Dave Miller
Superior Services
36 Persimmon St #202,
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 682-2665
gotosuperior.com
What services does your business provide?
Whole-house service solutions, AC repair, plumbing, electrical, and much more.
What is your motto in business?
Do what you say you are going to do, deliver superior results, and the customer is always right.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
My dad is my most important mentor. Although painful as a teenager, he taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. One example from my youth that I remember to this day was when I took his boat out for a “joy ride” and got stuck on a sandbar. When I called him to let him know I had “borrowed” his boat, he made me dig the boat out to bring it home. I’ll never forget being out in the hot sun for a couple of hours digging that thing out. It was painful but taught me a great lesson of perseverance and hard work to accomplish a goal.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
During the heat of summer, I don’t. But I make up for it during the cooler months. When I am with my young family, I try my best to be present.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Honestly, my favorite thing to do in my down time is try and figure out how to be better at what we do as a company. I love what I do, so when I do have down time, I love to make it better so we can deliver Superior results.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Never give up; your will to be the best at what you do is a muscle. The more you work a “never quit” attitude, the stronger it gets.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Kenneth Scott Builders is one company I continue to enjoy working with. They consistently deliver on their promises. In the crazy past couple of years, I have noticed their commitment to clearly set expectations and deliver on them.
Jim Bannon
Bannon Law Group, LLC
10 Westbury Parkway, Unit A
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 815-4505
bannonlawgroup.com
What services does your business provide?
Criminal defense and real estate closings.
What is your motto in business?
Serving our community and neighbors.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
I’m going to flip this and say the most support I have had in every step is my wife and law partner, Meredith Bannon. We have only achieved what we have by being in the trenches together.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
We mix it all together. Our daughter comes in and helps around the office, and we take phone calls on the soccer field. We want our clients to know we have them covered regardless of the time and location.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Root for Penn State football. “We Are.”
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Go for it. Don’t let fear or a million reasons stop you. It’s a fun ride.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Love FARM. Brandon Carter is a culinary genius who recognizes it in others.
Tim and TJ Ferguson
May River Home Services
Bluffton: (843) 836-3000
Hilton Head: (843) 681-2350
www.mayriverhomeservices.com
What services does your business provide?
Heating and air conditioning (service, replacement, indoor air quality, new construction/remodel and inspection agreements)
What is your motto in business?
Tim: For our family to provide service to your family with the utmost integrity.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
Tim: My father was my most important mentor. He taught me that your word and doing what you say you are going to do can bring you success in business as well as in life.
TJ: My father and both of my grandfathers. They taught me to work hard every day and to always tell the truth first—then you don’t need to remember a lie.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Tim: I am lucky that I get to work with my family. My wife Dana and son TJ help carry our workload. We talk “shop” around the dinner table, but it is what we enjoy.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Tim: I love the outdoors and anything related to that! I am very fond of boating, and the salt air helps remove my stress.
TJ: I enjoy this place we call home—being on the river and spending time with family as much as possible.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Tim: Don’t ever stop learning. Listen to everyone and apply when/where necessary.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Tim: Favorite? I’m not sure as I know many business owners. I try to surround myself with people who have the same thought process.
Dennis Jaworski and Chuck Hall
Palmettoes
71 Lighthouse Rd.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 363-6800
What services does your business provide?
Palmettoes is a boutique shop located in the Shops at Sea Pines Center carrying a well-curated collection of apparel, shoes and accessories for both women and men. We buy it…we show it…we sell it…we sew it.
What is your motto in business?
Palmettoes business creed is, “Make a friend; if you make a sale, that’s gravy.” It’s all about relationships.
Who was the most important mentor you had, and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
My first boss in this business, back when I was a student at MSU, showed me the need to relinquish power and create a true team—encourage “ownership qualities” with the entire staff.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Juggling family and business is easy for me because my coworkers are my “family.” I’ve been a widower for 17 years, and my children are scattered across the country with their careers and families.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
My favorite thing to do when outside the shop is spending time with friends for drinks and dinner and Sunday Fundays at the beach.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
The most important advice I could offer to any new entrepreneur is simply to celebrate victories and learn from failures.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Brent Ferne, owner of C’est Bon Coffee & Pastries just across the way from Palmettoes. He is also an onsite owner, working to develop a loyal following and baking and preparing menu items for his clients.
Larry Baker
ESPY Lumber
147 Arrow Rd.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-3821
3785 Argent Blvd.
Ridgeland, SC 29936
(843) 379-5000
espylumber.com
What services do you provide?
We are a local lumber supplier with experts who can assist you with millwork, siding, roofing, decking, construction supplies and engineered wood products.
What is your motto in business?
“Never take criticism from someone you don’t respect.”
Who was the most important mentor you had, and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
Al Ameer was a great mentor to me. He taught me to direct, delegate and disappear. Let your employees grow with guidance, be helpful, and then get out of their way.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I enjoy fishing and hunting. Also, as an Air Force veteran, I volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans Beaufort Chapter 12 organization.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Always have a plan, and never give up. If you fail at something, you learn and gain valuable experience.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
I have been a customer of G&J Equipment Rental for nearly 16 years. They take great care of their customers, and they are very trustworthy! I won’t go anywhere else. The owner, Gahagan Patterson is a stand up guy and is always helping the community. I’m happy to call him, my friend!
Chris Shoemaker
May River Excursions
81 Calhoun Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 304-2878
mayriverexcursions.com
What services does your business provide?
Fishing, and river and water taxi excursions
What is your motto in business?
I try to work hard and be productive every day.
Who was the most important mentor you had, and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
My dad has been my biggest mentor and supporter. Nothing comes easy, and he’s always there when I need him. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
That’s extremely tough, but your family and friends have to understand your business and the sacrifices you have to make sometimes.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
My advice to new entrepreneurs is to find something you enjoy doing and go for it!
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
I am always impressed by Hudson’s—their commitment to fresh, local seafood and how they cater to both tourists and locals.
Nunzio Patruno
Nunzio Restaurant + Bar
18 New Orleans Road
(843) 715-2172
www.nunziohhi.com
What services does your business provide?
