina and Georgia. Over the years, Charleston Steel & Metal has acquired two competitors and grown the workforce to more than 100. It is one of the largest scrap processors in the Carolinas.

The company’s largest customers include JW Aluminum and Nucor Steel and extend throughout

the Southeast and as far as China, India and Turkey. Individuals also can bring their metal to Charleston Steel & Metal to trade for cash.

Scrap processing plants that began around the same time as Charleston Steel & Metal were always family-owned, but that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years as the small businesses have been purchased by international conglomerates. Charleston Steel & Metal is proud of its heritage, and even though the Steinbergs own the business, employees are treated like family.

According to Bernard Steinberg, President of Charleston Steel & Metal, “This company is all about the people who work here. They are our most important commodity.”

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The pull of the family business drew Jonathan Steinberg from work as a New York tax attorney back to the work of his father and grandfather.

Jonathan said he had never imagined working in the metal processing business, but the idea of raising his family in Charleston and working with his father grew more appealing. He moved to the Lowcountry in 2012 and has been learning the ins and outs of the business and a process that has become less dependent on manual labor and more tied to equipment and technology.

“I want to ensure all our current customers are extremely satisfied and that we can impress prospective clients with our expertise, work ethic and fairness,” Jonathan Steinberg said.

401 Seacoast Parkway, Suite H | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843-200-9731 | www.sabalhomessc.com

From left: Becky Crosby, Jason Ray and Joe Welch

Sabal Homes builds custom dream homes in the Lowcountry

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ife in the Lowcountry offers its own appeal and charm. Sabal Homes was founded in 2005 by three natives of the Carolinas who share an appreciation for what makes Charleston a special place to live. Since then the company has become known for building high-quality, innovative homes that reflect these qualities. But now the builder is taking that philosophy a step further.

Sabal Homes is proud to offer its custom home division, which gives Charleston buyers complete, all-access control over customizing their home.

“Sabal Homes has a deep respect for the preferences of homebuyers and a dedication to building a quality home while creating a satisfying buying experience,” said Joe Welch, the custom

homes division manager of Sabal Homes. Whatever the homebuyer needs or wants, Sabal Homes is listening and delivering.

To make this customizing possible, Sabal Homes has relationships with local architects who will develop new custom house plans or manipulate existing ones. From floorplans to finishes, Sabal lets the homeowner build the plans for a dream home. “We will listen to what they want and set appropriate allowance budgets where they can choose as many of the finishes they would like or work with our registered interior designer who can help them make these decisions,” said Welch.

Currently, Sabal Homes is building in all areas east of the Cooper River including Grassy Creek,

Hibben, Carolina Park, Rivertowne, Dunes West and Park West. If a buyer has purchased a lot and needs a custom home, Sabal can design a home specifically for that property.

Sabal Homes believes its reputation, size and local ties give it a distinct competitive advantage.

By combining knowledge of the home building business with its established relationships within the industry, Sabal is able to make calculated decisions quickly in light of ever-changing market conditions and business demands.

Welch said, “By combining this knowledge and understanding, we strive to build homes that deliver what our buyers want, not what they are willing to accept.”

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901 Old Trolley Road, Suite A | Summerville, SC 29485 | 843-851-2289 | www.aappayroll.com

The staff of American Automated Payroll

AAP continues to grow by keeping its focus on the people

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merican Automated Payroll has settled into a new office designed from the floor up with its customers and employees in mind.

However, this is nothing new for a company whose motto is “Your People Matter to Us.” After outgrowing its headquarters on Main Street in Summerville, AAP designed and built a new space featuring more sophisticated security. The new office has areas to accommodate client site visits and training, along with space for expansion. As AAP grows, it evolves to serve its clients’ needs.

Not only does AAP provide customized payroll solutions for clients throughout the nation, it has developed and offers human resources tools, workers’ compensation, E-Verify, time and labor

management, and 401(k) retirement solutions. The company’s goal is to create efficiencies for each of its clients and to help each business grow. Customer Care Manager Emily McIlwain says that AAP supports clients by navigating the ever-changing rules, regulations and government mandates such as business compliance and health care.

But what really sets AAP apart is not so much the services it offers, but how it goes about it.

“The paper checks we mail out to clients’ employees have real people behind them,” Vice President Andrew Osborne says. “They’re not random pieces of paper we’re mailing out. Those pay for people’s mortgages, food to feed their families, and we care about those people.” This focus on

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the human element serves AAP clients through an emphasis on personalized, friendly and accessible customer service—and it serves AAP’s employees as well.

“Our own people matter to us too,” says President Bill Streyffeler.

AAP has invested in an employee wellness program. The 24 Summerville employees compete in a health and fitness competition culminating in the company paying entry fees to the Cooper River Bridge Run. AAP’s growth certainly amounts to more business, but it also amounts to more ways of showing its customers and employees what “Your People Matter to Us” really means.

4995 LaCross Road, Suite 1050 | North Charleston, SC 29406 | 843-554-4933 | www.spherion.com

Co-owners Pam Ueberroth and Mary Barrineau

Spherion Recruiting and Staffing helps companies find top-quality staff

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pherion Recruiting and Staffing has been connecting top talent with top jobs in Charleston for 18 years. The full-service staffing agency provides temporary, contract and professional staffing for businesses across the Lowcountry. “We are a family-owned and operated Woman Owned Small Business that has built its foundation upon strong values of dedicated service, loyal relationships and tailored business solutions,” said Mary Barrineau, co-owner.

After years of experience in the staffing industry, Pam Thompson Ueberroth knew the closing of the navy base would mean a major change for Charleston – and it would be an ideal time to join the Charleston community with a staffing agency.

She launched a staffing agency here in 1994.

Over the course of the next five years, Barrineau, Ueberroth’s daughter, moved from Atlanta and began working with the business. In 2000, the company was acquired and became Spherion Staffing. Barrineau became co-owner with her mother, and the all-women team has continued to make strides in the staffing industry.

Clients turn to Spherion when they need top-quality staff without the hassle of endless searches. “Our services give our business partners the competitive advantage that they need to grow,” Barrineau said.

Spherion provides executive searches, direct hire, contract staffing and workforce management

while also helping clients with staffing needs in 3PL and distribution, warehouse, manufacturing, engineering, quality, call centers, collections, medical coding/billing, administrative and finance.

Additionally, Spherion provides on-site management and recruitment process outsourcing.

One of the benefits of using Spherion is the combination of a locally owned business and an international company. The women at Spherion know the staffing needs and expectations of businesses in the Lowcountry. They also have the benefit of the backing of an international staffing company with international resources.

Since 2001, Spherion Charleston has been in the top 10% for growth of all Spherion offices.

