The SC 50 Fastest Growing Companies were honored Oct. 12, 2021,
at a recognition ceremony at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Simpsonville-based bioPURE, a microbial disinfection
company, was named No. 1.
The competition recognizes achievements of top-performing private
and publicly owned companies headquartered in South Carolina that have
contributed to the state’s economy through exceptional increases in revenues
and employment.
More than 200 representatives of businesses around the state
attended the event, which featured a keynote address by South Carolina
Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina received the South
Carolina Economic Impact Award, which recognizes companies headquartered in the
state that have produced extraordinary results.
Four companies were honored with the South Carolina Excellence in
Business Awards. Palmetto GBA, a Columbia-based provider of claims and
transaction processing, received the Employee Retention Award, while Langston
Construction Company of Piedmont took the Client Retention Award.
Also honored were South Carolina Steel of Taylors, which received
the Revenue Growth Award, and Marleylilly, an ecommerce boutique based in
Greer, which won the Philanthropy Award.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the SC Fastest Growing
Companies awards, presented by The Capital Corporation and co-sponsored by
Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly, Charleston Business
Magazine, HUB International Carolinas Insurance and Morgan Stanley|The Pebble
Group.
This year, the list was expanded from 25 to 50 businesses.
#01 bioPURE
Location:
Simpsonville
Industry:
Infection control and sanitization
Leadership:
Brandon Kinder, President and CEO
Brandon Kinder, president and CEO of bioPURE, had an aha moment
in 2013 at the World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Kinder, a 2006 graduate of The Citadel, was working in sales. He
was attending a dental show when he overheard another vendor talking about how
technology was about to revolutionize infection control.
“That comment got down in my gut and got down in my spirit, and I
never could shake it,” Kinder says now. “It was a gentleman selling some new
(product). … But that comment is what really stuck with me.”
That chance encounter led him, three years later, to create
bioPURE, a microbial disinfection company. BioPURE has found greater success in
the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic that brought germ control to the forefront of
the fight to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
While a sanitization company seems like an obvious choice in
2021, five years ago it was a tougher sell. And it was a gamble for Kinder and
his wife, who were expecting their second child at the time.
Back then, the goal was to prevent the spread of illnesses such
as flu, MRSA, and E. coli.
“We were kind of like Noah building the ark,” Kinder says. “I
started running around the Upstate of South Carolina in 2016 and 2017 telling
people that, ‘We’ve been
tricked. You need to take germs more seriously. Germs connect us all. You’re
not doing a proper job of cleaning and sanitizing.’ We’ve gotten really good at cleaning, but
we didn’t understand that there was such thing as a difference between cleaning
vs. sanitizing vs. disinfecting vs. sterilization.”
As Kinder explains it, cleaning removes organic material that
makes a surface dirty, while sterilization, the highest level of cleanliness,
kills all pathogens.
In addition to sanitization, bioPURE has an agricultural arm,
which assists growers in finding effective methods for applying fertilizer to
their crops.
BioPURE, headquartered in Simpsonville, uses electrostatic
applicators, which have long been common in agriculture and the automotive
industry, to apply the sanitization agents.
“One thing we like to say is that we use physics and chemistry,
not Jimmys and Johns. There’s nothing wrong with people … but physics and
chemistry are a lot better than Jimmys and Johns.”
The pandemic has brought a deeper awareness of germs and
cross-contamination, which has boosted Kinder’s business.
Kinder has a clear vision for the future of bioPURE.
“When we look at what the next two to five years looks like, it’s
continuing to educate people on the importance of sanitizing and disinfection,
but it’s got to be centered on education. … (Sanitization) should become
standard operating procedure in the way you operate your home, and the way that
you operate your business.”
#02 Industrial Project Innovation
Location:
Greenville
Industry:
Industrial Construction
Leadership:
Kevin Ball, President
At IPI, the company focuses on project and construction
management and building long-term relationships with its clients in more than a
dozen states.
It works globally in multiple industries, including automotive,
government, aerospace, aluminum rolling and forging, life sciences, EV
batteries, food and beverage, and consumer products.
The company in 2021 is celebrating its fifth anniversary, and
Inc. Magazine revealed that Industrial Project Innovation was No. 106 on
its annual Inc. 5000 list, the prestigious ranking of the nation’s
fastest-growing private companies.
