2017 Columbia Profiles in Business

May 8, 2017 | Volume 10, No. 8 | www.columbiabusinessreport.com

Sponsored by

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2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

Palmetto State Glass

“When we work with a general contractor, we’re committed to the project from beginning to end.”

- Kyle Whetstone, president

The staff members of Palmetto State Glass, shown here at their Columbia headquarters, are dedicated to excellent customer service.

Palmetto State Glass serves contractors, businesses

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ommercial glazing contractor Palmetto State Glass is expanding on its success in the Midlands.

“We currently service all of South Carolina, northern Georgia and southern North Carolina, so we have a pretty good radius so far,” said Kyle Whetstone, president.

In March of 2016 the company added a Greenville operation. “We hope to continue to solidify our presence within South Carolina, and we hope to one day open another shop in the Charleston area.”

The company works on new construction and upfits, and also provides business services and repairs. Whetstone said about 70% of the work comes through general contractors, and about 30% is directly with businesses, churches or property managers.

Founded in 1991 as a commercial glazier, Palmetto State eventually gravitated toward auto glass replacement and repair. Whetstone, formerly an executive with an automotive parts manufacturer, bought the company in 2010 and steered it back into

commercial installation and service.

The business took off. Sales growth hit 59% in 2010-11, said Alice Sotti, finance manager, and has averaged above 50% each year since.

Since 2010, the number of employees has grown from just 3 to 35.

Whetstone credits the success to a “unique mix” of experience among the company’s leaders. James Meury, pre-construction manager, brings expertise in the glass business, and Sotti has worked in finance

1501 St. Andrews Road Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 714-9680 16 Victor St. Greenville, SC 29609 www.palmettostateglass.com

management in the transportation and construction fields.

Dedication to customer service has spurred the “incredible growth,” according to Whetstone.

“When we work with a general contractor, we’re committed to the project from beginning to end.”

In November 2015, the company moved into a new building that has been remodeled to suit its needs.

“So we do all of our own fabrication and installation,” Whetstone said. Many competitors subcontract for that service and could hire “somebody that might not be a licensed contractor to get it installed,” he said.

Palmetto State’s leaders are optimistic for the company and the industry.

“Glass is environmentally friendly and also enhances the beauty of any building,” Sotti, the finance manager, said. “Glass is a key contributor in designing low-energy buildings, is made from nonpolluting raw materials, and most are recyclable at the end of their lives, which makes glass a product of choice for sustainable buildings.”

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The Conference Center at R2i2

“My favorite part is listening to the vision of the client and being able to produce that.

I do something different every day.”

- Jacquie Lee, executive director, Conference Center

(From left) Chef James Jones, Sylvia Waymer, AV technician, and Jacquie Lee, executive director, are ready to help you plan your event at the Conference Center at R2i2.

(A special thank you to Carolina Couture, Bonnie Brunt Cakes and Hank Neely Consulting)

Conference Center at R2i2 offers endless possibilities

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hen it comes to an event, if you can dream it, the Conference Center at R2i2 will make it happen, says Jacquie Lee, executive director.

The Conference Center is part of Richland School District Two’s new Institute of Innovation, known as R2i2, a centrally located multiuse building on Fashion Drive behind Belk in the Village at Sandhill. In addition to the Conference Center, the 216,000-square-foot building includes a learning center serving high school juniors and seniors districtwide, district administrative offices and the new Richland Library Sandhills of the Richland County Public Library.

Encompassing 37,000 square feet, the Conference Center serves many purposes for Richland Two but is also available for public events, from meetings to workshops to birthday parties to weddings. “It’s wonderful to have a place for larger community events in the Northeast,” says Martha Jones, executive director of strategic partnerships.

R2i2 was built with savings from lower

construction costs of projects from a 2008 bond referendum. District officials visited buildings nationwide to get ideas. An open atrium greets visitors, with a 360-degree screen over the front desk that can display business logos or photos.

The Conference Center is on the second floor with five salons that can be used individually or turned into one large ballroom. A prefunction area is perfect for a party or reception, Lee says.

When opened into a single room, the center can

763 Fashion Drive Columbia, SC 29229 (803) 738-8481

seat up to 700 for a formal dinner; for a standing reception, up to 1,200 can be accommodated.

Every room has state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and two kitchens are available for use by five approved caterers.

“It’s an event planner’s dream,” says Lee. Rental fees include tables, chairs and the signature navy linens. Soundproofing allows multiple events to happen without disturbing each other. Outside, the parking lot has 540 spaces.

The Conference Center, which opened last fall, has hosted education association conferences, banquets and professional development events. Two Richland Two high schools held their proms at the center in April, and the first wedding is on the books for 2018.

As a bonus, students can work at the center to get experience in the hospitality industry, and bottled water sold by the supply chain and logistics class is purchased for events there.

The Conference Center is available Monday through Saturday and can be booked through the district website, richland2.org (Explore tab).

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A Note From the Publisher Dear Reader,

Associate Publisher - Licia Jackson

We love telling stories. That is why most of us got into this busi-

ljackson@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7546

ness in the first place. Over the past few years, we have learned

Associate Editor, Special Projects - Steve McDaniel

that every Midlands business has its own unique story. We cre-

smcdaniel@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3123

ated Profiles in Business to give any business or organization the opportunity to tell its story, with the help of our writers.

