GSA Book of Experts 2010

THE BUSINESS JOURNAL FOR GREENVILLE, SPARTANBURG & ANDERSON

EXPERTS 20

Sponsored by

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BOOK OF EXPERTS from the publisher

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pstate South Carolina’s diverse manufacturing and distribution businesses clustered along Interstate 85, and the region’s other transportation arteries, are a rich source of jobs and business for suppliers and service providers. But, living here, it’s easy to get used to seeing them day after day and the facilities themselves can become invisible to us as we go about our daily lives.

It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish between all of the knowledge and expertise it takes to not only operate these facilities, but to nurture and grow the businesses and people who make up the support systems for our major employers and form the dynamic economic clusters that have blossomed here.

The Book of Experts is a forum for such businesses and business people to stand out from the crowd. We created a vehicle in which some of these business people can offer our readers a small sample of the knowledge they offer to this burgeoning business community. The narrative format of the Book of Experts allows these advertisers to demonstrate their knowledge of topics that are sometimes a bit too complex for the usual display advertising format.

In addition, we feel the advice given in each of the pages delivers value to you, our reader, as you search for information that can help you make wise decisions for your business and personal life.

I’ve enjoyed reading the information contained in the Book of Experts and I cordially invite you to do the same.

Sincerely, Lisa Jones, Publisher GSA Business is published bi-weekly by Upstate Business News LLC. Annual subscription rate is $49.95. Copyright ©2010 with all rights reserved.

Reproduction of all or any editorial or graphic content is prohibited. Opinions expressed in guest columns or letters to the editor are those of the authors and not necessarily those of GSA Business. Bulk postage paid at Greenville Post Office. GSA Business reserves the right to reject or edit any submitted material. The Publisher reserves the right to accept or refuse any advertising.

Publisher - Lisa Jones ljones@scbiznews.com Editor - James T. Hammond jhammond@scbiznews.com Managing Editor - Francis B. Allgood fallgood@scbiznews.com Staff Writer - Scott Miller smiller@scbiznews.com Production Manager/Art Director S. Kevin Greene kgreene@scbiznews.com Sales Manager - Salley Tyler styler@scbiznews.com Account Executive - Pam Edmonds pedmonds@scbiznews.com Marketing Coordinator Elizabeth Feather efeather@gsabusiness.com Office Manager - Vickie Deadmon vdeadmon@scbiznews.com Circulation Manager - Kathy Allen kallen@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3113 Circulation Assistant - Kim McManus kmcmanus@scbiznews.com • 843.849.3116 Contributing Writer - Lydia Dishman

South Carolina’s Media Engine for Economic Growth

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

© 2010 Upstate Business News LLC Special Advertising Supplement | Book of Experts 2010 | GSA Business

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ABOUT OUR SPONSORS

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s one of the top commercial real estate brokerage firms in the Upstate, we are proud to sponsor the GSA Book of Experts. Our team of award-winning brokers can assist with office, retail, and industrial properties, land, development, and investment opportunities. We are passionate about what we do and it shows in our ability to build engaging partnerships with our clients. The Bentley Commercial real estate brokerage firm encourages you to use this guide of experts as your map to growing business in the Upstate of South Carolina.

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or generations, we have watched the Upstate of South Carolina grow significantly. Although we have all endured economic trials and tribulations over the past few years, we at Greenwood Capital Associates are optimistic that we will see continued growth throughout the region over the next several years.

With the advice and resources provided by the professionals throughout this Book of Experts, each of us can enhance our business and expand even further. We are proud to be a sponsor of the Book of Experts and hope that you will find it a useful asset, as well.

f eatur ed e xperts A.T. Locke.................................................4

Greenwood Capital...............................14

Advanced Business Equipment.............10

Morrill Technology Group......................6

Bentley Commercial LLC.......................12

New Horizons of South Carolina............9

Bentley Commercial LLC.......................13

The Palmetto Bank . ...............................3

Capstone Insurance Services...................8

Pinnacle Staffing.....................................7

Giraffe Web.............................................5

Venture Aviation...................................11

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GSA Business | Book of Experts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT THE PALMETTO BANK

Randall Traynham, Vice President.

