Presents for Paws: Creating Joy in Every Wag and Meow

Presents for Pets

Holiday shopping for your furry friends just got a whole lot merrier. Kitty or canine, we’ve fetched the pawfect presents to make this season extra special for all. 1. PawTalk Recordable Pet Buttons In the dark about what your favorite furry companion most wants? Enhance communication between you and your pet with voice recording buttons. With PawTalk Recordable Pet Buttons, you record a word and train your pet to push the button of what he/she wants— walk, treat, potty break, play time, cuddles— you decide! Includes four colorful, paw-shaped buttons.    Get PawTalk Recordable Dog Buttons Here https://amzn.to/47Dc8hc  2. Venison Flavor Dog Chew Nurture your pup’s wild side with USA-made Healthy Edibles Wild Venison chew treats. These long-lasting, flavorful treats are made with real venison and come in the shape of bones. Indulge your dog’s taste buds and enhance his digestion without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It’s a holiday present for your four-legged friend.    Get Venison Flavor Dog Chew Here https://amzn.to/4a9T6AG 3. Ice Cream Mix for Dogs Who says ice cream isn’t healthy for dogs? Make your pup’s day with Puppy Scoops Ice Cream Mix. Just add water, freeze, and voila – creamy doggie ice cream is ready! With sure-fire flavor favs like peanut butter, it’s a delightful way to celebrate special occasions or simply beat the heat. Now your dog can join in the holiday dessert decadence alongside you. Get Ice Cream Mix for Dogs Here https://amzn.to/47Ai7D8 View On Instagram 4. Edible Bubbles for Dogs Play time and snack time at the same time? It’s the ultimate puppy paradise. Edible Bubbles for Dogs are flavored, non-toxic bubbles that are safe for pets and kids, creating a bubble bonanza playground in your backyard. Let your pet chase and pop their way to pure joy with peanut butter flavor—outdoor entertainment with a tasty twist. Get Edible Bubbles for Dogs Here https://amzn.to/3N592u0 5. Toys Dog Toothbrush Combine play and dental care with the Toys Dog Toothbrush. This chewable toothbrush not only keeps your pup entertained but also promotes dental hygiene. The squeaky base adds an element of surprise, making brushing more exciting. Tough and durable, it’s ideal for teething pups and those with a penchant for chewing. Get Toys Dog Toothbrush Here https://amzn.to/3Rl3pub This holiday season, shower your pet with love and laughter. From interactive toys to tasty treats, these presents are sure to make tails wag and whiskers twitch. Your furry companions deserve nothing but the best. After all, they’re not just pets— they’re family.

Thanksgiving Safety: 5 Foods to Avoid for Your Dogs

Thanksgiving beckons with gratitude, gatherings, and lavish feasts. As you join loved ones in celebration, prioritize your furry friends’ safety. The American Kennel Club and health professionals unequivocally advise against five foods for your dogs during this Thanksgiving celebration. 1. Turkey Bones: A Recipe for Disaster While turkey takes the spotlight at Thanksgiving, be cautious with bones. Cooked poultry bones can splinter, posing risks like internal injuries or choking. Keep bones and carcasses away from your pet. 2. Onions and Garlic: Hidden Dangers Avoid potential harm to your furry friends by steering clear of onions and garlic, common ingredients in stuffing and gravies. Even small amounts can pose risks, causing damage to your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia and other health issues. Keep these ingredients safely out of reach. View On Instagram 3. Gravy: A High-Fat Pitfall Indulging your dog in Thanksgiving gravy might be tempting, but beware of potential issues like stomach upset and pancreatitis due to its richness. Choose dog-friendly gravy or stick to their regular diet for a healthier treat. 4. Raisins and Grapes: A Potent Poison Raisins and grapes are often found in Thanksgiving dishes like casseroles and desserts. However, they can be extremely toxic to dogs, causing kidney failure even in small amounts. Be extra cautious to prevent your dog from snacking on these hazardous treats. 5. Desserts and Sweets: Sugar Spells Trouble The dessert table is laden with sugary delights during Thanksgiving, but sweets are a definite no-no for dogs. Chocolate, a common ingredient in desserts, is toxic to dogs, and other sweet treats can lead to weight gain and dental issues. Keep all sugary and chocolatey items well out of your pet’s reach. A Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving for Your Canine Companions This Thanksgiving, as you celebrate with your family and friends, ensure that your furry family members are also protected from potential food hazards. By avoiding these five common foods, you can enjoy a safe and joyful Thanksgiving with your dogs, making cherished memories while keeping them healthy and happy. Einstein’s Dog-Sitting Service, LLC, founded in 2007, extends professional care to dogs, cats, birds, and more. Our punctual, loving approach keeps pets and homes secure. Schedule a Free Meet ‘n’ Greet Appointment for your furry friends. Contact Cindy Bright at (843) 457-0893 or info@e4-dogs.com in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Trick or Teeth: 5 treats That Will Give Your Dentist Nightmares

South Strand Dental Surfside Beach SC Best Dentists-9826

Halloween is just around the corner, and that means candy galore for trick-or-treaters. While indulging in sweets is part of the fun, it’s essential to consider the dental health of the little ghosts and goblins who visit your door. SouthStrand Dental in Myrtle Beach cares about the oral well-being of our community, so we’ve put together a list of five candies to avoid giving out this Halloween, along with ten healthy and tasty alternatives that kids will love. Candies to Avoid: Sticky Gummy Candies Gummy candies are sticky and adhere to teeth, making them a prime culprit for cavities. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar in gummy candies, leading to acid production that can harm tooth enamel. Lollipops Lollipops are essentially pure sugar on a stick. They keep the sugar in prolonged contact with teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Plus, biting on hard candies can potentially lead to dental emergencies. Chewy Caramels Chewy caramel candies can get stuck in the teeth, promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and increasing the risk of tooth decay. Sour Candy Sour candies are acidic and can erode tooth enamel. They often contain a combination of sugars and acids that are a double threat to dental health. Hard Candy Hard candies take a long time to dissolve, which means an extended exposure to sugar for teeth. They can also lead to chipped or cracked teeth when bitten. Healthy Alternatives Raisin Boxes Individual boxes of raisins are a sweet, chewy treat that kids enjoy without the added sugar found in many candies. Mini Pumpkin Oranges Peel small oranges (clementines or mandarins) and draw spooky pumpkin faces on them. Kids will love the Halloween twist. Popcorn Balls Make popcorn balls with honey or peanut butter as a binding agent and add some dried fruit or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor. Dark Chocolate Squares Dark chocolate contains less sugar than milk chocolate and has antioxidants. Offer individually wrapped squares in moderation. Pretzel Packs Mini pretzel bags are a savory alternative that kids will enjoy crunching on. Granola Bars Opt for low-sugar granola bars with whole grains and nuts for a satisfying snack. This Halloween, let’s prioritize the dental health of our community by choosing tooth-friendly treats. SouthStrand Dental wishes you a happy and healthy Halloween filled with smiles, not cavities! Healthy Gelatin Gummies Recipe 8 oz. of your favorite juice 3 scoops or 35 grams of gelatin (recommended brand: Perfect Bovine Gelatin) Let the gelatin mix sit and stir for 10 minutes before boiling. Turn the heat down and stir until the gelatin dissolves. Let the gelatin cool. Put it in the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy in the morning!

Musical Talent Nurtured: Barbara Samayoa

Music Class

40 Years of Musical Mastery: Barbara Samayoa’s Inspiring Journey For more than 40 years, Barbara Samayoa has been a steadfast figure in music education. Her dedication spans various musical areas, from general music to piano, voice, and guitar lessons, motivating aspiring musicians. Barbara Samayoa’s career as a music educator inspires countless students in general music, choir, band, and private lessons, fostering their potential. A Tradition of Knowledge Barbara Samayoa earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Salem College in North Carolina. She’s continually expanding her expertise with certifications in the Carl Orff method, Kindermusik, and Musikgarten. Her remarkable service was recognized with the 2022–2023 Musikgarten Exemplary Award. Individualized Instruction in Music Barbara, a dedicated educator, adapts her lessons to match each student’s individual needs and developmental stage. Research has highlighted music’s profound influence on young minds, emphasizing Barbara’s dedication to Musikgarten’s pedagogical principles. She passionately customizes her lessons to nurture and stimulate her students’ growth, fostering their love for music. Her commitment to these principles sets her apart in early childhood music education, ensuring a rewarding experience for her students. Musikgarten: Nurturing Musical Talents View On Instagram Musikgarten’s extensive curriculum nurtures a lifelong love for music and fosters creative expression through melodies. It engages parents and children, offering a harmonious journey with instruments, CDs, and insightful parent guides. This approach encourages musical development from an early age. More Than Music: Complete Development Participation in Musikgarten classes sparks a love for music while enhancing children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. These classes prioritize both music and movement, crucial elements of the curriculum. Additionally, they offer valuable weekly opportunities for parents to strengthen connections with their children. This fosters close bonds and allows parents to witness their children’s growth into confident, independent, and expressive individuals. Age-Appropriate Curriculum Barbara Samayoa’s music classes in Myrtle Beach cater to children of all ages, ranging from infants and toddlers to preschoolers and elementary school students. These classes serve as an enchanting gateway to the realm of harmony and melody. Moreover, Barbara offers private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, and ukulele. She tailors these one-on-one sessions to meet each student’s unique musical goals and aspirations. With Barbara’s guidance, young talents can thrive and reach their full potential in the world of music. Enriching Lives Through Music Barbara Samayoa’s music lessons in Myrtle Beach nurture your child’s emotional, intellectual, and social development. Additionally, they provide the enduring gift of music, enriching their lives in countless ways. Join us today!

