Business Archives — Page 2 of 12

Coastal Carolina Home Watch

March 8, 2023February 1, 2022 by The Coastal Insider

Your Eyes and Ears When You’re Not Here by Melissa LaScaleia Now in its 16th year, Coastal Carolina Home Watch mitigates out-of-town homeowner’s fears about the condition of their home with their fully comprehensive home watch services. Owned by Jack Luber, the company provides secure house and condo checks to part-time, seasonal, or traveling residents of the Waccamaw Neck and Grand Strand areas. They can also be your local contact for alarm companies, HOAs and service providers. Jack and his fully vetted and insured team ensure there’s a presence watching over your home while you’re away— they perform home-watch checks using a time-stamped geo-location reporting system, so you, as the homeowner can track their status and see the current condition of your home while you’re away. The company is there to look for issues that can arise in a homeowner’s absence, and stop them before they become big problems. “If we suspect a problem, we immediately contact the owner — most times with a solution,” Jack says. “We’ll coordinate with the client and follow their directions and wishes but have an extensive array of contacts to provide needed services. Think of us as your advocate when you aren’t at the beach.” Jocelyn Dewey, who manages the business side of the company as well as customers’ needs, adds, “Our company creed really says it all: it’s to represent a client’s best interests at all times.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch also offers handyman, concierge and even cleaning services for their clients. “People love the fact that we can perform services ourselves or make arrangements for bigger projects,” Jack says. “We’ll meet the HVAC, pest control, and any other company technician to let them in and out. We always check that the work or service performed is up to our very high expectations. I’ve learned that when the homeowner doesn’t have local representation, work done is not always up to par.” Covid’s two-year presence has caused many people to forgo visiting as much as they ordinarily would, leaving homes unoccupied for longer periods and susceptible to things like, mold, mildew, water leaks, storm damage, insect or critter infestation, and break-ins. “As a result, more people have needed our services,” says team member Steven Montesano. The company has always worn protective booties in homes, but have now added additional steps to their visits and cleaning procedures to ensure the peace of mind of their clients in the age of Covid. “We’ve also seen an increase in the number of clients requesting that their car be waiting for them at the airport, so they can have less contact with people while traveling,” Jocelyn says. Estate and trust attorneys, conservators and executors also use the company’s services. “Because of our insurance, bonding, criminal background checks, local knowledge and accurate and timely reporting, we are the go-to for estate assistance,” Jack says. “People pass away and their homes need to be checked. Families need help with arranging for the home to be secured, cared for, and many times packed up and readied for sale. Trying to do that from a long distance is almost impossible without local help. And that’s what we do. “We are quite experienced dealing with estates, conservatorships, and trusts. And, because we are extremely confidential, that part of our business continues to grow.” Some people confuse Coastal Carolina Home Watch with property management, which is inaccurate. Jack clarifies: “While we do offer assistance to those homeowners that rent their properties using VRBO or Airbnb, what we do is act as their local representative to make sure that the home is in great shape and ready to rent. “We’ll be on call, schedule the cleans, keep the place stocked, and make sure everything is working properly. Then, we’ll check on it when it’s not rented. We don’t arrange for bookings, advertise the unit, or collect the rent like a property manager does. For many clients, we are the local contact for their property managers.” Coastal Carolina Home Watch is the founding member of the National Home Watch Association. The association exacts a strict vetting process which includes criminal background checks and consumer affairs check; they require proper insurance and bonding for all members. Coastal Carolina Home Watch is accredited by the association, and carries their professional designation, the highest accreditation in excellence that can be garnered. “My company is really the key to having peace of mind while you’re away,” Jack adds. “We’re your eyes and ears when you’re not here.” Office hours: M-F 9am-5pm. Available and on call 24/7. Globe Phone