I’m Healthy. Why Do I Need a Health Savings Account?

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ith healthcare costs and insurance premiums on the rise, wouldn’t it be nice to set aside a stash of money to help pay for future medical expenses? And, even better, to do so while earning interest on that money and saving income taxes at the same time? That’s well within reach, says Randall Traynham, vice president, Corporate Services officer for The Palmetto Bank, all you have to do is open a health savings account.

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are a vehicle for people in high deductible health care plans to accumulate funds tax-free for medical expenses. For simplicity, many people elect to make contributions through regular payroll deductions via their employer, some of whom provide matching funds to what the employee sets aside.

HSAs can be used to pay co-pays at doctor visits, medical equipment,

prescription drugs, and even everyday items such as bandages and over-the-counter medicine at the drugstore. “HSA monies can be used to cover not only your own medical expenses, but also those of a spouse or dependent children,” Traynham explains.

Traynham points out that The Palmetto Bank offers HSAs that don’t charge a maintenance fee like many insurance companies.

At The Palmetto Bank, HSAs also earn interest like a typical savings account. “You also get a debit card, so if you need to pay for a doctor visit or procedure, just swipe your card,” he explains.

When you open an HSA with The Palmetto Bank, you’ll also enjoy the personal service and convenience that comes with banking at a local bank, Traynham says. To open an HSA with The Palmetto Bank, your

HSA experts, call 1-800-PAL-BANK to speak with a local telephone banking representative.

AT A G L A N C E Local Community Bank

Founded in 1906 Assets

Currently $1.4 billion Branches

29 branches throughout the Upstate and York County Phone:

1-800-PAL-BANK Web site: www.palmettobank.com

Special Advertising Supplement | Book of Experts 2010 | GSA Business

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ACCOUNTING A.T. LOCKE

Anna Locke, Owner.

What You Don’t Know About Securing Financial Data Could Hurt Your Business

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rivacy and security. We all want our personal information to be safe from prying eyes and potential fraud, but what about our businesses? “Any organization, whether private or public, needs to know who is handling what data,” explains Anna Locke, owner of A.T. LOCKE. “Inappropriate use of data, especially a company’s financial information, is as much of a concern as identity theft or credit fraud.”

A company’s financial data may be in more hands than a business owner realizes.“It’s not just a case of protecting passwords,” Locke says.

Vendors, especially those connected with payroll, IT, and insurance, all have reason to access financial documents. “Accounting staff may have access to employee wages, while creditors and insurance agents can see revenue information for general 4

liability purposes,” Locke says. Does the information they receive pertain solely to the information they need?

It’s important to put several lines of defense in place to control who sees and uses that information, Locke advises. Top level managers and other employees should have access only if it applies to their job.

If a vendor or employee relationship is terminated, Locke cautions business owners to change access codes immediately.

Specifically, Locke recommends determining which documents contain sensitive information and converting them to protected PDF files marked for designated audiences. The person who handles financial reporting should establish consistency in communicating this information.

Locke says such consistency leads to security. “At A.T. LOCKE, we es-

GSA Business | Book of Experts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement

tablish a routine for reporting. Any breach in security or validity will be caught very quickly because the process itself highlights exceptions.”

For small businesses, this is especially important, Locke says.“We like to think of our services as insurance for the owner - especially for those owners with only one employee handling financial data. A.T. LOCKE gives an added layer of protection.”

AT A G L A N C E Year Founded

2008 Top Local Executive

Anna Locke Phone:

(864) 908-3062 Web site: www.atlocke.com

WEB DESIGN GIRAFFE WEB

Judy Benedict, Owner.

Why Your Web Developer Should Stay Committed To Your Business

J

udy Benedict has seen web developers go from extremely personalized service to turning their clients loose on new sites right after they launch. “The trend now is to use a content management system and let the client update the web site,” says the owner of Giraffe Web. Though some businesses prefer to handle changes to content on their own, Benedict points out many small companies don’t have the staff or resources to make it happen. “It’s not as easy as it looks and it needs to be completed in a timely manner,” she explains. For any web site or online presence, not making changes rapidly can result in lost sales, or missed connections.