5 Things you Didn’t Know about Ocean Lakes Golf Cars

Ocean Lakes Golf Carts Myrtle Beach Best Dealer

Unveiling the Hidden Treasures of Ocean Lakes Golf Cars When you think of Ocean Lakes, you might envision sunny beaches and lively campgrounds. But did you know that Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, often seen as a humble rental service, is brimming with surprises? Here are five things that may just change your perception of Ocean Lakes Golf Cars. 1. Beyond Golf Carts While golf carts are their forte, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars offers more than just these four-wheel wonders. You can rent electric scooters and bikes, making it a versatile hub for your transportation needs during your Myrtle Beach adventure. 2. The Art of Customization Dive into the world of customization with Ocean Lakes Golf Cars. From unique paint jobs to personalized seating arrangements, they allow you to create a golf cart that screams “you.” They offer a range of accessories and features, including snazzy Bluetooth speakers, so your golf cart becomes an extension of your style and personality. 3. The Electric Advantage All the golf carts at Ocean Lakes are electric, which means you get an eco-friendly and convenient ride. Forget about the hassle of gas and emissions—just plug in and enjoy the ride. It’s an eco-conscious way to explore the campground and the beautiful Myrtle Beach area. View On Instagram 4. Ideal for Campground Adventures Ocean Lakes Family Campground is an expansive community teeming with things to do and places to see. Navigating this playground is a breeze with a golf cart. You can quickly access the beach, various amenities, and join in on the campground’s exciting activities. It’s the ultimate way to explore Ocean Lakes. 5. Rentals for All Occasions Whether you’re a tourist looking to explore Myrtle Beach for a day or a campground resident seeking a long-term rental, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars caters to all. With a range of rental options, they accommodate diverse needs. Plus, they follow a fair “first come, first served” policy for registered guests. So, the next time you’re at Ocean Lakes, remember that Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is more than meets the eye. It’s an unexpected and exciting facet of your coastal experience, offering you a unique way to explore this vibrant destination in style. But that’s not all; Ocean Lakes Golf Cars has much more to offer, including private golf car registration, storage options, Club Car sales, and top-notch parts and service. Dive deeper into their world, and you’ll uncover even more hidden gems.

Educational Adventures at Teachers Touch and Parents Too

Teachers Touch

Teachers Touch and Parents Too: Your Educational Haven Myrtle Beach is home to “Teachers Touch and Parents Too“. It is a family-run educational supply store that caters to local classrooms, homes, and religious institutions. This store is an excellent source of ideas. They provide an extensive selection of classroom supplies and learning aids. A One-Stop Shop for Educational Supplies: Teachers Touch and Parents Too is a one-stop shop for all things related to education. Whether you’re a teacher in a traditional school setting or a parent homeschooling your children, this store has you covered. Products range from classroom decorations to educational games that make learning fun, with options for a wide variety of learning styles and a wide range of subjects (math, science, language arts, and more). One of the store’s standout features is its dedication to providing educators and parents with the tools they need to make learning exciting and effective. Classroom decor, including colorful posters, bulletin board sets, and motivational banners, transforms ordinary spaces into immersive learning environments. These touches stimulate creativity and foster a love for learning. View On Instagram Teachers Touch and Parents Too provides a variety of textbooks, workbooks, and hands-on learning kits for students and parents focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects. The goal of these materials is to make learning difficult concepts easier and more enjoyable for students of all ages. Enhancing Learning Environments The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to provide recommendations and advice, ensuring that teachers, parents, churches, and schools find exactly what they need to support their students’ educational journeys. In today’s dynamic educational landscape, Teachers Touch and Parents Too are beacons of support and inspiration. Whether you’re an educator shaping young minds in a classroom, a parent nurturing learning at home, a church facilitating religious education, or a school seeking essential supplies, this family-owned store has the tools to transform education into a thrilling adventure. Contact Information: Phone Number: (843) 448-4690 Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM Sunday: Closed Ready to embark on your educational adventure? Explore the Teachers Touch and Parents Too website to discover a world of educational resources at your fingertips: https://teacherstouch.com/

Coastal Carolina Home Watch

Coastal Carolina Home Watch

The Most Trusted Home Watch Service at the Beach by Melissa LaScaleia Almost eighteen years ago, Coastal Carolina Home Watch became the first company to offer professional home watch services on the Grand Strand and Waccamaw Neck. From concentrating on those who have homes at the beach but live out of the state or country, it was obvious that the service was sorely needed. “Home Watch is a service that visits unoccupied homes to make sure that things are all right during the homeowner’s absence,” says the company’s founder Jack Luber. “We are your line of communication while you are not here, always looking out for your best interests.” Over the years Coastal Carolina Home Watch has come to represent different things to their very loyal clients. Partner Steven Montesano found this out quickly. “When I came on board,” he says, “I quickly realized how diverse our services were because we work to meet our clients’ individual requests – and they have a lot!” From Debordieu Colony on the Waccamaw Neck to the Golden Mile, from the Market Common and Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach to Cherry Grove in North Myrtle, Coastal Carolina Home Watch’s core service is home checks. They visit the home and use the latest in reporting technology to keep their clients notified as to the date and time of the visit as well as the home’s condition. Pictures and videos are recorded and shared in the event of any issues. Over the years, services offered to their clients have expanded to include handyman; cleaning; rental by owner (Airbnb, VRBO) assistance, concierge, keyholder; pre and post storm services; and most recently, attorney probate assistance. Steven shares: “Our clients place a lot of trust in us because of our adherence to strict protocols and high standards. Each member of our team has passed criminal background checks, and as a company, we maintain a comprehensive range of insurance coverage. We are often asked to represent our clients while they are out of town because they are confident in our judgement, and respect our commitment to their privacy and confidentiality. It is the bedrock of what we do.” Longtime team member Jocelyn Dewey will tell you about the relationships Coastal Carolina Home Watch has with their clients. “We have some clients that have been with us for over fifteen years,” she says. “We know their families and they know ours. They tell us to: ‘Go ahead and take care of it,’ if we feel it needs doing. The trust and confidence people have in our team is something that we will never put in jeopardy or violate.” CCHW acts as your advocate and representative in your absence. They can arrange for and coordinate projects while you’re away so your time at the beach is spent doing what you want to do, not what you need to. “The homeowner hires the necessary vendors or contractors to perform the service,” Jack says. “But if we give the client a company to talk to, rest assured that we have a copy of that company’s insurance and we are listed as a certificate holder. We vet them because our reputation means everything to us.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch is the charter member of the National Home Watch Association. The organization was founded fourteen years ago to set guidelines, ethics, best practices, training programs, and insurance requirements for the home watch industry. CCHW became the first accredited home watch company in North America. All its team members proudly claim the designation of NHWA Certified Home Watch Professionals, ranking them among the elite in the home watch industry. Hiring Coastal Carolina Home Watch is like having your very own team here at the beach. Like their motto says: “We are your eyes and ears…when you’re not here.” Facebook Instagram Globe Phone

Larry’s Auto Clinic

Quality, Honesty and Pride in Auto and RV Repair by Melissa LaScaleia Larry and Barb White had their own neighborhood auto repair shop in Maryland for thirty-four years before they relocated to Myrtle Beach in 2020. As a third-generation auto mechanic shop owner, Larry has always been mechanically inclined, and has forty-five years of training and experience in the industry. But his real passion is customer service and being with people. “I like to talk with people, not over them,” Larry says. “I take the time to explain and educate people what’s going on with their vehicle so that they can understand the situation and the repercussions of their choices, and then make an informed decision about how they want to proceed.” In looking for an auto repair shop to buy in this area, Larry and Barb happened upon Larry’s Auto Clinic, the eponymous auto repair shop of Larry Dodd. “We hit it off with Mr. Dodd right away,” Barb says. “We really liked that his business already handled RVs and auto repairs. And we all shared a very similar business philosophy— delivering quality work, honest service, and taking pride in auto and RV repair.” “Mr. Dodd ran his business according to those principles for thirty-five years,” Larry says. “He was very popular. Everybody loved him. Customers traveled hundreds of miles just so that his team could work on their RV. How he ran things mirrored what I did in Maryland— creating a rapport, going the extra mile for your customers, and offering the best customer service you can.” The two soon discovered that they shared many things in common besides the same first name, the automotive industry, and their values. “We were both born and raised in Maryland,” Larry says. “We both owned Exxon stations at certain points in our lives; his second wife’s maiden name was White; he was in the Air Force, and my father was in the Air Force. There were so many coincidences. We felt a kinship with him and his business ethics, and saw a lot of potential with the business.” Larry and Barb officially took over Larry’s Auto Clinic in September 2020, retaining its name as well as one of Larry’s mechanics, Justin, who’s been working there for 16 years. They hired Andy, who has fifty years of experience, as their new lead mechanic. His hobby is working on race cars and classic cars. Chris is the third technician— with fifteen years of automotive technical training. Previous Next “The biggest thing is that we stay on point and do what we say we’re going to do, and that really surprises and delights people,” Larry says. “We provide a service that is pleasing to the customer and at a fair price. I try to underpromise and overdeliver rather than the opposite. You can get service from a bigger organization, but with us, you’re dealing with a family and people who care if you make it to your next destination.” “I’ve always liked working with the customer, making their problems mine so I can correct them or whatever the situation is,” he adds. “It’s nice to be in an area where customers are appreciative of you and happy you’re here. It doesn’t seem like people are used to the level of service we provide. It’s always rewarding to see their reactions when we’ve taken care of them and their needs. And we’ve met a lot of good people whom we call friends. “The Intracoastal Waterway is a treasure of new experiences every time we go out there. We’re still finding our favorite restaurants and bars; the music is awesome. It’s a neat place to live, and every weekend is a vacation.” Larry and Barb feel honored to carry Larry’s legacy forward, and everyday are touched more and more by the impact he had on the community. “He had customers for thirty years, and people just loved him,” Larry says. “You could tell he really cared about what he did. Since he passed, people have been coming in and telling stories about him. People really appreciate that the business and tradition— something he built and cared for— are still going strong. We’re proud and grateful we could keep Larry’s legacy alive.” Larry’s Auto Clinic 4719 North Gate Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-293-2205 Open M-F 8am-5pm www.larrysautoclinicmb.com Facebook @ Larry’s Auto Clinic Inc

