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CHARLESTON
REGIONAL BUSINESS
JOURNAL
05/20/2002
FORTY
UNDER 40 By
Bill Settlemyer, Publisher From my perspective, this is our best year for the Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 awards. We had the largest number of nominations ever! Of course, that means our staff was more challenged than ever to sift through a collection of great nominees to pick the “best of the best.” I want to thank all those who submitted nominations for helping to make Forty Under 40 a success. I always enjoy looking back to past award winners and thinking about the contributions these outstanding people continue to make in our community. As an introduction to this year’s Forty Under 40, here’s a salute to some of our past winners. Rock Amick continues his work as a community leader by serving on the boards of the Charleston Metro Chamber’s Education Foundation and Trident United Way. Stacy Denaux, executive director of the Education Foundation, leads a staff of 10 in a variety of well-crafted efforts to improve our public schools. Helen Hill, still under 40, has been executive director of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for longer than I can remember, and she is about to lead the CACVB into a new era as it leaves the Metro Chamber nest and flies on its own as a separate organization. Tim Scott occupies both the limelight and the hot seat as chairman of Charleston County Council. His calm and unflappable leadership style has served him and the public well during a time of rapid change in the region and the county. The political realm claims other Forty under 40 winners, including state representative Chip Limehouse and state senator John Kuhn, whom we first met when he was executive director of the World Trade Center. North Charleston city councilman Kurt Taylor has emerged as a strong spokesman and advocate for his city and its efforts to renovate its neighborhoods and diversify its economy. Mason Holland and his partners continue to make dramatic progress in growing BenefitFocus.com into one of the region’s leading tech companies. Not long ago his company inked a major deal with Blue Cross/Blue Shield in North Carolina—a move that’s sure to draw more attention to this innovative outfit. Not everyone is in the limelight, but all our winners make a difference one way or another. Larry Spelts does a great job of managing Planter’s Inn, one of the leading downtown hotel properties. Larry is active as a leader in the hospitality industry and a source of wisdom about the value of his industry to our quality of life and economic growth. Ingrid Tugwell’s computer training company, PST, continues to serve the region with much-needed education on the use of technology in business. She is one of the many success stories associated with women entrepreneurs and business owners in our region. Jeff Crane is facilities manager of Blackbaud’s magnificent office/campus on Daniel Island. That’s a big job in itself, but Jeff is also active with professional associations in the region that help bring people together to share knowledge and help strengthen our economy. I wish I had the time and space to recap the successes of every past Forty Under 40 Winner. We at the Business Journal are proud of every one of them and of the 2002 winners recognized on the following pages. Please join me in congratulating our Forty Under 40 Class of 2002! Susan Pritcher Cuthbert Vice
President, Strategic Services CareAlliance Health Services Age: 29 As vice president of strategic services for CareAlliance Health Services, Sue Cuthbert is responsible for system-wide strategic planning, business development, secondary marketing in outlying areas, property management, certificates of need and facility planning for Roper Medical Center. Recently, she helped guide CareAlliance through the opening of the Roper Mount Pleasant Medical Center, her first strategic planning process. “I decided to go into health care administration because it is the closest thing to being a health care provider—and I lacked the patience, compassion and ‘blood tolerance’ required of caregivers,” Cuthbert says. Raised in Charleston, Cuthbert has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in health administration, both from the University of South Carolina. She is a member of the Junior League of Charleston and serves on the Family Services Inc. Community Board. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? The decision was made for me, that part was not tough. However, rising to the challenge when I became vice president at CareAlliance was tough. How
do you manage your time effectively? Prioritize. I try to start the day by accomplishing what’s most important—if I can get to the other stuff, great. If not, rest assured, it will be there tomorrow. Angela J. Allinder President/Owner
Strata Engineering Age: 28 At 28, Angela Allinder is already an accomplished business person. As president and owner of Strata Engineering, Allinder is responsible for day-to-day business operations including accounts and payroll, engineering projects, laboratory management, materials testing and inspection. The
daughter of an Air Force sergeant, Allinder grew up all over the United
States. She graduated from Greenham Common high school in Newberry, England,
and attended Clemson University on an Air Force ROTC scholarship for civil
engineering. She is a South Carolina and Georgia registered professional
engineer with S.C. Department of Transportation certifications in earthwork,
asphalt and concrete and is nuclear gauge certified. Allinder’s community involvement includes being an American Society of Civil Engineers member, Construction for Crisis Ministries, Cancer Relay for Life, American Red Cross blood drives, John Ancrum SPCA and judge of middle and high school bridge competitions for National Engineers Week. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Leaving a secure job (and consistent paycheck) as a design engineer with a reputable local firm to pursue a career as a business owner. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Take responsible chances. Sometimes the hardest and most uncomfortable decisions are the best ones. H. Russell Barrett President
