Columbia Profiles in Business 2015

2015 |

July 20, 2015 | Volume 8, No. 15 | www.columbiabusinessreport.com

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Troy Penny teaches a Fundamentals of Project Management class.

USC Professional Education Programs

Improve careers with quality instruction in convenient settings

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hen it’s time for a job change – or maybe just a bit of an upgrade – learning a new skill can be the key.

For many people, the University of South Carolina’s professional education program has been the first step on a brighter career path.

The university offers professional certificates in project management, Lean Six Sigma, paralegal studies and grant writing. It also offers a number of options – incorporating convenient online and classroom formats – to speed students on their way.

“Our focus is to serve professionals and to either help them in a career change or to enhance their existing profession with additional training,” Kate Shelton, director of continuing education and conferences, says.

In the Project Management certificate program, professionals can gain in-demand skills in planning and leadership. Students may choose either a fundamentals course or an extensive 35-hour certificate program that provides the continuing education hours required to sit for the project manager professional (PMP) exam.

The Lean Six Sigma program offers Green Belt and Black Belt

CONTACT INFO: TOP EXECUTIVE: Continuing Education and Conferences Kate Shelton, 1600 Hampton St., Suite 403 Director Columbia, SC 29208 (803) 777-9444 | discover.sc.edu

certificates. Offered in a 100% online format, learning sessions alternate between self-paced and instructor-led sessions during evening hours.

Paralegal studies is another program that is available either online or in the classroom. A paralegal certificate can benefit law office staffers, career changers and anyone considering law school.

Grant writing students learn how to find and apply for funding from foundations and government agencies. Completion of a four-course series leads to a certificate in that field.

“We have helped hundreds of people make career changes, and this is a great path to do that,” said Jim Twitty, manager of professional education and personal interest programs. The instructors are experts in their fields and come from a wide range of backgrounds. Some are within the university, some are in the nearby workforce and some are in other parts of the country. “We use experts basically from all over,” Twitty said.

These non-credit continuing education programs do not qualify for traditional financial aid, but students may be eligible to apply for low-interest personal student loans or workforce investment funding.

DATE FOUNDED: 1965 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 9

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A Note From the Publisher

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elcome to the fourth annual issue of the Columbia Regional Business Report’s Profiles in Business. We are lucky to have a diversity of businesses that call the Midlands home, from manufacturing to technology firms and from financial services to transportation and so many more in between.

We also have top-level colleges and universities that provide us with talented people.

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

Bob Bouyea We created Profiles in Business to provide our readers insight into a sample of the knowledge our local businesses 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.

Turn the page to start learning more about some of our community’s businesses.

We hope you enjoy it!

Bob Bouyea Publisher

Profiles in Business Editor - Licia Jackson ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546 Associate Editor - Jenny Peterson jpeterson@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3145 Publisher - Bob Bouyea bbouyea@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7541 Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118 Assistant Graphic Designer - Emily Matesi ematesi@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3124 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Senior Account Executive - Alan James ajames@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7540 Account Executive - Lucia Smith lsmith@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7547 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Jane Benston, Licia Jackson, Jenny Peterson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Blake, Chuck Crumbo

Featured Profiles Allen University............................................. 15

NBSC - Synovus Financial............................. 5

Always Best Care of the Midlands.............. 8

PDA................................................................. 18

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia.................... 6

Pollock Company............................................ 7

Executive Construction................................ 14

Spherion Staffing.......................................... 11

Fortress Builders........................................... 16

SystemTec...................................................... 22

GrantJax......................................................... 21

Time Communications Associates LLC........... 9

Jan-Pro of Columbia..................................... 10

USC Continuing Education & Conferences...... 3

Merrill Lynch / TCG & Associates.................. 12

EdVenture....................................................... 19

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2015 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

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Central Region Leadership seated, left to right: Boyd Jones, Tyler Hudson, Sam Baxter Standing, left to right: Sharon Duke, Melissa White, Karen Eckford, John Griggs, Cappy Boswell, Marcus Crosswell

NBSC

Serving the community’s needs for 110 years

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or more than a century, NBSC, a division of Synovus Bank, has nurtured long-term relationships and met the banking needs of individuals, businesses and institutions throughout South Carolina, but that’s just the beginning. The NBSC team is equally committed to serving communities and making a difference across the state.

Headquartered in Columbia, NBSC provides retail and commercial banking, investment, and mortgage services through Synovus Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries. With 39 branches in 16 counties, each NBSC location serves individuals and businesses with hometown customer service, personal attention, and the backing and support of one of the largest regional banks in the Southeast – Synovus, the bank of here.