Ocean Lakes Golf Cars and Service

Serving Ocean Lakes and the Entire Grand Strand Community by Melissa LaScaleia Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, located in the iconic Ocean Lakes Family Campground, is a sales, service and rental company that has been serving the needs of campground guests as well as the public since the ‘80s. “Many people don’t realize the extent of what we have to offer our community,” says Jeff Caldwell, the golf car manager for Ocean Lakes. “Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is available for everyone, not just guests of our campground.” Their rental fleet is comprised of 1000 golf cars. At their showroom, they have over two hundred golf cars for sale, including the Club Car Onward Golf Cars, which are powered via electric (including Lithium Ion), or gas; and the HP version Onward, an innovative high performance AC drive motor. They also sell reconditioned golf cars. “No one reconditions a golf car the way we do,” says Jeff. “We do what’s called a frame-off restoration. We disassemble the entire golf car and acid-wash the aircraft-grade aluminum frame that Club Car uses in all their golf cars, so even the frame looks brand new. The salt from the ocean air is harsh on metal; even though it will not rust aluminum, it still leaves an impact. So, we take the extra step to fully refurbish it, so the car is pristine for our customers. Our attention to detail and quality of workmanship that we put into the restoration process is what sets us apart from everyone else.” Their warehouse facility hosts one of the largest inventories of parts, accessories, wheels, and tires in the Southeast. “Having this facility lets us expand our offerings so we have more choices for our customers and can customize most anything,” says Jeff. “We now offer a larger selection of paint schemes, custom accessories, trim, wheels and tires. We can show our customers the build process from beginning to end, and they can be as involved in the process as they like.” Some of the most frequently requested installs are lift kits, Bluetooth stereo systems, wheels and tires, and seat upgrades. Today, they sell over 500 cars per year. “We’ve done a lot of custom cars over the years— creating beach scenes in paint or incorporating colors from people’s favorite sports team,” Jeff says. “We add accessories that fit people’s individual tastes. Our website shows some current ideas for custom car options.” If you already own a golf car, Ocean Lakes services most makes and brands, and provides service from Georgetown to North Carolina along the coastal areas. They offer pickup and delivery service along the Grand Strand. They are also an authorized Club Car dealer. Club Car conducts a week-long, on-site training every year for Ocean Lake’s service technicians, giving the campground an edge in the latest technology, so they, in turn, can provide outstanding service. Ocean Lakes has eleven, full-time, factory-trained Club Car service technicians working in their service department. Ocean Lakes Golf Cars has been affiliated with Club Car for more than seventeen years, offering their cars to rent or buy. They have won Club Car’s coveted Black & Gold Elite status in 2018, 2019, and their Black & Gold status from 2020 through the present for: “Outstanding sales performance and customer service.” This is a mark of distinction which sets Ocean Lakes Golf Cars among the top 10% of Club Car dealers in the world. The honor was given because, according to Club Car, Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, “Achieved extraordinary levels of sales and service, demonstrated exceptional financial performance, implemented successful marketing strategies and maintained top-notch facilities.” “Ocean Lakes Family Campground has been very successful over the years, starting with our board of directors and senior leadership, down to our newest teammates,” Jeff says. “We are a family. And I credit all the success we’ve had to that. Speaking on behalf of our teammates, we all want to see that every guest who visits Ocean Lakes creates family memories that will last a lifetime.” Address Call Us Website Facebook

ER Home LLC, Interior Design and General Contracting

The Man Behind the Name, the Gift, and the Journey by Melissa LaSaleia For interior design maven and the owner of ER Home LLC, Eric Richards, creativity and a drive for excellence have always come naturally. “In design school my teachers were blown away by my proficiency and I was too,” Eric says. “How I got this gift, I don’t know, but I’m grateful I have it and I don’t take it for granted.” That gift launched him on a path as a designer and into a richness of life experiences he never could have imagined. Over the last thirty-odd years of his career, Eric has undertaken projects for multi-billion dollar corporations; Luxury Living magazine; as well as numerous private homes coast to coast and along the Grand Strand. He also birthed his company, ER Home LLC. “Interior design is not as much about decorating as people believe,” Eric explains. “It’s about form and function; configuring and utilizing a space to achieve a certain lifestyle and feeling depending on how people interact with their home and with one another in it.” But to get to that point, a lot of work has to be done in terms of architectural construction and installation. He sees architecture— including plumbing, hardware, electrical fixtures, and flooring— as an integral component of interior design. He learned all the skills he considers essential for his creation process, and, with his team at ER Home, works as an all-inclusive, multi-talented, and licensed contractor. He completes tasks such as: painting; wallpapering; tile work; custom furniture design and building; refurbishment; carpentry; kitchen and bath remodeling; electrical; plumbing; and decorating. ER Home is proficient in green construction and building practices, as well as feng shui— the latter, a technique which Eric was already employing intuitively in his designs without realizing it. Nevertheless, he spent six months of study in San Francisco to gain a deeper understanding and confidence in the art. For Eric, interior design is a highly individual and joyful process for each and every client— as well as a fluid and constantly evolving one. “The longer you’re personally in the home and around the clients,” he says, “the more they all speak to you. So the different layers will change throughout the process. There’s a psychology about working with clients and with design— you have to use it to fuse many different styles together.” This may seem like an overwhelming task, but early in life, Eric chose to live by a mantra that has guided him ever since, and which he attributes to one of the hallmarks of his success: “There are no problems, only solutions.” “With all of my experience, I still learn something new every day,” he says. Eric views every challenge he’s faced as an opportunity to think outside the box and reach new heights in his depth both as a person as well as a designer. Since he began, his talent has grown in the scope, sophistication, and nuance of what he is able to achieve, no matter the size or budget of his project. “As my business has grown, my reputation has too, and it’s given me the opportunity to be more creative and more grateful than I ever thought I could be,” he says. “I’m confident in my gift, but I’m humbled I’m the man it was gifted to. My cup truly runneth over; I have incredible clients and friends, and I spend my days doing what I love, making a difference in other people’s lives. “Confucius said, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ And that’s my reality. I’m just so grateful for my life every day, no matter the challenge.” Call Us Website Facebook

Low Country Vein Specialists

Relief For a Common Ailment by Melissa LaScaleia Lowcountry Vein Specialists is a private medical practice run by Dr. Karl S. Hubach, MD, FACPh, RVT, RPhS, that specializes in the treatment of veins and venous disease. People who suffer from conditions such as leg ulcers; swelling; restless and aching legs; itchy legs; varicose veins; spider veins; throbbing legs; and leg fatigue can often find relief from their problems vis-a-vis the expertise of Dr. Hubach. Dr. Hubach is a native of northern Virginia and received his undergraduate degree from Western Maryland College. He attended medical school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and completed his residency in Family Practice at Riverside Hospital, in Virginia, which is affiliated with the Medical College of Virginia. For three years he did locum tenens work, in which he traveled around the country working as a family physician. “I wasn’t sure yet where I wanted to settle down, and working while traveling allowed me to see the U.S. in a more personal way,” he says. “It’s also what brought me to this part of the country. I fell in love with the beach and settled here in 1996, joining a pre-existing primary care practice in Murrells Inlet.” The following year he attended a conference in the treatment of venous diseases, which changed the course of his medical career. “It was fascinating to me so I sought further education with many other specialists around the country,” he says. “The field was emerging as an entirely new branch of medicine. “It’s interesting how the field developed over the years. It used to be focused heavily on vascular surgery. But over time, especially with the advent of the ultrasound machine, we could better evaluate the veins and flow of the veins.” Dr. Hubach started treating veins in 1997, and opened his own specialty vein practice in 1999. He kept both practices until 2007, when, unable to keep up with the demands of both, he transitioned to focus exclusively on veins. Since that time, he has kept his board certifications in family practice and general medicine. There’s now a board certification for phlebology, the branch of medicine devoted to the specialization of veins. Dr. Hubach was one of the first to receive it in 2008 Previous Next “My background is in family practice, and staying current with that helps me to have a broader and deeper perspective of all the different disease processes that can cause problems in the leg,” Dr. Hubach says. “Leg pain can be caused by varicose veins, but can mimic the symptoms of other problems including diabetes and arterial disease. There is also the interconnection and interplay of lymphatics. Often people who suffer from swelling will also have issues with their lymphatic system, which needs to be addressed. “What I find so rewarding with this field is being able to help people to feel better. Phlebology is a field that has been largely ignored by the medical profession for a long time. I see people all the time who have struggled with ulcers in their legs for many years. I can treat them and give them relief and that’s very gratifying to me.” Statistically, 20-25% of people will develop varicose veins at some point in their lives; 80-85% of women will develop spider veins. Women are particularly susceptible because of the roles that hormonal changes and childbearing play in the process of varicose vein development. Other factors that tend to play a role are hereditary. “If one parent has varicose veins, you have a 47% chance of developing them,” says Dr. Hubach. “When it’s both parents, there’s a 90% risk. We employ ultrasound to create and evaluate a map of a patient’s venous system fully to figure out what treatment would be.” The treatments are modern procedures conducted in-office, that involve local numbing instead of stitches, with no down time. It typically requires a number of visits over the course of several weeks, depending on the severity of what needs to be done. And it’s often covered by insurance if there’s an underlying problem with the veins. “I’m big on educating patients about what is happening and why, so we can be partners in their health,” Dr. Hubach says. “And I enjoy people and working with my hands. Every person that I see, I consider them as someone that the Lord put in my path, and it’s up to me to figure out what I can do to help them.” Call Us Website Facebook

