Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Meghan Garrett Joins Marsh Bell Construction as Office Manager

Meghan Garrett brings 20+ years of business experience to Marsh Bell Construction

Marsh Bell Construction has hired Meghan Garrett as Office Manager. She replaces Karen Ghizzoni, who is retiring after more than 15 years of service to the company.

Meghan brings 22 years of business experience as a senior sales and account specialist in the insurance industry. In her new role, she will be responsible for subcontractor contracts and insurance certificates; tracking and processing invoices for subcontractors and material providers; coordinate new project proposals; manage marketing activities, as well as day-to-day office communications. Meghan is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Clemson University.

“We’re excited for Meghan’s future contributions and to see how she can impact our company,” said Marsh Bell Chief Accounting Officer Sam Rogers. “Her passion for continuous learning and excellence is what made her a perfect fit for the position. This is a role that requires wearing a lot of hats and Meghan’s ability to learn on the fly will help us excel.”

AgentOwned Realty’s Anderson Office Welcomes Jo Massey

Jo Massey, AgentOwned Realty Anderson

ANDERSON, S.C. —Jo Massey has placed her license with AgentOwned Realty’s Anderson office at 2008 North Main Street. Jo has been in real estate for over 32 years. Her business philosophy is rooted in treating her clients as she would want to be treated. She is grateful for her clients’ trust over the years and notes that she always enjoys working for them.

To learn more about Jo Massey, go to: https://jomassey.agentowned.com/about-me

About AgentOwned Realty:
Liz and Boyd Loadholt launched AgentOwned Realty in 1992. Serving South Carolina from the Upstate to the Lowcountry, AgentOwned Realty is 100 percent owned by its sales associates. The company works to streamline the real estate transaction process by bringing under one roof all the services needed to complete the purchase or sale of a home. This cooperative approach leads to high levels of customer satisfaction and better value. Further, when they select AgentOwned Realty, customers have the assurance of working with Agent-Owners who are personally vested in the business.

WebsterRogers Celebrates Laurence Fritz’s Promotion to Partner and Practice Leader

Laurence Fritz

WebsterRogers LLP (WR) proudly announces the promotion of Laurence Fritz to the position of Partner within our firm. This promotion, effective January 2024, underscores a career spanning over twelve years in the realm of public accounting, characterized by a wealth of experience in diverse sectors. Laurence’s professional portfolio includes collaboration with domestic and international enterprises, as well as those under private equity and family ownership. Notably, he has provided audit services across an array of industries including real estate, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and retail.
A two-time graduate of The University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business, Laurence earned a major in Accounting in 2009; complementing his earlier Finance degree earned in 2002. Additionally, Laurence earned a minor in Government and International Studies, reflecting his abiding interest in diverse cultures and extensive travel experiences.

Preceding his tenure in public accounting, Laurence served as Junior Vice President for an international cotton merchandising firm. His role as an international trading team member demanded an in-depth understanding of the derivative and international marketing environments, and necessitated global travels to England, Italy, Turkey, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia for client engagements.

In 2010, Laurence joined PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), concurrently pursuing his CPA in South Carolina. His initial three years at PwC were dedicated to audit services for publicly traded companies, followed by a transition to private company audit services in 2013. His global trajectory continued with a stint at PwC Ireland in Dublin, assuming the role of Assurance Manager for the International & Domestic Business group.

Subsequently, he earned promotion to Assurance Senior Manager in 2019. Returning to the United States in 2020, Laurence held the position of Director before joining WebsterRogers in 2023.

Beyond his professional commitments, Laurence is an active contributor to his community, serving on the boards of Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE), The Advent Foundation, and The Cleveland Opportunity Foundation. Additionally, he lends his expertise as a member of the Audit Committee of the Mary Black Foundation. In his leisure time, Laurence enjoys quality time with his wife, Laura, and their three children: Eliza (11), Louise (9), and Laurence (6).