It is important to make certain that your web company can be responsive to tackle updates.

But it doesn’t end with mak-

ing changes. Benedict points out that when she’s designing a site, she’s coding everything to make it search engine friendly to increase web traffic. Likewise, all the changes to her clients’ sites are done with search engine optimization in mind. “It helps every aspect of the business by increasing their presence, sales, even helping with fundraising,” she says.

Benedict says another pitfall encountered by non-professional site administrators is that they often don’t know how to keep their web presence secure from hackers. “If you don’t stay on top of security updates your website has a chance of being hacked.”

At Giraffe Web, says Benedict, clients have her continued commitment to handle any changes and updates. Security is maintained because even template sites are tested

on Benedict’s secure server before going live. If they must edit sections themselves, Benedict offers special log in sections to handle those within the business.“We always stay with our clients as long as they need us.”

AT A G L A N C E Primary Product or Service

Web Site Development Client Web sites Avg. Unique Visits/month

50,000+ Sites Launched per Year

50+ Year Founded

1999 Phone:

(864) 232-6363 Web site: www.GiraffeWeb.net

Special Advertising Supplement | Book of Experts 2010 | GSA Business

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INTERNET MARKETING Morrill Technology Group

Is Your Web Site Really Working for You?

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usiness owners take note: 85 percent of people who visit your company’s web site found it through a search engine.

And if that potential customer can’t find you? “They’re likely to go to your competitor’s site,” says Heidi Harner Morrill, consulting analyst with Morrill Technology Group.

Morrill’s been in the business of designing and optimizing web sites since 1995 when the Internet was brand new. While she understands that it is necessary to create a web presence that is both visually compelling and user-friendly, Morrill says many business owners overlook the importance of optimizing their content and site code for search engines – something most web designers overlook.

“Web designers don’t always have time to keep up with the latest information on search engine optimization (SEO),”explains Morrill. Developing a site is a creative process, as opposed to the technically-driven, data-intensive

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SEO. “It’s a combination of art and science,” Morrill notes, that without an expert could result in a web site’s failure to attract search engines.

Morrill points out that while owners may know their businesses inside-out, people searching for specific products or services may not use the same words to find them.

“You need to be able to translate your company’s offerings into the language most people are using.”

She also cautions businesses against relying on content management systems that allow for updates without optimizing those changes for searches. “Morrill Technology Group offers ongoing maintenance checks for search rankings,” she says. Those not only gauge a business’ visibility, but also show how their competitors rank. By making such changes as updating key words, Morrill says a site can be grabbed more easily by search engines – and put that business in front of more potential customers.

GSA Business | Book of Experts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement

Search algorithms change constantly, according to Morrill, and those who try to game the system could get their site banned from the likes of Google and Bing. “Morrill Technology Group has the experience and expertise to provide exemplary optimization services, especially in competitive markets.”

AT A G L A N C E Primary Product

Internet Marketing – Search Engine Optimization Top Local Executive

Heidi Harner Morrill Year Founded

2008 Phone:

(864) 335-9393 Web site: www.MorrillTech.com

STAFFING

It’s Our Business To Know Your Business

Phone: (864) 297- 4212 Web site: www.pinnaclestaffing.com

PINNACLE STAFFING

David Ballinger, President.

Imagine…A Competitive Work Force

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hat’s the most important thing a business needs to compete in today’s global marketplace? Flexibility. According to David Ballinger, president of Pinnacle Staffing, “Companies need to be able to turn on a dime, be lean, and focused on their core competencies,” to stand out and stay profitable.

Maintaining a competitive edge does come at a cost says Ballinger, and the greatest financial impact of flexibility is in the work force.

Ballinger believes there are ways to cut costs and still achieve greater productivity. He says that companies should start by using contract programs that deliver qualified labor for daily, seasonal, or cyclical assignments.

“The flexibility alone, of contracting enables an organization to utilize its workforce in a strategic manner, keeping them efficient and profitable in the event of any change.”