NBSC team members demonstrate their commitment to local communities by volunteering their time and supporting organizations through donations and sponsorships. Team members understand the importance of being good corporate citizens and are committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where they live and

CONTACT INFO: 1221 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 (800) 708-5687 www.banknbsc.com

TOP EXECUTIVE: Chuck Garnett, President and CEO

work. In 2014, NBSC team members donated more than 1,400 hours of board and volunteer service to organizations such as the United Way, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Scouting, Junior Achievement and other community groups. “We are committed to the growth and prosperity of all our communities and we are proud to serve them with our time, expertise and resources,” says Chuck Garnett, NBSC President and CEO. NBSC employees volunteer their time to speak to groups who need help learning how to manage finances or reduce debt. “One of our most rewarding programs involves spending time in our local schools teaching students how to start saving for their future,” says Garnett. “Children are our future, and it is important that they have an appreciation for saving money early on.”

As a bank dedicated to helping communities grow and thrive, NBSC is committed to serving the unique needs of local businesses and the individuals who live here. The team genuinely cares about its customers and welcomes the opportunity to get to know you.

DATE FOUNDED: 1905 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 366

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DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia

A Convention Center Hotel With Convenient Location

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f you’re looking for an event location that is close to downtown Columbia and all three Interstate highways, you couldn’t do better than the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. The convention center hotel has more than 22,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.

“We are the largest hotel meeting facility in Columbia,” says Stephen C. Williams, director of sales. “We have a convenient location, near I-26, I-20 and I-77 and just six miles from downtown.”

The DoubleTree is a full-service hotel with amenities such as a restaurant, lounge and room service. Guests also receive complimentary wi-fi in rooms and public spaces, and parking is free for guests and those attending hotel events. Every traveler is greeted with DoubleTree’s trademark warm chocolate chip cookie.

The hotel has 237 guest rooms, 35 of them suites. All of the rooms are spacious, Williams says, and come with the standard amenities including refrigerators. The hotel has a pool and the largest fitness room of any hotel in the Columbia area. Its restaurant, Columbo’s, serves three meals daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Guests are offered e-check-in, which allows them to check in and select a room online before arrival. When they walk in, they simply pick

up their key and go.

With a convenient suburban location, the DoubleTree hosts many social events, including fraternal and military meetings and banquets.

Full meeting, catering and state-of-the-art audio-visual services are available. The DoubleTree’s ballroom, at 10,400 square feet, can accommodate up to 1,500 people. It also can handle a sit-down dinner for 770 people.

The DoubleTree is the only Hilton-branded property in Columbia with a concierge or Honors lounge, Williams explains. Guests earn complimentary items and upgrades through the Hilton Honors frequent traveler program.

As a brand, DoubleTree is one of the fastest growing within Hilton and has been recognized by Trip Advisor with a service excellence award.

DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia is one of two hotels owned by Augusta Riverfront LLC, and the owners are committed to upgrading and putting money back into their hotels, Williams says.

“We’re continuing to build our clientele,” he says. “We are a valuepriced alternative to a downtown hotel.”

CONTACT INFO: TOP EXECUTIVE: 2100 Bush River Road Rick Dorman, Columbia, SC 29210 General Manager (803) 731-0300 www.columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com

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DATE FOUNDED: 1985 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 200

Steve Baxter of Pollock Company

Pollock Company

The latest office technology, delivered with local accountability

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s part of its 50th anniversary, Pollock Company hosted a Technology Expo at the Marriott Convention Center in downtown Augusta. The company invited its customers to check out the latest in office equipment. The stars of the show, the devices drawing the most interest, were 3-D printers.

Since 1965 Pollock has progressed from selling and servicing Olivetti typewriters and calculators through a gamut of innovations. Electric typewriters gave way to electronic typewriters and word processors.

When Steve Baxter joined the company in 1976, he marketed copiers.

In the 1990s technology transitioned from analog to digital, and copiers were connected to networks to serve as printers.

Technology marched on, Baxter said. “Now, as I frequently say, these are not copiers anymore. These are true multifunctional devices that serve as a business hub.” MFPs copy, scan, print, archive and fax.

Today Baxter is vice president of major accounts and training, and his customers have fleets of MFPs. While Baxter deals with state and local government, school systems, hospitals and universities, commercial account representatives look after other customers in Augusta and Columbia.

CONTACT INFO: 112 Corporate Blvd.

West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 233-0900 www.pollockcompany.com

TOP EXECUTIVE: R. Joseph Pollock, President

Pollock offers network support, document management software and mailing systems. High-volume production printing equipment is available, so Pollock can handle “any application from desktop to print shop” to provide a solution. The lineup also includes wide-format printers. Image projection systems – interactive whiteboards – enable users to collaborate from far-flung locations.

3-D is a whole new imaging system. “We’re not just dealing with paper anymore. If you can imagine something, it can be produced,” Baxter said. A physician can create a replacement elbow joint. A manufacturer can design, produce and perfect a new product in less time and with less money than ever before. “As opposed to spending $50,000, you may spend $50.”