Mr. Store It Self-Storage

March 8, 2023February 1, 2022 by The Coastal Insider

Storage with a Family Feel— Right at the Market Common by Melissa LaScaleia Mr. Store It Self-Storage, located on Socastee Blvd. just outside the Market Common, is a locally owned company that has been in business for over thirty years. It’s managed by a dedicated team that is loyal to serving the needs of the community. Penny Tharington is the official bookkeeper, but wears many additional hats. She’s worked for the company owners for as long as Mr. Store It has been in business. Clarice Linkous has been the office manager for over fifteen years and oversees the day-to-day operations. Her son, Dale, is the property manager and lives on-site. “We all work fluidly together and with a great deal of care for what we do,” Penny says. “We take a lot of ownership and pride in our respective jobs. I’ve worked with the owners for such a long time, this is like my second home to some degree.” “We treat people like we like to be treated,” Clarice says. “And consequently we receive a lot of referrals. People come to us all the way from North Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island because of how we treat our customers.” All units are on the ground floor with drive-up access; there are over 30 different storage sizing options to choose from, and options between climate and non-climate controlled units. Storage facilities aren’t just for people relocating or in between housing options. Many people move from the North where homes have basements for storage, and find that they need permanent additional storage space for their belongings. Many rent a small unit, a 5×5 space in which to store their holiday decorations, keepsakes, or yard equipment. Attorneys and business owners without a home office often require a space to keep their files safe. And those who spend part of the year in Myrtle Beach store excess belongings here. Mr. Store It hires all local contractors to maintain their property, to help support the community. “Some of the people we hired because we met them when they rented storage from us and we forged relationships,” Clarice says. Mr. Store It works with a pest control company that visits regularly to ensure critters stay out of people’s things. They also have professionals routinely tend to the air conditioning vents in their climate-controlled units to make sure that their large duct filtration system, which traps mold and dust, is working properly. The company recently increased their staff to provide a better experience for their customers, and constructed a new main office. “We’re very proud of the property,” Clarice says. “It’s just like having your things in your home. And as a result, I think people are very comfortable here. I feel like we have one of the finest properties on the beach.” In addition to its 24-hour on-site management, Mr. Store It implements other security measures that are partly architectural, and partly technological. “We have 24 hour surveillance cameras all over the property that are linked right back to the office,” Clarice says. “We have the widest hallways on the Grand Strand, both for ease of maneuverability as well as safety. There are no hidden hallways, and there are exits at the end of both main buildings.” Clarice truly loves her job and appreciates her employers and work environment. “Really we are a family— with our employers and with Penny,” she says. “And I think they look at us the same way. It’s a real joy for me to be here. And Dale feels the same way, and his wife and son love it too. So we’re just a happy little family. “People ask me when I’m going to retire, and I say, ‘I hope not for another 10 or 15 more years.’ Most people are shocked. But I love my work and being out on the lot and making sure it’s clean and running the way I want it. I love what I do.” Office hours M-F 9:30am-6pm, Sa 9:30am-3:30pm, Su 1pm-5pm. Gate hours daily 6am-9pm. Envelope Globe Phone