By aligning labor with demand, he explains, a business can operate more efficiently and increase its bottom line.

However, just hiring temporary staff won’t cut it. “Companies also need the ability to match the right people for the right jobs,”says Ballinger.“Pinnacle Staffing offers assessment tools that utilize the most powerful types of proven predictors through testing, evaluation and selection,”he adds.

If a company wants to achieve maximum results, Ballinger says the contract program must be managed as well. Business owners focused on growth don’t have time to deal with human resource concerns, especially with the contract work force. Pinnacle Staffing takes care of all of this for its clients. “When the contract staff is managed appropriately, a company will benefit by reducing co-employment concerns, improving the quality of hire and retention, and increase its

overall efficiency,”all of which add up to cost savings.

Ballinger maintains that Pinnacle Staffing’s labor strategies can help a company achieve an actual work force transformation. The company has been streamlining labor, blending the workload and creating ongoing cost savings for clients since 1996. “Every company wants a work force that can win, and we can help them achieve this.”

AT A G L A N C E Contract Staffing Statistics - ASA Source

2.01 million are employed every day 8.6 million are hired over the course of a year 79% work full-time, virtually the same as the rest of the work force

Special Advertising Supplement | Book of Experts 2010 | GSA Business

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INSURANCE CAPSTONE INSURANCE SERVICES

William J. Boswell III, Vice President and Jack D. Puckett, President.

What to Expect From Your Insurance Agent

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aws, lenders and prudence compel all of us to buy property and casualty insurance to protect our companies, employees, and personal assets. But how to make sense of all the choices for coverage?

Jack D. Puckett, president, Capstone Insurance Services, LLC says it helps to work with a good agent.

As an insurance agent for 26 years, Puckett knows that an agent must first demonstrate their capability.“Your insurance agent should be knowledgeable about the insurance policies they sell, and about the industry they represent,”says Puckett. They should also understand your business to be able to give you timely and accurate advice, while paying strict attention to detail.

“After all, they are custodians of your private and confidential information, not to mention your premium payments,” Puckett notes.

Next, look for an agent who works with insurance companies that are

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financially secure. “All insurance companies are not created equal.

Your agent of choice will only be as good as the insurance companies they represent,” explains Puckett.

You want to be sure that the insurance company will have enough money to live up to its future obligations when you need them. Additionally, Puckett suggests looking for competitive pricing and a provider who demonstrates prompt and fair claims handling procedures and other value added services like safety and loss control expertise.

Finally, expect your agent to communicate your way. “The great thing about being the customer is that you can expect the delivery of what you need to know, when you need to know it, delivered your way,” Puckett says, but remember, what you need to hear is not always going to be what you want to hear.

Above all, Puckett says, “There

GSA Business | Book of Experts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement

are a lot of good insurance agents, especially in Upstate South Carolina. Take advantage of the opportunity to be selective, and get what you expect.”

AT A G L A N C E Year Founded

1995 Primary Product or Service

Commercial and Personal Property & Casualty Insurance Top Local Executive

Jack D. Puckett, President CRM, ARM, CPCU, CIC, AAI

Phone:

(864) 234-8000 Web site: www.capstoneinsurance.com

computer training NEW HORIZONS of south carolina

Jeffrey H. Moses, General Manager / Owner.

Now, More than Ever – Your Employees are Your Most Important Resource

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f your company is trying to do more with less by cutting back on employee training and development, you are among the many businesses taking a “sit tight” strategy as the economy sputters.

“Tough economic times require an aggressive cost-mitigation strategy,” says Jeff Moses, owner of New Horizons Computer Learning Centers of South Carolina,“but they often come with the additional price of decreased employee productivity resulting from an unsure, distracted, and stressedout workforce.”

Moses maintains that a company’s employees are its most important resource. In order to get the most productivity from them during tough economic times, he recommends three courses of action.

Communicate - “It’s extremely important to communicate changes in the company quickly,” says Moses. Many

successful small businesses hold“town hall”style meetings with their staff regularly to notify employees of changes from a trusted source and a chance to ask questions. “Promoting good communication also promotes trust and confidence,”which helps mitigate gossip and job stress during times of major economic change, Moses adds.