The list represents a unique look at the most successful
companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment — its independent
small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many
other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the
Inc. 5000.
Industrial Project Innovation’s owner and president, Kevin Ball,
said, “IPI is very happy to be named in the Inc. 5000 list for the second year
in a row. We have continued to experience excellent growth even in the uncertainty
that 2020 brought. We feel very fortunate and thankful for this. We appreciate
the trust our clients have placed in us, the vendors that have supported us and
most of all for our teammates who have made this possible.”
At IPI, one of its owners is assigned to each client relationship
to support IPI’s project teams as needed for the work’s success. The company
focuses on excellent performance, eliminating waste and bureaucracy, and
building trust with its clients.
From concept to operations, IPI offers:
INITIAL PLANNING: Site option analysis, initial process/facility
concept development, selection support of program service providers, local
government relations, and initial budget and development schedule.
PROJECT PLANNING: IPI provides integrated project planning from
concept to operation, beginning at the earliest phases of a project. It sets
program targets for each project’s critical success factor, develops a project
execution plan and finalizes contracting strategy. It reviews design development,
development of project objectives, evaluates local contractor and supplier
capability, manages incentive package commitments, develops a workforce
training plan, and develops risk management strategy.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT: IPI offers complete project management
leadership including design, procurement, construction quality, and safety
services. Company officials finalize a project-execution plan, develop detailed
design documents, implement procurement plan/supplier selection, set up site
temporary facilities, begin site operations, and complete operations and
maintenance planning.
PROJECT CONTROLS: IPI says it has complete project controls
capability including estimating, scheduling, cost, risk, and change management.
PROJECT DELIVERY: IPI offers integrated project planning and
project delivery acting as construction manager or contractor with an owner’s
focus.
On its website, the company says: “We leverage our extensive
network of industry experts to seamlessly deliver your industrial construction project.
“From front-end planning to ongoing plant operations, you can
rest assured that IPI will be your trusted partner and offer support during the
entire project lifecycle. We allow you to focus on your day-to-day
responsibilities.”
#03 SteelCore Industrial, Construction and Welding Supply
Location:
Spartanburg
Industry:
Metal-working tools, equipment and supplies
Leadership:
Brandon Coates, CEO; Wayne Coates, President
SteelCore Industrial, Construction and Welding Supply began when
father and son Wayne and Brandon Coates saw an unfilled niche.
Wayne Coates, now 58, was selling nuts, bolts and other
construction products, while son Brandon, now 31, was selling welding supplies
and steel.
“But we were going after the same people, so buyers were having
to go to multiple companies to get what they needed,” SteelCore CEO Brandon
Coates said. “The idea of making it easier for buyers with a one-stop shop for
everything was enticing.”
SteelCore, the third-fastest growing private company in South Carolina,
markets an array of products, from power tools and welding gases to
construction anchors and steel. Its market isn’t limited to builders, as
customers include the military, which employs SteelCore products on aircraft
carriers, submarines and armored vehicles, and schools, which purchase face
masks and hand sanitizer.
Spartanburg-based SteelCore’s success begins and ends with
service, according to Brandon Coates.
“We take being service-oriented to a different level. We deliver
daily, while some of our competitors only deliver once a week,” he said.
“Sometimes we’ll make multiple deliveries to the same customer in a day, and we
don’t charge for delivery.”
SteelCore runs delivery trucks daily to Charleston, Charlotte and
Anderson, in addition to having a vehicle for local deliveries. But it also has
trucks available to fill emergency orders.
“Our speed and agility is very impressive,” Brandon Coates said.
SteelCore serves the Carolinas and Georgia and has 10 employees.
Started in 2013, it plans to add two additional locations.
Wayne and Brandon started SteelCore with the idea of not
repeating issues they saw in companies they’d worked for previously.
“We identified what we didn’t like about where we’d been before
and said, let’s not do that,” Brandon Coates said. “For one thing, we’ve
developed a culture where work ethic is rewarded. You can do a lot with
motivated employees.”
The pair balance each other in terms of responsibilities.
“My job is sales, and his is keeping the operation going,” Brandon
said.