Hilton Garden Inn Myrtle Beach – Coastal Grand Mall

August 30, 2022January 6, 2022 by The Coastal Insider

Everything’s Better at the Garden by Melissa LaScaleia The Hilton Garden Inn is a franchisee of the Hilton Brand— a select service brand which offers all the guest amenities people know and expect, such as complimentary internet, parking and airport shuttle service; room service; a microwave and fridge in every room; and on-site laundry facilities. They also have a business center; full bar; a fitness center that includes free-weights, universal weight machines, cardio machines and yoga mats; an indoor and outdoor pool; and an outdoor hot tub. Upgraded rooms have whirlpool tubs ensuite. The hotel restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. All of their food and beverage is prepared in-house, and cooked to order, whether it be in their restaurant or catered. There are ample spaces for lounging and relaxing, including by the wrap-around fireplace in their lobby; at the expansive bar; and at the outdoor patio seating area with accompanying fire pit, adjacent to the restaurant. Thomas McDonald has been the general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn in Myrtle Beach for the past ten years. Originally hailing from New Jersey, he has worked in hotel management for over twenty years. “We’re proud to be a part of this community,” he says. “As a manager, I and my team are always working to make sure every guest is having a positive experience while they’re with us.” This past week, the hotel upgraded all of their beds, and installed new 50-inch smart TVs with over 200 channels. “During my years at the hotel,” he says, “we’ve won a total of 7 Hilton Garden Inn Success Awards, which is the Hilton brand for ranking, and we rank in the top 5% of all the Hilton Garden Inns across the world. We’ve never gotten a less than outstanding on any kind of Hilton Quality and Assurance (QA) and Quality Inspection service, which takes into account cleanliness, brand standards, and service.” All in all, they’ve won a total of twenty “Outstandings” in the past ten years. They are ranked #9 out of 200 hotels on Trip Advisor, and won the Traveler’s Choice Award for Trip Advisor for 2021. Thomas is proud of the accolades, and passionate about what he does. “We have on average forty employees,” he says. “We have a real teamwork environment here, and are always looking to have great people join our ranks. We like to do things to continue to reward our current team members. We are a bright hearted workplace.” The hotel has over 1800 square feet of meeting space with state of the art audio and visual equipment for presentations, meetings, and functions, and a full catering crew at the ready. “The room can be broken up into three different sizes so it’s fully customizable,” Thomas says. The space is a popular selection for reunions, corporate events, luncheons, meetings, Christmas and retirement parties, corporate breakfasts, lunches, and outings. “We do a nice mix of corporate business and leisure business, and accommodate both types of guests excellently,” he adds. Single travelers will feel as much at ease at The Hilton Garden Inn as couples or those with a family. It’s an easy atmosphere that feels simple and modern, inviting and unassuming. “This is a hotel for everyone,” Thomas adds. “It’s the most accessible property on the Grand Strand. We’re close to the beach and the area attractions, and three minutes from the airport, and five from the Market Common.” There is also a gift shop on the premises where you can get all of your basic necessities for your trip— even down to a bottle of wine. But if you choose to shop elsewhere, the mall is within walking distance. Or you could elect to hop aboard the hotel’s free shuttle which transports guests from the hotel around the mall’s perimeter. In response to Covid, Hilton has partnered with Reckitt, maker of Lysol & Dettol, to develop their Hilton CleanStay program. The innovative program provides enhanced training for team members, increased cleaning of public areas, and adjusted food and beverage service, to ensure all guests enjoy a worry-free stay. Hilton Garden Inn Myrtle Beach- Coastal Grand Mall Facebook Globe Phone Map-marked-alt