Senior Graphic Designer - Jane Mattingly

The result is the publication you’re reading now. I have learned

production2@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3118

so much by being involved in the writing of profiles. For example,

Assistant Graphic Designer - Emily Matesi ematesi@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3124

Licia Jackson

this issue of Profiles in Business contains an exciting announcement: Scott Hall Catering, a part of the Corley Mill House, soon will

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

be opening a restaurant in a renovated building just outside the gates of Spirit Communica-

Senior Account Executive - Alan James

tions Park in the BullStreet neighborhood.

ajames@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7540 Account Executive - Lucia Smith lsmith@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7547 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Jane Benston, Marc Rapport, C. Grant Jackson

In reading these articles, you will also learn about a construction company marking its 90th year in business; a real estate partnership that is developing town homes in a historic elementary school in Earlewood; and a sign company that provides services in 85 countries through its network of partners. And that’s just for starters.

We hope that you’ll relish reading these stories in the Columbia Regional Business Report’s 2017 Profiles in Business. There are a lot of good stories here.

Enjoy!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Blake

Licia Jackson, Associate Publisher

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

About the cover

The Richland Two School District’s Institute of Innovation, seen here at night, is a distinctive multipurpose building that includes a Conference Center available for rental by the public. Known as R2i2, the building also includes a technical learning center serving high school juniors and seniors districtwide, district administrative offices and the new Sandhills Branch of the Richland County Public Library. It is conveniently located on Fashion Drive across from the Village at Sandhill. For more information, see the article on Page 5. (Photo/Jeff Blake)

production1@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3117 Event Manager - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113 Accounting Manager - Vickie Deadmon vdeadmon@scbiznews.com • 803.726.7541

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2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

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Table of Contents

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Palmetto State Glass

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NAI Avant

5

The Conference Center at R2i2

16

Corley Mill House and Garden

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Bobbitt Design Build LLC

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M. B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc.

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Homes and More Real Estate Services

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Wheeler & Wheeler

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CEC: Civil Engineering of Columbia

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Columbia Metropolitan Airport

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The Boudreaux Group

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Cox Industries

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Columbia Marriott

21

Colite

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SLS Consulting LLC

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DoubleTree by Hilton

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Bobbitt Design Build LLC

“We strive to deliver an outstanding customer experience through the integrated planning, design and construction of places where people live, work, play, heal and worship.”

- Ben Wilson, president

Rich Yosick, John Griffin, Ben Wilson, Matt Culler, Vic Englert

Bobbitt Design Build follows a winning process

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xceptional customer experience is the goal at Bobbitt Design Build LLC, and Ben Wilson, president, finds that the effort pays off “because 75 percent of our business comes from repeat customers or direct referrals.”

One key to that level of satisfaction is Bobbitt’s in-house architectural group, which sets the company apart from competitors. By definition, “design-build” means having site design, architecture and construction coordinated seamlessly, yet very few companies truly have these resources under one roof. This capability is key to how Bobbitt approaches each project.

“We call it ‘think-design-build,’” Wilson said.

“When we approach any kind of project, we make sure it is master-planned and well thought-out on the front end.”

Once the “think” process assures that company and client are on the same track, Bobbitt forms a team to take the project through the design phase.

Architects are selected on the basis of their past projects, for instance, dental clinics or corporate

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office buildings. “Having architects in-house has enabled us to develop standard details for each one of these projects, so that the constructability, reliability and quality of the building are ensured.”

Bobbitt serves customers in the health care, industrial, religious, commercial, governmental, retail and renovation markets.

“We strive to deliver an outstanding customer experience through the integrated planning, design and construction of places where people live, work,

500 Lawand Drive Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 731-5550 www.bobbitt.com

2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

play, heal and worship. That best describes who we are.”

“Construction is an inherently flawed and change-order-happy industry, but our integrated process simplifies things for our clients and provides them with that exceptional experience without having to worry about when the next change order is coming.”

Bobbitt, founded in North Carolina in 1946, established its South Carolina division in 2000. The Columbia division builds in South Carolina and Georgia, while clients in North Carolina and Virginia are served out of Raleigh.

A point of pride is that Bobbitt is 100% employee-owned. “Every employee watches out for the best interests of our clients, who have made us successful,” said Wilson.

Bobbitt also has an enviable safety rating, a .78 EMR, lowering its costs and enabling it to work on large projects for safety-conscious customers. That’s a win-win-win for Bobbitt’s clients, employee owners and subcontractors.

Homes and More Real Estate Services

“Relationships Before Revenue, Service Before Sales and People Before Profit, are just some of the ingredients in my recipe for success.”

- Lonnie D. Daniels, Owner, Broker in Charge

Lonnie Daniels, owner and broker in charge at Homes and More Real Estate Services, works to educate home buyers and sellers on the many options open to them.

Homes and More Real Estate Services places a strong emphasis on empowerment through education and exposure

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hen the time comes to make an investment in real estate – the biggest investment many people will ever make – it’s vitally essential to work with someone who is reputable, efficient and reliable.