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2133 Dorchester Road | Charleston, SC 29415 | 843-762-6294 | www.clark-associates.com

From left: Lynn Clark, owner, and Alexis Parramore Comer, business development manager

Clark & Associates provides court reporting with accuracy, timeliness and technology

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hree features set Clark & Associates apart from its competitors in the court reporting field: accuracy, turnaround time and technology. Owner Lynn Clark has earned the designation of Registered Merit Reporter from the National Court Reporters Association, and is in the top of her field in the nation, averaging 99.6% accuracy during realtime depositions. Using realtime, attorneys are able to watch the transcript on a computer screen during the deposition and can scan back to check any testimony. Clark and her six reporters regularly provide transcripts within seven days, well above the industry average.

A court reporter for more than 30 years, Clark, through hard work and dedication to her profes-

sion, has developed efficient and accurate court reporting methods, setting high quality control standards, which she has shared with her reporters and office staff. All her reporters are nationally certified, which is not a requirement in South Carolina.

Attorneys are able to access their transcripts and the attached documents from Clark & Associates’ website 24 hours a day. Each attorney’s files are password-protected.

Developing relationships has been key to building her business. “Attorneys want consistency of service, being able to depend on our reporters and our team who are ready for anything.” She knows the job she does is vital to an attorney’s case.

“Attorneys can be better prepared in the courtroom

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by taking advantage of our services.”

Clark keeps up with the latest in technology by providing synchronized transcripts and realtime captioning for video depositions. “While the witness is speaking, you can read what is being said.”

Clark does not do reporting for criminal cases, but she knows that the people whose words she records have their lives and livelihoods on the line.

The highest care is taken to preserve confidentiality. All work is done in-house, with no files sent out for printing or copying.

“We are dedicated to providing the highest possible service and technology at the most cost-effective rates,” Clark said. “Our level of service exceeds attorneys’ expectations every time.”

2133 Dorchester Road | Charleston, SC 29415 | 843-762-6294 | www.corustek.com

From left: Reid Anderegg, director of litigation support, and Francis Saladin, senior sales engineer

CorusTek on cutting edge with videoconferencing for professionals

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n the past, an attorney who needed to interview expert witnesses might fly to their cities at great expense. Now that attorneys need to reduce those costs, they are turning to technology for help, says Reid Anderegg, owner and director of operations at CorusTek, a videoconferencing business.

“We wanted to provide a solution to that problem,” said Anderegg, an attorney. CorusTek offers sophisticated videoconferencing services that can bring people together without any of them having to leave their home or office.

Partnering with Clark & Associates court reporting, CorusTek focuses on serving the legal profession with audio and videoconferencing solutions including online captioning services, said

Francis Saladin, senior sales engineer. The court reporter provides a text version of testimony that an attorney can follow along online.

CorusTek can set up a high-definition videoconference anywhere that has an Internet or 4G wireless connection. Participants can connect via laptop, tablet or smart phone.

“We provide end-to-end concierge-level service,” Saladin said. “We can find a location and do all the testing to make sure it works. Someone is there at all times.”

CorusTek uses advanced Vidyo technology, with a high level of quality and security. The video is edited and produced by CorusTek’s certified staff and is made available online with transcription. All

files are password-protected.

CorusTek can help any business in need of video. The company works with staffing and employment agencies who use videoconferencing for job interviews; video allows the interviewer to see nonverbal cues. CorusTek also works with real estate companies on property viewing by video.

CorusTek has two sites for videoconferences, one in North Charleston and one on Cannon Street near the Medical University of South Carolina.

The MUSC location is used to interview medical experts. CorusTek is exploring telemedicine, which would connect doctor and patient by video.

CorusTek also partners with Vidyo as a service provider and reseller of equipment.

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1920-G Dunbar St. | Charleston, SC 29407 | 843-225-2665 (843-225-COOL) | www.lim-ric.com

LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air staff

LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air puts employees and customers first

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avid Miles wants his company to keep its customers for life. He also wants his employees at LimRic Plumbing, Heating & Air to stay for the long haul.

Miles thinks the two ideas go hand in hand.

“I’ve got this philosophy that if your employees are happy your customers are going to be happy.”

A Charleston native, Miles grew up in the HVAC business. His father started a fuel oil delivery service and later got into heating and air. Striking out on his own, David Miles built LimRic by buying three other heating and air businesses – Richter’s, Limbaker’s and Wappoo – over the last six years.

Last October, he added a plumbing division.

LimRic provides repair, installation and

maintenance services to residential and light commercial customers, mainly in Charleston County. The company is the largest American Standard heating and air dealer in South Carolina, and so far this year it leads in the number of SCE&G rebates collected by its customers.

Word of mouth has helped the company grow.

“We get a lot of recommendations,” Miles said.

Training is at the heart of LimRic’s plan. Weekly meetings cover technical information and, especially, customer service. LimRic stresses respecting customers’ property and time, explaining the work that needs to be done and the cost, parking service trucks appropriately and leaving the work area clean. The training is for everyone – office staffers

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as well as service technicians.

Miles said there is little turnover among the 30 employees. He said he would love for LimRic to be “the Google of small business” in terms of providing amenities for employees. One opportunity they enjoy is taking turns using the company’s box seats at Charleston RiverDogs baseball games.

LimRic’s plans include continued growth. One of the next steps will be expansion into the home performance business, which involves improving energy efficiency.

“I’m young, and we’re going to be around for a long time,” said Miles, 44. “I look for customers for life, not just for one service call, but for the next 30 years.”

7000 Rivers Ave. | North Charleston, SC 29406 | 843-574-6152 | www.tridenttech.edu/ce.htm

Bob Walker, Vice President for Continuing Education and Economic Development

Trident Technical College offers customized training programs that benefit the local workforce

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n today’s competitive environment, are you ready to become more valuable in the workplace? Or, as an employer, are you seeking ways to enhance the skills and training of your workforce? Trident Technical College’s Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development offers courses and programs in a variety of fields to people who want to stay up-to-date, develop new workforce skills and embark on new career tracks.

TTC’s Continuing Education division works with area chambers of commerce, economic development agencies and government entities to build high quality, customized training programs to meet the needs of area employers. In 2012, the division provided more than 480,000 hours

of training and processed more than 35,000 registrations.

When new employers establish a presence in the region or an existing company plans a major expansion, TTC’s Continuing Education division collaborates with readySC to craft training support and resources.

According to Bob Walker, vice president of Continuing Education and Economic Development, “Our role is vital to the success of the state’s economic development efforts – as evidenced by the recertification training provided to Boeing’s Dreamliner workforce, the startup training for DuPont at the world’s most advanced Kevlar plant and the announcement of major expansions by

Robert Bosch LLC and Showa Denko Carbon.”

TTC’s Continuing Education division recently received an Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations for its partnership with the Berkeley-CharlestonDorchester Council of Governments and S.C. Works Trident. Through this partnership, the division serves as a major provider of training of those eligible for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding.

“Our training programs in health care and manufacturing have enabled unemployed and underemployed individuals to start new careers and achieve gainful employment,” Walker said.

“This leads to a more educated workforce and more profitable businesses.”