SteelCore began with no inventory and an empty building, but
there was no doubt the company would be a success, Brandon Coates said.
#04 Flexspace
Charleston, SC
Todd Jessup, Principal and Founder
A storage solution provider that embraces technology and
connectivity for greater efficiency while designing solutions with an eye
toward future sustainability. Flexspace’s core competencies include design,
engineering, installation and support of high-density, automated storage
solutions across a wide range of markets and applications.
#05 Luxor Scientific,
LLC
Greenville, SC.
Ryan Flanagan, CEO
An accredited full-service clinical laboratory that provides
timely and high-quality test results, processing up to 400,000 specimens per
month to enable clinicians to diagnose, treat and monitor health conditions.
Luxor’s laboratory experience and expertise ensures that it delivers innovative
products and services with maximum value, including clinical utility, cost-effectiveness,
timeliness and reliability.
#06 Logisticus Group
Greenville, SC
Vikash Patel, President
Transportation logistics, project management and technology
company that supports projects through North and South America by employing
processes and technology solutions to deliver more predictable, controlled,
efficient and expedited projects. Logisticus believes its processes, technology
solutions, personnel and business model deliver a more predictable, controlled,
efficient and expedited project.
#07 Kelley Engineering
Piedmont, SC
Matt Kelley, President and CEO
Engineering and manufacturing company serving a broad customer
base across the Southeast. Kelley Engineering specializes in designing and
building custom automation equipment as well as providing machining and metal
fabrication services to a variety of industries including aerospace,
automotive, ceramics, injection molding, medical, packaging, tires and general
manufacturing.
#08 Adapt Forward
North Charleston, SC
Rich Bowman, CEO
Professional services consulting firm focused on cybersecurity
and related technical solutions. Adapt Forward specializes in Defensive and
Offensive cyber capabilities. It strives to rewrite the rulebook on how cyber
defense and incident response is done with a blend of offense to validate our
defense.
#09 Blue Sky Specialty Pharmacy
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Curt Nesbitt, CEO
www.blueskyspecialtypharmacy.com
Blue Sky Specialty Pharmacy uses technology to enhance the
pharmacy experience. Patients are better informed, better supported and more
empowered; doctors and staff are released from administrative burdens; and
payers and manufacturers benefit from knowledge of improved client care,
increased confidence in regulatory adherence and compliance, and improved
health outcomes.
#10 Catch Talent, LLC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Christina Lock, CEO and Founder
High-touch recruiting agency offering a full range of flexible
solutions, including direct-placement hiring, recruitment-process outsourcing,
contract and contract-to-hire models. Catch Talent delivers end-to-end talent
acquisition solutions to growing technology, digital media and professional
services companies, allowing companies to scale quickly to meet demand.
#11 Palmetto Fortis
Marketing LLC
Greenville, SC
Tim Morgan, CEO
www.palmettofortiseducation.com
Palmetto Fortis Marketing LLC is a sales and marketing company
serving the private and Christian school markets by partnering with organizations
that strive for excellence in both products and services. Palmetto Fortis
offers an extensive database of 26,000-plus private and Christian schools in
the domestic and international markets.
#12 ClaimLogiq
Mount Pleasant, SC
Todd Hill, CEO and Founder
Customized payment integrity firm with emphasis on providing
software and technology, handling virtually limitless claim volumes customized
for all manner of healthcare payers. The company, with a client-facing,
transparent approach to payment integrity, is dedicated to innovation through
continuous self-improvement, in-process transparency and client-driven control.
#13 TerraStride Inc.
Columbia, SC
Lanford Holloway, CEO and Founder
TerraStride Inc. provides mapping applications for
sportsmen, land managers and land brokers, enabling people to create, share and
publish maps using any device, at home or in the field. TerraStride’s mapping
technology helps people enjoy, manage and market land through two distinct
product lines, land brokerage software, and hunting and land management
software.
#14 Preferred Home Services
North Charleston, SC
Chris DiCampli, Co-Owner
Plumbing, electrical repair, heating system installation and air
conditioner repair firm which tailors services to boost customer ease and
convenience. Preferred Home Services has managed tens of thousands of jobs
throughout the region, providing home and business owners with reliable
solutions.