Lonnie D. Daniels, owner/ broker in charge of Homes and More Real Estate Services, works diligently to establish the camaraderie, trust and rapport with the clients he serves “It’s all about the relationship,” Daniels says. “Interpersonal skills, morals, values, tact, resilience, tenacity, and grit are all essential, because people buy people, before they buy product.” While many individuals begin their home search on the internet, technology will never be able to replace the value of a cultivated relationship, he says.

Whether it is the strategic approach of selfless service that was enhanced while serving in the U.S. Army or the leadership ideas and concepts that were instilled in him at the collegiate level, both kinds of knowledge are valuable to the people that he is

helping. Enabling consumers to make intelligent and informed decisions is the foundation upon which Homes and More was established.

When he works with first-time home buyers, he helps them gain a thorough understanding of the intricacies of real estate: conventional financing, Federal Housing Administration,

1612 Marion St. Columbia, SC 29201 Office: (803) 400-2424 Mobile: (803) 917-3410 www.homesandmorerealty.us www.linkedin.com/in/homesandmore

Veterans Administration, United States Department of Agriculture-rural housing, South Carolina state housing, underwriting, down payment assistance programs, home warranties, closing costs, debt to income ratios, new home construction, bank owned properties, appraisals, tax sale auctions, home inspections, etc.

Daniels works with sellers, investors, baby boomers, veterans, first-time buyers, banks, and millennials. He also has a strong international population that he serves. Clients from Ghana, India, Jamaica, El Salvador and Puerto Rico are just some of the nationalities that he has helped in the home-buying process.

In his 10 years in real estate, Daniels has put together a team of experts to provide superior service to every home buyer or seller. Charlie Sides, with Ameris Bank, and David Ruple, with Ruple Law Firm, are just some of the members of his winning team. He says that “every tree has roots,” and his success is due to “the great people I have around me.”

Special Advertising Supplement | 2017 Profiles in Business

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CEC: Civil Engineering of Columbia

“We are currently working with some of the best clients around and are looking forward to building new relationships as we grow.

We’ve been blessed so far and are excited at what’s still to come.”

- Josh Rabon, vice president

Back Row, left-right: Dustin Johnson, Josh Rabon, Clay Walsh, Mike Dinkins. Front, left-right: Bill Flowers, Kristen Morris

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CEC: Civil Engineering of Columbia

ew owners have rejuvenated and rebranded a 43-year-old Columbiabased civil engineering firm and are seeking new horizons for their company.

Civil Engineering of Columbia was founded in 1974 and made its mark on the Midlands landscape primarily by designing hundreds of single-family residential subdivisions. When founding partners Bill Brown and Harry Walsh were ready to retire, Bill Flowers, Josh Rabon and Clay Walsh prepared to take over, with the transition being completed in May 2015.

Bill Flowers, president, has been with the company for 30 years and has strong relationships with building industry leaders and local regulatory personnel. Josh Rabon, vice president, is a licensed professional engineer with more than 10 years of industry experience in both the public and private sectors. Clay Walsh, vice president, is a LEED accredited professional with more than 15 years of experience in residential and commercial design.

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Over the last two years, CEC (as the company is now known) has actively sought out new talent and experienced significant growth.

CEC’s clients include some of the area’s largest home builders, commercial developers and local municipalities. In addition to civil engineering, CEC’s services include surveying and land planning, and the company is positioned to expand its range of projects and its geographical limits.

CEC

consulting engineering surveying planning

3608 Fernandina Road Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 851-0385 www.cecola.com

2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

Rabon said CEC wants to maintain its niche in residential development, where the company built its reputation; however, CEC is also pursuing equal workloads in commercial and industrial site development, and in utility, infrastructure and roadway projects. This growth comes with establishing new client relationships and employing top engineering talent.

Rabon, who is licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, said the company is hoping to expand its footprint in the future without compromising the level of service provided to its existing clients.

“Growth is definitely in our future, but we’re doing our best to strategically plan and prepare for sustainable growth while maintaining a high level of service to all clients, new and existing. We are currently working with some of the best clients around and are looking forward to building new relationships as we grow. We’ve been blessed so far and are excited at what’s still to come.”

The Boudreaux Group

“We really work to understand our clients’ business and organization – what’s important to them and how design and planning can help them serve their community.”

- Heather A. Mitchell, architect/president

Heather Mitchell (left) and Randy Huth

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The Boudreaux Group

he Boudreaux Group’s team of architects, interior designers and planners specializes in designing spaces that bring people in the community together.

“We’re focused on cultivating relationships, designing inspiring spaces and enriching communities,” says Heather A. Mitchell, president.

Mitchell and Vice President R. Randall Huth, both architects, have led the Boudreaux Group since 2004.

Their goal is to reinforce what’s great about Columbia, creating unique spaces that serve as the engine of economic development.

Mitchell has spent her entire career at The Boudreaux Group. Starting as a young professional just out of school 20 years ago, she was given the opportunity to develop into the top leadership role. In turn, Mitchell and Huth have a philosophy of growing leadership within the firm. Young architects are given the opportunity to work on projects they are passionate about, whether it be a government building, a recreation center or a

library. With Mitchell’s guidance on the creative front and Huth’s mentoring on the technical side, young professionals have a chance to help shape the vision of the city and county they work in.