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311 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Suite 211 | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843-885-8166 | www.landmark-enterprises.com

Back row: from left, Terrence S. Ansley, Glenn S. Goodwin. Front row, from left: Ashley D. Farrell, Bart J. Langlois

Paving the way to success: Landmark Enterprises Brokerage Group LLC

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andmark Enterprises Brokerage Group is paving the way to success by offering a comprehensive range of real estate leasing and sales services to property owners, investors and tenants of industrial, office, retail and land developments throughout the area.

“We present a win-win situation for our clients,” explains Terry Ansley, broker in charge. “In addition to providing our broad range of real estate services, we can take a client through developing their own building with the expanded services of our parent company, Landmark Enterprises.”

Applying up-to-the-minute market knowledge and state-of-the-art research tools, Landmark Enterprises Brokerage Group continues to prove

its industry expertise. The firm pays strict attention to the details of each transaction while representing clients with highly customized strategies.

Individuals, trustees, corporations and investment professionals find Landmark Enterprise’s team of professionals to be the experts in all aspects of Charleston’s real estate market.

Landmark Enterprises Brokerage Group is active in the following arenas: • Landlord/tenant representation • Leasing and investment sales • Acquisitions and dispositions • Corporate consulting and advisory services • Outparcel sales • Subleasing and marketing services

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Recently, Landmark uncovered an office/ technology company that had outgrown its 30,000-square-foot location a year and a half prior to its lease expiration. Through Landmark’s combined efforts, an improved location was identified, a lease was negotiated for the space, the new landlord was convinced to take over the company’s remaining obligation in the old space, and a sub-tenant was located for that old space. In this instance, and many others, Landmark Enterprises Brokerage Group is able to provide creative solutions.

“We are in the market making a difference for our clients,” Ansley says. “Our track record proves it.”

530 West Butternut Road | Summerville, SC 29483 | 843-819-5129 | www.sls-consulting.biz

Beth Blanchard, consultant, and Sharon L. Sellers, President

SLS Consulting tailors HR services to employers large and small

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n 2004, Sharon Sellers started SLS Consulting after her former employer was sold to a company in D.C. “After 20 years in HR, I decided to hang out my own shingle with a little severance money and a lot of prayers,” she jokes.

Today, SLS provides HR services and training to both large and small employers. Overall, one-quarter of its services comprises employee training such as anti-harassment and supervisory training; one-quarter involves developing HR infrastructure for small employers, such as handbooks, HR audits and best management practices; another quarter provides HR Outsourcing, and the remaining 25% includes projects such as job evaluations, discrimination investigations and other “on-call” services.

A new service is called Condensed Outplacement.

“We provide employers an affordable way to help laid-off employees start in a new job search. We don’t hold people’s hands for six months. We give them a hand and the tools to get started,” Sellers says.

Beth Blanchard of Beresford Group LLC partners on projects as an SLS affiliate. “Beth has been very instrumental in bringing in clients from the Digital Corridor. She speaks their language and understands their employees’ needs,” Sellers says.

About 20% of SLS clients are small non profits.

“SLS assisted us with creating employee performance tools that were directly aligned with our strategic plan,” says Michelle Mapp of Lowcountry

Housing Trust, a non profit in Charleston.

About one-third of SLS client companies are foreign-owned, with most having a small U.S. presence but needing assistance in complying with U.S. employment laws. “SLS features as a part of our plans for the future in the U.S., making sure that the company is legislatively compliant,” says Russell Piper of Seaco in London. In the nine years since its inception, SLS has served clients in nine countries and on four continents.

“We found SLS to be very knowledgeable and up to date on every topic we discussed. We certainly consider them as a business partner and we would use their services again,” says Louie Roberts, human resource partner at Robert Bosch LLC.

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P.O. Box 61089 | North Charleston, SC 29419 | 843-452-1587 | www.charlestondca.org

A joint panel discussion was one of many scheduled for the sixth annual C5ISR Summit.

Charleston Defense Contractors Association helps strengthen region’s defense community

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ith budget cuts looming, difficult decisions will be made in all federal spending categories, including defense.

There is the potential for $500 billion in defense budget reductions over the next decade and, if executed in the manner specified by the Budget Control Act of 2011, it does not seem likely they will be made without undermining our near- and long-term national security interests.

The Charleston area has already begun to respond to the call for a joint force across the board that is smaller and leaner, yet agile, flexible and technologically advanced. Established in 2010, Joint Base Charleston is unique with over 53 tenants comprised of U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Homeland Security and other Department of Defense missions that encompass more than 20,000 active-duty, reserve and civilian personnel.

Among them are scores of defense contractors, many of which are members of the

Charleston Defense Contractors Association, an organization that advocates for the armed forces that protect and serve in Charleston and the defense contractors who support them.

History of the CDCA The Charleston Defense Contractors Association was created in 2002. Then called the Technology Leadership Forum, the organization began with 40 members consisting of business and government officials who were interested in raising local awareness of the defense industry cluster, as well as in establishing the defense contracting companies as a viable entity within the Charleston business community.

Through the years, the general purpose of the CDCA has been to address issues and opportunities facing the Charleston defense community. It acts as an advocacy group for the defense industry in the Charleston metro area and surrounding regions.

The organization also has several other

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roles. It acts as a liaison among local, state and federal governmental agencies, as well as elected officials, legislatures and special groups and committees.

In addition, CDCA works to develop or improve the local defense community’s ability to develop, attract, retain and more effectively execute business opportunities.

Finally, the organization also fosters increased and improved interaction between defense contractors for accomplishment of better services to defense customers.

Benefits of membership CDCA’s membership has grown to 350 in the last 11 years. The members’ individual expertise allows the group as a whole to provide input on issues and initiatives to the broader community in such areas as education, small business mentoring and congressional liaison.

“Our success is measured by the impact we have on the community and membership that we

Nine teams from industry and government entered the first app coding challenge during the C5ISR Summit.

They were given 12 hours for development. serve,” said Mark Gadomski, who works at CDCA member company Spry Methods and is the current CDCA president. “Our sustained membership is an indicator of the need for and the value of our organization.

“The CDCA is an industry association that provides a unified conduit that reaches out to our customers – government and industry – and the community,” Gadomski continued. “In addition to political and government relations, we help support education, local programs and local events that are directly related to our mission and provide value to our membership.”

Focus on the future Despite the looming budget cuts, Gadomski is optimistic about the future. The CDCA is working closely with local leaders and organizations to showcase Charleston’s assets and abilities with the goal of strengthening the region.

Jack Moore, CDCA vice-president, Beth Waugh, CDCA board member and C5ISR Summit co-chair

CAPT Craig Wevley, USN; Mr. Vinton G. Cerf, Vice President & Chief Internet Evangelist, Google, with Summit attendee.

“We work with many organizations, including the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, to leverage resources to develop and attract new opportunities,” Gadomski said. “We fill an important need to speak with one trusted voice for the defense-related segment of the regional business community.”

CDCA also collaborates with organizations similar to theirs, including Women in Defense and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. The groups meet regularly so they can work together on common goals.