#15 Frampton Construction
Ladson, SC
Chad Frampton, President and CEO
Full-service construction firm offering planning and design
support, preconstruction and construction services, managing projects in the
Southeast and beyond. Frampton Construction takes pride in building strong
relationships with clients while providing the highest quality of service. It
delivers personal oversight throughout the building process while working
diligently to exceed expectations.
#16 SC Steel, LLC
Taylors, SC
Charles Wall, President
SC Steel LLC is a steel fabrication company serving industrial,
commercial, distribution and office facilities throughout the United States
since 1952. SC Steel has grown rapidly since acquisition by FabSouth in 2018
through investment in capital improvements that enable it to provide steel at
competitive prices and on accelerated schedules.
#17 Stokes & Company, CPAs
Greenville, SC
Stephen Stokes, President
Stokes & Company CPAs is a certified professional accounting
firm offering a variety of accounting, payroll and tax services to companies of
all sizes and industries as well as individuals through four locations across
Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina. Stokes’ accounting services
are designed to relieve clients of day-to-day paperwork.
#18 PrideStaff
Greenville, SC
Gary Brons, Owner and Strategic Partner
Recruiting and staffing agency specializing in placement of light
industrial and office clerical positions for a variety of companies in Upstate
South Carolina. PrideStaff is a member of a national franchised staffing
organization with more than 80 offices and 5,000 clients.
#19 Capital Waste
Services
Columbia, SC
Matt Parker, CEO and President
Capital Waste Services is a waste services company supplying
9,500 commercial and industrial customers and more than 65,000 residential
customers with dependable waste and recycling services. Capital Waste Services
employs more than 220 waste industry professionals and features a leadership
team made up of experienced industry executives.
#20 SEJ Services, LLC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Brandon Schneider, CEO
and Owner
SEJ Services LLC is a commercial janitorial and facility
services company providing services to more than 400 facilities across the
Southeast, including office, industrial, manufacturing, healthcare and
educational facilities. SEJ strives to establish partnerships with its
customers with the goal of being the best-positioned, most-trusted choice for
janitorial and facility services throughout the Southeast.
#21 Diesel Laptops
Irmo, SC
Tyler Robertson, CEO
Founded in 2015, Diesel Laptops provides specialized diesel
diagnostic equipment for the commercial truck, construction, automobile,
agriculture and off-highway markets. Diesel Laptops focuses on providing diesel
diagnostic tools and repair information. The company prides itself on being
diesel diagnostic experts and offering customers strong customer service.
#22 Eye Health America
Easley, SC
Mary Lou Parisi,
Co-CEO
Eye Health America partners with best-in-class eye care practices
and ambulatory surgery centers in the Southeast to provide clinical care to the
region. Member practices offer full-service integrated eye care from routine
eye exams, contact lenses and glasses to medical ophthalmology and surgery
including cataract, cornea, LASIK, retina, glaucoma, pediatrics and
oculoplastics.
#23 MedTrust Holdings, Inc.
Hanahan, SC
Lenna Macdonald, CEO
Mobile healthcare provider focusing on serving hospital systems
throughout the Southeast by operating 24-hour ambulance services and using
data-driven, innovative methodologies. MedTrust Holdings Inc., with 450
employees, has a fleet of fully equipped ambulances, high-tech dispatch and
state-of-the-art compliance systems. It serves more than 50,000 patients per
year.
#24 Matt O’Neill
Real Estate
Mount Pleasant, SC
Matt O’Neill,
CEO
Matt O’Neill Real
Estate features a team of real estate agents that puts innovative marketing
strategies to work to sell high-end properties in the Charleston area.
High-quality marketing tools such as 360-degree video walk-throughs positioned
across wide-reaching platforms and close relationships with sellers help make
connections with buyers.
#25 Creative Builders Inc.
Greenville, SC
Will McCauley, President
General contracting firm licensed in South Carolina, North
Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee. Creative Builders Inc., a
50-year-old firm, has used a hands-on project-management approach to become one
of the fastest-growing commercial builders in the region. As a general
contractor, Creative Builders Inc. touts its highly diversified portfolio and
quality reputation.