The Benefitz Group

Helping You Make an Empowered Lifestyle Choice by Melissa LaScaleia In 1984, Chuck Fitzpatrick began working in the insurance business with his father. Shortly thereafter, he started his own small company, the Benefitz Group, which he organized around his values to offer an empowering, educational, and humanistic approach to helping people with their financial and life-planning needs. Over the years, based on the feedback from his clients and their requests of him, Chuck began exploring the world of investment and financial planning, including trusts, wills, fixed annuities, and estate planning, which he incorporated into his company. His last addition was a mortgage branch of his company, which he and his son run in partnership with US Mortgage Corporation. “My clients have led me all the way through this journey of life,” he says. “And today, the Benefitz Group is the name we use as an orientation for all the companies I own and services I provide. It’s a lot of work to cover so many fields, and hard to do. But it’s worth it, because I know I’m empowering people to do what’s best for them and get what they need. Chuck likes to remind people that he’s not smarter than them, but what he does do is work very hard to get things right for the way they want things done. “Investments and insurance are intangibles,” he says. “People can’t put their hands around them. And because they’re also a risk intolerant thing, it’s important to help people realize if they need this, or that, or none. Without them really getting the right questions—and it takes some years to really get the right questions—they aren’t being served as well as they could be. This is where my years of experience pay off.” Chuck likes to measure people’s comfort with their choices around insurance and finances with a technique he calls the temperature gauge. “I tell people their options and ask them to rank each option on a scale of 1-10 indicating their comfort level with that choice,” Chuck says. “With this, you get to someone’s heart— to what they can deal with and not be upset. The last thing you want is your money to control you. You’re supposed to be controlling it, and what it does and doesn’t do. “Who wants to be in a position of going to bed at night wondering, ‘Am I going to have enough money to pay my bills ten years from now?’ That’s not where people need to be in their lives. That’s not how I advise.” “I love working for myself and being independent of a large firm,” Chuck adds. “It allows me to be able to serve my clients better because I have more to offer than one company’s approach. Every company out there that I’ve worked for is a tool I can put in a tool box. When I elected to work for some top financial services, I did it to get knowledge of the best tools. And now, in my company and life, I can use the best tools from my box to serve others.” Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Benefit Financial Services and Cambridge are not affiliated Call Us Website List Item

Brookgreen Gardens

Selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Collection at Brookgreen Gardens by Melissa LaScaleia In 1930, a prominent couple from New York, Archer Huntington and Anna Hyatt Huntington, purchased several former rice plantations totaling 9,000 acres of land in Murrells Inlet, which they intended to use as a personal retreat so Anna could recover from a prolonged illness. Archer was one of the wealthiest men in the country, and Anna was an accomplished and highly acclaimed sculptor. Both were philanthropists and passionate patrons of the arts. However, the beauty of the land and gardens that they acquired so captured the imaginations of the couple that they decided to turn their new holdings into an outdoor museum. They formed Brookgreen Gardens as a non-profit organization, with the intention of collecting, preserving, and exhibiting native plant and animal species, as well as American figurative sculpture. When it opened in 1932, Brookgreen became the first public sculpture garden in America. Today, the permanent art collection at Brookgreen includes sculpture and two-dimensional works like paintings and etchings. It provides cultural opportunities for the community as well as for all of South Carolina. In American figurative sculpture, Brookgreen’s collection is the largest and finest in the world. “People may think they need to go to New York, Chicago, or a major metropolitan area to see artwork by major artists, but we have one of the best museums in the country,” says Lauren Joseph, Brookgreen’s marketing director. “Sculpture was always important to the mission of the Gardens and the Huntingtons, as was supporting the arts in general.” In keeping with that mission, after the new year, Brookgreen will host a traveling exhibition on selected works by Rodin, that will be housed in their new Rosen galleries. The galleries opened two years ago as part of Brookgreen’s Capital Campaign to expand the gardens. “The new galleries have given us the opportunity to bring in works of art that we didn’t have the facilities for previously,” Lauren says. “Our curator of sculpture and vice president of art and historic collections, Robin Salmon, is always on the lookout for great traveling exhibitions to share with our Brookgreen members and visitors. This exhibit was at the Columbia Museum of Art last year, and we are very proud to be bringing it to our area.” The exhibit features selections from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Collection, a philanthropic foundation that actively collects and lends works of art. “The importance of Rodin to sculpture and figurative sculpture as a whole is one of the reasons we are bringing it here,” Lauren says. “Brookgreen has always been a repository for exclusively American artists, but many of the sculptors whom we feature have been influenced by Rodin; he was pivotal. This brings full circle, the history and evolution of modern-day figurative sculpture, and the changes this art form underwent as we came into the 20th century.” Brookgreen members can view the exhibit as well as the Gardens for free. An annual household membership is $110 per year, and can be purchased online. “One of the things many of us realized during the pandemic is that we have too much stuff,” Lauren says. “This holiday season, instead of giving more things, why not give a membership to Brookgreen? It’s special and different and won’t collect dust. Instead, you’ll collect a year of memories for the whole family.” Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams, Sunday, January 29 – Sunday, April 23, 2023. Brookgreem Gardes is open daily 9:30am-5pm. (During Nights of a Thousand Candles, closed during the day.) Free with garden admission. Adults non-members $20; seniors $18; children $10.  Call Us Facebook Instagram

CertaPro Painters

CertaPro Painters is a family owned and operated franchise that services the Grand Strand and beyond. Spearheaded by Doug and Robin Bland, their company offers residential and commercial interior and exterior painting.

The Big “M” Casino

South Carolina’s Only Casino Boat is in Little River by Melissa LaScaleia The Big “M” Casino first arrived in South Carolina in 2008. The casino consists of two luxury yachts that dock in Little River’s harbor. Aboard the three-story ship, patrons enjoy food, spectacular ocean views, camaraderie, and Vegas-style gaming. Land-based casinos are still illegal in South Carolina, so the boats carry customers to international waters, three miles offshore, where gambling is permitted. Twice a day, at 11am and 6pm, patrons board the The Big “M” Casino boat for the 45-minute ride out to sea where they can try their luck at slot machines as well as table games like blackjack, roulette, let it ride, and three card poker. “We are the only casino boat in the Carolinas,” says Eda Ekincigil, marketing coordinator for The Big “M” Casino. “It’s a unique experience here. It’s fun and different. Some people come just to enjoy a nice sunset cruise or time with their friends. You don’t need to play to be onboard.” The first floor of the boat houses the main casino; the dining room and slot machines are located on the second; and the third level is the partially enclosed deck. The boat is non-smoking except for the outdoor deck areas and the third level.  The Big “M” has capacity for 450 people. Those aboard have three hours of playing time before the casino closes and the boat returns to Little River. The casino pays out an average of $383,000 in winnings per week. The Big “M” offers many promotions. Those with a current military ID can board for free, and receive a buy one get one free meal voucher with soup and sandwich options. Every Thursday is Senior Day, with free boarding for everyone 55 years of age and up. Ladies Night is on Fridays, with free boarding for ladies. No matter the promotion, everyone is required to pay the $10 port tax.    You can also receive a Players Club card for free on your first visit which entitles you to a successive boarding for $10, no matter the time of day. Coupons for The Big “M” can be found amongst area publications, as well as on their website. Check their website for their most current list of promotions, offerings, and sailing days and times.  Address Call Us Website

Isn’t it Time to RELAX?!