Zoom Transport Inc. Age: 34 Russell Barrett is president of Zoom Transport Inc., a logistics company specializing in emergency freight that offers guaranteed same-day and next-day service as well as warehousing and distribution services. His responsibilities include sales and marketing, accounting, strategic planning and the overseeing and management of daily operations. Raised in Augusta, Ga., Barrett received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in taxation from Georgia State University, at which time he returned to Augusta to practice public accounting for three years. In 1995, Barrett joined his brother in the air-freight trucking business and expanded to Charleston. He served as a volunteer business consultant in Eastern Europe for the National Forum Foundation and completed the Intermodal Global Logistics Program at the College of Charleston. Barrett is vice president of the Charleston chapter of the National Defense Transportation Association and board member of the Propeller Club of Charleston. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Making the decision to expand from my comfort zone was difficult, but necessary. I do not think that I could isolate any one decision as being the toughest; the ever-changing market is constantly challenging me. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Realize where you are, know where you want to go, keep your nose to the ground and persist and persevere. Angela R. Black Sales Daniel Island Real Estate Age: 36 Versatility is key with Angela Black, who sells real estate from starter homes and golf course home sites to million-dollar homes on Daniel Island. She has achieved high sales margins during her two years with Daniel Island Real Estate and also received a Prism award, a Top Producer award by the President’s Circle and the ACE level of accomplishment for top sales. Born and raised in Laurens, S.C., Black attended Converse College and graduated from USC with a bachelor’s degree in international studies. Community involvement is essential to Black, whose roster of service includes contributions for the Humanities Foundation, Junior League of Charleston, Harbour Club, Daniel Island Rotary Club, Gibbes Museum Women’s Council, Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, Spoleto Gala Committee, Committee of 100 Young Leaders and the Euro-American Trade Association. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Going back to school in mid-career. It was hard after becoming accustomed to working nine-to-five. The long-term result was worth the short-term adjustment. What
is your motto? Work hard, learn to play, believe in God and give back to the community. How
do you manage your time effectively? We have a wonderful support team that I could not manage my time without. I often plan the next day at the end of the day and this helps. Prioritize! Lucy Thompson Associate
Vice President/General Manager Carter Ryley Thomas PR & Marketing Counsel Age: 34 As vice president of Carter Ryley Thomas Public Relations & Marketing Counsel, Lucy Thompson has a lot on her plate. Her responsibilities include managing the Charleston office of CRT while also providing clients with what she calls “world-class customer service, quality and creativity.” Raised in Charlotte, Thompson graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor of arts in Journalism, where she says she “fell in love with writing” and discovered public relations and marketing. Thompson is a 2000 graduate of Leadership Charleston and is involved in the community through activities such as volunteering for Marketing Network and serving on the Steering Committee of Leadership Charleston. Thompson has lived in the United Kingdom, Japan and Manhattan and says, “Though I love cold weather and big cities, I wanted to return to the South. What better place than Charleston?” What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Be sure your values and integrity are part of everything you touch, be sure you are challenged and learning new things every day, read as much as possible and make time for your family and friends. Who
inspires you and why? My family, the 47 other people at CRT and everyone else I know who believes that it’s important to have big dreams, that anything is possible, and that in the end, doing the right thing wins every time. Dana R. Mager Corporate
Secretary Officer The Beach Company Age: 39 Dana Mager joined The Beach Company as executive assistant for John Darby in 1993. In 1999 she became office manager, human resources manager and 401K trustee for the Charleston-based real estate company. In February 2000, Mager was appointed corporate secretary officer by The Beach Company’s board of directors. Mager is involved with the Charleston Stage Company, the MUSC Children’s Miracle Network and the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. She served as The Beach Company’s chairperson for its first Trident United Way campaign and has worked for the past three years on Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce fundraising drives. Mager was the top overall producer in the chamber’s 1999 annual campaign, raising over $32,000. She beat her own record in following campaigns, raising over $42,000 in 2000 and $60,000 in 2001. In March of this year, Mager was appointed to the board of directors for the South Carolina Make-A-Wish Foundation. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? I can’t say I’ve had to make the “toughest decision” yet. Perhaps it was choosing to be a mom over a singing career—but that wasn’t a tough decision at all. My family is truly my heart. What
is your motto? “Birds of a feather flock together.” If you want to be successful in life, then associate with successful people. If you want to be happy, be with happy people. Timothy R. Sebold Managing