#26 Clear Touch
Greenville, SC
Keone Trask, President and Founder
Clear Touch develops products for education, business and
government entities, including multi-touch interactive panels, software suites
and accessories. It also serves as an exclusive reseller of Clear Digital
products. The company’s commitment to its customers, the reliability of its
products and its industry-leading innovation has paved the way for its growth.
#27 Langston Construction Co. of Piedmont, LLC
Piedmont, SC
James Braswell, Owner
langstonconstr.com
Langston Construction Co. of Piedmont LLC is a general
contracting firm begun in 1969, that provides commercial, industrial and
environmental construction services in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and
Virginia. Langston Construction is experienced in constructing
industrial buildings, wastewater treatment plants, renovations and
expansions, water treatment plants, plant maintenance and commercial buildings.
#28 Vapor Apparel
Hanahan, SC
Jackson Burnett, President
A manufacturer of clothing and accessories geared toward people
passionate about outdoor- and water-related sports. Founded in 2004, Vapor
Apparel creates sun-protection gear with technical fabrics that are
moisture-wicking, quick-drying, cooling and odor-resistant, protecting skin
against 98% of UV rays whether the garment is wet or dry. Vapor Apparel’s
built-in UPF 50+ SOLAR BLOC technology is recommended by the Skin Cancer
Foundation. The company also makes ECO-BLOQ sustainable clothing, created from
recycled plastic water bottles.
#29 Jeff Cook Enterprises
LLC
Charleston, SC
Jeff Cook, CEO/Owner
Jeff Cook became a real estate agent after being laid off from
his job in 2002. He opened his first office in 2010 and split off to become
Jeff Cook Real Estate in 2015. The company now has offices in several South
Carolina cities, including Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and
Rock Hill. The company’s vision is “to redefine the method in which real estate
is sold,” and its mission is “to empower our team to deliver the best service
and to empower our clients to reach their real estate goals.”
#30 Sunny Days Entertainment LLC
Simpsonville, SC
Melvin Wells, Partner/CEO
A leading supplier, distributor and manufacturer of branded and
licensed toys across multiple product categories. Established in 2012, the
company makes products ranging from vehicles to bubble products to
collectibles. Sunny Day brands include Maxx Action, Pop-N-Play, Elite Force,
Fun! Bucket, Ravel Tales and more. The company has licensing agreements with
Mattel to create Barbie Pop-Up Tents and Thomas the Tank Engine Play Tunnels
and Activity Pits. Sunny Days Entertainment’s mission is “spreading sunshine
through traditional, creative play.”
#31 National Land Realty
Greenville, SC
Jason Walter, CEO
A company that specializes in purchasing, leasing and selling
farm, ranch, hunting and wildlife land, recreational, timber, country estates,
waterfront properties and commercial development properties. National Land
Realty says its job is to create solutions for landowners and those seeking to
become landowners. Its agents offer local expertise with the support of a
national network, along with game-changing technology and unprecedented data.
The company has offices around the state, including Greenville, Columbia,
Charleston and Florence.
#32 Cantey Foundation Specialists
Camden, SC
William Cantey, Owner
The company provides residential foundation repair, and its
mission is to create life-changing experiences for customers and the community
by redefining the industry and changing customer expectations. The company
strives to give customers high-quality, long-lasting results, and is constantly
refining its process in search of new and better methods. Its other services
include crawl space repair, concrete leveling, basement waterproofing and
commercial construction services. Cantey Foundation Specialists has offices in
Camden, Roebuck, North Charleston, Augusta and Charlotte.
#33 Integrated Biometrics
Spartanburg, SC
Shawn O’Rourke, CEO
The company, headquartered in Spartanburg, was founded in 2002 as
an alternative solution to the commonly used traditional optical and silicon
fingerprint technologies. The company’s patented light-emitting sensor film
technologies provide enrollment and verification fingerprint sensors to
hardware integrators, software and database providers and contractors serving
government agencies and commercial markets worldwide. Integrated Biometrics
products are used by Homeland Security, Border Patrol, law enforcement and
other government and commercial applications.
#34 Marleylilly LLC
Greer, SC
Kelly Owens, Founder
Ecommerce monogramming and personalized gift boutique. The
company was established in 2010 when the company’s founder had to buy wedding
gifts for a dozen friends while staying within her budget. She bought a
monogram machine from eBay and began creating one-of-a-kind gifts. Eleven years
later, the company’s product line features clothing, shoes, jewelry,
accessories, gifts and more. The company began in the founder’s home and now
utilizes a 154,000-square-foot facility.