Manifest Design

March 22, 2023November 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The Life in Your Home This Holiday Season by Melissa LaScaleia Manifest Design is a woman and veteran-owned business that offers home interior design and has an accompanying retail boutique that carries furniture, unique gifts and home decor. The concept is the brainchild of Connie Lincoln. Connie has been an interior designer for over twenty years. Ten years ago, she opened a store in Wilmington, North Carolina, that offered home decor and custom-made furniture. Soon, she decided to expand the boutique’s offerings. “I noticed that very unique gifts were just not out there and available to purchase,” Connie says. “Especially for men. So I decided to add on to my store and carry gift items that would delight men as well as women.” Connie recruited her husband, Dusty, to help her in unearthing quality, one-of-a-kind treasures that men would find appealing. The two found sextants, compasses, model airplanes, wallets, flasks, tools, barware, games, and hardware-inspired mugs. “Dusty is a retired U.S. Marine Corps pilot,” Connie says. “So we have a big selection of aviation-influenced mixed with science-based and nautical themed items. “We have very clever things that guys really dig, like multi-function pens that also act as levels, and an extendible flashlight that bends at the end. But the biggest draw is the full-size 1965 Cobra race car in our store. It’s a showstopper; and leads to wonderful conversations about cars, racing and automobile engineering.” The store was a hit in Wilmington, as people loved the variety and uniqueness of what Manifest Design offered. They also enjoyed speaking to Dusty about his past military experiences. Several years ago, Connie and Dusty decided to build a home in the Grande Dunes and move their business to the Market Common. The store will be celebrating three years in Myrtle Beach this New Year’s Eve. Manifest Design’s holiday spread was created to entertain both men and women. Stop by this season to enjoy some wine and cider while you shop. “We thought this was a beautiful area for shopping, and nicely designed,” Connie says. “We love the walkways, the trees, and the lights at night. We thought it was a better fit for us and it is; our business has doubled since we’ve arrived here.” Today Manifest Design is proud to carry a wide variety of mostly locally sourced, upscale items for men, women, and the home. “We carry a lot of local art and jewelry,” Connie says. “And we carry a good number of books by local authors, which people really enjoy. And of course, there’s plenty of home decor items. We are outfitted with furniture— like sofas, accent tables, desks, console tables, and unique lamps. Most of the furniture is from a beautiful company that is all made in North Carolina. They have a line of performance fabrics which are also made in North Carolina and can stand up to stains. And they have a limited lifetime warranty on certain aspects of the furniture. Once you order it, it will be ready to ship in two weeks. And with most furniture items so hard to obtain because of Covid, people have been very excited about the turnaround time.” Connie’s stock is always changing. There’s a lot of variety and they receive new shipments multiple times per week. “We receive feedback all the time from the men who shop here,” Connie says. “They tell us, ‘There are no stores for men in the Market Common, so we love this store.’” For women, there are wraps, totes, jewelry, passport holders, and purses— including a line made from recycled military tents. They have items that appeal to everyone: greeting cards, a very cute baby section, and a huge array of wine and cheese accessories. The store carries holiday and boutique home decor— and specializes in unique gifts for men and women. “Because I’m an interior designer, I have access to many industry contacts and vendors,” Connie says in answer to the mystery of how and from where she is able to source the delightful items she finds for her store. And she continues to offer residential design services from Manifest Design, including whole-house designs. “I have a low-key approach to designing,” she says. “I create according to my clients’ needs— how they want to live in their space. My whole mission is to make interior design accessible to everyone. Everybody’s situation is unique, so I want to make this an option for all.” Connie and her husband really enjoy what they do. This holiday season, and periodically thoughout the year, they’ll serve wine and hot cider in their store to enhance their customers’ shopping experience. And they’ll also have special holiday sales. “People really love our store,” Connie says. “A lady came in and was amazed— she thought we should be voted Best of the Beach in Myrtle Beach and wanted to know how to nominate us. And the guys love us, too; they will actually bring their wives or significant others here, as we have so many interesting items in our store that you won’t see anywhere else. “We really make for a fun and fascinating retail therapy session. We have elevated the hum-drum or average shopping experience.” Manifest Design Facebook Globe Phone Map-marked-alt