Partner LifeQuest Health & Wellness Age: 37 In 1998, after working in the fitness industry for 10 years, Tim Sebold purchased LifeQuest with two partners and has grown the company from $1.2 million with two locations to $4.5 million with three locations in just a few short years. “I fell into this profession when I was in graduate school and working part time at Mountaineer Nautilus,” says Sebold. “I realized what affect exercise was having on people and myself. Not only were they losing weight, they were feeling better about themselves, setting goals and having a better attitude.” At a former fitness company, Sebold was the first representative to produce over one million dollars in sales in one month. He is a member of Who’s Who in American Business and has developed several successful marketing and promotions plans for LifeQuest. As managing partner for LifeQuest, Sebold has contributed to Crisis Ministries, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Debbie’s Kids, Kid’s Perfect Packs for Abused Children, American Heart Association, Toys for Tots and MUSC Children’s Hospital. Sebold feels that working with nonprofits is “the best way to thank the community for supporting us.” What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? My toughest decision was whether or not to purchase LifeQuest. LifeQuest had been through some tough times and I wondered if it could rebound. What
is your motto? Come strong or don’t come at all. If you’re going to do something, do it aggressively and with pride or don’t waste your time. C. Ronald Coward Jr. Vice
President Coward-Hund Construction Co. Age: 38 As vice president, Ronnie Coward is involved in the daily management of Coward-Hund, a Charleston-based general contracting firm that has served the region since 1976. Hund serves as project manager for the firm, which is one of the largest construction companies in the Lowcountry. Raised in Mount Pleasant, Coward received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Presbyterian College in 1988 and says he has been working construction “since I was 12 years old.” He was named Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation and is current program committee chairman for the East Cooper Breakfast Rotary Club, past president of the Charleston Contractors Association (1996) and chairman of the Town of Mount Pleasant Board of Zoning Appeals (1998-1999). Coward is director of the Trident Technical College Foundation board. He has served as a member on the Allocations Board for the Trident United Way and was director of the Volunteer Center of the Lowcountry in 1993 and 1994. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Don’t procrastinate…problems don’t just disappear. What
is your motto? Always do the right thing. How
do you manage your time effectively? I use my Palm Pilot to manage all of my appointments and I always try to make time for my family. Paige Canaday Crone Director
of Public Relations Johnson & Wales University Age: 37 After a 13-year career in television, Paige Crone never expected to find herself in a public relations job. “I thought I was defined by my television career,” she says. During her career as a writer and producer for television, Crone earned three Emmy awards, 12 local Addy awards and the International Sony Vision award, among others. “You move around a lot in television trying to get to the biggest markets, or in my case, trying to get back to my beloved Charleston. After I had my second child, President Steven Parker offered me the job at Johnson & Wales. When I accepted, I had no idea how much fun I would have,” she says. Crone is a native of Charleston and graduated from Ashley Hall. In 1987 she graduated from Mount Vernon College in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor’s degree in communications, then spent a year abroad at the University of London, focusing on British political studies. Crone is active in the community through the Ashley Hall Alumnae Board, St. Catherine’s Women’s Club and Women Making a Difference. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Leaving big-market television was a tough choice because I loved it, but heading south was the payoff. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Talk it out to anyone who will listen. Weigh the pros and cons of every opportunity, follow your intuition and never look back—always look ahead! Jackie Renegar Director,
Center for Business Research Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Age: 34 As director of the Center for Business Research, Jacki Renegar has been involved in “In Defense of Charleston” to save the Charleston Naval Base and promoted development by providing data on the region’s economy and business climate to new and existing area businesses. She also helps newly relocating businesses with site location and other business decisions. Born in Heidelberg, Germany and raised in Wilson, N.C., Renegar moved to Charleston on a whim after graduating from college in 1989. “I’d never even visited Charleston before then,” says Renegar. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UNC-Chapel Hill. “My degree concentration was market research,” she says, “because it fits my strength—analytical, detail-oriented and curious about the ‘why’ of things and people’s behavior.” Renegar volunteers every year for the Ground Hog Day “Job Shadow” program with School-to-Careers. She was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Economic Development and Community Researchers. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? The toughest decisions are when I have to say “no” to a project or study someone wants the center to conduct. Due to limited staff and resources and high demand for our type of services in the community, we aren’t able to do all we want to. What
is your motto? The golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” David