We provide the best of dining out experience in an Italian restaurant outside of Italy. We have created a restaurant where guests get away from it all, enjoying warm hospitality, authentic Italian cuisine, and gracious service. Guests enjoy dining in our various indoor and outdoor dining spaces and ambiences. One of my favorite spaces is our beautiful and vibrant bar, perfect for apps & drinks, dinner, or just cocktails. Finally, Nunzio HHI is also perfect for private dining, especially for those “little big parties,” offering a venue for one’s most important events. If you cannot make it into the restaurant, the takeaway menu is great for families and fast meal pickups. It is always a pleasure to serve our guests coming from far away and living here on Hilton Head Island and in the Lowcountry.
What is your motto in business?
Never take your eye off the prize no matter the challenges you encounter.
Who was the most important mentor you had, and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
Chef Angelo Consoli, my chef instructor of the culinary school in Bari, Italy that is now named after him. He taught me to strive for perfection; a disciplined strong work ethic; and respect for the culinary sciences and profession. He ignited the passion I possess as the chef and business owner I am today.
How do you juggle family time running a business?
Commitment to a true partnership is essential in understanding the challenges of running a business and family. My spouse, Maribel, and I work very hard to have that work/life balance. We are very fortunate to have succeeded in raising two adults who are bright, self-realized, and loving people. This is what is important in life.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I enjoy traveling, gardening, and winemaking. I also like discovering new restaurants to enjoy with my wife or simply going to the movies.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Try to understand the market; follow your gut instincts; and do not get distracted by outside influences. At the end of the day, you can only count on your own strength and ability to succeed.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
I give a shout-out to my dear friend Lance Aulffo, the Door Doctor. He is a true craftsman with a passion for perfection. In his line of work, he does not cut corners. He tediously takes the time and step-by-step process to achieve the result he had in mind—thus, a beautiful product to be admired. In some way, I do the same.
Jeff Hunt
Jeff Hunt & Associates
Dunes Real Estate
Jeffh.dunesrealestate.com
(843) 422-1111
(843) 422-5933
What services does your business provide?
We help people buy and sell real estate.
What is your motto in business?
To stay 100 percent customer centered. I have always been resolution oriented. In real estate or any business, it is paramount to always be solving problems and objections while helping your clients achieve their goals and aspirations. Focusing on my client’s needs and concerns and working with them in more of a partnership helps ensure that we accomplish the goal whether it is a financial goal or an emotional goal. By homing in on what the client truly wants to accomplish, it is easier for everyone involved to achieve their goals. By not selling real estate and being more of an advisor, I am able to help my clients buy real estate; or in the case of selling, I am able to put clients on a track to the next chapter of their life by not selling their home but helping them solve problems, therefore resulting in the sale of their home. Focusing on your clients will help you to build a business, not just make a sale.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
One person stands out of the many people who have influenced me: my uncle, Dr. James Clapp. His calm demeanor and positive outlook impacted me in a way I truly cannot explain. He grew up not having a lot, yet once he became a successful doctor, he always treated people, and even me as a child, with dignity and respect. His example of how to treat others and handle adversity helped me believe in my abilities and understand what is truly important. He helped me see that just because my situation was one way it did not have to stay like that and that I had options and they were all up to me. He helped me understand I had choices, as few as they may have been, choices that could change the course of my life. So, while he did not mentor me directly, his actions and encouraging words got me here today. Whatever success personally or in business I may have enjoyed over the years started with him. Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it. Positive reactions provide positive results. Thanks, Uncle Jim!
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Anyone in real estate knows this can be very challenging. In this business, you must be there for your clients when they need you. I am fortunate that I have a great client base and a very understanding wife. The key is to put down time on the calendar; it helps to block out time for any task, including family time
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
We really enjoy the water, so taking the boat out and having lunch at Palmetto Bluff is always fun. Also, I like traveling and seeing different places. We have been very fortunate to see some great places. It is also nice to just hang out with friends and relax.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Be prepared. There are opportunities in every market and every industry. Whatever your business, you must provide value. For example, in real estate, a lot of agents just sell property. But if you look at the truly successful agents, you will notice that the longevity and sales volume is consistent, not because they sell a lot, but because they are providing a service that has value and meaning to their clients. Focus on others and help them succeed, and you will find that you are succeeding as well.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
The Bluffton Room is one of my favorites. In these times of inconsistency, The Bluffton Room always knocks it out of the park—not just with great food, but the service and friendly nature of the staff is the best. It is hard to get in, so make reservations. It is worth it for sure!
Paul Horgan (New Head of School as of July 1, 2022)
Hilton Head Preparatory School
8 Fox Grape Road
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
www.hhprep.org
What services does your business provide?
Private school, educating students from JK-12th grade
What is your motto in business?
The mission of the school is for 100 percent of the students. Every child is important, every day.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did the teach you that’s helped you be successful?
The mentor I credit with being the most influential in my career is former Dean of Admissions at The College of William and Mary, Gary Ripple. Gary saw potential in me before I saw it in myself, and he encouraged me to aspire to greater leadership opportunities. More importantly, in the midst of the pressures of day-to-day operations, he helped me stay centered on the constant pursuit of service to children and helping them achieve their potential. A man of great integrity and wisdom, Gary has been a constant in my career for over 20 years, helping me serve schools and the children who depend on them.
How do you juggle family time with running a school?
For many years, family has been synonymous with school as both of my children attended my previous school and my wife Becky was a teacher there. The juggle of home life and work life is one that requires planning and prioritizing time. I believe as a school leader that it is important to model this for those I serve. I know that everybody who works in schools such as Hilton Head Prep works very hard in their jobs, but family is the foundation upon which happy people are built. There have been many times when other people’s children have taken priority over my own, but being diligent about striking the right balance has worked for me.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little down time?
When I have down time, I enjoy time with my family. Whether it is traveling together, coaching their teams, or simply prioritizing time together at the dinner table, it has been my greatest joy. In terms of hobbies, I am an avid fisherman and surfer, always happy to be near the ocean.
Advice for new teachers entering the profession for the first time?
I always remind new teachers that they have entered into a joyful profession where they have incredible opportunities to impact the lives of young people in positive ways. I tell them to avoid toxic people and to remember that every child is important. The hardest children to teach may be the ones upon whom they have the greatest positive impact. I remind them to be serious, but not to take themselves too seriously. They should prepare well for every day, seek advice from mentors, know that some days won’t go well and that the best teachers learn from mistakes and adapt.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Shout-out to Hillary Dollenberg of Dollenberg Properties and Rob Hattler of Pavilion Construction. These two teamed up to help find my family our new home in a competitive market—Hillary as the expert Hilton Head Realtor and Rob as general contractor to renovate the property we found. Hillary was smart, savvy, discerning and focused on my family during the process of finding a home. Rob has been attentive, committed, and focused on our vision for the home as he has undertaken a complete renovation over the last four months.