Along with the latest technology, Pollock offers local accountability.

“There’s no 800 number to call, and when you call our office, you speak with a human being, every time.”

“We sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence that our customers have placed with us, and we assure them that as new technology is introduced -- and we’re confident that it will work -- we will bring it to them.”

DATE FOUNDED: 1965 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 80

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Nate Rhodes, owner of Always Best Care of the Midlands

Always Best Care of the Midlands Serving Seniors with Dignity and Honor

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veryone who reaches old age will need caregiving help at some point, says Nate Rhodes, owner of Always Best Care of the Midlands. His company provides care at home for the elderly, as well as help with placement when a senior living option is needed.

“It is phenomenally gratifying work,” Rhodes says. “When an adult child says we don’t know what we would have done without you, that’s rewarding.”

Rhodes had a long career in the high-tech industry, traveling the world. Then his first wife became terminally ill, he lost his job and he became his wife’s caregiver.

Looking for the next chapter, Rhodes started Always Best Care of the Midlands. The company is a national franchise, which provided him support and training. Among the services offered for seniors are help with grooming and bathing, companionship, cooking and light cleaning, and transportation in a company vehicle or their personal car.

Rhodes is sensitive to clients who suddenly find they need care for a parent who has had a fall or a serious illness. “The loss of

CONTACT INFO: 5000 Thurmond Mall, Suite 207 Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 403-1895 www.seniorcarecolumbia.com

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someone I was married to for 30 years was very difficult for me,” he says. Realizing there are many things beyond his control, he focuses Always Best Care on what can be controlled: treating employees and clients with honesty, dignity and respect.

Rhodes uses testing technology to make sure that he hires caregivers who are aligned with company values. In-home care can be provided for as little as two hours or as much as 24 hours a day. The company’s care coordinator constantly evaluates a senior’s needs so that the caregiver can respond as needs change.

Always Best Care accepts long-term care insurance, which sets it apart from most other home care agencies. The company will also assist with safety issues, such as installing grab bars in the home.

Rhodes’ company gives back to the community with support of the Alzheimer’s Association by volunteering and chairing the Midlands fundraising walk, which will be held Oct. 24.

Always Best Care received a 9.43 out of 10 score on its most recent customer satisfaction survey, and it is the only agency in the Midlands with an A+ rating from the national Home Care Standards Bureau.

TOP EXECUTIVE: Nate Rhodes, Owner

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DATE FOUNDED: 2011 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 75

Greg Enos uses current brain research to increase efficiency of teams.

Time Communications Associates LLC Helping Teams Learn to Work Smarter

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orking in teams is the way of the world, but many organizations don’t get full value from their teams. That’s where Gregory J. Enos can help. Enos, managing principal of Time Communications Associates LLC, teaches a basic workshop that shows companies how to set up their teams for success.

“Teams really give an organization a competitive advantage,” Enos says. “They can develop products and services that give customers a cost-effective approach to the market.”

With more than 40 years of experience in helping employees work smarter, Enos leads one- to three-day workshops across the United States on getting teams organized and working together. Other workshop topics he offers include time management, personal productivity and leadership.

He has a basic belief related to teams: “The solutions for an organization’s problems are frequently in the hearts and minds of their employees. Leaders need to actively listen to these solutions.”

Teams have the advantage of building on the individual skills of staff members and increasing organizational efficiency through the handson experience of the team members.

CONTACT INFO: 1988 Lees Landing Circle Conway, SC 29526 (843) 347-9920 www.gregenos.com

TOP EXECUTIVE: Gregory J. Enos, Managing Principal

Having a goal that everyone accepts is critical, as is support from management.

The most significant element of a successful team is having leaders who listen, Enos says. Other important elements are having the physical resources, materials and budget to be successful; receiving moral support through leaders’ feedback; and working in a positive environment.

The ideal size for a team? Enos says the magic number is four, allowing for short lines of communication and regular contact, although teams can range from two to 20.

When teams fail, it’s usually because the members did not establish a connection, Enos says. “When I start a class on team building, I put them in teams and have them spend five minutes identifying common points of interest.”

Ultimately, Enos says, “teams lead to a more productive workforce.”

Building on his experience in corporate, military and government settings, Enos keeps up with research on the brain to help people work smarter. The human brain is wired to do one thing well at a time. “If we’re realistic about that and focus on one thing, we can have more effectiveness,” he says.

DATE FOUNDED: 1987 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: Sole Proprietor

GREG ENOS

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Charles Johnson, Partner

Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems

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Franchise system connects world-class cleaning standards with homegrown service

he new owners of Jan-Pro of Columbia are committed to growing the Jan-Pro brand in the area while helping local commercial cleaning businesses succeed.