P. Agnew Partner Civitas Age: 36 David P. Agnew is one of three partners in Civitas, a real estate firm. Along with his business partners, Agnew is responsible for executing every aspect of the company’s projects, such as seeking approvals, securing financing and overseeing design, construction and sales. “We all pitch in to get things done for the good of the company,” he says. A Truman Scholar, Agnew received a bachelor’s degree in English and history from Erskine College and a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Raised in Anderson, S.C., Agnew’s career led him to Washington, D.C., where he worked for Price Waterhouse as a management consultant and then as special assistant to U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich. From the capital he returned to South Carolina and spent five years as Mayor Joseph P. Riley’s executive assistant. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Though I
knew it was the right decision at the time, it was still very tough deciding
to leave Mayor Riley’s office to join Civitas. I faced a wonderful dilemma:
I loved what I did every day but knew that I needed to step out and take on a
new challenge. How
do you manage your time effectively? When business is good there are always so many things to be done. I like it that way. I keep a running list of priorities and try to cross off as many as I can every day. Sean Kennedy Account
Executive Knight Press Age: 33 As an account executive with commercial printing company Knight Press, Sean Kennedy is responsible for expanding the customer base by creating relationships with companies interested in increasing the quality of their sales and marketing material. “Knight Press is an outstanding commercial printing company with a reputation for turning out a quality product and backing it with superior service,” Kennedy says. Raised in Savannah, Ga., Kennedy moved to Charleston with his parents in the early 1970’s. He attended Clemson University for three years before accepting a job in a career field that he had been pursuing. Kennedy has been involved in the community through the Make a Wish foundation, the March of Dines and several Christian organizations, and says that his idea of perfect happiness is “to make something big or small happen for someone else that they could not have done by themselves.” What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? I decided to leave an established company to purchase a retail franchise. What
is your motto? Success requires no explanations; failure requires no alibis. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Never quit! In every failure lies the seed of an equivalent success. Nicholas Palassis Director
of Operations Palas Hospitality Age: 28 As director of operations for Palas Hospitality, Charleston native Nick Palassis credits his successes in business to being placed in managerial roles beginning when he was a recent Bishop England High School graduate. Palassis also acknowledges the role his father, Jim, played in getting him interested in hospitality. “I grew up in the hospitality business. I have always wanted to work in it and was able to learn many facets of the industry at a young age,” Palassis says. His responsibilities at Palas Hospitality include overseeing the operation of three hotels: Town & Country Inn and Conference Center, Hampton Inn Charleston North and Market Pavilion Hotel. He is also responsible for four restaurants in the Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Columbia areas. Palassis graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and says that his forte lies “in building new businesses with good people and rebuilding failing businesses from the ground up.” What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? It is difficult to lay off a staff of good-hearted people who simply were not performing. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Let your actions speak louder than your words. How
do you manage your time effectively? I try not to procrastinate. As soon as it crosses my desk I work to get it done. John A. Garcia Managing
Director, World Trade Institute South Carolina World Trade Center Age: 26 As the managing director of the World Trade Institute, John Garcia is responsible for the design, development and coordination of educational programs in international business, trade and cross-cultural awareness. Through the S.C. World Trade Center, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting South Carolina businesses with international business and trade, Garcia developed the World Trade Certificate Program to help South Carolina companies by educating them on how to access global trade using the resources available at the trade center. He co-founded the S.C. World Trade Institute Foundation and the Hispanic Development Center in Charleston. Raised mostly in Venezuela, as a child Garcia lived for four years in Atlanta, Ga. the birthplace of his mother. When she retired to Charleston, he decided to make it his home as well. A graduate of the University of Rafael Belloso Chacín in Maracaibo Venezuela, Garcia earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has also been recognized by the Charleston Chamber of Commerce as a North American Small Business International Trade Educator and is active in the YMCA. What
is your motto? Care for yourself, your family and your community. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Be honest, trustworthy and dependable. Louise O. Glenn Director