In concert with this promotion to Partner, Laurence will also serve as the Practice Leader for the Firm’s Assurance Services Group. He will stand as an integral leader among our more than 140 esteemed staff and partners. In this capacity, he will play a pivotal role in driving our firm culture and ensuring our clients around the Southeast Region receive the highest levels of value and service.

“Laurence’s diverse and global experiences immediately created value for the clients we have the privilege of serving,” said Amy Urquhart, Managing Partner of WR. “Additionally, Laurence’s leadership, progressive and strategic mindset along with his humility well positioned him for the role as ASG practice leader garnering the respect of his fellow partners and associates.”

About WebsterRogers LLP
WebsterRogers LLP is a leading South Carolina-based accounting and consulting firm that provides a broad spectrum of assurance, tax and advisory services to our clients. We lead in industry standards in our level experience and expertise, and our commitment to our surrounding local communities is paramount. With offices in eight cities across South Carolina, we are able to build local relationships and provide exceptional customer service.

McCrory Construction CEO Allen Amsler elected 2024 Board Chair for ABC Carolinas

Allen Amsler, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Columbia-based McCrory Construction, with a regional office in Greenville, has been elected 2024 Board Chair of Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas (ABC Carolinas). ABC Carolinas is a leading construction industry association representing more than 450 member firms in the two-state Carolinas region. Seven of the 20 board members, including Amsler, are based in South Carolina with the remainder located in North Carolina.

Having spent his entire professional career in construction, Amsler is passionate about elevating the construction industry in our region and beyond. On the heels of celebrating ABC Carolinas’ 25th anniversary year, Amsler and his fellow board members are focused on strategically paving the way for the next 25 years through ongoing initiatives with emerging professionals and across all workforce development efforts.

“ABC Carolinas represents many successful member organizations – general contractors, construction management firms, specialty contractors, material and equipment suppliers, and service providers – and it’s clear that developing future leaders is the lifeline to our collective long-term success,” said Amsler. “Of course, we will continue to be champions of safety and workforce development. Equally important, we will continue to be a voice heard nationally and regionally when it comes to shaping policy to further our deeply rooted merit shop philosophy.”

Amsler went on to say, “As I step into my role as 2024 Chair, I am energized by the unprecedented growth potential for our industry in the Carolinas. In keeping with our vision for ‘Building the Next Generation,’ this theme will be evident throughout the year, including our annual Construction Convention in downtown Greenville, South Carolina this August.”

Amsler began his extensive career with McCrory in 1987 following graduation from the University of Florida where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction. After immersing himself in all aspects of the business through increasingly responsible roles — ranging from Assistant Project Manager to Project Manager, to Vice President of Operations — he assumed the title of President and CEO in 2006. In 2020, Amsler passed the torch to current McCrory President Allen Bridgers, while retaining his role as Chief Executive Officer.

Amsler has held leadership roles in various civic and non-profit organizations over the years, most notably serving seven years as Chairman of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) after being appointed by then Governor Nikki Haley. He is also past Chairman of the National Kidney Foundation of South Carolina; the Special Olympics South Carolina; and Hootie and the Blowfish Monday After the Masters. In addition, Amsler served on the board for the Humane Society of South Carolina and as a Lexington advisory board member for the National Bank of South Carolina (NBSC).

About ABC Carolinas — Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas (ABC Carolinas) represents general contractors, construction management firms, specialty contractors, various material and equipment suppliers, and service providers all dedicated to the construction industry in North and South Carolina. Based in Charlotte, NC, ABC Carolinas is one of 69 chapters of ABC, a national association representing more than 20,000 members. South Carolina has three regional ABC councils – Midlands, Upstate and Lowcountry. North Carolina has four regional councils – Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Coastal. For more information and news, visit www.abccarolinas.org.