Reggie Barner and his business partner, Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson, took over Jan-Pro’s master franchise for the Columbia area in January 2015 and have been working to recruit more single-unit franchise owners in a market where they see tremendous potential.

Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems is the world’s fastest-growing commercial cleaning franchise, with operations in 13 countries. In its two-tiered system, master franchises develop teams of single-unit franchise owners, who operate under the Jan-Pro brand and take care of customers’ needs.

Barner said Jan-Pro of Columbia has more than 50 unit franchisees serving more than 250 business and industrial clients. Teams provide a full menu of commercial janitorial services including floor care, carpet cleaning and window cleaning in facilities ranging from 1,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet. The customer lineup includes offices, churches, medical facilities and football stadiums.

Barner’s company became unit franchise owners in the Augusta

CONTACT INFO: 4727 Sunset Blvd.

Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 520-5230 www.columbia.jan-pro.com

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market in 2010 and grew from one cleaning contract to more than 120.

Seeing the success of Jan-Pro markets in Greenville and Charleston, Barner and Johnson decided to take on the master franchise for Columbia.

“We felt like it was underserved and there were a lot of good people within the market that could be independent franchise owners like we were and that we could help them to grow a business and provide excellent commercial janitorial services in the Midlands area,” Barner says.

The Jan-Pro system backs up its local franchise owners with marketing, business management, standards, training and branded processes. Those processes include Jan-Pro’s EnviroShield disinfecting system. “That’s important,” Barner says, “because with us living in the environment that we live in now with all of the different germs and infections that we are subjected to, the EnviroShield process will help disinfect an entire room.”

Barner and Johnson are sold on the quality and guaranteed service offered under the Jan-Pro brand and committed to promoting “hometown, local ownership and presence” in commercial cleaning.

TOP EXECUTIVE: Reggie Barner, Managing Partner

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DATE FOUNDED: 2015 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 10 and 50 franchise owners

Left to right: Michael Meeks, Georgia Meeks, Pam Bleakley and Angela Kearney

Spherion Staffing

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A Passion for Finding the Right Candidate for Every Job

pherion Staffing provides clients with a strong local focus supported by the resources of a national workforce leader.

“Spherion operates like a locally owned family business because we are one!” explains Georgia Meeks, who with her husband, Michael Meeks, purchased the Columbia staffing agency in 2014.

The couple served for more than a decade at Spherion before purchasing the local office, the preferred staffing partner to many of Greater Columbia’s top businesses since 1993.

Since their purchase, Georgia and Michael have added two key staff members: Pam Bleakley , an experienced staffing professional and native of Greater Columbia, and Angela Kearney, an experienced human resources professional and 10-year Army veteran. “Angela and Pam ensure that Spherion is known throughout our community for the personalized service and quality talent we provide. They also direct our efforts to impact our local community through our Spherion Gives Back and military recruitment program, which is dedicated to connecting talented veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses with employers who are seeking their valuable skills, experience and abilities,” Georgia Meeks says.

“Our staff works hard each day to help us fulfill our local misCONTACT INFO: 16 Berryhill Road, Suite 119 Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 722-4928 www.spherion.com/columbia-sc

TOP EXECUTIVE: Michael and Georgia Meeks, Owners

sion to positively impact our community by connecting the area’s top talent with Greater Columbia’s top employers, and to create opportunities for all Spherion team members to live a life of purpose doing what we do well and making a difference each day for others, our community and our families,” Georgia Meeks says. Each time the staff earns a performance bonus, the owners match and double the amount, which is donated back to community partners and nonprofits selected by the staff through their Spherion Gives Back program.

Spherion offers clients a broad array of solutions that bend to the needs of their business, including: flexible and project-based staff, direct-hire placements and comprehensive workforce solutions. From individual placements to large-scale staffing engagements, Spherion recruits a full range of talent.

Spherion’s team has a passion for the staffing business. “We love what we do, and it shows. We take the responsibility of building our client’s workforce very seriously. It is the most important resource in any organization in every industry. We ensure that we find an IdealMatch for the client and our candidate with each placement we make,” Georgia Meeks says.

DATE FOUNDED: 1993 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 7

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First Row: Paula Sabbagha, Summer Cox, Lindsey Sisk, Dee Bundick, Felicia Jacobs, Bridgid Mizell, Judy Smith, Corinne Averhoff Second Row: Shufy Rowe, Woodie Williams, David Stewart, Tom Caskey, Brent Roof, Phillips McDowell, Terry Whigham, Kevin Brazell, Mike Phemister, William Phemister Third Row: John McCabe, Russ Purdy, Lewis Milligan, Kirk Lloyd, Bill Meinel, Ladd Lumpkin, Jim Smith, Mike McCabe

TCG & Associates of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management The Focus is Always on Clients

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ur group has been focused on dynamic asset allocation, behavioral finance and goals-based wealth management,” says John F. McCabe, CIMA®, Senior Vice President-Wealth Management. “We are committed to clients’ pursuit of success.”