of Marketing Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Age: 33 As director of marketing for the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Louise Glenn’s responsibilities include leading her department in devising marketing strategies and implementing results-oriented programs with the purpose of enhancing Charleston’s image as a premiere leisure and meeting destination. Glenn initially “hoped for a career in television production,” she says, but was “steered toward the Chamber of Commerce and the CACVB where my interests in creative production and community involvement could be put to use.” Raised in Columbia, Glenn received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., and moved to Charleston. Among her professional accomplishments, Glenn lists “being part of a team that has played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life for the Charleston area.” She has been active in the community through the Junior League of Charleston, volunteering for the Sewanee alumni class, serving on the Coffee Cup Ministries Board and the Hollings Cancer Center Golf Tournament Committee. In 2001 she received the Golden Pineapple Award from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Choose a career that you feel passionate about, but work even harder at developing fulfilling interests outside of your career. How
do you manage your time effectively? I decide that my top priorities for the day or for the week are non-negotiable and un-interruptible. Dr. Julie Peterson Owner/Practitioner Harbor View Chiropractic Age: 37 After being a chiropractic patient for four years, Julie Peterson realized that healing via chiropractics was the right career path for her. “I realized that it would be a beautiful profession for me and became committed to the idea of assisting people in resurrecting and maintaining their health,” says Peterson. Peterson describes her business as “a small dedicated team committed to serving as many people as possible with the concept that health happens from inside out.” Peterson pursued an undergraduate degree at the County College of Morris in New Jersey and at the University of Alaska, completing her graduate studies at Life University in Marietta, Ga. Her professional accomplishments include weekly radio spots on CNN, a one-hour weekly radio show, serving as national spokesperson for Mensa and her large family practice. In 2001, she received the Excellence in Leadership award from American Mensa and was included in Who’s Who of Executives and Professionals, Outstanding Young Women of America. She was named Chiropractor of the Month in February 2002. Peterson gives monthly talks in public and private schools, has volunteered for a year at the Jenkins Orphanage and participates in the Schools-to-Work program. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Understanding that our practice is not for everyone and accepting each person’s individual choices in life. What
is your motto? Be dedicated to change. Alicia G. Ward Marketing
Director Gamble Givens & Moody LLC Age: 27 At just 27 years old, Alicia Ward is already an accomplished professional. As marketing director of Gamble Givens & Moody, a public accounting and consulting firm with offices in Charleston, Summerville and Kiawah, Ward is responsible for providing leadership and overall direction to the firm’s marketing efforts, with emphasis on marketing, new business development, client retention, media relations and promotion, as well as consulting. “I’ve known since high school that I wanted to pursue a career in public relations,” Ward says. Raised in Summerville, Ward graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She is a 2000 graduate of the Charleston Leadership Program, involved in the Association of Accounting Marketers, S.C. Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America board of directors (from 1999 to 2001) and the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Business Education Summit Planning Committee for 1999-2000. Ward received the Accountants Global Network International Diamond Award for web site design, direct mail campaign and best-of-show public relations campaigns; a Charleston Advertising Federation Addy Award for television ad campaign and an honorable mention from the Association of Accounting Marketers. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Remember names, send hand-written notes and listen. Who
inspires you and why? Several people inspire me for various reasons: single parents, teachers, Mary Tutterow, Eleanor Roosevelt, war veterans and volunteers. Timothy K. Kennedy Vice
President Trident Construction Company Age: 37 A five-year “temporary” move to the Charleston area ended when Tim Kennedy “fell in love with the Lowcountry,” he says. A partner and vice president of Trident Construction Company, Kennedy’s duties include cost estimates, construction analysis, cost control, scheduling and project management. A graduate of Clemson University, Kennedy received a bachelor’s degree in construction science and management. He began working for Trident Construction as an assistant quality control inspector and has since helped the company grow from $10 million to $50 million in annual revenue. Kennedy originally moved to Charleston “for a chance to live ‘for free’ in our family beach house on Folly Beach. I had only planned to stay for five years,” he says, although he adds that he “never plans to move” from his current home in Summerville. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Whether or not to leave after twelve years of service and start my own construction company with two friends or stay with two great bosses and become their partner. What
is your motto? Do what you say you are going to do; too many people make promises they do not keep. Hume Killian Owner
and Director The Wells Gallery and Smith Killian Fine Art Age: 29 Wells Gallery owner and Smith Killian Fine Art managing partner Hume Killian wears many hats. He manages the day-to-day operations, as well as long term planning and direction for both galleries—from sales and marketing to shipping and accounting. “I rely heavily on my small staff to keep us moving forward,” says Killian. Killian grew up in Asheville, N.C., where he developed a love for creativity and aesthetics. After graduating from Wofford College, Killian moved to Wyoming, where he worked as a sales associate in Jackson Hole’s Center Street Gallery. He moved to Charleston two years later, had the opportunity to buy the Wells Gallery and “jumped at it.” Through donations and shows, Killian has helped raise money and awareness for Hospice of Charleston, the Humanities Foundation, Lowcountry Open Land Trust, the American Heart Association and the Gibbes Museum. He is currently in collaboration with From Darkness to Light to present a show at the Wells Gallery for the prevention of child abuse. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Opening a new business in a slowing economy was my toughest decision. With many small businesses floundering because they expand too quickly and worrying that I was taking on too much, the decision was the hardest I had to make. After a year and a half, it has worked out beautifully. What