Thomas M. Dowling
Alliance Global Partners
1000 William Hilton Pkwy Suite C5, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 715-2239
tdowling@allianceg.com
What services does your business provide?
We help successful business owners and families make good decisions with their wealth so they can take care of the ones they love, the causes they care about and make a difference in the lives of those around them.
What is your motto in business?
We believe you can create and maintain a simple and elegant financial life. We also believe you can do it faster and with less effort than you ever thought possible.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
Unfortunately, I have not had a mentor but wish I did. I wish I had that earlier in my career. That’s why I enjoy helping people when they need it.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
It’s a partnership with my wife. With effective communication, it’s amazing what you can get done.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I enjoy coaching and watching my sons in their sporting activities.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Find someone you respect who owns a business and learn from them by asking as many questions as possible. Then, when your business becomes successful, do the same thing for someone else. Being an entrepreneur is not easy, but it is very rewarding.
John Mallett
State Farm Insurance
15 Mallett Way
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 815-4888
johnmallett.com
John Mallett has long been known and respected as a “good neighbor,” working with State Farm since 1971, starting in Newark, Ohio in the regional office. In 1976, he was promoted to the regional office in Jacksonville, Fla. as underwriting superintendent for the Southeastern region. He then became a local agent on Hilton Head Island in 1983. In 2000, he built a new office in Sheridan Park in Bluffton. He is proud of his experienced and knowledgeable staff, most of whom have been with him for more than 20 years.
His office provides auto, home, renters and life insurance. “We specialize in reviewing clients’ insurance programs and providing personalized solutions,” he said. “We feel our role in being a good neighbor means providing service that is prompt, accurate, friendly and cost effective.
Sean Ryan
Wild Birds Unlimited
Festival Centre, 45 Pembroke Dr.
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 802-2010
hiltonhead.wbu.com.
What services does your business provide?
We specialize in bringing people and nature together through the hobby of backyard bird feeding, nature products and local expert advice.
What is your motto in business?
Do the right thing. Each transaction, each interaction, every single day, make sure you do the right thing. Sometimes that choice leads to a less optimal result for you personally, but the investment in the business and the reputation will pay off in the long run.
Who was the most important mentor you had, and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
I worked for Lance for seven years across two different corporations. Good communication takes investment from both sides to make it happen. Listening to others and understanding their needs has helped me ensure that we are both successful.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Juggling for me seems to be a professional skill. Between four teenagers, a house full of cats and puppies, and my businesses, I tend to have lots of balls in the air. My secret to success is hiring great people. The team in Hilton Head led by Mark is an absolute treasure. Their hard work and enthusiasm for the business and our customers delivers an exceptional experience while allowing me to focus on other things.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Given my usual pace of things, my first response is a nap. However, once decently rested, I enjoy seeing movies in the theater, following Notre Dame football, and reading action and thriller novels.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
It will sound a little silly but take care of your customer. Be genuine in your approach. The positive interactions you build will snowball over time and lead you to greater success.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
I have fallen in love with Giuseppi’s Pizza. My youngest and I enjoy a three-course meal every time we visit: garlic dough dippers as an appetizer, pizza as the main meal, followed by cannoli for dessert. I’m pretty sure it’s the best pizza I have ever had, and their service and the experience are outstanding!
Coley Davis, Travers Davis & William Voelkel
Hilton Head Insurance & Brokerage
1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite J-13
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 252-0840
hiltonheadinsuranceandbrokerage.com
Coley Davis is local to the Lowcountry. He is a graduate of Bluffton High School and Clemson University. He is an avid golfer and outdoorsman. When he is not working, he loves to spend his free time hunting and fishing. He started working for Hilton Head Insurance & Brokerage in 2017.
Travers Davis grew up in the Lowcountry. He attended Hilton Head Christian Academy and the College of Charleston. After graduating, he went directly to the insurance business. He has been in the business over 10 years. Travers began working for Hilton Head Insurance and Brokerage in November 2018. When not working Travers loves the outdoors and spending time with his wife Holly. They are eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child this month.
William Voelkel moved to Hilton Head Island in 2010 from Florida. As the newest member of the team, he comes with a long history of customer service as a GM in the retail industry for over 13 years with brands such as Under Armour, Michael Kors, and, most recently, Old Navy. William and his wife Joy have been married for over 21 years and have three children. When not in the office, William enjoys the beach, running, cycling, and traveling.
Will Coley
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Palmetto
in Old Town, Bluffton and Shelter Cove, HHI
(843) 757-9663
woofgangpalmetto.com
What services do you provide?
We offer our clients pet grooming salon and spa services as well as nutritional consultations. Our stores carry the absolute best in pet care products in every department whether it be the bakery, apothecary, market, or boutique. We also do a great deal of special ordering, usually for regional faves of Lowcountry newcomers. Delivery will be launching soon as well as a slew of new services we can’t wait to offer our clients.
What is your motto in business?
Pets and their people over profit. I find when we prioritize the first two, the third always follows.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
My father Ron Coley, without a doubt. It’s too hard to pick just one lesson he’s taught me. I think the important thing is that he didn’t just tell me how to be, he modeled it for me in his own actions and behavior. That’s the kind of man I want to be with my team at work and children at home. You get better results from everyone when you’re showing, not telling.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
My wife Jaime and I are business partners, so we share the duties both at work and at home with our three kids. Just like my business motto stated above, I prioritize people and their pets. Sometimes those people are my family and our own beloved pets. I never regret putting my family first.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Get outdoors and move my body. The where and how change, but nature and exercise are the key to maintaining a healthy balance in life.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Just be nice—that is to say, learn to regulate your emotions. It’s going to be the most valuable weapon in your arsenal. So much of the business world champions aggression and ruthlessness, but you can achieve more (and enjoy it more) when you keep things positive. True strength comes with being in control of yourself, not others.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Russo’s Fresh Seafood on Red Cedar Road. Owners Charles and Cammie are two of the hardest working individuals I’ve ever met, and it shows in their success. They never waiver in their quality, whether it be in the sourcing of their seafood, the people they employ, the time-consuming procedures they utilize, or the insanely expensive equipment they use.