About McCrory Construction — McCrory Construction, headquartered in Columbia, S.C., with an additional office in Greenville, S.C., is a full-service general contractor that has operated continuously since 1918. At 106 years old, McCrory is South Carolina’s oldest general contractor. Licensed in 13 states throughout the Southeast, McCrory has served an array of private and public sector clients through more than 3,000 general construction, design-build and construction management projects. Now under fifth generation private ownership, McCrory continues to be a leading force in retail, commercial, industrial, healthcare, and multi-family construction in the Southeast. McCrory is consistently honored by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) as a Top Performer, a prestigious national ranking that recognizes contractors for demonstrating world-class performance in five specific areas: safety, quality, diversity, project excellence and special designations, ranked by work hours. Known for its people-focused culture, McCrory has been named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina by SCBiz. To learn more, visit mccroryconstruction.com.

Private Lending Industry Veteran Stephan Leccese Joins Lima One Capital’s Senior Management Team

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Lima One Capital, the nation’s premier lender for real estate investors, has added Stephan Leccese as Managing Director of Operations.

In this newly created role, Leccese oversees core operational functions including loan production, strategic accounts, lender finance, valuations, and construction management. Leccese brings over two decades of experience in real estate, finance, and technology that will help Lima One drive efficient loan production and a more effective customer experience.

“I’m pleased to welcome Stephan to the Lima One team,” Lima One CEO Jeff Tennyson said. “I have known Stephan for several years in various operational and industry leadership roles and have always respected him and his strong operational skills, insights, ethics, and professionalism. He’s an excellent addition to our senior leadership.”

Rankin Blair, Lima One’s Chief Operating Officer, stated, “As Lima One continues to grow, we are always looking for experienced industry leaders to join our team. We are pleased to have Stephan and his family in Greenville and look forward to the positive impact he will make on our operations and loan closing processes.”

Leccese’s track record features deep experience in business-purpose lending for real estate investors. He has co-founded multiple real estate ventures where he played key roles in generating over $1 billion annually in both loan origination and loan acquisition across multiple companies. He is also a founding member of the National Private Lenders Association (NPLA), having served multiple terms on the Advisory Council and currently serving as the co-chair of the Ethics Committee.

“After serving on the NPLA Advisory Council with Jeff Tennyson for many years, I witnessed firsthand and respected the impressive company culture and values at Lima One. And I was impressed with how they have achieved substantial growth over the last few years in a very challenging industry environment,” Leccese said. “I am thrilled to join Jeff and to work directly with Rankin and his impressive operations team as we continue to deliver operational excellence to our borrowers as the nation’s premier lender for real estate investors.”

About Lima One Capital: Since its inception in 2010, Lima One Capital has been recognized as the nation’s premier lender for real estate investors and has funded over $9 billion in business purpose real estate loans. With a reach across 46 states, Lima One operates as a capital partner for real estate investors who are building, improving, and stabilizing neighborhoods. Lima One’s core loan products are Fix and Flip loans, New Construction loans, Rental Property and Portfolio loans, and Multifamily Bridge loans. Lima One works directly with customers and also offers business-to-business partnership platforms for Brokers, Wholesale, and Lender Finance table funding. For more information, visit limaone.com.

Women Talk Construction Honored as an Inaugural Empowering Women Awardee by SC Biz News

Greenville, SC – SC Biz News announced Women Talk Construction as one of its inaugural Empowering Women honorees, recognizing the organization’s contributions to advancing women in non-traditional roles.

The Empowering Women Awards, a new statewide initiative by SC Biz News, aims to highlight tangible and innovative efforts made by companies, nonprofits, and organizations in South Carolina to promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace and community. Honorees, including Women Talk Construction, showcase a commitment to the Empowering Women initiatives, which encompass IDM (Inclusion, Diversity, and Merit). The founders and co hosts, Christi Powell, and Angela Gardner, strive to share inspiring stories highlighting some of these topics.