“Local leaders across the board understand that we must leverage all of our assets and best capabilities to keep Charleston strong,” Gadomski said. “Not that it’s perfect, but we are moving in the right direction. I see positive attempts to include, share and leverage across local DoD, governments and all of the Lowcountry agencies,

groups and organizations that support them, in short, Team Charleston.”

“Team Charleston has a long list of great innovative and responsive accomplishments that have mattered,” Gadomski continued. “I firmly believe that in these trying times our innovation and responsiveness will be even more appreciated and Charleston will remain in the forefront by providing added value to our national security efforts.”

Without question, there are challenges ahead, Gadomski said. “There will be outside influences, laws and regulations that we will feel we have little control over. We must not give up; we must be persistent and find ways to excel in spite of the hurdles. Charleston and the Lowcountry can remain strong and become stronger if we work together. Our national security and country will be better for it,” he added.

The Summit offers many opportunities to network and form partnerships between government and industry.

Photos provided courtesy of CDCA. ©2012. All rights reserved.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2013 Profiles in Business

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100 S. Main St., Suite O | Summerville, SC 29483 | 843-832-4614 | www.vfgusa.com

VFG Headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Vision Financial Group helps fuel Charleston’s economy

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ver $725 billion in capital equipment goods and software is financed in the USA each year through loans, leases and other financial instruments.* Vision Financial Group, Inc. (VFG), with offices in the Charleston area since 2005, offers lease financing on a wide variety of equipment and software for industries including manufacturing, health care, high technology, testing, non-profit, services, energy, construction, agriculture and transportation.

“A misnomer is that people assume equipment leasing is for companies that have poor credit, are startups or are non-bankable,” said Bill Summers, director and vice president of VFG. “This is untrue. Successful companies often use lease financing as a cost effective procurement tool to manage budgets, achieve 100% equipment financing and to structure off-balance sheet financing transactions which typically come with tax advantages such as the ability to write off lease payments as an operating expense 100%.”

VFG’s customer base includes many companies on the Fortune 1000 list,

as well as smaller privately held companies that represent a broad spectrum of industries.

“Companies that choose equipment leasing, instead of outright purchasing or bank financing, through an organization such as VFG do so because it makes excellent business sense,” Summers adds. “Leasing preserves working capital, the life-blood of any business. Furthermore, when you consider that bank financing typically requires significant money down, a depository relationship, restrictive covenants such as the right to set-off and ongoing financial reporting performance metrics; the cost of leasing is typically less than the cost of bank financing. The headache factor is certainly less by leaps and bounds.”

Compared to other companies in the leasing and finance industry that limit themselves to one distinct industry vertical or asset collateral type, VFG will consider providing funds for equipment and software acquisitions for just about any type of equipment collateral that one could think of. What’s more is

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Jessica D. Rush, marketing and sales coordinator

William P. Summers, director and vice president

that VFG will consider opportunities that require residual equipment value risk on a wide variety of assets.

VFG typically awards financing for requests between $50,000 and several million dollars. However, the company doesn’t limit itself by industry or deal size and will consider transactions for less than $50,000 if the business justification is warranted. Transactions under $100,000 are typically approved for funding the same day that they are submitted and VFG offers customized payment plans that enable customers to match payments to cash flows. The company offers 100% financing for qualified customers.

“Our flexibility has paid tremendous dividends for both us and our clients over the years,” Summers continued. “When we agreed to provide a small ‘convenience’ funding for a large multinational company, our flexibility was rewarded with an additional $30 million in business from one client.”

While it’s easy to get excited about the large “home-run” transactions, smaller deals which are less than $350,000 remain vital to VFG and represent the lion’s share of the company’s transactions.

“We’d like for the entire local business community to realize that there is a company right here in the South Carolina Lowcountry that is open for business and wants to hear about their commercial equipment funding needs,” said Jessica Rush, VFG’s marketing and sales coordinator. “We also want to hear from companies that are selling commercial equipment because we can make the sales process smoother and more efficient for both the end-user and the vendor. We help vendors overcome budget objections every day.”

When VFG identifies a lending opportunity, key questions include: Does this deal make good business sense? Does the customer have the ability to pay us back? Can we structure the transaction in a way that it makes it easy for the customer to pay us back?

“Our entire team strives to figure out how to get deals done in a way that provides an optimal solution for all parties,” Rush said. “While we take the time to carefully assess risk and get to know our customers, we pride ourselves on our ability to structure transactions and accept more risk than a typical bank would.”

“Our vendor partners really appreciate our ability to reduce their Days Sales Outstanding (“DSO”) average,” added Summers. “Equipment vendors

who provide a one-stop-shopping experience that combines equipment with finance options are more successful than equipment providers who don’t offer financing. VFG excels at helping equipment vendors close more sales in less time.”

Although VFG is a general equipment lessor, one particular industry that is growing rapidly is alternative energy like clean-burning natural gas and propane. Propane is a byproduct of domestically produced natural gas. VFG continues to provide funding for commercial and municipal fleet conversions, storage vessels, refueling vehicles and energy infrastructure across several states.

Vision Financial Group’s future plans include increasing the amount of capital it is investing in the Charleston area. Its local customer base includes transportation, media, health care, ambulatory, manufacturing, metrology, non-destructive testing services, aerospace, industrial services and disaster recovery companies.

“We are investing in American business. Our funds have helped create jobs and wealth. VFG helps fuel America’s economy,” Summers added.

When VFG opened in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1991, it was founded on three business principles: integrity, responsiveness and competitiveness.

“We attribute our growth and success to good old fashioned hard work, our ability to build trust and our simple commitment to follow through and keep doing what we say we will do,” Summers said. “We are wired to constantly seek and forge new business relationships as we continue to strengthen and cultivate the relationships we already have.”

VFG’s Charleston area office, located in downtown Summerville, includes Bill Summers, director and vice president, and Jessica Rush, sales and marketing coordinator. Rush is an enrolled agent, which is a federally authorized tax practitioner. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a biology degree. Summers has an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from the USC Moore School of Business. He is a U.S. Army veteran and is active in the Summerville Rotary Club. He is also a shareholder in VFG. *Source: Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, www.elfaonline.org

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3100 Pacific St. | North Charleston, SC 29418 | 843-745-0023 | www.liquidbox.us

Scott Adams demonstrates the tanker of the future as he uses a hose attached to his 53-foot dry van to spray wife Michele with water.

Liquid Box brings innovation, cost savings to trucking industry

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iquid Box is revolutionizing the transportation industry. The company has turned a 53-foot dry van into a tanker truck, giving businesses a more cost-effective way to transport nonhazardous liquids.

“This method could cut tanker costs almost in half for businesses that need to haul liquid in the United States,” owner Scott Adams said. “This means companies in the Midwest that couldn’t have a market on the East or West Coast because of the trucking costs can now expand.”

At its core, Liquid Box handles overweight and legal loads in 20-foot and 40-foot containers, transloading of all types of tankers, plus full-service flexi-tank operations and ISO tank and flatbed.