Find out Why Everyone is Saying “Let’s Go to Elko!” by Melissa LaScaleia The healing benefits of water have been touted for millennia, but only recently does science concur. Warm water bathing increases serotonin levels, the chemical produced by the brain that’s associated with happiness and well being; submerging in water can reduce pain and inflammation; it also calms the nervous system, reducing levels of stress and anxiety in the body; and improves your mood. At the worst, stress can kill you, at the best, it contributes to premature aging and causes disease. Health is a topic close to the hearts of Kimberley and Michael Elko. With their combined experience in sales, marketing, and innovation, the two decided to start a business together as a family helping others relax and connect. “Many people are looking for a better solution to stress, pain, and overwhelm,” Kimberly says. “So we have a campaign for wellness: ‘Isn’t it Time to Relax?! …Let’s go to Elko.’”   Previous Next Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools, near the Market Common, has been a mainstay in the local community for more than thirty-five years. The family owned business sells most major brands of hot tubs, HotSpring Spas, in-ground and above-ground pools, saunas, pool tables and game room products. They can repair anything, and are an authorized service and repair as well as a warranty center. They also provide testing and solutions for optimal water health. “We have a lot of people who visit Elko Spas looking for relief from arthritis, sleep disorders, and fibromyalgia,” Kimberly says. “There are a lot of illnesses that a HotSpring spa or sauna can address. It benefits those looking for an alternative way to feel better. Even without health problems, I call the spa the new dinner table, because it’s a place to relax and reconnect with friends and family.” If you’re going to buy a hot tub, Elko’s spas are proven to last. They have been a highly decorated dealership since their inception in 2004, and 2022 is no exception. They won six of the biggest awards in the county for “Best Spa and Pool Dealership” including: Best of the Beach, Best of the Grand Strand, Best of the Herald, Best of the Carolina Forest Chronicle, Best of the North Strand, and Best of the South Strand. Locals consistently vote them #1 in the Spa & Pool industry both for their quality products and service. They’ve also garnered many awards and accolades both nationally and internationally in the arenas of customer service and dealership quality. In 2019 they won the HotSpring Southeast Dealer of the Year, beating out GA, SC, NC, and FL. “We feel so blessed from all the success,” Kimberly says. And the business seeks to stay active in and give back to the community. They belong to all the local area chambers and networking groups, and contribute to many local charities. The other side of Elko’s business is in game rooms. They carry pool tables and all the products and accessories for games you could need, like darts, ping pong, shuffleboard, and more. “Our showroom is spectacular,” Kimberly says. “And a huge draw for people of all ages because it’s both fun and informative. We have walls of accessories, water care supplies, game room products, and HotSpring spas on display. We are currently expanding so we can display even more.” Elko can customize anything: pools, spas, and spaces. With their complimentary design service, you can create your dream backyard-spa or indoor game space. Visit their showroom off of Palmetto Point Blvd. and 17 Bypass on the frontage road. Address Call Us Website Facebook

Leverage Roofing

Your Local Roofing & Storm Damage Professionals by Melissa LaScaleia Leverage Roofing is a family owned and operated business run by the Mullis family that specializes in commercial and residential roof installation and repair, seamless gutters, siding and screens, and soft wash and pressure washing services. Storms and high winds often target areas like Myrtle Beach, creating a need for high-quality, sturdy roofing, gutters and siding—even on new or recently constructed homes. Robert Mullis has a thirty-year background in construction with a focus on multi-family developments. Robert and his family founded Leverage Roofing to fulfill the need in this market for professional quality materials and installations that will protect and maintain your home for years to come. Robert’s former career as an insurance adjuster gives him inside knowledge about how best to assist customers with insurance claims when the need arises; he will work directly with your insurance company for claim-related damage, saving you both time and inconvenience. Previous Next “Our company includes four of our sons and an amazing team of people in the field including my fiance, Colleen Hord,” Robert says. “The field teams are busy installing roofs, gutters, siding, soft wash and pressure washing services and running repairs.” “Myrtle Beach has a great beach vibe,” he adds. “I wanted to move my family to this area so my children could have a good school system and be by the ocean. People come here to enjoy life, and that brings a great energy to the area. My family has always loved this place.” Leverage Roofing is located in Murrells Inlet and services all of North and South Carolina. “Everyone works hard each day to provide the care our customers deserve, with quality products and construction to match,” Robert adds. “We ensure each job is done right.” “As a company, we’re proud to offer what homeowners truly need to protect and maintain their home,” says Colleen. “It has taken the dedication and hard work of everyone who works for Leverage Roofing to make this company the success it has become today. It’s a real team environment. And we all show up every day with those values at the forefront of our mind.” Address Call Us Website

Creating Smiles With Dentistry

South Strand Dental Associates by Melissa LaScaleia South Strand Dental Associates is a general dentistry practice comprised of Dr. Daniel Miller, Jr., Dr. Daniel Miller III, and Dr. Benjamin H. Collins. The office offers a full range of comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages. They specialize in routine cleanings, preventative oral care, crown and bridge, extraction services, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Daniel Miller, Jr. has been practicing dentistry for forty-four years, initially in Dillon, SC. “As a dentist, I like helping people and being able to help people maintain beautiful teeth and smiles,” he says. Dr. Daniel Miller III, or Dr. Dan, as he’s known in the office, has always been rooted in South Carolina. He was born in Dillon and graduated from Dental School at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2004. Directly after graduation, he joined his father’s dental practice in Myrtle Beach. “In college I knew that I was interested in the areas of science, health and medicine, but I wasn’t sure what specific field I wanted to pursue,” Dr. Dan says. “I grew up in a household of dentistry— my dad’s grandfather was a dentist; I finally decided to go that direction too.” “It’s been really good for us to work together,” he adds, speaking of the business relationship with his father. “We’ve always gotten along well. He’s a great father, and has been helpful to me in my career in every possible way. “I’ve always appreciated him as a mentor. Our personalities are just different enough, which I think makes us work better together. I’m a little more quiet, and he’s a little more talkative. I think that makes us a good team— even though we have the same name.” Today the dental practice is jointly owned by Dr. Daniel Miller, Jr., Dr. Daniel Miller III, and Dr. Benjamin H. Collins. They are a well-rounded team that covers all age groups. Dr. Collins is a native of Perry, Georgia. He played football at Coastal Carolina University and attended the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. He has been practicing dentistry at South Strand Dental Associates for five years. “I fell in love with coastal South Carolina while I was attending CCU,” Dr. Collins says. “Upon graduating dental school, it was an easy decision to set up shop here. This area offers all that I love: the beach, golf, an amazing team to work alongside, and the best patients. I can’t really ask for much more than that. And I look forward to providing the best dental care possible to my patients, and serving this community for a long time to come.” “Our dental office has a family feel to it because of the atmosphere we create as a team and the care we show our patients,” Dr. Dan says. “We take the time to get to know our patients so we can provide them with the best service possible. Many of our patients are retired— it’s interesting to get to know them and hear about their lives.” “We are constantly working to stay current with new methods, techniques, and technology to offer the best in dentistry services,” he adds. “The new ways make procedures more simple, less painful, and our patients’ lives as well as our jobs easier.” South Strand Dental Associates P. A. 1616 Azalea Drive, Surfside Beach, SC 29587 Open M-Th 8:30am-5pm; F 8:30am-1pm. 843-238-5111 www.southstranddentalassociates.com

Updates to Champion Autism Network

Come Play With Us, Yes You Can by Melissa LaScaleia Champion Autism Network (CAN) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to educate and empower communities, businesses, and organizations to create supportive and judgment-free experiences that enhance the quality of life for people living with autism. It was founded in Surfside Beach in 2013, by local resident Becky Large. “At the time that I started CAN, there were a lot of organizations that supported the person with autism, but there didn’t seem to be any that supported the family,” Becky says. “But autism impacts the entire family. When leaving the house, the autistic person might experience stress and have a meltdown. It can lead to a lot of judgement amongst friends, family and strangers. Your social circle gets smaller, and a lot of times you choose not to go out.” Lights, crowds, smells, and loud noises or music can cause stress and overload people with autism. They are highly sensitive to what’s going on in their environment. Many cannot follow or understand social cues, some are even non-verbal. With CAN, Becky and her team curate and promote a variety of sensory-friendly events monthly— activities that the entire family can enjoy. “People are so grateful for the outings we do, because we make it possible for parents and families to socialize and make memories,” she says. Families with autism can join the CAN Card program, and access a list of businesses that participate in the CAN network. Every business in the network offers either a service or a discount to autistic families as a way to show support. “We’ve been training and certifying businesses, venues, resorts and restaurants as autism-friendly in the area locally, since 2015,” Becky says. “Every business offers something different. For some, if there’s a wait and you show your card, you can move to the front of the line. That’s a wonderful thing for families with an autistic child. “The whole impetus behind CAN was to offer support to people living with autism and give them a dignified way to acknowledge that they are autistic. When the business participates, the staff knows what to do if there’s an episode, where to seat you, and how to treat you, and the business gets patronized from a loyal and growing population.” In 2020, CAN partnered with Bluegreen Vacations— a national organization that has resorts all over the country. In 2021, CAN trained and certified all 46 resort locations to be able to serve autistic families. And the training continues, with annual recertification and expansion as better methods and practices develop over time. CAN also partnered with the Lead With Love Training Company to produce and manage their training program nationally. And, in 2021, Richard Sexton, a family friend of the Large’s, ran a full marathon every day for 30 days carrying a 25lb slamball he nicknamed Slappy, on his back, to raise awareness for autism. He ran a total of 750 miles, and raised over $43,000 for CAN. Becky and her team collected footage of his journey, and created a documentary webisode series on their YouTube channel to chronicle and celebrate the story. Another exciting development: CAN is being highlighted in an upcoming Fox Broadcasting and Weather documentary about the affects of nature on people with disabilities. The 1-hour long show is currently set to air on August 3, and will be on Fox Weather and the Fox Network throughout the year. “My son was the inspiration for starting CAN,” she says. “If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t be doing this, but now it’s so much bigger than him.” CAN Autism Network Becky@championautismnetwork.com www.championautismnetwork.com Facebook @ Champion Autism Network Follow their story on YouTube: Champion Autism Network For details on Richard Sexton’s journey: www.carolinascanruckforautism.com