James R. Canham
Southern Smiles
15 Lafayette Place Suite E,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 686-5526
www.southernsmiles.net
What services does your business provide?
General dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery (extractions/wisdom teeth removal), cosmetic dentistry (crowns/veneers), endodontics (root canal therapy), orthodontics (braces), 3-D imaging, ZOOM whitening, sedation dentistry, same-day crowns.
What is your motto in business?
Where precision, service and technology create beautiful smiles!
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
I have been fortunate enough to have had many mentors in my life who have helped in furthering my education in dentistry. There is one particular dentist out of Wichita, Kansas who taught me oral surgery and implant surgery 15 years ago. He also introduced me to 3-D imaging and lasers to help with diagnosis and treatment. I was an early adopter of these modalities.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Fortunately, I have an amazing team at Southern Smiles Dentistry who work very hard to ensure that I have plenty of quality time to spend with my family.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I really enjoy spending time outdoors, playing golf and spending time on the beach with my family and friends.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Seek out mentors, hire exceptional employees, and work harder than your competition.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Custom Audio Video. They offer top-of-the-line products, do a phenomenal job, and have very knowledgeable staff.
Steve Fisher
Floors To Go By High Tide
123 Mathews Dr,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-4925
hiltonheadisland.floorstogo.com
What is your motto in business?
The customer is always right. We offer a lifetime warranty with our products.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
I would have to say that my mentor was Lou Perella. He was the old owner of Louis Sterling Floorcoverings, and I worked for him as an installer. He was an incredible business owner who took care of his customers, and I watched and learned how he ran his business.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Making time for your family is just simply something you have to do, and I always find time for my family.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
My advice to new business owners is to work hard and be honest, and success will follow.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I love to spend time with my beautiful wife, Bonnie. We love old cars and enjoy traveling to shows.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
I would like to give a shout-out to two of my favorite local establishments. Fat Baby’s and The Smokehouse. Pete Bernstein and “E-Z,” long-time locals, have worked to create consistent food and a fun environment, making Fat Baby’s a great staple on the island. The Smokehouse, owned by Jerry Leonard, used to be a small “dive” on Pope Ave. and now has been rebuilt into a big and beautiful restaurant on Palmetto Bay Road. Jerry has worked hard, and I respect how much he has grown his business. All these guys started out on the island as simple bartenders and are now successful business owners.
Scott Odom
Sir Grout of the Lowcountry
(843) 640-5544
www.sirgroutlowcountry.com
What services does your business provide?
Travertine, marble and limestone refinishing/polishing/sealing as well as grout color sealing.
What is your motto in business?
Show up on time, set a proper expectation and try to exceed that. And always treat the customer with kindness and respect.
Who was the most important mentor you had, and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
This might be the easiest question ever for me to answer. My now-retired business partner Barry Raduta. I went to school to be certified in stone restoration many years ago, but no one taught me more than Barry. We were business partners for many years until he retired a couple years back. We did everything together from estimates to the actual work, and we had a great time doing it. When we did estimates, it wasn’t just educational to the customer; it was a bit entertaining as well with our back-and-forth banter. I miss him every day. Barry taught me many different methods of stone restoration that we use every day.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
I have a very supportive wife, Kathy, who also handles our accounting. And our daughters are older now which allows me the flexibility to effectively manage the business. So, there’s really not a lot of juggling going on. I have learned that I don’t need to do estimates until 6 o’clock five days a week. Up until three or four months ago, I was getting home at 7 o’clock every evening, but now I’m usually home by 4:30 p.m. and on my dock by 5:00.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
My golf buddies and I play at our club every Saturday morning. That’s always the highlight of my week. And my wife and I are out on the boat once or twice a weekend. You will very seldom find me sitting inside my house; we are usually out on the dock.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Show up when you say you are going to show up. If you have a 9:30 a.m. appointment to look at a project, you should be there at 9:30 a.m. If you’re running 10 or 15 minutes behind, communicate that to the customer. If you don’t show respect for their time, they’re probably not going to show you that either. And remember what you do every day might be routine to you, but it might be the first time the customer is ever hearing about it. Explain the process of what you’re doing. Details matter. And remember there is never a traffic jam on that extra mile. Go above and beyond to the best of your ability for that customer. And if there’s a particular area you are going to fall short in, explain why to the customer. They appreciate that. If they have a good experience, they’re probably going to tell a few people. If they have a bad experience, they’re probably going to tell everyone.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Peter Bentley, Five Star Painting of Hilton Head. They did all the interior painting in our home in Bluffton. Peter was very thorough during the estimate and even helped a couple days on the actual project when extra help was needed. A business owner who will roll up his or her sleeves when needed always has my respect.
Mark Creamer
Palatial Homes Design, LLC.
145 Island Dr.,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 342-3311
www.palatial-homes.com
What is your motto in business?
Find any way to make the customer happy and create quality they appreciate. Always listen to your client, do the best job possible, and give them the “wow factor.”
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful.
I’ve had so many mentors in my life, and I call them my “10-second moments” of meeting people that sometimes don’t even know that they’ve changed your life. In business, my wife Cindy is very sharp and intuitive and makes me think of things that I probably wouldn’t have thought about before. Frank Nero, Vice President of Bristol-Myers Squibb, was like a father figure to me and he gave me a strong sense of what is right and wrong in business. And, of course, my dad gave me the discipline of doing things the right way and not having to do it twice.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
It’s all about balance and making time for the people who are important to you. You can’t work nonstop seven days a week and expect your family to be happy. It’s important to enjoy the fruits of your labor with them.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Believe it or not, when there is downtime, I can be on my excavator or on my skid steer leveling a property and be as happy as I am on my boat. It’s something that you don’t have to think as much about, but it allows you to be in the moment. I don’t want to say that it’s mindless, but it’s not as consuming. When you’re doing what I do every single day, there are so many people calling, so many thoughts going on, trying to keep up with every single project, it’s nice to occasionally have some time to just do one simple thing and be present.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Find mentors in your life that you can relate to and who can elevate your thoughts to attain the goals you want.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
That’s a tough one! I’m surrounded by such great people and so many of them are successful. And I work with some of the best business partners. I don’t think it’s fair for me to call out a favorite.