There’s a lot of positive energy as the team’s 21 members celebrate their 40th anniversary, a move into new office space in June and an update of their brand and imagery. “We’re kicking off the

(As of June 26, 2017)

1519 Sumter St. Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 799-0247 www.boudreauxgroup.com

next chapter,” Mitchell explains.

The Boudreaux Group will be moving into the building at 1519 Sumter St., part of a threebuilding renovation at the corner of Sumter and Taylor streets in the city center. The firm will occupy the second floor of the iconic 1920s-era building. The rest of the project, designed by the firm, will be occupied by Hotel Trundle, a boutique hotel.

The Boudreaux Group is also set apart from other firms by its client relationships and collaboration.

“We really work to understand our clients’ business and organization – what’s important to them and how design and planning can help them serve their community,” Mitchell says.

While the firm has walls full of awards, even more important is fulfilling the vision of its clients.

“It’s more about the long-term relationships,” Huth says, “continual work with those clients who have a lot of faith and trust in you and what you are going to do well.”

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Columbia Marriott

Dedicated, long-term employees make the Columbia Marriott tops in customer service. The hotel wins awards for its focus on customers.

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Columbia Marriott is known for its great customer service, perfect location

hether visiting Columbia for a graduation, a conference or the 2017 eclipse viewing, the Columbia Marriott offers a convenient home base for your stay.

“The one thing that resonates at this property is that it is defined by its location,” says Erika Leone, Director of Sales and Marketing. “With the Southern charm of the city itself, it is easy to see what draws travelers to the area. Being located in the heart of downtown, we are just proud to be a part of what makes this beautiful capital city thrive.”

The Marriott was purchased in September by Columbia Sussex, headquartered in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. The company has been spending the first few months getting to know the Columbia hotel and its needs. The new General Manager, Daver Hacisabanoglu, has been with the company over 10 years and has recently moved his family to reside in Columbia. “The hospitality in this

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city is unlike any other,” Hacisabanoglu remarks.

He looks forward to making this home and continuing to help lead the team at Marriott to further successes.

The 300-room hotel has won many awards for its customer focus, Leone says. Besides being a recipient of TripAdvisor’s “Excellence in Service” awards, the hotel continues to rank high in staff service companywide with Marriott

“Take care of your people and they will take care of your customers.”

- Bill Marriott

2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

International’s guestVoice.

“Much of our staff has worked here for years and years, and that dedication is reflected in our customer service,” Leone says. The Director of Catering has worked at the hotel for more than 20 years, and many groups continue to rebook their events each year because of her and the excellent team that supports our events.

The Marriott hosts a broad mix of business and social events, with a corporate focus during the week and galas, balls and other social events on the weekends. Outside of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, the Marriott boasts some of the largest meeting spaces in the downtown area, Leone says.

On a recent morning, groups of international travelers awaited tour buses to take them to the Masters Golf tournament in Augusta. In June, the Marriott will play host to the Miss South Carolina pageant.

The Marriott also will be a host hotel for those

Columbia Marriott

(Left) An upscale restaurant and bar are just a part of the amenities of the full-service Columbia Marriott. (Right) The Marriott offers a rich and varied menu in its restaurant and bar.

visiting Columbia for the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21. That will be on the tail end of move-in weekend for USC students, but the hotel will offer two-night packages, Leone says.

Other busy times for the hotel are the legislative session, graduation season and football season. In between, the hotel welcomes many large associations, corporate meetings and local organizations’ events. Social galas and parties are on the schedule several times each week, and the Marriott is working to increase its wedding business.

“We have a very versatile space,” Leone says.

The hotel’s atrium, with its high glass ceiling, can be used as an event space for large receptions.

With over 27,000 square feet of conference space, including three ballrooms, the hotel can handle many distinct groups simultaneously for their events.

Guests can find everything they need within walking distance of the hotel. “Guests love being able to venture out and explore the city without having to travel by car,” Leone says. “With easy access to the USC campus and the State Capitol, our hotel places you near the city’s top landmarks.

There is never a shortage of sights to see, restaurants to try or events taking place nearby to share with our guests during their stay.” Dynamic exhibits held at the Columbia Museum of Art also continue to draw travelers to stay at the hotel.

Besides guest stays and events, the Columbia Marriott has a lot of foot traffic – people who come in just to dine or have drinks at the bar.

Found at the corner of Main and Hampton Street, its centralized location makes it attractive to passers-by, especially on the weekends. Midlands’ Restaurant and Rocks at Midlands’, the hotel’s

1200 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 771-7000 www.marriottcolumbia.com

lobby bar, offer new Southern cuisine and a heaping helping of Southern hospitality. The hotel also participates in Soda City Market every Saturday on Main Street, rain or shine!

The new ownership plans to give the Marriott a new facelift, Leone says, and looks to begin the renovation of the guestrooms in 2018. Other improvements are in the planning stages and the hotel looks forward to see what is in store in the future.

The Columbia hotel’s management will be partnering with Marriott’s eCommerce team and Digital Center of Excellence, Leone says.

The eCommerce specialists will handle all of the hotel’s digital work, marketing and promotions.