Giving Back to the Community

June 23, 2022November 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Will Parker Law, LLC and Sonshine Recovery Ministries by Melissa LaScaleia Will Parker worked as a lawyer under several prominent attorneys in South Carolina before establishing his own law firm, Will Parker, LLC in December 2017. The firm primarily serves clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Will’s life experiences inspired him to pursue these branches of law, as he has been the victim of an accident where the driver didn’t have adequate insurance, and has also felt the pain of losing a loved one to a reckless accident. “I’m coming from a different and broader perspective which gives me a deeper level of empathy and understanding of how to handle the variety of cases I see,” Will says. “Moreover, personal injury claims often seem like they don’t receive the respect that they deserve. In the way I treat my clients, I aim to change that.” Many years ago, Will struggled with opiate addiction, and today hopes to use whatever platform he has to help others in similar situations. “The way you practice law is going to be an extension of who you are and the experiences you’ve had in your life,” Will says. “I can relate to and understand what those clients are going through, and I can get them in touch with people who can help them make better decisions. I try to step in when I think I can help redirect someone’s path and help them receive a second chance to get their life back on track. The way I speak to a judge and jury is coming from that place of authenticity, of having been at one time in my life, on the other side.” When Will began his practice, he had one part-time person assisting him with his practice; today, he has six full-time staff members, including new attorney, Greg Sloan. Greg has been practicing law for the past 25 years, and has brought over 60 trials to verdict. His practice is located in a new 1,500 square foot space in Murrells Inlet, which his wife, Erin, designed. The firm has a heavy case load and recovers millions of dollars for clients each year. “Through growing and getting bigger as a firm, we’ve been able to help more people,” Will says. “And that’s the best part of what I do and why I do what I do. I’m always looking for opportunities to serve the community based on my experiences.” Will recently began serving on the board of Sonshine Recovery Ministries, a local area non-profit 501(c)(3). It was founded by husband and wife team Tim Carter and Lissa Davis in 2019. Tim built himself a multi-million dollar heating and air conditioning business in North Carolina. At the same time, he was struggling with a cocaine addiction. One night, an overdose left him on the brink of death, and he prayed that if his life was spared, he’d devote the rest of it to serving God. He lived; and quite literally walked away from his former life. “I came to Myrtle Beach and checked into recovery with two shirts, two pairs of pants, and the shoes on my feet, and that was it,” he says. Four months into the recovery program, the owner and director unceremoniously left, and Tim had to quickly step up to the helm to salvage the program and everyone’s home. “I had to find a 501(c)(3) in Myrtle Beach to take over the program and legitimize it so we didn’t get shut down,” he says. “I raised money to pay off the property so people didn’t get evicted because we were severely overdue on rent. And I took over as house manager. I was able to accomplish all of this successfully because of my business background.” At the same time that he was sorting out the business and legality aspects of the recovery program, Tim sought to revamp the structure and operations as well. “I noticed that the parameters around the recovery house weren’t realistic, viable, or sustainable and there was no accountability,” he says. “Basically it was a place to stay; and the house manager would send you to one meeting a day if he thought you were doing drugs. That’s not recovery.” Tim and Lissa met while Tim was working on his plan for revitalizing the recovery program. The two shared a common vision, and decided to branch out on their own and start their own non-profit in keeping with their values. Along the way, Tim became a pastor, and Sonshine Recovery Ministries, a faith-based non-profit recovery program, was born. They have a recovery home that houses ten men in Myrtle Beach, and provides them with housing, food, and educational classes to help them start a new life. “I’ve been there and I understand the struggle,” Tim says. “And I know too, that addiction doesn’t discriminate. I just want to use my experience to help others.” “Our motto is: ‘No addict left behind,’” he adds. “And it’s our mission too. We will help anyone who is willing to help themselves. We are here to give them a hand up not a hand out.” Tim and Lissa opened an accompanying thrift store so program participants could get clothing and supplies at no cost. They also outfitted the entire recovery house with furniture and items from the store. “The thrift store exists to serve the needs of the community,” Tim says. “If someone has a home fire and all their belongings were destroyed, or survived a hurricane or other natural disaster— whatever it is, we’re here to help.” In the past 18 months since they’ve been open, the group has celebrated some success stories. “One of the guys who was living on the street went through the home for a year and got his credentialing, and is now a pastor,” Tim says. “He will now be overseeing the home. Work ethic is a big part of what we teach and promote.” “Will has been a big asset to us,” Tim … Read more

Market Common Dentistry Dr. James E. Mills & Associates

June 23, 2022November 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Market Common Dentistry Dr Mills July 2021-1