Provide Training and Development – “As workers take on expanded responsibilities, it’s important for small businesses to offer some type of professional development to help employees keep up,” says Moses.

“Training programs increase job satisfaction for employees by allowing them to build new skills and assume more challenging roles.”

Even if your company cannot provide third-party training, Moses suggests hosting simple businessrelated courses. Cutting staff development completely increases the

risk of losing good employees - even in today’s job market.

Be Encouraging and Optimistic – Moses believes it’s hard to stay optimistic amid so much bad news about the economy.“Do everything you possibly can to keep morale up,” he advises. Above all, “Keep bad news in perspective and discourage speculation or rumors. If employees feel you are doing everything you can for them they will remain committed to helping your business through restless times.”

AT A G L A N C E Phone:

(864) 569-0008 Web site: www.newhorizonssc.com

Special Advertising Supplement | Book of Experts 2010 | GSA Business

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DOCUMENT SERVICES ADVANCED BUSINESS EQUIPMENT

Kevin Jackson, President.

The Future of Technology: Enhanced Security For Added Productivity

D

ocuments are the conduit for all the information carried in and out of your business, so shouldn’t you protect potentially sensitive data? Kevin Jackson, president of Advanced Business Equipment says most business owners don’t think about what their copiers and printers hold until it’s time to get a new one.“When a lease is up on that piece of equipment, you want to be sure all the data is removed,” says Jackson. Working with a reputable dealer ensures you won’t waste a minute of productivity worrying about a security breech.

With over 15 years experience in the document services industry, Jackson understands that businesses must assess risk with every decision, especially data security. “Now scanning to e-mail makes it possible to transfer information without ever leaving the facility,” explains Jack10

son, “so you want to be sure that your service provider offers the most current security technology.”

Advanced Business Equipment has strategic alliances with Konica Minolta and Canon, Jackson points out, which offer built-in hard drive 128 bit AES encryption and alphanumeric password protection that meets NASA, DOD, Air Force, and NSA standards. “Some providers charge extra for manufacturers’ data erase kits, but we offer that as part of our service.”

Jackson also points out that it’s difficult in the document management industry to get authorization to represent a major manufacturer.

“We’ve been providing advanced network office solutions for 30 years and are recognized by Konica Minolta and Canon as an elite dealer providing quality service and support.”

And Advanced Business Equipment

GSA Business | Book of Experts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement

offers its clients hands-on, in-office customized solutions.

“We look at every client as a business partner and we’ve won repeat business and referrals based on our performance. With Advanced Business Equipment, your business can count on the fact that I’m going to deliver the right product and solution at the right price for the overall best value for your business.”

AT A G L A N C E Year Founded

1981 Top Local Executive

Kevin Jackson Phone:

(864) 335-0650 Web site: www.abecarolina.com

AVIATION VENTURE AVIATION

David P. Knoblauch, Owner.

Why Chartering a Plane is Good for the Bottom Line

I

f you are like most business owners, David Knoblauch believes a lot of what you know about private jets comes from Hollywood. But the fact is, chartering a plane makes good business sense for owners of small companies, and for executives and owners of mid-sized firms, too, says the president of Venture Aviation.

“One of the most important things managers and business owners need to leverage is time. By chartering a plane, they can deal with business opportunities much faster than driving or taking commercial flights,”Knoblauch explains.

“We can fly to over 5,500 airports and get you in and out with no hassle, no traffic, and no TSA security lines,” Knoblauch points out. It can also save money as booking a commercial flight at an inconvenient time often demands paying for a hotel stay, car rental, and meals.

But Knoblauch maintains one of the best reasons to fly with a reputable charter company like Venture Aviation is safety. “We have a safety management system in-house and everything is predicated on that culture,” says Knoblauch. With procedures on everything from how the doors are closed to taxi, take-off and landing, Venture Aviation is a premier operator committed to safety. Additionally, Knoblauch says the company recently invested in a satellite weather system that allows pilots to see thousands of miles ahead.