Window Genie Cleaners

Getting Your Home Spruced For Spring By Melissa LaScaleia Window Genie of Myrtle Beach specializes in window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, and more for their residential and commercial clients as well as condo associations. Their services are especially popular amongst homeowners looking to spruce their home up to get it for-sale ready. “We’re not perfect, but we try to be,” says Tom Washer, the owner of the franchise, of his services. “Our first priorities are to have respect for the customers, respect for each other, and to provide a quality service at a premium price.” As a veteran of the United States Air Force, Tom has a robust knowledge of maintenance analysis and functionality of systems— skills and discipline which he put to good use when he brought Window Genie to Myrtle Beach. Tom and his wife, being tired of the snow and cold weather, relocated from the North almost a decade ago. “We’ve lived in the Market Common throughout that time, and have endured Hurricanes Florence, Matthew, and Dorian as well at the Covid-19 pandemic,” Tom says. “We have continued to serve our community throughout these difficult times that all of our neighbors have had to experience. Despite these natural drawbacks, we continue to grow along with the support of our strong customer relationships.” Today, instead of shoveling snow off his roof, he is helping his customers in Myrtle Beach to clean algae off theirs, as Window Genie also specializes in roof cleaning. “Roof Algae occurs on a ten-year cycle, growing on a roof and eating the limestone,” Tom says. “If you don’t clean it off, it reduces the life of your roof by 10%. Coastal areas are more susceptible. Nowadays, so many people are selling their home— and having algae on the roof can be a big deterrent because it looks dirty, and also reduces the life expectancy of the roof, and people may think the roof needs to be replaced imminently.” Window Genie also installs window film, which offers greater security as well as heat-regulation for your home or business. It comes in a variety of styles depending on your needs. It is made to reduce the heat gain from the sun; reduce glare; limit visibility for greater privacy; to enhance security, safeguarding windows and doors against a storm or a break in; and for decorative purposes. “If you have a room in your home that is too hot to sit in during midday, we can correct that,” Tom says. “If there is glare on your television or computer screens, film can help with that. If your neighbors can look into your windows or can see into your bathroom, we can correct that. If you look outside your window and see the side of your neighbor’s house and would rather not, we can correct that so you’re looking at something nicer. If you have windows that may not hold up because of strong winds, then we can correct that too.” Tom uses protective window films by SunTek, a leading brand of window films manufactured by Eastman Chemical, and decorative ones by Solyx. Window Genie offers a free on-site consultation to assess your home for what it needs before conducting any work. “I’ll survey your home for anything that needs to be repaired or could cause a problem down the road, regardless of whether we offer that service or not,” Tom says. “That way, we can best serve the customer. If I don’t perform the service, I can refer you to someone who can take care of it. Window Genie is part of the Neighborly family of brands, which represents twenty brands across the country. They have sister companies that offer everything from painting to plumbing, electrical work, appliance repair, and more. There are many franchises in Myrtle Beach that I have connections with which fall under their umbrella.” “The best part of what we do is making a difference,” he adds. “We work with a lot of realtors and have helped to sell many homes. It can really make an impact when a home is cleaned properly.” Tom enjoys giving back to the community as well. He has partnered with Creekfront Salkehatchie which is a national summer camp program for children with fifty locations across South Carolina, including Murrells Inlet. The children help in the building and repair of homes for local people in need, helping them to stay safe, warm, and dry. Window Genie also manufactures its own brand of ammonia-free glass cleaner. Whenever you buy glass cleaner from Tom, he donates 100% of the proceeds to Creekfront’s local camp, to support their mission. Now when you keep your windows clean, you can know that you helped contribute to children learning new skills, as well as families in need.        

Gator Strong Services of Myrtle Beach

A One-Stop Shop for Multiple Home Additions and Products by Melissa LaScaleia Gator-Strong Services of Myrtle Beach began in 2017 as a local fence company, and quickly expanded into the hurricane shutter business. They started with two leaders, a vision, and thirteen employees— and that vision and leadership took root and blossomed. Today, Gator-Strong has thirty-six employees between their two brick and mortar locations in Myrtle Beach and Wilmington. Both offer showrooms where customers can see available options for every product they carry; and the already-extensive list of home products and services they provide continues to grow. A few of their highlights include: screened rooms, garage screens, motorized sun awnings, deck installation, windows installation and repair, door installation and refurbishment, and siding. The company is jointly owned and locally operated by long-time friends and business partners, Danny Vulin and Jim Leone. Business partners and frends, Danny Vuli (left) and Jim Leone (right) “We are an incredible team, and definitely like a family,” Jim says. “We’re growing by leaps and bounds, and recently brought on a CFO, Frank Sicilia, to manage that growth.” Gator Strong employs no subcontractors. They are proud that every employee is directly under their tutelage— ensuring their high standards of excellence will be met and adhered to, as well as their passion, as business owners and leaders amongst their employees, matched. “We wouldn’t have the success we have today without our team,” Jim says. “Everyone who works here wants to be here. They care about our customers and what we’re trying to achieve. I believe you lose a lot when you subcontract out. It becomes less personal, so there’s less accountability— it doesn’t come with your values, your work ethic, your personal brand. We put our heart into each product, installation, and customer interaction— and that difference is the key to our success.” Hurricane & Security Shutters Pictured: Bahama Shutters Fences & Gates Pictured: Vinyl / PVC Fence Retractable Screens Access Controllers Pictured: Gated Driveway Previous Next Gator-Strong serves clients with residential, commercial and industrial projects from Wilmington to Charleston. The quality of their work and the extensive number of years both have in their industry garner them many high-profile jobs. The summer months bring with them many challenges for your home and property. The advent of bug season, relentless sun and heat, and hurricane season can take their toll. So they offer screened in porches and garage screens to combat insects, and motorized awnings with a variety of color options to match your home to protect it and you from the sun. Perhaps the most important protection is from hurricanes. Gator-Strong’s hurricane division designs, installs, and services all different styles of hurricane shutters including: storm panels, motorized roll downs, accordions, and Bahama shutters. “If a window breaks during a hurricane, the amount of water that can come through the glass is unbelievable,” Danny says. “Even if you don’t have breakage, the pressure can allow water to get into the seals of the window, and the water can then seep into the walls of your house. Recently I came in contact with a woman who was selling her house and had to replace an entire wall because of all the water damage that had accumulated over the years that she wasn’t aware of. Sometimes the damage is happening and you can’t see it, and it creates a lot of problems down the road.” For this reason, it’s important to board up windows and doors, even ones that aren’t glass, when preparing for a hurricane. Anybody who has used plywood knows how difficult it is to fit properly, and it doesn’t retain its structure with repeated use. The experience in 2018 and ensuing consequences, led Danny and Jim to find alternate, functional window and door-protection options to offer the community. “The panels are lighter and easy to put up in the event of a storm,” Danny says. “There is a permanent track around the perimeter of the window, and if a storm is coming, you install the panel. Roll-downs will roll down into place with a hand crank, or automatically, with the push of a button. We have options to accommodate and protect any window or door in seconds. We also pride ourselves in educating each customer in order to ensure that the type of shutter picked out will meet the customer’s needs. A lot of second homes opt for shutters during the off-season to protect not only from storms, but also theft or vandalism of their property while the owners are away.” Check out their newly updated website to see all their offerings, and to receive your own price estimate for fencing in moments. * Discounts for emergency responders, nurses, doctors, and veterans. The recent pandemic has caused delays in the availability of materials and price increases for supplies.         