Bob Engler
Budget Blinds of Hilton Head Island
11 Sheridan Park Circle Ste. 2,
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 837-4060
budgetblinds.com/hiltonheadisland/
What services does your business provide?
Our Company offers custom window coverings. We specialize in blinds, shades, plantation shutters, and automated window coverings.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car?
I am usually thinking about either how can I get better at golf or what we need to do to improve our business. These are two things that seem to require constant thought and effort!
What is one thing you didn’t know when you became an entrepreneur that you wish you had known?
I guess I wish I had known about all the responsibilities that come along with being an entrepreneur. There are a lot of things you learn and need to know… but at the same time, how much fun and exciting things would be.
What is one of your mottos in life?
There is no such thing as a free lunch.
To what do you attribute your success?
I attribute my success to never giving up and willingness to do whatever it takes. I also attribute success to the support and motivation from my wife and kids. When we started out, I left a job I was very comfortable with. To make the leap with a wife, two-year-old, and two-month-old was very motivating—to provide for them as well as wanting to make them proud.
William Cubbage
IBP Savannah
(912) 963-1923
www.ibpsavannah.com
What services does your business provide?
We offer spray foam insulation, blown/batt insulation, and exterior coatings.
What is your motto in business?
Be someone your customers can trust. Especially in a small community, your customers are also your neighbors and your friends. Being successful at one of these usually means you’re successful with the other.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
There are too many to name, but they all embodied the same message: Don’t take on more than you can successfully deliver.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Prioritize the time when I have it. Whether it’s 30 minutes before work or just before bedtime, I try to be in the moment with the boys as much as I can.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Pool or beach with the boys and Ashley. We are very fortunate to live in such an amazing place like the Lowcountry.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Establish quality over quantity.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
The Sugaree. Thanks for keeping me fed. Best breakfast sandwich in town!
Joe O’Rourke V
Joe’s Ice Cream & Beverage Co.
15 Bruin Road
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 707-9514
www.joesicecreambeaverage.com
What services does your business provide?
Happiness.
What is your motto in business?
I have a few of them, but “DBAFF” (Don’t Be A F—king Fan) is a good one! It helps me take the “emotional” element out of tough business decisions.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
My parents. They taught me skills and values that cannot be taught in a classroom. How you determine “success” is up to you.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
You don’t, but you do the best you can. (I’m not proud, but it’s the truth.)
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I do not get much downtime, but I love to travel.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Be original. Then ask yourself: How much are you willing to give up to be successful?
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
I hate this question. I have had an opportunity to meet and have many amazing conversations with local business owners, but here we go. I’m very proud of Lindsey Spears of Paintings N’ Stuff. A local artist, her business is growing because she works extraordinarily hard and does not make excuses. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her grow, personally and in business. Spartina 449—The nicest and kindest leadership core that you can work with! (We work together often.) They too, work extremely hard. You see a theme?
Matt Longwell
Sweetgrass Custom Outdoor Kitchens
Beaufort, SC
(843) 441-0231
matt@sweetgrasscustomoutdoorkitchens.com
sweetgrasscustomoutdoorkitchens.com
What services does your business provide?
We design and build outdoor kitchens and living spaces.
What is your motto in business?
“You are only limited by your own imagination.”
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
My father. He taught me that unlimited vision and success comes with hard work ethic; your employees will only work as hard as you do; and treat everyone you meet like a customer or best friend.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
We all work in it together. Our backyard is our retreat and example of how hard work pays off.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I enjoy cooking in our outdoor kitchen and swimming in the pool with our dogs. My wife is an avid pickleball player.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Never send a call to voicemail, even after hours. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated; even your worst enemy can become your best friend.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
For the most part, we learn from watching other business owners—what not to do and how to treat your customers.
Alex Haynes
Genesis Construction Company, LLC.
33 Boundary Street
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-8220 (office)
genesis-construction.com
What services do you offer?
General Contractor/Custom Home Builder
What is your motto in business?
“Building to a higher standard.” It’s important for our company to always raise the bar in the building industry.
Who was the most important mentor you had, and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
My previous boss, Joe Fraser, for all the opportunities starting off in my career. Also, Bill Mischler (our founder) for teaching me how to be successful. I wouldn’t be where am I today if not for them.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
I have a lot of help with very talented and dedicated employees.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Family boat day and neighborhood golfcart ride.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Don’t stress out about the things you cannot control. Become a problem solver.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Rick Patel. Rick is a client and has become a good friend. He has a big heart and gives back to the community all the time. He’s always striving for more!
Dr. Charles Nivens
Dr. Charles Nivens, M.D Spine Medicine
3 Plantation Park Dr Suite A
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 705-7471
www.nivensspine.com
What is your motto in business?
The motto of my business is to work hard every day. We strive to treat every patient with kindness and the respect they deserve. Most importantly, we strive to provide the best care and treatment for each of our patients.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
Dr. George Thurmond, an ear nose and throat physician that I worked for during my undergraduate at Augusta College. He became my surrogate father. As I worked for him, I noted that he worked very hard but always devoted as much time for home life and family as possible. He was also very involved in the running of the business, at all times, in every aspect.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
We spend most of our time off during the week and weekends with family. Our social life is mainly our family life.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
My passion when I am not working is writing. What originally began as a catharsis has progressed into a true love and passion. This past year, I successfully published my first novel, The Little Girl, which is an autobiographical book. I am honored to acknowledge that this book has already won two awards. I am currently working on my next book that will be a fictional thriller.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Be prepared to work hard every day. Do the best job you can every day, and you will be successful.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
My favorite local business is the Butcher’s Market and Deli. The owners, Jay and Diane are fabulous people who always have a positive attitude and run a successful business at the same time.
For information about The Little Girl or to purchase a copy, visit https://www.tfmann.com.
James Dismond
Hospice Care of the Lowcountry
7 Plantation Park Drive
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-2296
hospicecarelc.org
What services does your organization provide?
Hospice Care of the Lowcountry is an independent, community-based, non-profit organization, serving Beaufort and Jasper counties for almost 40 years. It was established to give comfort and honor dignity for end of life patients and their families through compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual care, regardless of their financial circumstances.