is your motto? Only you can create your own luck. Kathleen A. Dehaan Assistant
Professor of Communications College of Charleston Age: 37 As a college professor teaching six communications courses, an advisor of more than 90 students and published writer with a book manuscript under review, Kathleen Dehaan maintains a hectic schedule. Yet she still makes time to work for community agencies such as Meals on Wheels, the Windwood Home for Boys and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Born and raised in Peoria, Ill., Dehaan graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree from Emerson College in Boston and a PhD from Northwestern University in Chicago. She moved to Charleston when she was offered a teaching position with the College of Charleston four years ago and is an honorary member of the Golden Key International Honor Society—she was selected by C of C students as one of the top five professors who best represents excellence in undergraduate education. “I’ve been in and out of corporate and not-for-profit worlds working in marketing, speech writing, corporate communication and consulting,” says Dehaan, “but academics kept calling me back. It’s challenging, flexible, fun and fulfilling.” What
is your motto? “When we discover that we have in this world no earth or rock to stand or walk upon, but only the shifting sea and sky and wind, the mature response is not to lament the loss of fixity, but to learn to sail.” –James Boyd White How
do you manage your time effectively? I make piles of paperwork and order them by importance. When all else fails, I take a nap! Darcy Shankland Editor
Charleston
Magazine Age: 31 Darcy Shankland took what she calls a “leap of faith” when she moved to Charleston to become editor of Charleston Magazine. Raised in Stockton, Calif., Shankland graduated from University of California at Santa Barbara and decided to take a full-time internship with Santa Barbara magazine. During her nine years at the magazine, Shankland advanced from unpaid editorial intern to general manager. Deciding she was ready for a change of scenery, she moved to Charleston. Her responsibilities at Charleston Magazine include planning the editorial line-up, assigning articles, scheduling and managing production, editing and proofreading articles, placement of editorial within the magazine and presenting a product that beautifully represents the city of Charleston. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Most definitely to move to Charleston—I was enmeshed in Santa Barbara. I loved my house, the beaches and mountains and my friends and family. The only missing element was a challenge, which I found in moving to Charleston. It was the hardest but best decision I have ever made. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Never make assumptions. Don’t assume work is being completed, don’t assume other people understand your direction and don’t assume you understand another person until you’ve asked the appropriate questions. Kenneth C. Krawcheck Partner
Krawcheck & Davidson Age: 39 Since age 13, Kenneth Krawcheck has been working in a law firm—first his father’s and now as an attorney in his own practice. Krawcheck attributes his decision to pursue a career in law to “growing up around it” and finding it fun and challenging. At his general practice law firm, Krawcheck & Davidson, he is responsible for litigation related to construction law and real estate. A Charleston native and graduate of Porter Gaud, Krawcheck graduated in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and University of South Carolina Law School in 1988. He is a member of the State Ethics Committee and likes to spend his free time racing sailboats with his two-year-old son and wife, Trudie. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? One that happens to attorneys all the time—turning down cases that are not quite in my area. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Make really good friends in the business or profession. You need people you trust and respect to bounce ideas off of and to help keep you from making mistakes. How
do you manage your time effectively? I hate to say it, but the best way to manage your time and get work done is to work a little on the weekends. Peter A. McKellar IV Vice
President Harbor Contracting Group Inc. Age: 35 A Charleston native, Peter McKellar was introduced to construction and design at a young age by his father, an architect in the Charleston area. “As a child I was always building with blocks. I loved the whole process of building a structure from the ground up,” he says. As vice president of Harbor Contracting Group Inc., McKellar works to bring multiple commercial construction projects to completion. The group’s projects include religious, educational, industrial, municipal, county, state, federal, Department of Defense, commercial, retail and resort facilities. A graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in building sciences and management, McKellar has served as president of the Charitable Society of Charleston and the Charleston Contractors Association, and is an alumnus of Leadership Charleston. He is also involved in the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant, chairman of the Dictionary Project and coaches a soccer team. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? I have