The Marriott name is a strong brand in hospitality, Leone says, making the Columbia hotel a stand-out among its competition. Other assets are its Main Street location, strong business accounts, its size and reputation for great events. ”The Columbia Marriott staff is so proud of its home and reputation,” Leone says. “Having staff with that kind of dedication and perseverance that has been here for such a long time truly speaks to the level of business and the management.”

Special Advertising Supplement | 2017 Profiles in Business

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SLS Consulting LLC

“From performance appraisals and strategic goal-setting to compensation analysis and on-call assistance, SLS Consulting has continued to be our HR partner, resulting in tremendous growth in our efforts to transform and revitalize communities in South Carolina.”

- Michelle A. Mapp, CEO South Carolina Community Loan Fund

(From left) Beth Cook Blanchard, Sharon Sellers, Peggy Smith

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SLS Consulting meets clients’ HR needs

ven if a business is not large enough to have an HR department, it can still get expert help with employee management and training.

SLS Consulting LLC offers services as limited as a compensation survey or as extensive as a series of projects to start a new business. Companies can sign on for a one-time service or stay in touch indefinitely and receive advice as needed. It’s all up to the client company.

“Even with our training sessions, we’re willing to customize specifically to meet the needs of the organization,” says Sharon L. Sellers, founder and president.

Sellers already had 20 years’ experience in HR when she decided to establish her own business.

Independent consultants Beth Cook Blanchard and Peggy Smith bring additional decades of HR experience to SLS projects. Other consultants are brought in as needed.

Since its creation in 2004, SLS has helped 200plus clients strategically structure and improve their

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companies’ U.S. employee management practices.

“We serve all industries and have local clients as well as clients headquartered across the world who are wanting to establishing a U.S. presence,” Sellers says.

Services for an established company can include a general HR audit to assess compliance with laws and regulations; investigation of complaints of harassment or other inequities; and studies to help

427 Santee Drive Santee, SC 29142 (843) 819-5129 www.consultsls.com

2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

ensure employees are paid fairly compared to coworkers and paid competitively in relation to other companies.

SLS offers an eight-hour supervisory certification program. Training makes up a third of the firm’s business. “We do a lot of customized training,” Sellers says, “but most important, I think, is the supervisory training.” An organization is only as good as each supervisor, because to an employee the organization IS the supervisor, she says. Without good supervisors, “the company is not going to be effective.”

Assisting a startup is a sizable project that typically includes determining staffing needs, creating job descriptions, establishing effective compensation programs, recruiting and training management, and creating an “employer-ofchoice” brand. “We also assist with creating policies and defining benefit strategies.”

Finally, when companies need to fill an in-house HR position, SLS has the expertise and network to recruit the most successful candidates.

NAI Avant

“Commercial real estate is so much more than just finding a place for a particular business to operate. It is shaping our community and economy, and making our neighborhoods the vibrant, rich places we are proud to call home.”

- Todd Avant, Chief Executive Officer

Bruce Harper, President & Broker-In-Charge (left) and Todd Avant, CEO

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NAI Avant celebrates 50 years of success in serving commercial real estate clients AI Avant is marking 50 years of serving the commercial real estate needs of clients across the Southeast and

beyond.

“We’ve been locally owned and operated for 50 years, which gives us a competitive advantage,” says Todd Avant, chief executive officer. Decisions that affect people in South Carolina are made in South Carolina.

NAI Avant was separated from Edens & Avant in 2005, when Todd Avant and his father, Dan Avant, purchased a controlling interest in the third party full service commercial real estate side of the business. As a spin-off of the over $6 billion EDENS (formerly Edens & Avant), NAI Avant traces its roots to 1966. Dan Avant is a longstanding and current shareholder in EDENS. Dan Avant is chairman of the board of NAI Avant, a third-party, full-service commercial real estate company providing brokerage and leasing services, project management, property management and development investment services, with supporting marketing, accounting and research divisions.

NAI Avant is affiliated with NAI Global, a network of 400 offices worldwide and more than 7,000 local market experts. NAI Avant received NAI Global’s prestigious Eagle Award, recognizing the top firm in U.S. secondary markets demonstrating the highest level of achievement.

The firm opened a Charleston office in 2010, a risky move that has paid off by being positioned in one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the U.S.

807 Gervais St., Suite 301 Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 254-0100 www.naiavant.com

After weathering the recession, the company planned a strategic change in quarters. The historic DuPre building at 807 Gervais St. was acquired and completely renovated. In 2015, Historic Columbia recognized NAI Avant with the Adaptive Reuse Preservation Award for 807 Gervais. NAI Avant occupies almost half its 38,000 square feet with the rest 100% leased.

Using tax incentives, the company continues to acquire historic buildings to repurpose into high quality mixed use in downtown Columbia.

NAI Avant is also the preferred developer for a large international medical company with current developments spanning the Southeast.

Avant and Harper both agree the company’s growth and success are attributable to its employees.

“It’s a combination of integrity going back to my dad and the strong collaborative mix of younger professionals who gain expertise from people with decades of experience,” Avant says.

“Our brokers are among the best in what they do in the entire marketplace, and the quality of our support staff is unmatched in depth and expertise,” Harper says.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2017 Profiles in Business

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Corley Mill House and Garden

“Chef Scott Hall makes his own sauces, breads, desserts, charcuterie and more. Everything is made from scratch, with no preservatives. It’s always fresh that day.”