When new clients come in, a team member spends the first few meetings getting to know them and understand their family’s or organization’s financial needs and goals, says James E. Smith Sr., financial advisor. A great deal of effort goes into developing a deep understanding of the client’s financial life. TCG & Associates uses Merrill Lynch’s goals-based wealth management approach to help develop a picture of where clients are and where they want to be.

The team members consider a client’s hopes and aspirations (the emotional side) as well as their investment goals (the quantitative side) to create an individualized portfolio and investment strategy.

“When investors get off track, it may mean they haven’t clearly defined what they are trying to do,” McCabe says. “Many investors need help in what they are trying to do. Experience matters. Lead-

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ership matters.” And so does the training of the financial professionals on TCG & Associates’ team. Some members have earned designations such a CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst®), CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst®) and CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM) indicating a desire to continuously learn.

Our team leader, J. Michael McCabe, was recently named to the Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors for the sixth consecutive year.* TCG & Associates was created in 1996 by John Caskey and Jack Christian, with five team members. As it evolved, other members were added to help address clients’ needs. This client focus and customization of financial strategies are what we believe sets TCG & Associates apart.

As we embrace the future, our team members can access BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research to track world economic and geopolitical events to help anticipate their effect on clients in South Carolina and across the country. “The only constant is change,” says McCabe.

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Mike has been in the financial services industry since he joined Merrill Lynch in 1976. He focuses on helping high-net-worth families manage risk and pursue their financial goals. He offers advice and guidance on fixed income, equities and a wide range of alternative investments. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP®) certificant, a designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. In 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 he was recognized as one of Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors, and was recognized in 2014 and 2015 as one of Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors.

Mike earned a bachelor’s degree and an M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina. He is very active in the community and currently serves as a member of the Dean’s Circle of the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business and also serves on their Board of Advisors. Mike also is involved in the Sisters of Charity Foundation’s Board of Directors and their Hospital Systems Board of Directors, as well. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in Columbia, South Carolina, and they have three grown children, Allie, Ainsley and Taylor.

J. Michael McCabe, CFP® Senior Vice President - Wealth Management Wealth Management Advisor, Portfolio Manager Investing in fixed-income securities may involve certain risks, including the credit quality of individual issuers, possible prepayments, market or economic developments and yields and share price fluctuations due to changes in interest rates. When interest rates go up, bond prices typically drop, and vice versa.

Alternative investments are intended for qualified and suitable investors only. Alternative investments involve limited access to the investment and may include, among other factors, the risks of investing in derivatives, using leverage, and engaging in shorts sales, practice which can magnify potential losses or gains. Alternative investments are speculative and involve a high degree of risk.

Equity securities are subject to stock market fluctuations that occur in response to economic and business developments. *Source: Barron’s “America’s Top 1,200 Advisors: State-by-State” list, February 23, 2015. For information about the selection criteria, go to http://details-he.re/JxcfBM. Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Years prior to 2014, this Barron’s list consisted of 1,000 advisors.

Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research is equity research produced by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and/or one or more of its non-U.S. affiliates. MLPF&S is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Any information presented in connection with BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment Products: Are Not FDIC Insured

|

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

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May Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill Lynch are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA®) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®. Use of CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst® signifies that the user has successfully completed IMCA’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management consultants. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks of the CFA Institute. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM in the U.S.

CONTACT INFO: 1224 Sumter St. Columbia, SC 29201 (800) 449-0905 fa.ml.com/TCGand Associates

TEAM LEADER: J. Michael McCabe, CFP® Senior Vice President Wealth Management

DATE FOUNDED: 1996 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 26

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Eddie Yandle and his son, Dawson Yandle, of Executive Construction

Executive Construction Homes

Creating Dream Homes With Expertise and Care

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s a family and locally owned company, Executive Construction Homes has focused on building homes with superior quality and enduring value since 1989. Owners Eddie and Shanna Yandle are committed to making their community a better place for everyone.

“Keeping our economy strong begins at home,” Eddie Yandle says. Recently Yandle and his son, Dawson, visited Sen. Tim Scott in Washington to discuss issues in the housing industry.

Yandle has been in the building industry his entire life. In 2014, he was named the Byron Crosthwaite Builder Member of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia. Yandle also received the Best of Houzz Award for Customer Satisfaction from Houzz, the leading online platform for home remodeling and design. Ranking in the top 10 builders category in the Columbia market for the past three years, Yandle serves on the Building Industry Association of Columbia’s board as Vice President and is also the District 2 Vice President of the Home Builders Association of South Carolina.