Long Live Your Car

Jiffy Lube Long Live Your Car by Melissa LaScaleia Steve Allison has been in the automotive service industry for over thirty years. In 1994, he began his entrepreneurial ventures in Myrtle Beach with his first quick lube location in Surfside Beach. Today, he and long-time business partner Al Chance run Atlantic Coast Enterprises (ACE), which owns sixty-three Jiffy Lube Service Center locations along the East Coast.  The two are excited to break ground on their seventh location along the Grand Strand— a state of the art Jiffy Lube Multicare prototype building in Murrells Inlet, next to the Circle K. Jiffy Lube International has recognized the duo’s hard work, dedication, and business savvy with several awards over the years. Most recently they won the People Award for 2021, which honors the ways that they take care of their employees and give back to the community. “We have built an incredible team that elevates the customer experience,” Steve says. “Our customer service score ranks among the highest of all Jiffy Lubes in the country.  “We know that we are only as good as the team members that we have in each local store. So we are always looking to hire great people that will go above and beyond— men and women with great attitudes that truly understand our ‘at your service mentality.’  “And we value our employees by offering extensive training, continuing education and amazing benefits, including college tuition payment. Additionally, there are a variety of career paths they can pursue within our organization.” Over the past eight years, Jiffy Lube has transitioned the majority of their locations into Jiffy Lube Multicare stores with ASE certified mechanics who specialize in mechanical services that generally take three hours or less— services like brakes, tires, alignments, suspension work, and tune-ups.  Jiffy Lube technicians are trained to work on all makes and models of vehicles, including luxury and foreign vehicles. Going to Jiffy Lube is easier and faster than having to make an appointment at the dealership, spending half the day in a waiting room, or even having to take a loaner car until yours is ready. In addition to their new location being built in Murrells Inlet, they are also converting their Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach locations into Multicare stores, adding additional bays in each location to better serve their customers. A prototype of the new Jiffy Lube location arriving in 2022 in Murrells Inlet. “We’re very excited about the expansion into Jiffy Lube Multicare,” Steve says. “In the past few years, we’ve seen the car industry shift. With supply chain challenges and new car prices increasing dramatically, we are seeing people keep their cars longer which means we are seeing people wanting to take better care of the cars they currently own. That’s what we’re here to do. We believe that if a car has 100,000 miles on it, it still has at least 100,000 miles left in it. “Some people think that because their vehicle is under warranty they don’t need to maintain it, but this isn’t so. It’s a lot easier to do preventive maintenance on a car now, so you don’t have to do a major repair later. Proper maintenance is the most inexpensive insurance you can buy.” As part of the Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change, they will run a full safety inspection on your vehicle; check and top off the vital fluids; set the tires to the proper manufacturer specifications— all in about 20 minutes. The best part: you never need an appointment. They also offer a top off service, so between oil changes you can go into any location and get your vital fluids as well as your tire pressure checked and adjusted, anytime, at no charge.  At the onset of Covid, the company expanded its repertoire of offerings to include in-vehicle service. “It’s all about the customers’ choice,” Steve says. “They can wait in our comfortable lounges or stay in their vehicle while we perform the service. In the hot summer months, we provide portable air conditioning units to keep customers cool while they wait in their vehicle. These small details make a big difference to the customers.” Regardless of which way you choose to have your vehicle serviced, the Grand Strand Jiffy Lubes continue to provide fast, high quality service. “We understand that your time is valuable,” Steve says. “That’s why all our team members are trained and certified to get you back on the road in 15-20 minutes. We know having your vehicle serviced isn’t your favorite thing to do, so we try to give you your time back, without the worry and stress of vehicle maintenance. “We know people can go anywhere to get an oil change and they chose us. We simply want to show our appreciation with great service, by treating every customer’s car as if it were our mother’s car. These are the things that we are known for, and why our customers return to us each time they need their vehicles serviced. Our mission statement is to create customers for life through fast, friendly, clean and professional service.  “Nobody wants to buy another vehicle because they didn’t properly take care of the one they have, so bring it to us, and let us take care of it for you.” Jiffy Lube. Long Live Your Car! Jiffy Lube Multicare Service Centers 1551 Highway 17 North, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582; 843-249-9944 255 Singleton Ridge Road, Conway, SC 29526; 843-347-5823 1711 Church Street, Conway, SC 29526; 843-248-9997 1952 Mr. Joe White Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577; 843-946-7276 4565 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 – Coming Soon! Jiffy Lube Service Centers 3619 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576; 843-651-9074  920 Highway 17 Business, Surfside Beach, SC 29575; 843-238-3808 Open M-F 8am- 7pm; Sa 8am-6pm; Su 9am-4pm.

Coastal Carolina Home Watch

ARE YOU PROTECTED? WHO’S WATCHING YOUR HOME? Savvy people understand the importance of protecting that which they’ve invested in, and that which they love. And Coastal Carolina Home Watch has been doing just that for almost two decades. They perform home check services for out-of-town owners of residences from Cherry Grove to the Grand Dunes, from the Golden Mile to Debordieu Colony, and everything in between on the Grand Strand and Waccamaw Neck. Many people underestimate the importance of properly monitoring their investment at the beach while they’re away— leaving it to the care of a friendly neighbor or friend, a smart home device, or simply to fate. “So many things can happen while you aren’t here, things that could be disastrous if they go undiscovered,” says the company’s founder and president, Jack Luber who began the company after his own home had a brush with near disaster during a prolonged absence. A judicious homeowner looks for a local presence that is professional, nationally accredited, discreet, and bonded and insured, to care for their home in their absence. The list of things that can befall your unattended home include: HVAC Failure Water Leaks Mold Pest Infestation Vandalism Storm Damage Power Outage What kind of procedures do you have in place to care for your home or investment property? Water damage and mold are the top insurance claims in the state of South Carolina. Let Coastal Carolina Home Watch be Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here. Some Benefits of Engaging Coastal Carolina Home Watch Include: Keyholder services Rental assistance (VRBO and Airbnb) 24 hour alarm response GPS-enabled time and date stamped inspection reporting General monitoring and reporting to homeowner of home and property, inside and out, and status of work performed by hired contractors General visual inspection of home and property, inside and out, for damage, vandalism, and proper maintenance Pre-and-post-storm services Basic handyman services Arranging for contractors, service personnel, and cleaners Concierge services— arrangement for airport transportation, personal chef, reservations, and shopping Absolute discretion and 100% confidential Can act as your local HOA contact Local representation Licensed, bonded, insured, criminally background checked  Accredited through the National Home Watch Association Affordable protection you and your home deserve and need.  Facebook Instagram Globe Phone

Anderson Brothers Bank

Anderson Brothers Bank Myrtle Beach-2

Local Banking, Local Home Lending by Melissa LaScaleia Anderson Brothers Bank is a local institution that was founded in the early 1930s, when tobacco farmers needed financing for their crop. During the recession, there wasn’t an option for farmers to secure funding, so the Anderson family offered it to them out of the back of an old tobacco warehouse in Marion County.  From these humble beginnings, Anderson Brothers Bank has grown into a full service community bank with over thirty locations from North Myrtle Beach to as far south as Summerville, and inland to Florence. They carry all the products and conveniences that you’d expect from a national bank, but also offer the personalized service that can only be derived from building relationships with their clients.  Just as it was almost a century ago, today, Anderson Brothers Bank is still locally owned and run by the Anderson family. The third generation team includes: David Anderson as CEO and president, Tommy Anderson as vice president, and Neal Anderson as the chairman of the board.  Tim McCoy is the vice president of the mortgage banking division, a role he’s held for the past ten years of his twenty-three years working in this industry. The Anderson Brothers Bank mortgage division provides home lending services to Horry County residents and the surrounding areas, offering a variety of options designed to make home ownership as affordable as possible.  “In the past ten years, I’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in our bank in general,” Tim says. “But particularly within our mortgage department. Today we’re one of the biggest mortgage lenders in Horry County and the surrounding areas. And that growth I attribute to the vision, leadership, and commitment of David Anderson.  “The Myrtle Beach metropolitan area is one of the fastest growing areas in the state and also the country, which is a contributing factor in our growth. But we also develop a lot of relationships with local real estate agents and companies, and many new relationships are built via word of mouth. We’ve developed a really good reputation as time has passed. People say they know who Anderson Brothers Bank is. And a lot of our success comes from building those relationships and that reliability.”  The mortgage industry is different from regular banking in the way business is conducted— secondary markets are involved. So navigating this arena requires a skill set that’s separate from regular banking. To grow in this market, for the first five years or so, David focussed the bank’s efforts on recruiting a stellar team of loan officers, processors, and underwriters— people who have the qualifications and specializations required to be a success in their industry.  “We focussed on hiring good people,” Tim says. “We did it gradually, and then put infrastructure in place so we can maintain that level of operations. Now everything is done locally, which allows us to communicate better with customers and operate more efficiently than a national bank.”  “It’s also about the repoire we have with the community. They work conjointly those two things— getting the right people and the right reputation. I believe we have the right leadership in place to allow that to happen. David likes to say: ‘Whether you’re a branch manager or processing manager, run it like you own it.’ He gives us the tools we need to succeed, and wants us to take pride in what we accomplish.”  That managerial style goes hand in hand with Anderson Brother’s philosophy— to be the bank where employees love to work and customers love to do business.  “Nowadays, all banks are highly competitive with interest rates,” Tim says. “So when shopping around for a home mortgage loan, really the differentiator is customer service. In the past three to five years, we’ve really taken off. Today we are one of the biggest local lenders.  “We are always in search of a variety of new products and finding the right products, to be as competitive in the market as possible.  “I’ve also seen a switch in customer preferences— whereas previously people tended to opt for bigger banks, now they are electing to do business with community banks because they understand that we carry the same level of security and guarantees, and they really enjoy what we have to offer personally.”  Anderson Brothers Bank Globe Map-marked-alt Facebook Phone

Einstein’s Dog-Sitting Service, LLC & Cat-Care

Einstein's Dog Sitting Professional Dog Walker Sitter Myrtle Beach-1204

Pets are Family Members Too by Melissa LaScaleia Cindy Bright is the owner of Einstein’s Dog-Sitting Service, LLC & Cat-Care, a pet service for people who are busy, working, or away from home and want to make sure that their pets are well cared for in their absence or while they are tending to life’s other obligations.  Cindy loves the canines and pets she sits for— and works seven days a week from 7am-11pm when needed, within the geographical radius of the Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside, Market Common, and Garden City areas.   She offers 30, 45 and 60 minute visits for dogs, and 30 minute cat-care visits, but can create a customizable schedule, offering any combination of those times to suit her clients’ needs.  “A mid-day dog walk is anytime from 11am to mid-afternoon,” Cindy says. “It includes going outside for a walk and potty break, playtime, fresh water, and a treat. I also do in-home visits for both dogs and cats. I’ll take dogs out two to three times a day for walks, or to play in the backyard, and visit cats one or two times a day, depending on what the owner wants.”  Cindy administers any medications the animals take, and gives them water and food according to the schedule the owner requests. She also provides transportation to and from the groomer or the veterinarian for scheduled appointments made by the pet parents, if needed. In addition to dogs and cats, she also cares for birds, fish, lizards, and rabbits.  “As far as in-home visits for those out of town,” she says, “I take care of the home as well: the lights, curtains, trash, mail, TV/radio, and watering plants. This gives the home a lived-in look.”   Cindy worked as a registered nurse in hospital emergency rooms for twenty-seven years as a career.  “I was looking for a change,” she says. “And one day, my neighbor needed to go out of town and asked me to take care of her dogs while she was gone. I had so much fun, I thought, ‘I can do this.’ I got some books and began doing research, and decided to start my own business. Now I’m in my fifteenth year as my own small business owner.”  “Being a nurse is very helpful in caring for pets,” she adds. “Many pets get medicines, and a lot of pets get the same medicines that people do. The equipment used and ways of administering the medicines are very similar.”  Cindy has a list of accreditations. She is a member of Pet Sitters International; her company is bonded and insured; she is certified in Pet CPR and First Aid; and has background clearances. Her business is licensed and renewed in Horry County yearly.  What’s her favorite thing about this career?  “Every pet has their own personality,” she says. “And that is the best part— getting to know who they are.” Einstein’s Dog-Sitting Service, LLC & Cat-Care Facebook Globe Phone