decided to purchase Harbor Contracting Group Inc. with a partner from my
present boss, David Matthews. The transaction will occur this year. What
is your motto? Live each day as if it is your last and happiness is a journey, not a destination! How
do you manage your time effectively? I try to plan every hour of every day. Planning for family and personal time is just as important as planning my workday. Jamie Irby Kohler Executive
Director Rein & Shine Age: 26 Jamie Kohler began riding and showing horses at the age of six. When she was 22, she turned her riding talent and love of horses into a way to help kids with special needs. Kohler co-founded Rein & Shine, an equine-facilitated therapy program, nearly four years ago and spends her days teaching riding to children with autism and other special needs. “I am not only there for physical support for my students,” says Kohler, “but for emotional support as well.” Kohler grew up in Mount Pleasant and has a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of South Carolina. After riding on the national circuit up and garnering numerous wins, Kohler decided to return home. Her sister, Beth Newton, teaches autistic children at Whitesides Elementary and brought a class to the family stables, which gave Kohler the idea for teaching riding to special needs children. The program’s new Awendaw barn is nearing completion and Kohler has big plans. She says her goal is to make Rein & Shine “a program in which the entire community can participate and pitch in to help those in need.” What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Leaving my job in Camden, S.C., as a professional rider to start a business of my own—which fortunately led to the creation of Rein & Shine. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Never give up on your dream job. Keep trying and you will always succeed. Do what you want to do, not what someone else wants you to do. And if you have to work with someone, make sure it is someone you can talk to and trust. Edwin McCain Singer/Songwriter
Age: 32 A Charleston native, singer and songwriter Edwin McCain and his “crack combo” band have earned a reputation as one of America’s hardest-working bands, often performing more than 300 nights a year. In addition to their rigorous touring schedule, McCain and company have also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, The Rosie O’Donnell Show and Live with Regis and Kathie Lee. McCain has released four albums, most recently “Far From Over.” It is a definite artistic change from his previous albums—more raw-sounding and personal—but McCain says it is an improvement. “When I first started, I just wanted to be the singer/songwriter guy with the acoustic guitar, but there’s only so many years you can do that before you get kind of tired of it,” he says. McCain’s community involvement includes the America Street Foundation, South Eastern Firefighters Burn Association, Habitat for Humanity, Hometown Heroes, Lyrics for Life, the Make-a-Wish Foundation and VH1’s Save the Music program. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Putting other people’s songs on my records was difficult. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Never take “no” for an answer. What
is your motto? Do what you love and love what you do. Christopher T. Cunniffe Attorney
Harrell & Cunniffe Age: 30 Chris Cunniffe says that although he was raised in Long Island, N.Y., his first experience in Charleston as a summer clerk for a law firm left him “magnetically attracted to its historic district and beautiful coastline.” A founding partner of Harrell & Cunniffe, he leads real estate and business practice areas. Cunniffe graduated from Holy Cross College magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in 1993 and cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1996. His professional accomplishments include admission to the bar in both New York and South Carolina, surviving for two years in what he calls a “New York ‘sweatshop’ law firm” and opening his own firm in Charleston, which he considers to be one of his toughest professional decisions. He is involved in the community through Charleston Jaycees. What
is your motto? “’Tis
the business of little minds to shrink.”
—Thomas Paine What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? If you want to be your own boss someday, start saving your money now—it is an expensive process. Who
inspires you and why? Behind my desk hang portraits of Thomas Paine and Frederick Douglass. They both inspire me because they overcame adversity and employed their gift of eloquence to inspire others. Christopher Metts President
Slicker Inc. Age: 32 Chris Metts is not just the president of Slicker Inc., a full-service web development studio that offers audio and video streaming on the web. He also has a medical degree from MUSC, where he was practicing in residency before deciding to leave to expand Slicker with his wife and business partner, Jennifer. “I’ve sat on the fence between medicine and computer programming since I was 14. Ultimately, I decided to do both,” Metts says. Since then, Slicker has won 11 awards for design from the Advertising Federation of Charleston, been selected as a finalist by South by Southwest for the “Best Band Web Site” (created for Jump Little Children) and had a site selected by Radio Inc. as one of the “Top Ten Technically Advanced Radio Station Sites.” Born in Saluda, N.C., Metts received a bachelor’s degree from Wofford College and came to Charleston for medical school. His professional accomplishments include working to help local artists “get a bigger piece of the pie” and expanding Slicker into a profitable, hi-tech business with minimal outside investment. He attributes his motto, “Do it right the first time,” to his father, who he says “preached and preached it to my brothers and me growing up.” What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Leaving my medical residency to expand Slicker Inc. What