One of the company’s most cost-effective solutions is to put nonhazardous liquids in a flex tank. This method saves up to 40% on shipping charges, making Liquid Box a premier resource in the industry.

Equipped with company-owned trucks, Liquid Box hauls liquid and dry freight to and from the Port of Charleston daily. The company’s adherence to government safety standards makes it a top choice for many Fortune 500 companies.

Liquid Box also has its own mechanics, tire repair staff and a safety coordinator to ensure drivers are on time. The company can lift and store containers and ISO tanks for long or short periods of time depending on the customer’s needs.

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“Our flexi-tank service in Charleston is the best in the United States,” Adams said. “We are the only facility that is certified to build for all six major flexi manufacturers.”

For all its hard work and innovations, Liquid Box doesn’t hesitate to have fun and foster community spirit among its employees. The company often sponsors youth sports teams and gives rides in its 1957 Zamboni – known as the FanZam – at the South Carolina Stingrays hockey games.

“On any given day at Liquid Box you might see a Roush Fenway Sprint Cup car with 850 horsepower sliding around the warehouse doing doughnuts and employees just having fun,” Adams said.

941 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Suite 203 | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843-654-1808 | www.AuxanoSolutions.com

From left: James Creech, Rick Chitwood, Kevin Kramer, Mary-Jo Chitwood and Jordan Moyer

Auxano Solutions is changing the industry standard

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eople around the world rely on computers and computer networks to get their jobs done. And when it comes down to it, most people don’t know a lot about their computer or network system; they just expect it to work.

So when a system is not functioning or has not been backed up properly, the effects can be devastating, ranging from the loss of information to the loss of a customer.

Luckily, Auxano Solutions can help. This Mount Pleasant-based IT firm specializes in the planning, implementation, quality performance and maintenance of computers and networks. In short, Auxano provides the equipment and support clients need so their systems work the way they want when

they want.

Founded by Rick Chitwood in 2005, Auxano focuses on building long-term relationships with clients, which range from real estate offices to construction firms. Employees also are specially trained to serve clients in the health care industry, which is critical to helping these clients make the switch to electronic medical records by 2014.

Auxano begins each client relationship with a free assessment to gauge problem areas. Consultants then suggest equipment or systems, and they include pricing options to help meet a client’s budget. Once the equipment and systems are in place, Auxano also provides the support companies require when issues arise, but doesn’t charge extra.

“We try and treat our clients like family,” said Jordan Moyer, office manager. “In our field, a lot of times, clients will get charged for onsite support.

But we don’t charge on top of what our clients are paying us for the products and service. We don’t want our clients to feel like they can’t call us because they will be charged.”

As an added value for clients, Auxano recently partnered with Green Cloud Technologies to offer phone and fax service, as well as server hosting and disaster recovery, all in one package.

Disaster recovery is critical to a business, Moyer said. “You never know about hurricanes, floods or fire, and if your computers get destroyed, there is no way to get the data back.”

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1039 Anna Knapp Blvd., Suite F | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843-884-7808 | www.awardsguy.com

Steve Rapchick, Owner

When You Recognize Excellence: All American Awards

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ocusing on high-end corporate and organizational awards, All American Awards is celebrating 20 years in Mount Pleasant. By bringing a history of exceptional customer service and customized awards to businesses throughout South Carolina, All American Awards recognizes excellence with corporate and sports awards being its focus. All American Awards can also design something special for anyone who needs to be recognized, whether a child, student or a company’s top salesperson.

“We encourage our clients to come into our showroom to see for themselves the expansive selection of both classical and creative merchandise we can personalize,” says owner Steve Rapchick.

“Our best deals are on stock items but we’re very good at creating custom awards.” All American Awards also offers outside sales representatives who can come to you to discuss your needs in addition to e-commerce at www.awardsguy.com.

Owner Rapchick was originally in the wholesale end of the awards industry for 11 years before pursuing his own retail business. “I knew the products from the wholesale end first,” says Rapchick.

“My wholesale experience has given me an edge in offering only the highest quality awards products for our clients.” All American Awards offers an impressive array of products from wood to marble, crystal to clocks, badges, promotional products, signs and much more.

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On the sports side, the company can create anything from youth sports trophies to corporate golf tournament awards to fun fantasy football prizes. “Although we do more on the corporate recognition side,” says Rapchick, “we gladly can assist team sports in the Lowcountry honor its participants with our huge array of options.”

Don’t hesitate to contact All American Awards as you consider recognizing your staff, colleagues, clients or athletes. The team at All American Awards is ready to serve you in providing unique ideas to make that special person realize they have done well. “There’s nothing better in building morale than presenting someone with a time-honored piece that says ‘job well done,’”says Rapchick.

496 Bramson Court, Suite 160 | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843-329-4100 | www.ishpi.net

Noah T. Leask, Chairman, CEO and President

ISHPI continues rapid growth as high-tech government contractor

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oah T. Leask’s only wish is that he’d started ISHPI earlier. Launched in 2006, the information technologies firm is on the fast track. On pace to top 200 employees by year’s end, ISHPI delivers mission critical capabilities to the nation by bringing together subject matter experts with direct experience supporting the intelligence community, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and federal agencies.

Headquartered in Mount Pleasant, ISHPI also has operations in San Antonio, the National Capital Region and Tidewater, VA. Personnel are also located across the United States and internationally.

While Charleston has no shortage of gov-

ernment contractors, ISHPI is setting itself apart by not only focusing on quality service but on its employees and company culture.

“We realize that ISHPI is only as good as the employees we hire to deliver the client’s mission,” said Leask, Chairman, CEO and President. “We can do this while keeping costs at a minimum and returning maximum value to the employee and the client. It’s all about the employee. They are our product, and the intellectual capital we have is second to none.”

He added, “More than anything else, it is the diverse talents, unique perspectives and devotion of our employees that enable our company to help our clients succeed. We look for the best

and brightest in their field. We offer them worldclass pay, benefits and leadership with maximum opportunity for career advancement along with an exceptional work-life balance.”

ISHPI is an American Indian- and Department of Veterans Affairs Verified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business. The company is a national defense full-spectrum Cyberwarfare company.

ISHPI was named to the Inc. 500|5000 Fastest Growing Company list in 2011 and 2012. In 2012, the company was named to the SCBIZ Roaring 20s list of fastest-growing companies in South Carolina. And just this year, Leask was named the South Carolina SBA Small Business Person of the Year.

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4236 Rivers Ave. | North Charleston, SC 29405 | 843-614-3276 | www.airmaxsc.com

From left: Medd Box, AirMax owner, Joe Dukes, CharlestonWISE program manager and Bryan Cordell, The Sustainability Institute executive manager

AirMax and The Sustainability Institute: Teaming up for energy conservation

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irMax and The Sustainability Institute are working together to make residential and commercial structures more energy efficient through a “whole building approach” to energy conservation that includes education, design and implementation.

