The SOUTHBOUND Podcast

James wrote out his life goals in his younger days and still has the piece of paper with those goals on them that he still adheres by today. James has a true American story of work hard now today for the divot-ends of tomorrow. James's first investment came with an unlikely tenant that most people would have said no. He took a chance and it made the tenants life better for it. James came to the Upstate to make a difference and become a business professional with world class service in the Construction industry. He is breaking barriers and following through in his words and action. He has become the example of those he has always admired.

Mark Johnston moved his family to Greenville in the 90's and fell in love with the Upstate and it's potential to recreate the daily paper publishing and advertising. The took the risk and created Community Journals which now has five paper publications. Ryan, his son, helped start Upstate Business Journal and then launched the digital publication as a daily newsletter about what's going on in your town, which is now 25 cities and coast to coast. These men are true visionaries of the ever changing world. They were instrumental in the revitalization of the West End Arts District of Greenville and have more to come and offer as the world continues to change.

Katherine is the daughter of a US Army Colonel working at the Pentagon, so she grew up in Washington DC and used the Smithsoians as her playground, learning all aspects of fabrics of America. She has spent the early part of her career in rural SC working in economic development and city planning before landing in Spartanburg in 2011. She has been intrical in Spartanburg's growth over the past two decades as well as One Spartanburg Inc. being named US Chamber of the year in 2021. When you get to the end of the episode, you'll understand why Katherine is a beekeeper and a true human ambassador.

Dr. Benedict grew up in Charlotte as a son of a WWII vet and a nurse, learning hard work and the value of education, leading him to meet his eventual lifeling mentor, Mike McNichlos. Dr. Benedict spent the next three decades in Real Estate Development throughout the south but calling Greenville, SC home. In 2006, he made the transition to becoming a Professor and eventually becoming the Director of the Clemson Masters in Real Estate and Development Program, where he has enriched countless lives with his wisdom. Dr. Benedict is a true philomath and a good man that chose a path less traveled in educating.

James and Jamie both grew up with tough love Fathers with similar work experiences that instilled early character to embrace hard work and perseverance. These traits helped create a path where they now work together for the South Carlina Power Team. The South Carolina Power Team is the economic development organization representing South Carolina's 20 electric cooperatives that power more than 1.6 million South Carolinians. They represent the same hard-working people that were like their Fathers and in this episode, James and Jamie share their stories and influence from early lessons in life to their current role serving our great Palmetto State.

Velda is an entrepreneur that is the CEO and OWNER of Hughes Agency, a full service marketing, public relations, advertising and marketing firm in Greenville, SC. Her mission has been to do superior work and give back to our community.

John takes us through his career in servicing the Upstate from his time working for Senator Hollings and learning the importance of reading the paper and Economic Development for Tri-County Tech and courting international business to relocate to the Upstate. John explains how The Upstate Alliance is a recruiting and marketing Alliance for the counties in the Upstate to international business. John shares his thoughts on future trends and provides perspective on growth.

John currently serves with NAI Earle Furman in the Spartanburg SC office as a Senior Associate. John is also the President of Longleaf Holdings USA, an investment firm that oversees several business ventures including Total Product Destruction, LLC, and Longleaf Holdings, LLC, which manages both commercial and residential real estate. John also participates as an investor in several start-up businesses including Southern Tide. Back in 2007, Long Leaf Holdings USA acquired RJ Rockers Brewing Co of Spartanburg. John participated with the Liberty Fellowship Class of 2010, served as the SC State Chair for the Young Presidents Association 2014-2015, Spartanburg County Foundation Trustee, Wofford College Investment Advisory Board, and founding member for the Spartanburg Angel Network.

Nancy spent 40 years at the City of Greenville in Economic Development from 1979-2019. She is the unsung hero of the successes of growth and community outreach and mastering Public-Private Partnerships in Economic Development. Nancy now serves as an Advisor to One Spartanburg Inc. and At-Large member of the SCDOT Commission. Nancy shares her stories from her time at the City of Greenville to working in Spartanburg and SCDOT.

Jon, the CEO of NAI Earle Furman, Columbia, and Piedmont Triad takes through his life and his families life in coming to Greenville, its changes along the way, his tips for success and the things he has always done in his life to become CEO ten years ago, at the age 38.

Experienced Southern Innovators dive into the stories that are shaping the South. Interviews from CEOs, Architects, Engineers, Builders, Community Leaders, and more! You'll hear behind the scenes on how they are building the South. Each episode is packed with tips and tricks to guide you through the nuances of this ever-fluctuating market.