#35 Blue Haven Pools
Charleston, SC
Steve Treese, President
The company builds swimming pools and provides supplies and
maintenance services to Charleston and the Tri-County area. The company is
locally owned but has relationships with a nationwide network of suppliers to
offer quality products at competitive prices. Founded in 1954, Blue Haven Pools
uses 3D design software to create custom-designed pools, waterfalls, hot tubs
and more.
#36 Cantey Tech Consulting
North Charleston, SC
Willis Cantey, CEO
Founded in 2007, Cantey Tech Consulting provides IT support and
consulting that includes cloud and hosting services, virtual private servers,
help desk support, advanced security, hosting and backups in Charleston and
around the Southeast. Its team of support clients ranges from medium-sized
businesses to law firms to medical practices, and the company also supports
schools in the Southeast.
#37 Docugraphics LLC
Charleston, SC
Thomas Fimian, Owner/CEO
Office equipment supplier that offers a full line of Xerox
copiers, printers and services through its network of agents, dealers and
resellers. Docugraphics’ managed IT services include the full spectrum of
technology solutions, such as remote monitoring, backup and recovery, managed
security, network assessments and network management. The company’s mission
statement is “to increase our customers’ business success with innovative and
customized document workflow solutions.”
#38 Kopis
Greenville, SC
Andrew Kurtz, CEO
A technology firm focused on providing high-impact software and
cloud solutions to businesses and state agencies around the Southeast. Kopis,
which was named the 2020 Greenville Chamber Small Business of the Year, offers
a variety of custom software and technology solutions to help businesses grow.
Its services include software and app development, workflow automation,
business intelligence and SQL managed services.
#39 Thorne Ambulance Service
Greenville, SC
Ryan Thorne, Founder and CEO
Family-owned and -operated mobile medicine provider with
operations in Greenville, Myrtle Beach and Laurens. Thorne Ambulance Service
provides wheelchair, basic and advanced life support services and has
partnerships with Mercy/Bon Secours in Greenville, AnMed in Pickens and HCA
Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach. Thorne also offers standby services to special
events in connection with its partnerships with Bon Secours Wellness Arena,
Clemson University, Furman University, Anderson Motor Speedway, and others.
#40 JEAR Logistics
Mount Pleasant, SC
Mark Neumeyer, CEO
JEAR Logistics is a third-party freight brokerage firm that
provides over-the-road truckload and LTL hauling services. Established in 2007,
JEAR Logistics made a commitment to exceed expectations by developing strong
relationships with customers and carriers. JEAR focuses on the refrigerated
sector of the 3PL industry, providing on-time delivery safely and with
integrity. The company’s logistics sales executives are committed to carriers
and to customers’ needs, offering real-time responses 24 hours a day.
#41 AFF Group
Lyman, SC
Ben Leinster, CEO
AFF, which stands for American Foam and Fabric, manufactures
laminated textiles, coated fabrics, foam and other advanced materials. Its
products are designed for the automotive, hospitality, residential, commercial,
health care and aviation industries. The company was founded more than three
decades ago and worked with automotive aftermarket interiors in the beginning.
Its products are now distributed locally and globally.
#42 A3 Communications
Inc.
Irmo, SC
Brian Thomas, President
Systems integrator that offers IT and physical security solutions,
with 24/7 service across the Southeast. The company serves more than 2,500
clients with solutions that range from IP video surveillance to structured
cabling to networking security, along with virtualization and storage. Founded
in 1990, A3 Communications joined forces in 2019 with The Cook & Boardman
Group LLC, the nation’s largest distributor of commercial doors and hardware.
#43 Myrtle Beach Hyundai
Myrtle Beach, SC
Freddie Hyatt, Dealer
Principal
Mickey Turner, General Sales Manager
This car dealership has been family-owned since 1999. Myrtle
Beach Hyundai sells new and used vehicles and offers leasing and automobile
financing. In addition to Myrtle Beach, the company serves the communities of
Conway, Georgetown, Little River and Socastee. Myrtle Beach Hyundai also has a
car repair and servicing department.