Yandle started his career working with his father, George “Butch” Yandle, in the underground utilities business. Gaining expertise in the building process, Yandle built his first personal home in 1989. Eddie and

CONTACT INFO: 117 Beaver Ridge Drive Elgin, SC 29045 (803) 748-1234 www.housesbyexecutive.com

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his wife, Shanna, quickly started Executive Construction Homes.

Executive Construction Homes builds in Columbia, Elgin, Lexington, Lugoff, Lake Murray and Irmo. The firm has built more than 650 homes in the area and was one of the first to bring multi-generation floor plans to the Midlands. In the 2014 Parade of Homes, Executive Construction Homes won the Critics’ Choice Awards and the People’s Choice Awards for their Shandon Plan, offered in The Villas at Woodcreek Farms and on your own land.

Eddie Yandle has completed continuing education and training to become a Certified Master Builder of South Carolina and a Certified Green Professional. In 2015, due to customer demand, Yandle reintroduced his Energy Star Certified home in select product lines.

Always a major contributor to the community, the Yandles support Camp Kemo, Wounded Warrior Project, Special Olympics, South Carolina Junior Golf Dream and Pawmetto Lifeline, as well as many other charitable organizations.

With a growing staff, Executive Construction Homes is dedicated to building homes with innovative technology, energy savings and quality creative features at any price point.

TOP EXECUTIVE: Eddie Yandle, Owner and CEO

2015 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

DATE FOUNDED: 1989 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 5 to 10

Arnett Hall on Allen University’s campus

Allen University

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Celebrating 145 years of achievement

llen University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, under the leader-ship of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, the Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District and interim President Dr. Lady June Cole.

Its historic campus is located in the center of the Waverly neighborhood. Allen University provides a high quality education for both the traditional student and the adult learner. We offer undergraduate degrees in Biology, Business, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Music, Religion and Social Science. In addition, Allen also offers a variety of camps throughout the year and summer programs in music and in the sciences for middle and high school students. Our students and graduates are offered internships and full–time permanent employment in businesses nationally.

Allen University was founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church to educate newly freed slaves and to ensure a well-trained

CONTACT INFO: 1530 Harden St. Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 376-5700 www.allenuniversity.edu

TOP EXECUTIVE: Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District Dr. Lady June Cole, Interim President

clergy for its churches. Allen University recently celebrated Founders Day commemorating its 145th anniversary, where Senator Clementa Pinckney, an alumnus of Allen University, was the keynote speaker.

In 2015, corporate sponsors Boeing and SCE&G made donations to-wards the renovation of Chappelle Auditorium, which will reopen in the spring of 2016. The 700-seat auditorium attached to Chappelle Hall was designed by John Anderson Langford and is part of the Allen University/ Waverly Historic District. The auditorium is named in honor of Bishop William D. Chappelle, an Allen president, and is one of 20 historically black college structures marked for preservation by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

A number of research grants have been made to Allen University, which include Cyber Security and Material Sciences grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, and USC – Center for International Business CIBER. Allen also collaborates with the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University on the PhD Pipeline Program (POP).

DATE FOUNDED: 1870 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 100

Special Advertising Supplement | 2015 Profiles in Business

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Bill Sinnett, left, and Tim Kern of Fortress Builders

Fortress Builders

Quality, Value and Customer Service

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our years ago, when many home builders were leaving the business in the midst of a falling housing market, Bill Sinnett and Tim Kern put their combined 25 years of experience in real estate and new-home construction together and realized a dream to start their own home-building company here in Columbia. Despite starting their company during a downturn, Sinnett and Kern and their handpicked team of sales associates have grown sales 300% from 2010.

And the company was named Best Builder by readers of The State newspaper and is a multiple Tour of Homes Winner.

Fortress Builders uses the latest in Smart Home Technology, like Tuxedo Touch monitoring that lets you control your home’s systems remotely. The company is Green, Certified High Performance with the New Energy Pro (HERS) rated building process, which includes high quality materials such as radiant barrier sheeting, energy efficient low E windows, advanced framing techniques, increased insulation and certification from a third party earning a HERS score 30-35% more energy efficient than other homes.

At Fortress Builders, their standard features are other builders’

CONTACT INFO: 3400 Forest Drive Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 461-1525 www.fortressbuilders.net

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upgrades. “At Fortress, we believe the things you want in your new home should come standard,” says Sinnett. Smooth ceilings, upgraded hardware, an oak tread staircase, walk-in closets, and a garden tub, lawn irrigation and garage door opener all are included in the home. Fortress has a 100% customer satisfaction A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, “and our goal is to keep it that way,” Sinnett says.

“It isn’t just about getting a sale. It is about building the dream of home ownership. We take that seriously,” Kern says.