As an example of their thought leadership for IDM, Christi and Angela were also named judges for the Associated Builders and Contractors National IDM awards for 2023 and 2024, as representatives of their companies 84 Lumber and Hill Electric.

Women Talk Construction, a podcast dedicated to supporting women’s growth in the construction industry and other non-traditional career paths, has demonstrated a noteworthy track record in promoting inclusivity and providing valuable insights for women in male-populated fields. This recognition reflects their commitment to empowering women and fostering collaborative conversations within the construction sector.

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette delivered the keynote address at the Empowering Women Awards Luncheon on February 20, 11:30 a.m., at the DoubleTree Hilton in Columbia. The event was an inspiring celebration of companies and organizations committed to supporting and elevating women in South Carolina. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders who are making a significant impact on the region’s business landscape.

About Women Talk Construction

Based in Greenville, S.C., Women Talk Construction was created to celebrate diversity in the construction industry and other non-traditional roles and paths for women through unique stories and experiences while creating a culture of mentoring, empowering voices, and changing perspectives. For more information, visit the Women Talk Construction website and follow along on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

Infinity Marketing Promotes Thompson to Senior Director of People and Culture

Cassie Thompson

Greenville, S.C. – Infinity Marketing (“Infinity”), a client and results-focused integrated marketing agency established in 1993, celebrates Cassie Thompson’s promotion to Senior Director of People and Culture.

“Infinity’s greatest strength is our people,” said Thompson. “I’m energized by the opportunity to continue building on the success of Infinity’s 30 years in business and to nurture the exceptional culture we’ve created.”

A graduate of Bob Jones University, Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and a Master of Arts in Performance Studies. She joined Infinity in 2017 as Organizational Development Manager and was later promoted to Director of Organizational Development in 2020.

Her other achievements include being named one of Greenville Business Magazine’s “Best & Brightest 35 and Under” in 2020 and earning her Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional Credential (SHRM-SCP) in 2021. Most recently, she has joined the board of the Greenville Society for Human Resource Management as Professional Development Director.

“Cassie’s talents have enabled us to empower our internal talent pool and successfully recruit new talent that meshes with our culture and needs,” said President Bo Rogers. “She navigates her responsibilities with humor and grace, constantly seeking to put the company in the best position to succeed and grow. We’re extremely thankful to have her
on our team.”

Thompson has been continuously recognized for her professional drive and dedication to strengthening employee relations and encouraging others to embrace professional development, most notably by establishing internal processes and training focused on the CliftonStrengths© program as a Gallup Certified Coach.

In her new role, she will explore ways to expand these efforts, acting as a liaison across all departments. She will also partner with senior leaders to develop internal plans that can evolve and adapt to today’s rapidly changing marketplace.

About Infinity Marketing
Founded in 1993, Infinity Marketing is an award-winning integrated marketing agency in Greenville, S.C., offering a spectrum of services that can be blended in customized ways to help our clients achieve their goals.

R&R Resolute Staffing’s New Director of Recruiting Operations Looks to Set a Higher Standard in the Staffing Industry

Rebekah Mintz

R & R Resolute Staffing Firm (R&R), a woman-owned employment agency focused on contract, contract-to-permanent, & direct hire positions, appoints Rebekah Mintz as the Director of Recruiting Operations. Mintz will be responsible for matching their client with the best applicant for the job.

“I look forward to contributing to the success of R&R by building a high-performing recruiting operation that aligns with our growth objectives,” said Mintz. “I believe we are setting the standard for how staffing should be done by keeping our word, acting with honesty and integrity even when it may seem counterintuitive. We all should be doing the right thing even if it’s hard and living up to the potential that we all have. Everyone at R&R has the same mindset of providing superior service and making our candidates feel valued and ready to accomplish their life goals.”

Prior to joining R&R, Mintz held a variety of operations roles within the nonprofit industry. In these roles, she specialized in office operations which allowed her to use her skills to create an organized and efficient workplace that enabled her colleagues to perform their roles most effectively. Mintz’s work with all backgrounds, allows her to source exceptional candidates for clients as they work to attract, select, and retain top tier talent.