Solutions and Magic in the Design World

ER Home Eric Richards Interior Decorating Remodeling Market Common-1

The Genius of Eric Richards and ER Home LLC by Melissa LaScaleia For interior design maven, Eric Richards, creativity has always come naturally— as well as a penchant for positivity and a fantastic sense of humor. “You’re gonna need a margarita after you’re done interviewing me,” he accurately quips with a deep belly laugh. Eric approaches both his life and his work as owner of his interior design company, ER Home, with passion, drive, and full engagement. In his youth, he blew his professors away with his talents— and over the thirty plus years that he’s worked in this industry, his talent has grown both in sophistication and the scope of what he is able to achieve, no matter the size or budget of his project. He has undertaken projects for multi-billion dollar corporations, Luxury Living magazine, as well as numerous private homes along the Grand Strand and coast to coast. Eric learned all the skills he considers essential for his creation process. Together with his team at ER Home, he works as an all-inclusive, multi-talented contractor completing tasks such as: painting; wallpapering; tile work; custom furniture design and building; refurbishment; carpentry; kitchen and bath remodeling; electrical; plumbing; and decorating. Eric Richards in a newly redesigned space in Myrtle Beach. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “Interior design is not as much about decorating as people believe,” Eric explains. “It’s more influenced by configuring and utilizing a space, to achieve a certain lifestyle and feeling depending on how people interact with their home and with one another.” But to get to that point, a lot of work has to be done in terms of architectural construction and installation— things Eric loves doing. ER Home is proficient in green construction and building practices as well as feng shui— the latter, a technique which Eric was already employing intuitively in his designs without realizing it. He spent six months of study in San Francisco to gain a deeper understanding and confidence in the art. “We as humans think we see with our direct eye,” he explains, “but we actually see more with our peripheral vision. When we’re in nature, there’s a natural flow to it— that’s why you feel soothed. This same peripheral flow that exists in nature, I try to replicate in the home. “Coming from the outside to inside and seeing a drastic change will confuse the eye. Learning this technique allowed me to elaborate my visions and give my clients things they didn’t even know they wanted. It’s nothing I question now, it’s just second nature in how I design a space.” For Eric, interior design is a highly individual and joyful process for each and every client— as well as a fluid and constantly evolving one. “The longer you’re personally in the home and around the clients,” he says, “the more they all speak to you. So the different layers will change throughout the process. Because of this, I don’t provide drafts or even sketches. There’s a psychology about working with clients and with design— you have to be able to use psychology to marry many different styles together— of husbands and wives, or partners.” This may seem like an impossible task, but Eric truly lives by the mantra: there are no problems, only solutions. And in his capable hands, it’s a reality he creates for all of his clients, no matter the dilemma. ER Home LLC Facebook Phone Globe

Coastal Transformations

Coastal Transformations Window. Local Skylight Experts Decorative doorglass-2

Bring in The Light and Do It Right by Melissa LaScaleia Ken van Heyningen is the owner of Coastal Transformations in Myrtle Beach. For more than thirty years, he’s been specializing in home modifications which can transform a darkened interior into a more light-filled, energy-efficient space. Over the years, he’s grown in the knowledge, products, services, and transformations that he offers. Today he has a myriad of options for making a home brighter and more visually appealing by utilizing natural resources. Ken feels strongly that you shouldn’t have to turn the lights on in your home during the day, and works to remedy this for his clients if they do. His work measurably increases a home’s resale value because it enhances its visual appeal; the reduction in energy consumption and costs is an added incentive. The company installs several different varieties of skylights: Velux Sun Tunnel skylights bring in light without heat or leaks— making them the skylight of choice for the South. They can also reinstall existing skylights, outfit you with blinds, and retrofit solar blinds. They install solar powered exhaust fans in attic spaces, which remove heat in the summer and moisture in the winter. Similarly, they install GF 14 attic coolers; they are like fans, but designed specifically for attics and garages, and literally pull out the hot air and moisture from the garage and the attic space above it. All of this results in reduced energy costs, greater temperature regulation, and better protection against mold and mildew. Ken’s transformations can leave a home looking and feeling brighter and more beautiful. — Photo Meganpixels Parker They also brighten up darkened interiors of house entryways by installing decorative glass panels on front doors. “Having a decorative glass window on the front door of your house will increase its resale value because it has greater curb appeal,” Ken explains. “It just looks richer. If you have two identical houses side by side, one with a front door that has decorative glass, and one without, the one with the glass draws your eye to the house, and it’s worth more to you, because it’s prettier. “Statistically, the perceived value of the home is increased by up to 6%. Full pieces of glass start off at $769 to install. So it’s not a really high price point to make the upgrade.” Coastal Transformations carries tubular skylights that come in three different configurations depending on the style and orientation of your roof. One of the configurations, called TLR, is a flat, tempered safety glass which replicates a skylight. It brings in the natural light without the heat and leaks; it looks like an overhead light, but disperses a completely natural glow. “For $35 more, I can outfit the tube with a solar night light,” Ken says. “During the day, the sun charges the batteries in it, and at night, the tube puts light out as a night light. It’s perfect for a bathroom, walk-in-closets, or anywhere you want real light.” The upgrade qualifies homeowners for a tax credit in South Carolina, and the additional benefits are profound. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Ken explains: “Your color retention is way better with natural light. The tubular lights alleviate seasonal affective disorder, and reduce electrical lighting costs. It’s a one-time installation cost, versus continuous high electric bills.” Ken’s tubular light of choice is by Velux. Dubbed the Rigid SunTunnel, it offers the best performance in terms of the light that you receive in your home. All of Ken’s work comes with a ten year installation and ten year product warranty. Coastal Transformations has a showroom in Murrells Inlet, where people can see and select all of the products that they carry. Jason, Ken’s son-in-law, began working with the company in 2005; it has remained family operated ever since. The two consult with clients and do all the installations themselves. “My biggest thing is making people happy,” Ken says. “I don’t have any dissatisfied customers. And you can’t ask for anything better than that.” Coastal Transformations Facebook Globe Phone Map-marked-alt

SV Bedding, Furniture and Hospitality

SV Furniture Myrtle Beach furniture store next to Fresh Market-1

Where the Procurement of Anything is Possible by Melissa LaScaleia Step into SV Bedding, Furniture and Hospitality for an experience of camaraderie, personalization, and customer service that only used to exist in a bygone era. Owner Sam Vitharana brings his unique and diverse life experience to the business he opened in December 2021, to make furniture-buying as fun for his patrons as it is for his team of close-knit employees. Sam was born and raised in Sri Lanka. He came to the U.S. in 1989, and lived in California and then Texas. “I decided to become a pilot and put myself through flight training and flew for American Eagle for several years,” he says. “Then I attended hotel school and joined the Hyatt Regency Hotels group. At that time, Mr. Hyatt was hiring young managers for his hotels, and I was one of the people he chose for the Dallas, Fort Worth area. I worked for him for six years until he passed away. Then I joined a company called Rank Hotels North America, where I was a corporate food and beverage director.” The team of SV Furniture and Bedding. — Photo Meganpixels Parker In 1999, Sam visited a friend in Myrtle Beach and fell in love with the area. He eventually joined with an area furniture company for work. “I created so much business for him that in two years he had to move from a 3,000 square foot location to a 10,000 square foot one,” Sam laughs. “I chose to branch out on my own because I felt I could offer a level of customer service that nobody else does. My background taught me so much in that arena. And I wanted to work more with local USA made businesses rather than import goods; and to create a fun environment with the entire process, from start to finish.” Matt Butts runs the commercial division for SV Bedding. He met Sam five years ago, originally as a furniture customer. The two hit it off, and forged a business partnership as fruitful as it is fun. SV Furniture carries SC made mattresses; supporting local as much as possible is important to them. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Along the way, Sam built his own side business in interior design, which today, he incorporates into the services his company provides. Doriana Zink is their in-house designer who will visit with clients at their home and help them design any project from start to finish. Their 8,000 square foot showroom showcases a wide variety of furniture for your entire home. “If you walk around your house and you see it, we supply it,” Matt says. “We also deliver and set up.” — Photo Meganpixels Parker “My biggest goal in starting this business, is to keep all of our products made in the states, and as local as possible,” Sam says. “All of our upholstery is made in Conway; our mattresses come from Columbia and Charleston. Things that come in overseas take months to arrive. When you buy local, you not only support the local economy, but you also cut the lead times down. “We carry a very good inventory, so most of what we carry on the floor can be taken off the floor. And we can deliver within 24-48 hours. We offer competitive pricing on home-packages— the more you buy, the less you pay.” SV Bedding, Furniture, and Hospitality Globe Phone Map-marked-alt

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