“We are a family-owned and operated business that specializes in energy efficient HVAC,” says Medd Box, owner of AirMax. “By taking a ‘whole building approach’ we look at an entire building and how HVAC will be integrated within its structural and aesthetical makeup with energy efficiency at the forefront.” By teaming up with The Sustainability Institute in Charleston, the two organizations find they share the same vision of moving the industry toward

a greener approach to design in home and office.

The Sustainability Institute is an award-winning nonprofit with a mission of empowering South Carolinians to conserve energy and reduce the environmental impact where they live and work. “We are trying to grow service professionals in the area that will make their projects more energy efficient,” explains Bryan H. Cordell, executive director. “AirMax is doing just that.”

Only utilizing HVAC businesses that have national certifications, The Sustainability Institute is working with AirMax on a number of projects, with one being its own headquarters at 113 Calhoun St. in historic Charleston. The center, housed in a 136 year old home, ultimately will act as a demonstra-

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tion showcase of sustainable technologies and techniques.

Passionate about what they do, these two organizations are changing the face of energy-efficient design. “By utilizing our ‘whole building approach’ in reducing energy we are finding that energy bills can be lowered,” says Cordell.

Medd Box, as rising vice president of the South Carolina Association of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors (SCAHACC), and The Sustainability Institute are also working to provide heating, cooling, insulation and weatherization to people in need through a program called Cool Aid Warms Hearts. To learn more, go to www.airmaxsc.com or sustainabilityinstitutesc.org.

3289-A Maybank Highway | Johns Island, SC 29455 | 843-637-4311 | www.amerisips.com

Amerisips “Free Energy Living” model home

From left: Steve Bostic, Edwin Pearlstine and Tina Bostic at their model home at The Villages in St. Johns Woods on Johns Island, SC

Amerisips Homes builds them clean and green

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igh-performance cars and high-performance clothes have been around for years.

The founders of Amerisips Homes believe we’re now in the era of high-performance homes.

Tina and Steve Bostic moved their Island Design and Architecture Center from Sea Island, Georgia, to Charleston in 2011 with a new focus … to fill the need for true energy-efficient, high-quality homes. Steve Bostic related how the couple’s vision of “Free Energy Living”TM is now available for design and building anywhere in the Charleston area.

The Bostics’ newest home design, the EcoShell, is built in partnership with Edwin Pearlstine at his new Lakeside community on Johns Island. “The

EcoShell is completely finished on the outside and the client can select exactly how they want the interiors to fit their lifestyle,” Tina Bostic said. “If they want a large kitchen, they can have it, and they can locate their master suite on either the first or second floor.” The EcoShell can be built to withstand winds from 140 to 200 mph and has solar systems to reduce energy costs by hundreds per month.

“We’re a full-service design, manufacture and build company,” Steve Bostic said. “We work with clients directly, providing the total design of the residence, including interior design, and then design the structural insulated panels (SIPs) used to construct the EcoShell. We supply virtually everything in the house from mechanical and electrical

products to solar systems. And then we build our homes ... with the highest quality at a great value.”

“They build super efficient homes, constructed quickly from SIPs with high strength and R-values instead of ‘stick built’ with framing lumber,” said Edwin Pearlstine. The homes are air tight, with superior energy efficiency and clean air technology.

Amerisips builds to the USGBC’s LEED for Homes highest level, Platinum, as well as the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS standard, for extremely healthy air quality.

“Consumers today really don’t want to waste their money,” Tina Bostic said. “They’re very interested in ‘Free Energy Living’ and a home where their family can breathe healthy air – that’s really important to them.”

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184 King St. | Charleston, SC 29401 | 843-577-5691 | www.charlestonflorist.com

Kelly S. Williams with her daughter, Kristina Diedrick, manager

Margaret Jones, designer

Charleston Florist celebrates 80 years of top customer service

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elebrating 80 years in business, Charleston Florist is the go-to shop in making your special event or client gift memorable with the valuable touch of floral. Located at 184 King St. in the center of historic Charleston, this family-run business boasts customer service at the heart of its long-time presence of serving Charlestonians for five generations.

“My great-grandmother, Lucille Styles, started the business in 1933,” explains owner Kelly Williams. “I vividly remember her fixing me a Coca-Cola and Vienna Fingers during breaks from watching her soap operas in the shop.” The shop was open around the clock during WWII, near the former bus station on Society Street, and

servicemen and others would conveniently pick up flowers for loved ones on their way home. The business was then handed down to Dottie Styles Grace, Williams’ grandmother, and on to her aunt, Sheri Wenger. Charleston Florist is now operated by fourth-generation Williams and her daughter, Kristina, the fifth generation of women in this special family-owned business.

Corporate and private customers alike relish Charleston Florist’s mastery of floral arranging, where trained artisans create unique pieces for in-office touches, special events and client appreciation specialties. “We suggest business owners send floral or plant life to their customers as a ‘thank you’ for new or ongoing business, have

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floral in the reception or conference areas for an added touch of panache and consider live plants in the work areas for a soothing effect,” Williams explains. “It’s also important for business people who have spent time away from home or on an extended project to send an arrangement to that special someone reminding them they weren’t forgotten.

“We have always believed that a good reason to send flowers is no reason at all.”

Charleston Florist is a leader in the area’s bridal business since Charleston was named the No. 1 wedding destination in the country. In addition, Charleston Florist always guarantees its products, making the business poised for more success.

225 Seven Farms Drive, Suite 107 | Charleston, SC 29492 | 843-628-7732 | www.glvlawfirm.com

From left: Wesley Graybill, Ryan Newton, Jeff Vinzani and John Lansche

Graybill Lansche & Vinzani, LLC is focused on commercial real estate and business transactions

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raybill Lansche & Vinzani, LLC is focused on commercial real estate and business transactions.

The attorneys at Graybill Lansche & Vinzani, LLC have significant experience in the practice of commercial real estate and business transaction law. The firm offers years of expertise and a team focused exclusively on these complex legal areas.

Jeffrey Vinzani joined the established firm of Graybill & Lansche, LLC in 2012 and heads its Charleston office. The entire six-attorney team has experience in the fields of commercial real estate and business transaction law, and many also have worked at large, regional law firms.

The limited business focus of Graybill Lansche

& Vinzani, LLC enables the firm to provide outstanding care for clients’ real estate needs, Vinzani said. “We have the expertise to go from moving dirt to finished project,” Vinzani said. The firm represents lenders, developers, purchasers and sellers in the acquisition, development, construction, leasing and financing of commercial properties and other businesses.

The firm provides a depth of knowledge on commercial real estate that equals the big law firms. Because the firm is lean and focused, it can provide all the services needed for commercial real estate transactions without the overhead the bigger firms often carry, Vinzani noted.

GLV also has strong connections in the

commercial real estate and legal community.

Being independent from a big firm allows Graybill Lansche & Vinzani, LLC to recommend the exact assistance that a client needs, Vinzani said.