- Sheila Hall, co-owner

Scott Hall

Corley Mill House and Garden branches out with Scott Hall Catering and Bone-In Barbeque at BullStreet

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nown for its visual charm and exceptional catering, the historic, white-columned Corley Mill House and Garden in Lexington is home to one of the most innovative family businesses in the Midlands, helmed by executive chef Scott Hall, his sister Stephanie, and his parents, Sheila and Steve Hall.

The venue’s point of distinction is the unique, scratch-made catering style of chef Scott Hall, whose catering clientele includes the Columbia Museum of Art gala, Palmetto Health, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, and ABC Columbia anchor Alicia Barnes. Hall has appeared on the Cooking Channel, Bravo, the Travel Channel, Food Network Europe, Food Network Canada, and in GQ. Chef Scott Hall is also the owner of the newly announced, brick and mortar Bone-In Barbeque restaurant, set to open in fall 2017 adjacent to Spirit Communications Park in the BullStreet neighborhood.

The restaurant will be the premier Southern

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eclectic barbeque destination in Columbia, S.C. It is an evolution of Hall’s Bone-In Artisan BBQ on Wheels food truck, which serves selected events at Corley Mill House, smokes its brisket and pork for 14 hours and bakes focaccia buns fresh daily. The food truck was chosen one of the top 20 in the U.S.

by Smithsonian magazine.

“Brides and event planners love Scott,” Sheila

221 Corley Mill Road Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 957-1818

2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

Hall says. “Because he studied theater and cooked in New York City for years, he brings a special skill level and creativity to our catering, whether it’s a casual event or a very formal affair.”

The 1908 house has oak floors, elaborate fireplaces, a ballroom, two outdoor decks, a lovely, well-maintained garden and a working farm, making it seem like an escape to the country, though it is just 10 minutes from Columbia or Lexington.

A true family operation, the 7,000-square-foot Corley Mill House and Garden hosts weddings, rehearsal dinners, bridal brunches, anniversary gatherings, birthday parties and business meetings.

The business got its start in 1997 when Sheila and Steve, who ran a florist business at the time, were delivering flowers to the church across the road. They saw a for sale sign in front of the old house, which had good bones but was in a state of disrepair.

“My husband could do that work,” owner Sheila Hall says. “I called the real estate agent that night.”

And the rest is history.

M. B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc.

“It’s our goal to empathize with our Owners – putting ourselves in their shoes – to understand their needs and to meet or exceed their expectations.”

- Bill Neely, President

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

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M. B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc. marks 90th anniversary

s M. B. Kahn Construction looks back over its history, there is much to celebrate.

Since its founding in Columbia 90 years ago, the company has grown to become South Carolina’s largest privately held general contractor, with 500-plus employees. M. B. Kahn specializes in general contracting and construction management as well as alternative delivery methods such as design build and EPC. M. B. Kahn’s long history features construction of many well-known projects around the Midlands – from USC’s South Tower dormitory in 1965 to Richland School District Two’s recently completed Institute of Innovation.

Other prominent projects include the Richland County Library, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, BlueCross BlueShield Office Complex, AllSouth Federal Credit Union Headquarters, and Village at Sandhill.

Headquartered in Columbia, the company has offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC, as

well as North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

M. B. Kahn is as diverse as the clients they serve across the southeast. Its range of projects include industrial, healthcare, education, institutional, commercial, and retail, as well as public waterworks.

M. B. Kahn is intently focused on the safety of its workers and construction sites, logging more

101 Flintlake Road Columbia, SC 29223 (803) 736-2950 www.mbkahn.com

than 4 million accident-free man-hours over the last five years. According to Daniel Wessinger, Corporate Safety Manager, “a safe work environment doesn’t just happen. It requires close attention and open communication from top management down.” The company’s dedication to safety shows in numerous repeat awards from organizations such as SC Chamber of Commerce; SC LLR; AGC America; and others.

Over the years the company has continued to grow by relying on its core values: integrity, honesty, hard work, and quality. According to company president, Bill Neely, “A quality project, on schedule, and within budget is every Owners’ expectation! It’s our goal to empathize with our Owners – putting ourselves in their shoes – to understand their needs and to meet or exceed their expectations.”

In 2017 clients, employees, and communities will help the company celebrate its history and its future.

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Wheeler & Wheeler

“Wheeler & Wheeler is a family, two generations committed to the Midlands.”

- Zack Wheeler

Jeff Wheeler (left) and his son, Zack Wheeler

Wheeler & Wheeler combining experience with innovation

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olumbia real estate partnership Wheeler & Wheeler combines superior residential brokerage services with investment in undervalued properties.

The partnership started in 2009 with the addition of Zack Wheeler to the company that his father, well-known Columbia executive Jeff Wheeler, headed: Coldwell Banker United Realtors.

Zack Wheeler was recognized as Rookie of the Year in 2009 at Coldwell Banker. Over the past seven years Zack has achieved the Circle of Excellence with the Central Carolinas Realtors Association as well as the International Sterling Society with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

As Wheeler developed his residential brokerage business, he began to find properties with investment potential. With the senior Wheeler’s retirement in 2011, Wheeler & Wheeler has evolved into a full partnership focused on quality brokerage and high potential redevelopment opportunities.