“Our goal for 2015 is to continue the success and build in more locations, like Dunhill and Sunset Bay in Lexington. This is where we will launch our elite series of semi custom homes with even more standard features,” Sinnett and Kern say. Fortress is on pace to build and sell 200 homes in 2015.

You can visit the 20 Fortress Builders neighborhoods online now at www.fortressbuilders.net. Or like them on Facebook at Fortress Builders and you can preview some great photos of their production homes and custom gallery.

TOP EXECUTIVE: Bill Sinnett, Owner, SC Residential Builder, Broker

2015 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

DATE FOUNDED: 2010 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 9

Production Design Associates display their creativity above.

Production Design Associates

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Elevating events with creative staging, lighting and design

or more than two decades, Production Design Associates (PDA) has provided quality lighting, audio, visual and staging needs for any size event.

From beautifully lit chandeliers on large oak trees at outdoor wedding venues to pulsating lights on a huge concert stage, PDA has earned a reputation for quality, consistency and creativity in the production industry.

“Our clients are asking for new innovative ideas; every year we need to come up with new ideas, we love the challenge to reinvent the wheel,” says Jeff Nickles, founder of PDA. PDA’s staff of 17 full-time employees and 24 part-time employees travels all over South Carolina and beyond to enhance any event with lighting and audiovisual elements.

They can broadcast the image of a speaker on a large screen, provide flawless audio for an outdoor symphony, even light up historic landmarks during anniversary celebrations.

“We’re really a communication company – we help people communicate a message, whether it’s a speech by the president of the United States, a theatrical performance or a corporate event,” Nickles says.

CONTACT INFO: 2799 3 Lakes Road, North Charleston, SC 29418 (843) 554-3466 www.pdastage.com

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PDA works on all types of events, from weddings and corporate events to major events around the country.

“My idea is to always try and do something different with lighting, sound, and scenic elements,” Nickles says. “Our job is to come up with cool ideas, great concepts and be creative. It’s a win-win.”

PDA’s new in-house scenic division provides backdrops, custombuilt walls and other scenic elements, that can enhance the stage and transform the entire room.

With so much access to Internet videos, Nickles says, “Everybody expects more. You can’t just do what you did five years ago; you continuously have to use new technology. The key is to do it in an effective manner and keep it within the client’s budget.”

In the community, PDA is active in supporting nonprofits and works with them on providing audiovisual services for events and fundraisers.

Nickles says the most rewarding part of the job is making clients’ vision a reality.

“I’m really proud of the team we have,” Nickles says. “We have amazing staff members who are really creative, and it shows.”

It’s important to have a trusted quality audio and visual production team to produce a flawless event.

TOP EXECUTIVE: Jeff Nickles, Founder

2015 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

DATE FOUNDED: 1991 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 17 full-time, 24 part-time

At left, children stand in front of Eddie® the world’s largest child; at right, a child explores in the BioInvestigations Lab and a girl visits the Blooming Butterflies exhibit

EdVenture

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Combining fun and education

hose who visit EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia learn and play at the same time with exhibits designed to inspire wonder and educate.

EdVenture is one of the nation’s leading children’s museum with a hands-on environment. It’s also home to Eddie™, the world’s largest child, measuring 40-feet high. At the museum, children can explore Eddie’s brain and heart, bounce inside his stomach and slide through his digestive system.

More than 235,000 visitors explore the 92,000-square-foot museum each year, making important learning connections while having fun.

The museum’s mission – to inspire the joy of learning– is why new CEO Karen Coltrane came to EdVenture in January.

“When people hear ‘education,’ they have a mental picture of rows of seats with a person in front of them conveying information,” Coltrane says. “Research shows that’s not the optimal way little people learn. Learning is supposed to be fun.”

After school programs are offered onsite at fourteen schools throughout the Midlands. Professional development workshops are held at the museum for teachers to learn how to incorporate EdVenture’s approach to learning in their own classrooms.

Permanent exhibits include “The Great Outdoors,” where budding CONTACT INFO: 211 Gervais St Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 779-3100 www.edventure.org

TOP EXECUTIVE: Karen Coltrane, CEO and President

scientists can uncover the world of solar energy, “Body Detectives,” with interactive 3-D models of the human body, and the new Cooking Lab where children learn about cooking and preparing nutritious meals.

Coltrane said the museum will open a flight-themed exhibit next summer, funded by NASA. “EdVenture is really a human service organization,” she says, “with a museum attached to it.”

EdVenture is also ramping up its “EdVenture To Go” program which makes museum experiences mobile to serve areas where field trips are not an option.

EdVenture is a non-profit institution supported by donors, admissions, memberships, facility rentals, government funds and educational programs. All or part of the facility can be rented for events, including a 12,000-square-foot terrace, overlooking the historic Columbia Canal.

Corporate donations support the “Yes, Every Child Fund,” which provides year-round accessibility for children to experience the museum.

