Insurance is one of those things that you generally don’t think too much about until you need to purchase it or use it. Whether you’re purchasing a new home, reeling from a recent car accident or trying to provide financial stability to your loved ones in the event of a catastrophe, these can be some of the most confusing and stressful moments in life. It’s in these moments … [Read more...]
Granite Bridge Wealth: Planning for Your Child’s Future
Saving for college – that dilemma challenges many parents in today’s unpredictable economy. How soon should we start? How much will we need to save? Which plan is best? What if our child chooses not to go to college? Such questions can become overwhelming without sound financial advice. According to Brian Diffily and Brian Hartmann, co-owners of Granite Bridge Wealth, it is … [Read more...]
Their Grass is Greener: Grandscapes Fosters a Tight-Knit Work Culture
If you live in Mount Pleasant, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen the work of Grandscapes, Mount Pleasant’s premier landscaping company. What you may not know is that this locally-owned and operated small business is also a fantastic place to work. Owner Adam Dukes fell in love with the Lowcountry during a summer internship while studying landscape architecture at the … [Read more...]
Ravenel McAfee Construction: Historic Renovations and Custom Home Building
Two accomplished and highly respected contractors have merged their talents into one company, Ravenel McAfee Construction. Lee Ravenel is a licensed residential contractor with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Born and raised in Charleston, Ravenel spent his summers learning the trades of all phases of construction as he helped his father, also a licensed … [Read more...]
The Schirmer Insurance Group: A Family In Love and Business
Schirmer Insurance Group is family owned and operated by Sam and Gina Schirmer, leading a business that understands just how important family is in every sense of the word. Gina and Sam Schirmer both grew up in families that worked hard in running their own businesses, a shrimp boat captain and insurance agent, respectably. It was no surprise that their children were drawn to … [Read more...]
The Lowcountry Real Estate Bubble: Will it Burst Soon?
As we have watched businesses all around us struggle .to survive in this pandemic, one industry that has thrived, at least in the Lowcountry, is real estate. But what is the true reason it’s doing so well here? Bill Payne, CPA and assistant branch manager at First Home Mortgage in Mount Pleasant, said that it is a combination of many factors. In particular, he described … [Read more...]
Jean’s Bridal of Mount Pleasant: A One-Stop-Shop for Wedding Fashion
More than just a bridal shop, Jean’s is a Mount Pleasant institution. The original store, located in Peachtree Plaza on Coleman Boulevard, opened its doors in 1974, where owner Jean Wellmon sold a variety of fabrics and offered custom alterations. Not long afterward, Wellmon began carrying ready-to-wear fashions, eventually expanding to include formalwear. In 1984, Wellmon … [Read more...]
Environmental Solutions and Services: Keeping It Clean
Known as a subject matter expert in indoor air quality management, Jim Clark, owner of Environmental Solutions and Services, or ESS, .began researching an area of his business that he believed was lacking back in fall 2019. While he saw the need for a product that could deep clean for mold, pathogens and viruses, Clark had no idea how vital this product would become. When … [Read more...]
Vacation Cupboards Bare? Call Groceries Ahead
By Fay M. Boudet Anyone who has taken a vacation knows the relaxation and joy it can bring — but there are often elements .that can cause stress, too. Prepping, packing, fueling up, buying snacks, driving and “Are we there yet?” questions can continue for hours. By the time you arrive at your destination, you’re ready to unpack as quickly as possible and unwind from the … [Read more...]
Oyster Candle Company: Capturing the Ocean in a Candle
Shannon Gallo is passionate about her family, her love of the ocean and her responsibility to live conscientiously on this earth. She is also passionate about oysters. It’s no surprise that her home-grown business, Oyster Candle Company, reflects all these interests. Gallo’s signature oyster shell “tea lights,” created with oyster shells recycled from local restaurants, are … [Read more...]