#44 Custom Equipment
Charleston, SC
Bobby Riggs, President
Material handling equipment supplier. Custom Equipment began
operations in 1978, and its services include custom packaging, facilities,
storage, ergonomics, container repair and maintenance, and custom fabrication.
The company services many industries, including agricultural, food and
pharmaceutical. Its products include conveyors, totes and bins, and powered
utility carts.
#45 Plus-Plus USA
Greenville, SC
Ryan Hamilton, Head of Operations
and Product Development
Plus-Plus USA creates toys and other products designed to inspire
kids and adults to create in new ways. Its toys are manufactured in Denmark
using zero-plastic-waste technology that’s powered by wind energy. Plus-Plus
USA ships to more than 5,000 retailers, as well as consumers nationwide from
its Greenville warehouse.
#46 J. Musselman Construction
Charleston, SC
Jon Musselman,
President
www.jmusselmanconstruction.com
J. Musselman Construction is a full-service general contractor
founded in 2006. The company holds unlimited general contractor licenses in
North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, and has an unlimited construction
manager license in South Carolina. J. Musselman Construction has experience in
all aspects of commercial construction, with a particular emphasis in medical,
office and retail.
#47 Spartanburg Meat
Processing
Spartanburg, SC
JoAnne LaBounty, President
Spartanburg Meat Processing offers fully cooked pork baby back
ribs, as well as value-added proteins for the grocery and restaurant
industries. The company services the military, along with the entire United
States, and exports its products to seven countries. In 2020, Spartanburg Meat
Processing products could be found in 30,000 U.S. grocery stores.
#48 KRJ Consulting LLC
Columbia, SC
Karen R. Jenkins, President and CEO
Provides management consulting, information technology and
innovative learning services to federal and local government clients,
corporations and small businesses. KRJ Consulting, founded in 2008, offers a
Synergy Leadership Assessment to clients to help them develop results-driven organizational
change. KRJ Consulting’s core values are “Helping people, adding value, making
a difference.”
#49 PCI Group Inc.
Fort Mill, SC
Christian Kropac Jr., President and Co-Founder
Provides mission-critical print and mail communications services
for businesses where client-centric data is key and security is critical. PCI
Group also delivers workflow solutions that utilize advanced technology,
experience, compliance security, document processing, direct mail and data
security. PCI Group serves many industries, including insurance, health care,
telecommunications and utilities.
#50 9Round Franchising LLC
Simpsonville, SC
Heather Hudson, Co-Founder and COO
www.9round.com/fitness-franchises
Full-body kickboxing program that began in Simpsonville and has
now expanded to more than 700 franchise locations in 17 countries. Founded in
2009, 9Rounds offers two ownership models: semi-absentee owner and
owner-operator. The 9Rounds workout incorporates interval, cardiovascular and
circuit training regimens at nine workout stations around the club.
2021 Special Awards
South Carolina Business Awards, home of the official S.C. 50
Fastest Growing Companies program, announced that BlueCross BlueShield of
South Carolina is the recipient of the 2021 South Carolina Economic
Impact Award.
The prestigious award, sponsored by BMW Manufacturing Co.,
recognizes companies in the Palmetto State that have achieved extraordinary
results. The award honors companies from across the state in a variety of
industries, each offering outstanding contributions to South Carolina’s
economy.
“It is an honor for BMW to sponsor The SC Economic Impact Award
and recognize BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina for contributing to
the growth and sustainability of our great state,” says Max Metcalf, manager,
government and community relations for BMW Manufacturing Co.
“As the only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance
carrier, we have been offering security to the state’s citizens for 75 years
and we are honored to receive the SC Economic Impact Award,” says Matt Shaffer,
senior vice president, major group of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
“Then and now, we have remained true to our unwavering commitment to fulfill
our mission to serve our customers well and continue our efforts to improve the
communities we serve.”
At the SC 50 Fastest Growing Companies® awards ceremony, held
Oct. 12, four companies were rewarded with South Carolina Excellence in
Business awards.
The companies that received the recognition are:
Revenue:
• South Carolina Steel
Philanthropy:
• Marleylilly
Client Retention:
• Langston Construction Company
Employee Retention:
• Palmetto GBA
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