“Our philosophy of care is as much about living well as it is about experiencing end of life in a manner that is dignified, compassionate and as stress-free as possible.” We help our valued patients and their families experience the fullness and dignity they deserve, even as they face the anxieties associated with the end of life.
What is your motto in business?
The motto that I go by is: “Own your vision and push your boundaries.” It is important to know your vision, not just for your career but for the business you are leading or working within. It is also just as important to continue to push your own personal boundaries, to challenge yourself, creating growth opportunities.
How do you juggle family time with running an organization?
Work/life balance can be extremely difficult when you are in a key leadership position. I make sure to be as organized as possible; I live by my online Outlook calendar. It’s important to me to have a hard stopping point each day so I can be home at a decent hour to have time with my family. After all, the reason I work so hard is to provide for and spend quality time with the ones I love most.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I like to think I am a chill guy. When I have down time, I usually like to be on an adventure with my partner Shawn and my son Byron. If I am not doing that, you will find me winding down on the sofa, streaming a binge-worthy television show.
Advice for anyone looking to make a difference?
My advice to anyone who wants to make a difference would be to align your talents with your passion to make a successful impact. Remember, making a difference can be simple tasks such as being kind, volunteering to read a book to children, donating items, and so much more. Also, do your research, and see if there is an organization that is already doing what you had in mind; rather than duplicating the service, join forces with the established organization making a difference.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
One of my favorite local businesses is Bluffton Candles, owned and operated by Leo & Angie Evangelista. Bluffton Candles’ slogan is “The Heart of the Lowcountry,” and that’s exactly why they are my favorite business. Leo and Angie embody the very reasons why I love living in the Lowcountry: they treat every customer like their family, and their product quality is in a league of its own.
Michael E. Frazier
R.S. Andrews Services of South Carolina
39 Persimmon St Suite 602
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-5090
gorsandrews.com
What services does the business provide?
R.S Andrews is a full-service heating, cooling and plumbing business, serving residential and commercial customers. R.S Andrews has been in business since 1968.
What is your motto in business?
“We Deliver Smiles” is the R.S. Andrews motto, and we work hard to deliver those smiles to all our customers every time. We are dedicated to providing residential and commercial air conditioning, heating, and plumbing services to those in the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire areas.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
My father was the best mentor, hands down. He led by example in all aspects of life. He taught my brother and me how to win on the baseball field and succeed. I never knew how many life lessons he was teaching us until I became an adult. Looking back, he was himself and kept his word while treating everyone with respect. I try and carry this every day in business and life!
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Our business never stops and finding family time is sometimes challenging. At R.S. Andrews, we have the best staff, working together so we can all get some balance at home and work. It also takes support at home, and I have the best! I love what I do, so coming to work is easy for me. I am very proud to represent the R.S. Andrews brand for our owners in Atlanta.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I love to fish the waterways here in the Lowcountry. Being on the water is so peaceful, and the beauty is second to none. Every day brings something new and never gets old. I also enjoy playing golf, and most important, I love family trips with our dogs to North Carolina and Florida.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
I want to give a shout out to Unisource Mortgage Services, Inc. Bill and Cheryl Fletcher lead by example at work and in life while giving back to our community in many ways. I also want to give a shout out to Chris Haro, Keller Williams Realty. His attention to detail and knowledge shows throughout your buying or selling process.
Earl Nightingale
Celeste Coastal Cuisine, Roadhouse Ribs
What services does your business provide?
Full-service restaurants.
What is your motto in business?
Do it well; never accept mediocrity, as you will lower the expectations of the entire organization.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
John Orr, Hyatt Hotels. He was tough on me at a time I needed it—taught me discipline and honor.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
It’s a family business, so we are all involved and see each other every day … fun.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Do home repairs… I find this relaxing.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Stay the course. Too many give up too soon. You have to be passionate about your trade. If it’s all about money, you’ll burn out. Do something you love.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
The Lowrey Group: Pierce and Bonnie Lowrey. They did it right and set the bar high. We miss Old Fort Pub.
Alex Nightingale
ELA’s, The Pearl, Celeste,
What is your motto in business?
Quality over quantity.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
Going to sound corny, but my dad, Earl Nightingale. He has always been the hardest working person I know and still is.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
You have to put family first—no other way to do it…. I also have to give praise to my staff; we all look out for each other
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Honestly, as long as I am around my wife Abbey and kids, Raegan (nine) and Maddox (six), I don’t really care what we are doing.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Find something you love, put your head down and grind!
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Ashley Romine, Athletes Mechanic. Physical therapy that focuses on getting you back on your routine and not back in their office. They truly care about their patients.
John Wasem
ELA’S on The Water, Celeste Coastal Cuisine
What is your motto in business?
If you work hard and pay close attention to the details, you will most likely see results you are looking for.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
Earl Nightingale, and I’m really not kissing up! I’ve never met anyone in my entire life with the work ethic that he possesses, and I’m very fortunate to have learned from his example.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Like Alex, I have two young kids (Elle, eight and Ian, six), so it can be difficult during the busy season. But luckily we try to schedule ourselves so that we can still spend quality time together. Family comes first!
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I really enjoy hanging with the family at home more than anything, but I also golf and play music.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Make a list of goals, put your head down, and never let up. Goals can always be adjusted, but that doesn’t mean you are settling for mediocrity.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Harold’s Diner. I love everything about it!
Burt Sky & Carl Hess
Peaceful Henry’s
181 Bluffton Rd,
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 757-0557
www.peacefulhenrys.com
I began my professional career in high-tech designing, developing, and implementing major software systems for global companies. During the 1990s, I was based in Paris as a consultant for Tandem, Compaq, and Hewlett Packard, servicing Europe, Japan, China, and Australia.
I fell in love with cigars, making it a point to visit cigar stores in every country and city. After 23 years on the road, I decided to retire and involve myself in a business where I could find passion, fun, and personal fulfillment. The cigar industry seemed like a great fit.
I found Peaceful Henry’s while visiting Bluffton. The previous owner was ready to retire. My exact words to him: “Don’t close; let me buy the business.” I purchased Peaceful Henry’s on February 28, 2012.
Carl Hess, holding over 30 years’ experience in the cigar industry, from NYC to Bluffton, S.C. joined Peaceful Henry’s over 7 years ago. Carl was mentored by cigar industry legend Alfons Mayer. Whether you are a cigar enthusiast or new to the lifestyle, Carl will share his knowledge, expertise and passion with you. I invite you to take your palate on a journey through premium cigars. It will be “time beautifully filled.”