“In this pivotal role, Rebekah will elevate our recruiting operations to new heights, overseeing the strategic development and execution of recruitment initiatives,” said Rachel Touchet, Owner/CEO of R&R Resolute Staffing Firm. “Not only is Rebekah extremely talented at recruiting, but she leads with her heart and that is a winning combination. At R&R, our goal is to provide the highest quality customer service to both our clients and applicants. We are matching them with their career and it’s important to develop deep relationships on both sides.”

In her free time, Mintz is an avid WWE fan and also enjoys cheering on her favorite NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers on Sundays.

About R&R Resolute Staffing Firm
R&R Resolute Staffing Firm, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., is a woman-owned employment agency specializing in contract, contract-to-permanent, and direct hire positions for all types of businesses in upstate South Carolina. We believe our processes, personnel and customer service deliver the highest quality standards in the industry and we look to be a partner to all of our clients. Founded in August of 2023, R&R Resolute Staffing works to meet your staffing needs. To learn more visit, www.randrstaff.com.

Bill Rhodes Earns NAR Designation in Senior Real Estate

Greenville, S.C. — Bill Rhodes with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner, REALTORS has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation from the SRES® Council of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Bill joins more than 15,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRES® designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers aged 55 and older.

“Working with seniors to meet their housing needs requires an expert understanding of their lifestyle and financial needs, and the SRES® designation means that a REALTOR® has that understanding,” said Jennifer Rzeszewski, Vice President and Executive Director of the Center for REALTOR® Development. “Whether they are buying, selling, relocating, or refinancing, seniors can be confident that a REALTOR® with their SRES® designation will be able to help them every step of the way.”

SRES® Council, founded in 2007, is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 15,000 active members of the organization worldwide.

The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.4 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Wagner Wealth Management’s Turlington named to Forty Under 40

GREENVILLE, SC – Hayden Turlington, a wealth advisor with Wagner Wealth Management, has been named to GSA Business Reports Forty Under 40 list for 2024.

GSA Business Report’s Forty Under 40 celebrates the success and community involvement of 40 professionals under age 40 who are making their mark on the Upstate from a mix of industry, professional and community sectors.

Nominations for the award are submitted annually by businesses, organizations and individuals. Judges independently score the nominations, and 40 emerge from the pool of candidates for the final list of honorees.

A Greenville native, Turlington majored in music and was on the pre-med track at Furman before deciding that medicine was not the right fit for her. Turlington realized she still wanted a career that allowed her to help people solve problems and meet goals, so she looked into wealth management. After graduating in 2018, Turlington earned her financial licenses as well as the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation in 2019.

Turlington joined Wagner Wealth Management in 2022 and has enjoyed serving clients across the Upstate. In the community, she was a founding member of Young Greenville – A Republican Club, and served as its president in 2023; she is a violinist with the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra; she spent three years as marketing chair for the Greenville’s Chamber’s Young Professionals Advisory Council; and was a founding member of Christian Learning Center’s Charisma Young Professionals Club.

“We are extremely proud of Hayden,” said Dan Wagner, founder and CEO of Wagner Wealth Management. “She has helped many people accomplish their life goals and we’re glad to see her recognized for achievements.”

About Wagner Wealth Management:

Wagner Wealth Management specializes in helping individuals and companies reach their personal and professional goals. Wagner Wealth Management currently advises on more than $1.5 billion in client assets; their experience is diverse, exceptional, and ready to work. The firm has offices in Anderson, Greenville, and Seneca. Learn more at www.wagnerwealthmanagement.com.

Securities offered through Arkadios Capital. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Wealth Management Advisors, LLC. Arkadios Capital and Wealth Management Advisors, LLC, are not affiliated through any ownership.