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Wheeler & Wheeler’s most ambitious project has been the acquisition of the historic Fannie McCants Elementary School in Earlewood Park, which had been largely vacant since it failed as a townhome project in 2008. Wheeler & Wheeler expects to complete renovations on the project by the summer of 2017. It has also completed the

(803) 360-0772

www.WheelerandWheelerHome.com

2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

acquisition, renovation and leasing of a historic building on Lady Street, the acquisition and renovation of a home in Shandon, as well as the acquisition of a lot on Edisto Beach where the company is constructing a home for sale.

While Wheeler & Wheeler is grounded in the experience of the past, it is not bound to the past. At 31, Zack Wheeler has brought a new technological focus to marketing through a variety of social media tools.

Wheeler & Wheeler’s association with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage allows it to provide the customer service of a boutique firm while taking advantage of the resources and the power of an international brand, Wheeler said. “We can provide superior service to individual buyers and sellers while providing strong analytics on bank-owned properties.”

Wheeler hopes to grow the business with a focus on Columbia’s downtown area and continue to be a part of the city’s future. “I want to stay focused on the Midlands both personally and professionally,” he said.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport

“There’s no such thing as a small investment to an airline. They measure things in millions.”

- Anthony Gilmer, air service and marketing manager

Enplanements — people boarding — reached 559,253 at Columbia Metropolitan Airport in 2016. Arrivals nearly double that number.

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Columbia Metropolitan Airport landing more flights, bigger planes

olumbia Metropolitan Airport has a proud history and a bright future.

More flights on bigger planes are a clear indication of growth at the regional airport, a much busier place than many people might realize.

“We like to tell people not to overlook us,” says Anthony Gilmer, air service and marketing manager at the facility that came to life as Lexington County Airport and soon after hosted Army Air Force Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle as he prepared his raid over Tokyo in 1942.

Only 59 employees work directly for the airport, but many times that number of jobs are supported by the airlines themselves, UPS and FedEx, and the two fixed-base operators who use the airport.

“We have a lot more traffic than you might think,” Gilmer says. An average of 140 operations (takeoffs and landings) a day occur here, including about 30 commercial flights. Five years of steady growth saw enplanements reach 559,253 in 2016.

That’s people boarding. Arrivals nearly double that number.

Non-stop flights now go to Atlanta, Charlotte, New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston and both airports in Washington, D.C. Delta and American command nearly 85 percent of that traffic, and Gilmer says it’s encouraging to

125 Summer Lake Drive West Columbia, SC 29170 (803) 822-5000 www.columbiaairport.com

see airlines adding more flights and bigger planes here.

“People have tended to associate us with the 50-seat regional jets, but that reality is changing.

Delta, for instance, is using a lot of 110-seat and 150-seat mainline aircraft here now,” Gilmer says.

He also says that while Greenville and Charleston are typically seen as Columbia Metropolitan Airport’s main competitors, it’s really Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

More good news there: Charlotte captured 48 percent of Columbia’s primary market in 2012, compared with 44 percent for Columbia. By 2015, that flipped to 53 percent for Columbia and only 36 percent for Charlotte.

“Passengers are responding to what we have to offer, and so are the airlines. It’s extremely positive to get a new flight or a larger airplane. That’s a strong sign of confidence,” Gilmer says. “There’s no such thing as a small investment to an airline.

They measure things in millions.”

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Cox Industries

“We offer the best building material warranty in the industry, it’s transferable from one owner to the next, can be used to differentiate our dealers and can be given by the builder at closing.”

- Keith Harris, vice president of marketing

A deck built by Cox Industries on a house in Elgin, SC.

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Cox Industries enhances warranty program for residential customers

ox Industries, known for more than 60 years for providing quality, reliable wood products, is stepping up its warranty program for residential customers, says Keith Harris, vice president of marketing.

The Cox Premium Warranty Program covers DuraPine wood in decks and railings for 20 years, if installed and maintained properly. It protects against damage from rot and decay and covers costs from materials to cleanup. The warranty can be transferred from the original owner to subsequent owners.

“We offer the best building material warranty in the industry, it’s transferable from one owner to the next, can be used to differentiate our dealers and can be given by the builder at closing,” Harris says.

The Cox Premium Warranty Program is in contrast to competitors, where the trend has been to weaken warranties for wood products as regulations have changed, Harris says. Always in the forefront in research and development, Cox has confidence in the quality and durability of its products.

Quality has been synonymous with the

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Cox name since the company began in 1954.

Cox Industries is an innovation leader in the manufacturing of wood products for the residential, utility and marine markets. Headquartered in Orangeburg, the family-owned company partners with chemical suppliers to produce a wide range of treated wood solutions.

Cox has 14 manufacturing facilities and dozens of distribution yards to serve customers across the country. The company can quickly meet needs for its products, even when an area is crippled by

860 Cannon Bridge Road Orangeburg, SC 29115 (803) 534-7467 www.coxwood.com

2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

natural disaster.

To promote proper installation of its products, Cox provides best practices brochures and videos to educate contractors.