After multiple expansions and remodels, Peaceful Henry’s has become a destination for folks throughout the Lowcountry and the U.S., premiering an extensive selection of cigars, full smoking lounge and bar, and some of the best food in Bluffton. Peaceful Henry’s is your place to enjoy life.
Bubba Flanders
May River Pressure Washing, LLC
(843) 415-6545
(843) 802-3632
mayriverpressurewashing.com
What is your motto in business?
Always aim to do the next right thing. The good will come back to you. A motto our family lives by as well.
Who is the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
My father worked hard his whole life and instilled it in me. He taught me how to be my own boss and showed me I can have anything if I put the work in.
How do you juggle family time while running a business?
It’s a family business! We all have a part. My wife is accountant and marketing, and we work very well together. And the babies are our motivation. When I get home, it’s straight to daddy mode.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
We love to bring the babies down to the Alljoy Beach. It’s where I grew up, and it’s our neighborhood. It’s beautiful, quiet, and private. The view is the best part.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Andrea and Nick Bergelt, owners of Healthy Habit and childhood friends of ours. They inspire us with their hard work and dedication. They see what the community needs and give them what they want. And they set an example: don’t stop once you reach the top, showing us there is so much more, and we are ready for it.
Dr. Michael Campbell Sr., Dr. Michael Campbell Jr., Dr. Kevin Campbell
Optical Solutions
Hilton Head North End
Hospital Center Commons
10 Hospital Center Commons, Ste 100
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 681-6682
Hilton Head Mid-Island -Shelter Cove
50 Shelter Cove Ln., Ste. G
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
(843) 785-8008
Bluffton- Old Town Bluffton
27 Dr. Mellichamp Dr. Ste 100
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 706-0607
drmichaelcampbell.com
What is your motto in business?
Michael Campbell Sr.: I always try to listen and think before I react to a patient’s question or condition. I want to make every patient feel comfortable and know that they have been listened to at every visit.
Michael Campbell Jr.: Giving the best health care possible and treating all patients like one of my family members. Kevin Campbell: To make patients feel as comfortable as possible with the proper education regarding their diagnosis.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful.
MCSr.: My father was the most important person in my life. He worked 24/7 but always seemed to make it to my events when they occurred.
MCJr.: My mother and father have given me many tools in life to strive to be the best in everything I have tried to accomplish. I have been lucky to have amazing high school teachers (shout out Dr Gray) and college professors in my life.
KC: I have so many people to thank who impacted me on this journey, but obviously the easy answer is my father. His hard work and dedication to his patients has given me a foundation on which I hope to grow.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
MCSr.: Time management is key to making a business run. You must plan your schedule daily and strategically, but in this business, expect emergencies to happen.
MCJr.: Being recently married, I am still trying to figure this one out…. Chloe, I will figure it out.
KC: The harder you work during your workday, the more you get done. This allows for more family time after hours and keeps me from bringing work into the home.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
MCSr.: Spending time on the water or watching baseball and more baseball.
MCJr.: I love to hop on the golf cart with my wife, and we love being outside.
KC: Being outside, whether that is on the water with friends/family or exercising.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
MCSr.: My advice to new business owners/managers is to always be ready to work harder than anyone around you.
MCJr.: Don’t be scared, and work hard for your dreams. Go for it.
KC: I am a new entrepreneur! All advice is welcome.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
MCSr.: I give a shout-out to the SERG Group because I am always amazed by how well their different locations perform year in and year out.
MCJr.: I would like to give a shout-out to Grant Taylor who owns Peddling Pelican bike rentals in Sea Pines. He works non-stop, giving up all his holidays to provide rental services to the tourists.
KC: Eric Overstake, “E-Z” at Fat Baby’s Pizza is crushing it! His genuine care for his employees and work ethic make that place what it is.
Kevin Sevier
State Farm Agency
301 Buckwalter Pl Blvd,
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 837-2886
What is your motto in business?
I borrow part of the mission statement from State Farm, and that is to help people recover from the unexpected. My team and I work diligently each day to make sure our customers understand their insurance needs and where risks or gaps in coverage may come up. I don’t know that there is a way to possibly be prepared for every disaster or accident that comes your way, but we want to educate our customers so they understand how their insurance policies work for them.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful.
My father in law, Troy Herndon, is probably the most important mentor I have had in business. He taught me to always take care of your customer. He had a way of empathizing with a customer after a loss like no other, working with employees as they adapt to business model changes, or just communing with friends. He empowered his team to make decisions, and he always backed them on those decisions, even when he may have thought there was a different way to handle a situation. He was always a competitive person in business, but he believed if you aren’t moving forward in business, you are moving backwards. Jokingly, there wasn’t a stranger that he ever met; we literally could be traveling across the country, and we always ran in to someone Troy knew. He is retired now and enjoying the years of hard work, but I still enjoy grabbing lunch with him to talk about business.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Early on, juggling business and family time was more difficult. I wasn’t ready to let go of some of the responsibilities at the office. As time has gone by, I have been lucky to surround myself with a great team, and they allow me the time I need to get away from the office. I can take those family trips without worrying about what will happen at the office. I can take an afternoon off to spend time in the woods or on the boat with my family. My family would probably say that my phone is never far away, even when I’m on vacation, but they understand it is hard to let go sometimes.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I enjoy boating with my family or shooting sporting clays with my sons. Growing up with my brother and my dad, we always did the same. I have always enjoyed the outdoors, so shooting sports and being on the water always figured into the equation.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Don’t lose focus of where you want to be. Continue to keep that your focus even when you feel like you are hitting your head against a wall every day. Business plans will have to change to adapt to what is going on in the economy or in our community. COVID hurt a lot of business owners, so make sure you have a plan B for when the disaster hits, and I promise it will. Have a backup plan for how you will continue to provide for your family and your employees. The most successful business owners aren’t necessarily great because plan A worked; it’s because they were willing to adapt and come up with a plan B (or C).