The economy in the Lowcountry and nationally has seen a revival of commercial real estate demand, which is expected to continue.

The firm of Graybill Lansche & Vinzani, LLC is ready to help companies grow and prosper and prides itself on providing quality legal advice in a timely fashion.

According to John Lansche, the firm’s managing member, “GLV’s goal is to bring a business perspective to each client transaction and offer its services at competitive rates.”

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9267-G Medical Plaza Drive | North Charleston, SC 29406 | 843-797-3636 | www.tridentpaincenter.com

From left: Allison Davis, NP-C; J. Edward Nolan, M.D.; and Kristen Giet, PA-C

Trident Pain Center continues to provide immediate relief

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hronic pain is a daily life challenge for more and more people in the Lowcountry who suffer from the result of an accident at home or work or life-altering illnesses such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or degenerative disc disease. The staff at Trident Pain Center in North Charleston is providing results for their patients who in particular may experience neck and lower back pain in addition to chronic headaches or migraines.

“I take personal pride in offering my patients an active involvement in their pain care management and relief,” explains J. Edward Nolan, M.D., owner of Trident Pain Center. “Pain relief can be life changing for many of our patients and that’s our primary goal.”

By striving to provide patients relief through

individualized treatments beginning as soon as their first visit, Trident Pain Center is focused on pain relief first and foremost and doesn’t want patients to wait for the relief they deserve. Trident Pain Center also works with its patients financially to design payment services that are customized to each patient’s financial situation.

SphenoCath, a technology that provides chronic headache or migraine sufferers both immediate and sustained results is now available at Trident Pain Center. SphenoCath delivers medication and pain relief in a comfortable, quick and effective pain blockage procedure without the use of needles, cotton swabs or systemic narcotics. “This noninvasive procedure is very reliable and can give pain

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relief for up to 90 days,” explains Nolan. “A nasal syringe catheter is simply inserted in the nose and the medication is administered.”

With professional expertise and patient care at the core of their practice, Dr. Nolan and his staff strive for patient satisfaction.“As a board certified physician in pain management, Dr. Nolan is one of the most highly trained pain doctors in the area,” says Allison Davis, NP-C. For information contact Trident Pain Center directly or visit their website, www.tridentpaincenter.com. A doctor’s referral is not required, although recommended, as medical records are reviewed prior to the initial appointment.

Patients are encouraged to call today to begin taking the steps to a pain free lifestyle.

1362 Chuck Dawley Blvd. | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 843-881-4170 | www.carolinalanterns.com

Carolina Lanterns: Jan Clouse, president

Carolina Lanterns will light your way

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business that started with one shopper’s quest for a gas lantern has blossomed into a full-service retail center to meet any lighting need – and budget.

Back in 1999, Jan Clouse was the shopper; she wanted to buy gas lanterns for her home in Mount Pleasant. The lack of selection and affordable options led her to launch Carolina Lanterns and Accessories.

The business now offers a full showroom in its Lowcountry Lighting Center at 1362 Chuck Dawley Blvd. There, customers can compare many different designs at a wide range of prices for interior or exterior uses. The showroom allows customers to see their choices beforehand, making it easier

to imagine that piece shining in their own dining room. That’s something customers miss if they order over the Internet, even as showroom prices are competitive with online.

Carolina Lanterns also maintains good relationships with light manufacturers. That gives it the tools to help a customer quickly and without a hassle if it becomes necessary. For instance, if a lamp glass is cracked when it is delivered, that’s no problem at Carolina Lanterns. For Internet shoppers, such a return can be a headache.

Clouse is proud of her trained staff and the customer service that is a hallmark of Carolina Lanterns. All the team members are certified by the American Lighting Association. The staff at

Carolina Lanterns can help plan an entire project for a homeowner, starting with the blueprints. Team members ask key questions to make sure that the lighting in a customer’s home will meet their needs: for instance, where in the kitchen will chopping and food preparation get done? That spot will need special attention in the home’s lighting plan.

Carolina Lanterns will assemble everything needed for a customer’s order and deliver it all to their site, free of charge. The staff is happy to walk through a construction or renovation project and make sure that everything is in place.

The team at Carolina Lanterns also is happy to stand behind their work. “I’ll be there for you,” Clouse says.

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9561 Hamberg Road | Ladson, SC 29456 | 843-851-1449 | www.designbuildconst.com

From left: Stephen Mueller, Tanya Mueller, Jack Miller, Eunice Houge, Randy Cusack and Steve Morey

Design Build Construction delivers great value in commercial building

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esign Build Construction (dbc) is a general contractor operating with one goal in mind: to deliver good value for customers who need a well-designed commercial building. Being proactive with design professionals and controlling costs for the customer are essential features of the business, says owner Steve Mueller.

The company just completed its largest-ever industrial building, a high-tech aeronautical manufacturing facility on Palmetto Commerce Parkway.

“We were really fortunate to be selected,” said Mueller. The manufacturing company cut the ribbon on its 100,000-square-foot building in March.

Mueller and partner Jack Miller opened dbc in October 1992. Mueller took sole ownership in

2007 while Miller still holds an active management role. They have been in the same building all these years, Mueller said. “I’m here, and people can always find me. Our customers know we’re here and can call us if they need us to look at their building we built years ago and take care of their concerns.

That’s important, especially in construction.”

Mueller stated that dbc has worked hard to establish a reliable and trustworthy group of subcontractors. “We have built close relationships and have become like a large family,” he said.

While Design Build focuses on industrial and medical construction, they have constructed many commercial and ecclesiastical projects. Working mostly in the Lowcountry, the company has also

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built an expansion in Baltimore, Md., and has completed several military projects at Fort Bragg, N.C. The company also sells pre-engineered metal buildings, and has won awards from Chief Buildings, a division of Chief Industries. Some awards include Health Care Building Of The Year in 2007 and Manufacturing Building Of The Year in 2012.

As the Charleston area has grown, Design Build has responded to meet its needs. “I am thankful people have selected South Carolina to move to. This helps us grow and gives us success and stability,” Mueller said. What does the future hold for dbc? “I am confident the next 20 years in business will bring new relationships and new progress for Design Build,” stated Mueller.

www.woodlandsmansion.com | 843-875-2600

Woodlands Mansion transitions from late afternoon to early evening

I

A Lowcountry Icon Reborn

magine a mansion worthy of Gatsby, with the style and grace of Downton Abbey and Southern charm reminiscent of Gone with the Wind’s Tara.

Now imagine your corporate retreat, daughter’s wedding or family reunion being the exclusive event for an entire weekend in this picturesque setting. No imagination required. One of the Charleston area’s premier properties, Woodlands Mansion, has reopened with new ownership and a new business model.

The Mobil Five-Star, AAA Five Diamond Award winning Woodlands Resort & Inn closed last September when the property was sold to local businessman Tom Limehouse. The impeccably restored 18 bedroom 1906 Greek revival mansion sits on eleven parkland acres of azaleas and camellias beneath towering pines, moss draped

oaks, dogwoods and magnolias only 30 minutes from downtown Charleston.