“New product and service innovation is the way we build the Cox brand”, Harris says.

On the industrial side, Cox is the largest U.S.owned utility pole manufacturer. “With more than 150 million wood poles in service in the U.S., several million utility poles are replaced every year,” Harris says.

Since its founding, the company has been dedicated to serving the community. Founder W.B. “Bill” Cox built his business on personal relationships with employees and customers. Now in his 90s, he can be found weekly cooking and serving at the First Baptist Soup Kitchen. Cox Industries donates more than $700,000 each year to national and local charities, schools and youth sports teams.

In 2016, Cox Industries was honored with the Best of Philanthropy Award by Central Carolina Community Foundation.

Colite

“Our global partner network and project management capabilities really set us apart from our competition.”

- Marty Brown, CEO

Brothers Peter Brown (eft) and Marty Brown.

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Colite continues growth as high-tech global signmaker

olite International has roots back to 1947 and an impact that spans the globe in the form of signage. The company serves a broad range of industries including the corporate, retail, hospitality, and health care sectors. They work with some of the world’s most-recognizable brands including Microsoft, Apple, American Airlines, Holiday Inn and more.

The second-generation family owned company provides full-service signage programs through its network of manufacturing and installation partners in 85 countries. To date, Colite has completed projects in over 130 nations.

“Our global partner network and project management capabilities really set us apart from our competition,” said Marty Brown, CEO. “Having the ability to direct a client’s large signage program across continents from a single point of contact—managing everything from permitting to installation in different countries, languages and currencies—saves our clients an invaluable amount of time, resources, and money.”

Signage in the form of corporate identity

programs has come a long way since ads were painted on the sides of barns. Driven by a passion to understand and meet client needs, Colite is now expanding its role as a leader in deploying exterior and interior signage by adding cloud services that allow clients to control and monitor thousands of signs at any time from anywhere in the world.

The company is also focused on providing renewable energy and lighting solutions to meet the needs of environmentally conscious

5 Technology Circle Columbia, SC 29203 (803) 926-7926 www.colite.com

clients. Colite sells a hybrid lighting system that incorporates solar and wind power to produce a reliable, off-grid option for a multitude of applications. Additionally, the company has begun to offer LED retrofitting service, allowing customers to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their lighting functionality.

Proudly local, Colite’s client list also includes the University of South Carolina and Lexington Medical Center among other Midlands organizations. The company has seen steady growth since it became Colite International in 1992, and since 2012 has been recognized annually as one of the Top 100 privately owned companies in South Carolina by the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.

“Our growth and success can be attributed to our culture and our team,” said Peter Brown, Colite President. The company employees 125 people, many of whom have been with the firm for more than a decade. That continuity and commitment forms the infrastructure, the heart, of an operation built to last.

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DoubleTree by Hilton

“One of the distinguishing factors is the significant amount of meeting space we can offer. This advantage makes DoubleTree the hotel of choice for those planning large gatherings and events.”

- Erin Barbaro, director of sales and marketing

Rick Dorman, General Manager, (left) and Erin Barbaro, Director of Sales

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DoubleTree by Hilton offers unique accommodations, first-class event space

full-service hotel just minutes from anywhere in Columbia, the DoubleTree

by Hilton offers one of the area’s largest event venues, with nearly 23,000 square feet of flexible space.

The hotel’s 10,400-square-foot ballroom is the largest hotel ballroom in Columbia and hosts many exceptional events, such as Taste of Lake Murray, with a tented area connecting the ballroom to food trucks in the parking lot. It is also the hotel of choice for those planning business conferences, networking events, galas, bridal shows and sports team banquets.

And while the guest rooms and event space are top-notch, the DoubleTree by Hilton also works hard at adding the human touch to travel, starting with a warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival.

The team members are dedicated to Creating a Rewarding Experience (CARE) for guests, other team members and the community.

“Our staff is fantastic,” says Erin Barbaro, director of sales and marketing. “Our service is at the highest level. We receive compliments daily.”

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The hotel, adjacent to Interstate 20 and convenient to the Statehouse and the University of South Carolina, was purchased in August 2016 by TT&C of Charlotte. It is managed by HP Hotels.

All 237 rooms on five floors offer sophisticated décor and custom-designed beds, plus flat-screen TVs and free wi-fi. Suites with separate living areas are popular with business people who work in Columbia for short stays. The hotel has a restaurant,

2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 731-0300

www.columbiasouthcarolina.doubletree.com

2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement

bar and lounge, outdoor pool and a great fitness center, Barbaro says. An important amenity for all hotel guests is the complimentary parking, with 800 spaces available.

The DoubleTree by Hilton is an award-winning hotel. Recently, it was named “Medium Employer of the Year” by the Columbia Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

DoubleTree by Hilton is a fast-growing global collection of more than 500 upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across six continents. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels receive instant benefits, including an exclusive member discount. Digital amenities such as digital check-in with room selection are available through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app.

The Columbia hotel will begin undergoing renovations in the summer, from public spaces to guest rooms to meeting space. “We will be doing it in phases to minimize impact on guests,” Barbaro says.

Special Advertising Supplement | 2017 Profiles in Business

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2017 Profiles in B usiness | Special Advertising Supplement