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Shout out to Jared Stromer with Stromer Plumbing. He started working in a small family-owned plumbing business after his time in the Marine Corps, but he had a mindset to grow this business to something larger. He always makes times for his daughters and his wife Nichole. He is grounded, humble, generous, and an astute businessman. I always hear people talk about someone being willing to give you the shirt off their back; this is Jared. He has a mindset for taking care of his customers and his employees today, and he is always planning for tomorrow in his business. He has a great business model to emulate, and we should all strive to be the family man that he is for his girls.
Tino Villani
Mosquito Hunters of Savannah-Hilton Head
(843) 301-1159
mosquitohunters.com/hilton-head-sc
What services does your business provide?
We provide effective and responsible control of outdoor pests, especially those that bite, including mosquitos, no see-ums, fleas, and ticks. Our service is ongoing and comprehensive in that once we initiate, we will continue to treat at regular intervals to ensure that the pest population remains below annoying levels. If at any time between services there is an uptick in pest activity, we will be there, same day, to re-treat at no cost, no questions. Our goal is to ensure the most consistent and effective outdoor pest control possible.
What is your motto in business?
Take Back Your Yard!
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful?
I have been fortunate to have many inspirational mentors over my long career. All have added immeasurably to my successes. One of my most treasured mentors is a close friend and business associate who taught me something that I have made a part of everything I do with Mosquito Hunters. He taught me that every successful business is nothing more than a series of successful relationships. Treat every person as an individual as important as your business itself and they will respond with love and loyalty.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Running this business is family time for me. After years of traveling the world in my prior career in health care and missing so much family time, I came out of retirement to build a local business with my son. Nothing occupies your time and attention like your own business; operating one with your family takes “family time” to a whole new level.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
Like most folks who relocate to this area, I love to golf and fish. Living close to the water, I can go fishing on a whim without a whole lot of preparation or planning. I like that. I also love doing things with my dog, Rudy. Every day is a training day for him, so when I have a little extra time, he’s always ready for an adventure.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Faith and focus are your two most important friends. Have faith in yourself and stay focused on your business. Things don’t always happen the way we plan them, and often we have to remember that it’s better to grow slowly than stand still. But if you retain faith and focus, you will succeed.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
There are lots of brave folks here who walked away from familiar surroundings to make a go of things in Hilton Head and are amazingly successful. If I had to pick one, which is completely arbitrary, I’ll give a shout-out to Cash Mullen of Freedom Boat Club. Cash took an okay business and, in a few years, turned it into a great business. He is definitely focused and believes in himself. I continue to wish him success in achieving all that he wants from his business.
Michael Saba
Artisan Custom Homes – Hilton Head, LLC
67 Cemetery Road
Hilton Head, SC 29926
(843) 501-9730
artisanhiltonhead.com
What services does your business provide?
We design and build new custom homes.
What is your motto in business?
Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Be the best new home builder and builder of choice for the clients, contractors, governments, and communities where we work.
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful.
I owe my parents for giving me the life skills to succeed and learn. My most important professional mentor was my boss and VP in my early years in the business. He taught me the technical side of home building and, as important, the behavioral skills of total commitment, hard work, integrity and fighting hard for the client and the company. The amount of time working was never as important as the quality of the time exerted.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
My wife Jill and I run the business together with the help of our VPC, quality assurance manager and designer, so our work is actually part of our family. We love what we do, and it never seems to impede our time together. After a long successful career with National Home Builders, reaching the level of division president, I decided in 2017 it was time for our next chapter and to go out on my own and form Artisan Custom Homes – Hilton Head. My dream since I graduated from SMU (where I met Jill) was to build custom homes on the beach. We’re at the beach; we have the knowledge, and we will only build 4-5 homes at any given time to ensure the highest standards of Artisan Homes.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I enjoy golfing, boating and traveling with my family and friends and spending time with our English Cream Golden Retrievers, Jockamo and Pebbles. We like to experience great destinations, food, wine, and new experiences. Live well, love much, laugh often, and give thanks to God for every new day, as every day is a holiday.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Have a plan! Dream it, visualize it, and never give up on your goals. Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity. Work really hard, treat people well and fairly, be organized, honest and prepared, the opportunities are all around us in this great state and nation.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
Tammy and Munjid Yousif own Olive & Fig Restaurant in Bluffton, S.C. They are the most caring, decent, hardest working, most unselfish couple I know. As a first generation Lebanese American, we go there whenever we need some “home cooking!” Their commitment to high quality, service and attention in their business and to their family, faith and friends in their lives really stands out.
John Paull
Innovative Concrete Coatings
3147 Argent Blvd Suite 4,
Ridgeland, SC 29936
(843) 295-1391
innovativeconcretesc@gmail.com
innovativeconcretecoatings.com
What services does your business provide?
We are a full-service concrete floor coating contractor, specializing in durable polyurea coatings.
What is your motto in business?
We make concrete beautiful!
Who was the most important mentor you had and what did they teach you that’s helped you be successful.
The truth is that I have never had a mentor but what I have had is a collective and combined group of successful people cross my path over the years. Individual’s as well as my parents were generous with their time and advice which helped me get to where I am today. These people guided me by answering tough questions and giving me honest feedback when needed. The support I’ve received from family and close friends has been immeasurable and greatly appreciated. Becoming a member of local Business chapters and associations has also helped open many doors that probably would not have been available if I had not joined them.
How do you juggle family time with running a business?
Originally born and raised in Michigan, most of my family still resides there. My wife and I both stay very busy but try to work in leisure time when we can. Evenings sometimes run late, but for the most part, dinner together is important time to catch up on the day’s events. Long weekend camping trips once a month in our fifth wheel are something we both find pleasure in and try to make happen. Boating, short rides on the motorcycle, and spending time cooking out with friends and my wife’s daughter and mother are all part of keeping us happy and refreshed. The schedule is tight, but somehow we manage to work it all in.
What is your favorite thing to do when you get a little downtime?
I’m currently in the process of building my ’67 Fastback Mustang.
Advice for new entrepreneurs?
Find something you love and believe in, and you will find your success.
Give a shout-out to one of your favorite local businesses/business owners and tell us what you think they are doing right.
The R Bar—a sports bar and restaurant in the Lowcountry. Shout out to Brandon, Tanya, Benny, & Brittney. The owners, who are also personal friends, have always had a clear vision and determination about what they wanted. The R Bar, in my opinion, is the best sports bar in the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton area. Amazing food with a great atmosphere has captured the hearts of not only the local people but those who visit our beautiful cities and islands.