Lately, many charter companies have been able to chop prices by hiring contractors. However, Knoblauch says safety is not inexpensive.

“Whether on a light piston twin, turbo prop, or nine passenger jet aircraft, the best safety measure is a skilled pilot,” Knoblauch adds, “Our pilots work for us.”

You can’t afford to take risks, says Knoblauch, not with people, not with productivity. “Chartering a plane isn’t all about glitz and glamour, it just makes sense for the bottom line.”

AT A G L A N C E Year Founded

1998 Primary Product or Service

FAA-licensed Executive Charter Aircraft, Sales, Management, and Maintenance Top Local Executive

David P. Knoblauch Phone:

(864) 370-2962 Web site: www.venture-aviation.com

Special Advertising Supplement | Book of Experts 2010 | GSA Business

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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BENTLEY COMMERCIAL, LLC

Deanna Hemberger

Creative Purchasing in a Down Market

D

eanna Hemberger has noticed an interesting shift in the way sellers consider their real estate assets. “In a soft economy, the primary concern of property owners is not asset appreciation. With foreclosures at a record high, the primary focus is to maintain equity and minimize negative exposure,” explains Hemberger, a broker and retail specialist with Bentley Commercial. This position requires a bit more creativity when building wealth opportunities through real estate transactions.

Traditional lenders such as banks have been greatly impacted by new Federal regulations and record defaults. Hemberger says Purchase Money Mortgages --where the property owner holds the mortgage and acts as the lender – have proven to be an excellent alternative.

“It benefits the buyer as an added lending option,” she points out.

Additionally, the transaction can 12

minimize the impact on their debt ratio and maximize their leverage.

“It allows buyers to broaden their purchasing power short term, particularly when establishing their financial profile.” With owner financing, buyers can maximize use of available cash for upfit and operating expenses by making several initial payments instead of one large down payment and a hefty mortgage.

For sellers, a Purchase Money Mortgage is equally beneficial. Sale of a property often means a lump sum gain, Hemberger notes. The savings market today yields between 1.5 and 3 percent across the board.

By financing the deal short term, sellers hold a note that can yield higher returns than a savings account. The seller minimizes their risk on the property and reduces liabilities, such as taxes and insurance, as those are transferred to the buyer.

In uncertain times, Hemberger says it is critical to think beyond the

GSA Business | Book of Experts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement

traditional methods when organizing deals. “Creative purchasing is a strategic approach which considers both the goals of the buyer and seller and creates mutually, advantageous transactions.”

AT A G L A N C E Primary Product or Service

Commercial Real Estate: Office & Retail Education

Clemson University B.S., Architectural Design MCRP, Masters in City and Regional Planning E-mail: dhemberger@bentleycommercial.com Phone:

(864) 704-1040 Web site: www.bentleycommercial.com

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BENTLEY COMMERCIAL, LLC

Richard O. Barrett

How to Maximize Industrial Property Sales and Leases in a Changing Market

E

conomic opportunities continue to make growing companies look into industrialstyle commercial properties in midsized cities like those in the Upstate.

Therefore, as the owner of an industrial property looking to lease or sell, how do you position your building as most desirable in the eyes of investors—many of whom are from outside the state and region? And as a potential tenant, how can you maximize a lease opportunity?

As a 30 year veteran of Hubbell Lighting, Richard Barrett, now a broker with Bentley Commercial, says he’s been on both sides of the table in many parts of the country. “I still have vital connections in a variety of markets, and can help you focus in on the right prospective tenants, and make suggestions on the modifications or enhancements needed to improve the property,”he says.

Barrett urges those looking to lease or sell to consider the overall appeal of both the interior and exterior of their building, taking into account landscaping, paint and debris. Inside, he suggests making sure floors are clean, electricity and plumbing maintained, and rooms, hallways, and storage areas are clear of clutter. “ I have a great appreciation for what tenants are looking for in a facility. Properties left unattended are unappealing and will deter an interested buyer or tenant.”