While many wondered what would become of the historic property, Limehouse recently chose to reopen with an emphasis on corporate events and weddings. “With Charleston’s growing economy and thriving destination wedding industry, the demand for luxury event venues is increasing. The ability to reserve the entire estate for an evening, a weekend or longer should make Woodlands Mansion very attractive to both destination brides and corporate planners. This rebirth will allow Woodlands to continue its long and storied history of intimate gatherings and grand celebrations,” Limehouse said.

Accommodations are again available for overnight guests provided the estate has not been

reserved for a private event. The entire mansion is still furnished as it was when a resort including the eighteen individually decorated bedrooms. Now, however, it combines those luxuries with the tranquility of a bed and breakfast creating what can only be described as a casually refined elegance.

The mansion itself is an ideal event space because of the wide variety of venue options such as the grand dining room, private dining room, private board room, enclosed courtyard and large drawing rooms. Though Limehouse has no plans to reopen the restaurant, catering is available from a select list of Charleston’s finest. Additionally, a separate Pavilion building with two adjoining covered porches, adjacent large brick patio and pond view can accommodate functions of 200 guests.

The possibilities are truly endless.

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Locations in Goose Creek and Summerville | 843-696-0978 | www.scdesignsbynature.com

Designs by Nature offers a full range of horticultural services.

Kathy Spear, owner

Designs by Nature brings nature indoors

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esigns by Nature is celebrating nearly 35 years of providing and maintaining indoor tropical plants for commercial and residential customers.

As an interior landscaping company, Designs

by Nature offers a full range of horticultural services, including custom commercial and residential design and installations, complete plant maintenance programs, as well as holiday and special occasion decorating. This year, Designs by Nature is expanding its services to include water features.

“We provide services to companies and individuals that not only make their work or living space beautiful, it also makes it healthier,” said owner and horticulturalist Kathy Spear. “We offer a vast

selection of tropical plants, from a small desk plant to 10-foot palm trees. Our plants are guaranteed.

Replacement is free and occurs within 24 hours.”

Designs by Nature serves the tri-county area.

Its clients range from small to large businesses and include medical offices, law offices, hospitals and schools, as well as residential customers.

Plant installation begins with an interior plant design. Spear provides clients with a catalog of the plants and containers she has available. She also tours each client’s space and then carefully creates a proposal based on the space and light available.

Plants and containers can be purchased or leased and installation usually occurs within 3 to 4 days.

Designs by Nature also offers a weekly mainte-

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nance plan to keep plants looking their freshest.

Spear’s commitment to excellence has allowed Designs by Nature to grow steadily. All employees are trained horticulturalists and the company has a licensed pesticide applicator on staff.

In addition to installing and maintaining plants year-round, Designs by Nature also offers decorating services for the holidays and for special events.

Spear notes that indoor plants offer health benefits. Research shows that plants in a room increase the amount of purified air. Only one or two medium plants per 100 square feet will improve air quality. “When you are greeted by live, healthy plants, you feel better,” Spear said. “My customers’ plants are vibrant and fresh all of the time.”

310 Randolph Hall | College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424 | 843-953-5614 | www.gradschool.cofc.edu

From left: David Owens, Cassandra Foster, Robyn Olejniczak, Amy Thompson McCandless, Susan Hallatt, Cicely McCray, Mark McConnel

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston builds leaders with world views

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hrough education and research The Graduate School of the College of Charleston is providing the skills, the talent and the people who will make a difference in the business community — and the Charleston community at large.

Dean Amy Thompson McCandless says the school produces graduates with a thorough appreciation of their Lowcountry culture and surroundings even as they learn how to conduct business in a global marketplace.

The Graduate School of the College of Charleston offers master’s degrees and graduate certificates that take advantage of the unique opportunities provided by the people, institutions and environment of the Lowcountry as well as

the specialized knowledge and training sought by professionals in the region. The graduate school’s marine biology program is one of the top 10 in the country, for example, and it doesn’t hurt that the facilities come with an ocean view.

“We have great people — faculty, students and staff — in a great place. We’re in Charleston. Having that history and culture and in this environment … it gives us a great advantage,” McCandless said. “We think place matters, and our programs do a good job building on the history and culture of the Lowcountry.”

Master’s programs and graduate certificates produce a talent pipeline for coastal, historic, digital, aerospace and health communities. Graduate

students engage in innovative research pertinent to global as well as local issues.

Dylan Murphy, for instance, wants to develop a career designing citizen-scientist apps for nonprofit and environmental use. While a student in the master’s in environmental studies program, he created the Clean Marine app, a free upload for smartphones that tracks GPS coordinates automatically and details water hazards — from old crab traps to sunken boats — right down to tide levels.

That’s the kind of knowledge and proficiency McCandless says grad students acquire to compete and contribute locally and worldwide. “Our programs give back to the community through employment, advocacy and assistance,” she said.

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830 Lowcountry Blvd., Suite 201 | Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | 800-763-3021 | www.southstarcapital.com

From left: Meghan Bruch, McLean Wilson, Susan Linney, Bernard Linney, Lauren Wilson, Andrew Steinmeyer and Bryan Hatfield III

SouthStar Capital offers alternative financing for businesses in need of working capital

F

inding working capital in today’s lending environment can be challenging. Young businesses, businesses with tax issues or with balance sheet problems may not qualify for a traditional bank loan. That’s where SouthStar Capital steps in. A privately funded company, SouthStar helps clients secure working capital through asset-based lending, equipment leasing, purchase order financing and traditional factoring.

SouthStar Capital provides creative and flexible financing options for businesses using an out-ofthe-box approach and a desire to help business owners regardless of their problems.

“Our goal is to structure a solution that will benefit our clients rather than force them to fit into

our box,” said President Bernard Linney. “We look at financing requests differently.”

SouthStar picks up where banks leave off. The company often receives referrals from banks who can’t lend to a business because it’s too young or has balance sheet issues.

“We work with companies experiencing growing pains,” Linney said. “Every young business has some issue. There are very few that just spin up.”

“Some of our clients have been in business less than five years and others have been in business through the recession and are coming out leaner,” said McLean Wilson, vice president. “They are now ready to pursue new clients and opportunities, but they can’t access the money they need

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to run their business.”

As long as the company is in business and generating revenues of at least $50,000 a month, SouthStar will work with a client to see if they can find a way to provide them working capital.

SouthStar’s lending solutions can be a true lifesaver for a business on the cusp of growth and in need of capital to fuel that growth. Linney said the company’s ideal client is one whose growth is through the ceiling and simply needs more cash.

SouthStar also recognizes that days can make or break a business so it acts quickly, often closing on a loan in three to five days. Linney and Wilson both encourage companies seeking capital to call and never to assume what the outcome might be.

901 Island Park Drive | Suite 202 | Daniel Island, SC 29492 | 843-297-1424 | www.jacksonbuilthomes.com