“EdVenture has rich educational programming and is at the forefront of learning,” Coltrane says. “We know how children learn, and we feel a special obligation to take what we do and share it throughout our communities.”

DATE FOUNDED: 2003 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 30 full time staff 55 part time/seasonal staff

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C. Grant Jackson, principal, GrantJax Communications LLC

GrantJax Communications LLC When the Words Matter

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rantJax Communications delivers quality written communications to corporate and nonprofit entities and assists with communications strategy, content development and marketing, and training.

“I can help when the words matter. And the words always matter,” says GrantJax Principal C. Grant Jackson.

Communications is all about clarity, and clarity is about making sure your message is understood as you intend it to be. That begins with getting the words right. A self-professed word-nerd, Jackson uses his 40 years of experience as a newspaper reporter, editor and columnist to help clients deliver their message. Whether the task is writing, editing or proofreading, Jackson offers excellent professional assistance.

In this age of glitzy graphics, blogs and digital media, the words can sometimes get lost. A website may look great, but too often the essential message gets lost in poorly written content that is riddled with factual, grammatical and punctuation errors. While eight of 10 potential clients may not see those errors, the two that do are probably the ones you want to do business with. Jackson can rewrite and edit existing

CONTACT INFO: 512 Townes Road Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 315-8532 www.grantjax.com

TOP EXECUTIVE: C. Grant Jackson, Principal

content as well as develop new content. “Content is king, but unfortunately much of today’s content is poorly written,” Jackson says.

In addition to writing press releases and other traditional marketing collateral, Jackson can help companies tell their story through the development of business case studies for marketing. A case study is a marketing tool that tells how a company successfully solved a problem for a client or customer. Case studies can be used online and in printed marketing materials.

Utilizing his journalism experience, Jackson also offers a unique report writing service for company workshops, conferences and strategic planning sessions. “I can attend your conference or planning session and then produce a comprehensive report that details exactly what took place and what the result was. Because everyone comes to these events with preconceived ideas, often the in-house produced report simply reflects what was expected. That may or may not mirror the reality.”

GrantJax also offers training workshops and seminars on improving business communications.

DATE FOUNDED: 2014 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 1

Communications LLC

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Back row (from left to right): Lisa Horton-Bertram, Mimi Gunn, Jillyn Mayer, Laura Hoge, Paul Elias, Kelly Gunderson, Kim Rathburn, Kelli Corbett, Natalie Northcott and Maggie Vaules; Front row (from left to right): Laura Lewis, Stacy Lanham, Autumn Martin, Tracie Eckenstein and Jennifer Creede (Columbia staff not pictured: Steve Bryant, Paige Warren and Faith Wood)

SYSTEMTEC, INC.

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Information technology solutions with expertise in healthcare systems and compliance

ince 1998, SYSTEMTEC of Columbia has provided professional information technology staff augmentation and consulting services to clients large and small across a variety of industries.

SYSTEMTEC offers IT services including enterprise solutions, application development, business analysis, reporting, project management, quality assurance, testing, infrastructure, and technical support.

Healthcare information technology has been key to SYSTEMTEC’s growth during the last several years. The company launched a division dedicated to healthcare information systems in 2011. “Heathcare services are driven by federal government compliance standards.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is driving health systems to adopt electronic medical records (EMR) technology and demonstrate meaningful use in order to receive federal payments and incentives,” says Laura Hoge, Vice-President and General Manager of SYSTEMTEC. “We seized the opportunity to learn and grow with the industry and we provide EMR implementation, training, and support services.”

SYSTEMTEC stands apart in the information technology services CONTACT INFO: 246 Stoneridge Dr. #301 Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 806-8100 www.systemtec.net

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sector as a privately-owned firm emphasizing close client relationships.

Co-founders Steve Bryant and Paul Elias previously worked together before starting SYSTEMTEC. “They wanted to be nimble and flexible in solving problems for clients and they wanted to be an employer of choice to attract and retain the best IT talent,” Hoge said.

SYSTEMTEC recruits on a national level to find and attract the most qualified professionals available. Employee retention is paramount to the company. The majority of SYSTEMTEC’s consultants are full-time employees, earning a competitive salary with overtime compensation, PTO, 401K matching, paid holidays, and a Cafeteria-style benefits package whereby SYSTEMTEC contributes more than 80% of the cost of an employee’s individual coverage.

SYSTEMTEC focuses on understanding the challenges of their clients in order to provide expertise and solve problems. “We may provide staff augmentation services to a client to support their daily operations or we may provide niche expertise or project implementation services, Hoge says. “We want to drive value for the customer. We value listening more than talking and delivering more than promising.”

TOP EXECUTIVE: Stephen R. Bryant, CEO H. Paul Elias, President

2015 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

DATE FOUNDED: 1998 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 140