For prospective tenants, Barrett says whether you need a new distribution center, sales office, assembly operation, or full scale manufacturing facility, it is important to be prepared.

This market has opportunities, and with the help of a good broker, you can better negotiate with an owner willing to work to meet your needs.

Barrett says, “Bentley has a strong

industrial team in place. We all work together to be client-driven and focus on our client’s needs so that we can create the best solutions possible.”

AT A G L A N C E Primary Product or Service

Commercial real estate sales, leasing, development and property management Top Local Executives P. Randall Bentley, Kevin Bentley, Laurens Nicholson, Richard Barrett, Deanna Hemberger, James McKissick, Andy Mitchell, Tim Bright E-mail: rbarrett@bentleycommercial.com Phone:

(864) 704-1040 Web site: www.bentleycommercial.com

Special Advertising Supplement | Book of Experts 2010 | GSA Business

13

FINANCIAL SERVICES Greenwood Capital

How to Choose the Right Financial Advisor for Your Investments

I

f you think your investments are on a rollercoaster these days, it may be time to leave the bulls and bears to the experts. Walter Todd says, “There are a lot risks and it’s hard to make good investment decisions simply by looking at long tails or extreme outcomes.”

That’s why Todd, co-chief investment officer for Greenwood Capital, suggests working with a professional advisor.“Someone who understands you can help set expectations and develop a well constructed plan for reaching your financial goals,” says Todd. “There will be always changes in the market and in individual circumstances but a good advisor can adjust to those changes.”

To find a trusted advisor to help weather market fluctuations, Todd suggests getting referrals, then setting up an initial consultation.

“While there are plenty of financial

14

advisors out there, very few have the right combination of experience and interpersonal skills. You have to be comfortable,” he says.

Nothing calms a nervous investor better than a solid reputation. Todd recommends checking the potential advisor with the Financial Industry Regulation Authority before signing to work with them. A simple search on www.finra.org will reveal any past complaints filed with the SEC. Have plenty of questions ready, such as: how they work with their clients, how often you’ll meet, what type investments do they use, and what fees are associated with the services. Todd adds, “But just as important are the questions the prospective advisor asks you during that initial consultation. Are they trying to get to know your unique situation?”

“Investing, in theory, is a cut and dry, quantitative process,” says Todd,

GSA Business | Book of Experts 2010 | Special Advertising Supplement

“but it’s unquestionably emotional, especially in an uncertain economy.”

Greenwood Capital’s advisors understand this. Todd says, “You need someone who can pick up the phone when you call and explain what is happening, now more than ever.”

AT A G L A N C E Primary Product or Service

Investment Advisory Services Top Local Executive

Philip Bell, President and Chief Compliance Officer

Phone:

1-877-369-5390 Web site: www.greenwoodcapital.com

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Call your Frontier Business Consultant today at 1.866.408.9231 or visit Frontier.com © 2010 Frontier Communications Corporation.

YOUR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE EXPERTS

We are Passionate about our Business, and our Business is You. Our philosophy is that there is no substitution for getting to know someone face to face. We focus on building and maintaining relationships. Principal and Broker-in-Charge, P. Randall Bentley is proud to have been able to maintain his client base for more than 20 years.

“Our clients maintain their relationship with us because of our unwavering commitment to business and personal integrity, and our ability to not only deliver on their objectives, but exceed their expectations.”- P. Randall Bentley Our award-winning brokers specialize in the following services: INDUSTRIAL | FLEX | OFFICE | RETAIL | LAND INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Selecting a Bentley Commercial broker to represent you will save you time and energy, and allow you to focus on what’s important; your business. You can rest assured that we will find what you need and create the best leasing or purchasing situation possible.

We are confident we can meet your needs; let us exceed your expectations.

Call 864.704.1040 today Bentley Commercial, LLC/CORFAC INTERNATIONAL is one of the Upstate’s top commercial real estate brokerage firms.

to speak to one of our commercial real estate experts about your business needs.

101 W COURT STREET | SUITE A GREENVILLE, SC 29601 | BENTLEYCOMMERCIAL.COM | 864.704.1040