is the best business advice you can pass on to others? Don’t look to others to make your decisions for you. Dr. Kaidi Mikhitarian Post-Doctoral
Fellow Medical University of South Carolina Age: 30 Kaidi Mikhitarian has only been in the United States for six years. Born and raised in Estonia, Mikhitarian came to the U.S. in 1996 through a cultural exchange program. After living for a year in upstate New York, she returned to school in Estonia and, after finishing her studies in 1998 at Tartu University, she moved to Charleston. Currently, Mikhitarian is a member of a research team in the Department of Surgery at MUSC. The group is participating in the Minimally Invasive Molecular Staging of Breast Cancer study, which involves 14 national and international universities. The research team’s aim is to determine whether a new molecular technology called real-time RT-PCR is capable of predicting cancer recurrence. Mikhitarian began her career with MUSC in medical research and has volunteered in the Center for Research on Oscular Therapeutics and Biodevices. She contributed to two books on modern cataract surgery and co-authored articles in International Journal of Cancer in 2001 and British Journal of Cancer in 2002. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Moving to the United States. It has been a major challenge on so many levels, ranging from language and cultural differences to being apart from my family and friends. What
is your motto? If you do something, do it well. If you are not going to do it well, then don’t bother doing it at all. Lynn Anne Christensen Financial
Advisor Morgan Stanley Age: 28 Raised in New York, Lynn Anne Christensen moved south for college and came to Charleston to manage a small business, which gave her a background in money management. “I became a financial advisor after a lot of research and soul-searching, which has paid off,” says Christensen. As a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley’s Meeting Street office, Christensen provides comprehensive financial planning for individuals. She says being tuned in to clients is key to successful financial advising. “Learn to listen to people to see how you can meet their needs,” she says. “And always follow through with what you promise.” Christensen received a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and a master’s of science degree in public health from the University of South Carolina. She is on the board of directors and chair of the education committee for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and is a member of Toastmasters, the Center for Women and Executive Women’s Golf Association. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? To make the commitment to become a financial advisor. As much as I love my profession, it is a tremendous amount of work and responsibility. What
is your motto? Do the best you can and choose your activities carefully. How
do you manage your time effectively? I plan and write everything in my DayTimer. Robert E. Dullanty Sr. Senior
Structural Engineer WrightPadgettChristopher Age: 39 Born and raised in Washington state, Roberty Dullanty moved to Charleston just over five years ago by way of Alaska. As senior structural engineer, Dullanty manages projects, structural engineering, permitting and forensic engineering for marine projects, bridges, industrial structures and buildings from concept to construction. Recognized by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce as an Emerging 10 company in 1999 and 2000, WrightPadgettChristopher is a Mount Pleasant-based engineering firm with branches in Savannah, Ga., Myrtle Beach and Charlotte, N.C. Dullanty holds a bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Washington and is registered as a professional engineer in South Carolina, Alaska and Washington. He is active in the community as a supporter of the Charleston Youth Development Center and team member of the Mount Pleasant Over-35 Soccer League. His professional credits include membership in the American Society of Civil Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers and past president and vice president of the Structural Engineers Association of Alaska. What
is the toughest decision you have made in your professional life? Leaving a good, safe job to pursue a career where I enjoyed what I was doing. How
do you manage your time effectively? Organize, prioritize and hustle. Often, I alternate between never-ending multi-tasking and uninterrupted focus time. Danny Blyth Owner/President Charleston Swamp Foxes Age: 37 Danny Blyth has his hands full running Charleston Swamp Foxes, a professional arena football team playing at the North Charleston Coliseum from April through August. Since 1999, he has marketed the Swamp Foxes, raised financial capital, trained and directed a sales staff, sold corporate sponsorships, set budgets and launched a successful sports franchise from ground zero to game day in just four months. Blyth is a 1986 Citadel graduate and native Charlestonian. He says he has achieved his lifelong goal of being involved professional sports. “It brings to the community an entertaining event that includes non-stop action, rock and roll music, high scoring and in-your-face football the whole family can enjoy.” In addition to a career with the Swamp Foxes, Blyth is a member and former board member of the Charitable Society of Charleston, board member of the American Heart Association and a member of the Charleston Metro Sports Council. His idea
of perfect happiness? “10,125 crazy screaming fans enjoying an arena
football game on a Saturday night!” What
is your motto? Failure is not my destiny. How
do you manage your time effectively? I don’t know what I ever did before I had a Palm Pilot, computer and cell phone. Who
inspires you and why? My parents. I’m inspired by their commitment to each other, their integrity, loyalty to family, moral values, honesty and commitment to the church. |