Proud to Be Active In Our Community by Melissa LaScaleia Market Common Dentistry is a small, local, and privately-owned dental practice which has been addressing the dental needs of those along the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach for the past thirty years. Spearheaded by James E. Mills, DDS, the dental practice specializes in building strong relationships to meet their patients’ dental needs effectively and sustainably. Market Common Dentistry offers a variety of cutting-edge dental procedures to best serve their patients. Every year, they continue to add to their repertoire of procedures and offerings with technological advancements, equipment updates, and continuing education. Lisa Yazici is the practice manager for Market Common Dentistry. She oversees the business and clinical team. She presents the doctors’ treatment plans, markets the practice, and keeps up with all human resource tasks. “One of the things that we are known for in the community is our ability to help alleviate the fear and anxiety of patients with the aid of the various sedation treatments we offer— oral, intravenous, and intramuscular,” she says. “I love knowing that now, nervous patients have the ability to get their dental work completed with calm and ease. It’s extremely rewarding. Even though I don’t perform dentistry, I feel like I make a difference by being a part of the process.” Market Common Dentistry extends this level of care beyond the dental chair and into the community by supporting a number of local charities. “We’re very active in the community,” Lisa says. “We donate to St. Michael’s Church, Precious Blood of Christ Church, Helping Hands of Georgetown County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Association, A Father’s Place, Backpack for Buddies Help 4 Kids, and Toys for Tots to name a few. We like to give back whenever we can in whatever ways we can.” Backpack for Buddies Help 4 Kids helps to provide school supplies for children in need. For several years now, at different times during the year, Market Common Dentistry has donated toothpaste, floss, and toothbrushes for these children, helping to fulfill the much needed dental hygiene needs of these children. They also make monetary donations to A Father’s Place, which offers education and services specifically tailored to fathers trying to rebuild their lives and those of their families after hardship. Dr. Mills, a passionate golfer, was one of the sponsors for the Lowcountry Church’s golf tournament; the event raised funds to support a children’s program in Kenya. Substitutes for Santa is a charity which provides underprivileged children on the Grand Strand a merrier Christmas. Market Common Dentistry helped to fill these children’s stockings by donating toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss. They are proud to act as a local toy drop-off site for Toys for Tots. Be sure to stop by their lobby and drop off your unwrapped gifts for children this holiday season. Market Common Dentistry Globe Map-marked-alt Facebook Phone

Coastal Constructive Landscaping

June 15, 2022October 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Bringing Quality Work, a Lifetime of Experience, and Love to Your Yard by Melissa LaScaleia Ernie Mitchum was born in Kingstree, SC, not far from Myrtle Beach. A son and grandson of farmers, Ernie grew up tending vegetable plots, flowers, and trees alongside his elder family members. “We planted a lot of fruit trees— pears, plums, peaches— also grape vines, tobacco, cucumbers, and roses,” he says. “I would help tend them along with whatever landscaping work needed to be done. We all worked together, doing whatever it took to get the job done. We sold our fruits and vegetables throughout the neighborhood by word of mouth. My parents and grandparents were in this business long before I was born. So everyone knew who we were and we had a big clientele. Customers would come to our house and buy vegetables and fruits by the bushel.” This delightful way of conducting small business was as recent as the early ‘90s. “Our ways of living change much more slowly than in cities and suburbs,” Ernie explains. “Where I’m from is a small area, and we all know one another.” When Ernie was old enough to work on a farm himself, he became a tobacco planter and also worked in the post production of the crop. Then he worked in a cotton gin. After almost a decade of working with crops, he wanted to explore new ventures and came to Myrtle Beach. “Our economy was difficult,” he says, “and I wanted to try something other than farming. Myrtle Beach isn’t that far from my family but has better work opportunities. Over the course of my life, I want to be able to experience different things.” Ernie took jobs in several different professions before discovering another talent and passion— cooking. He worked as a chef for several years until the pandemic struck. “I weighed my options and I like being outside, so I decided to return to my roots and my first love and begin my own landscaping company,” he says. “I appreciate that here in Myrtle Beach, it feels so easy to start my own business. And I definitely love what I’m doing.” Ernie opened the doors to his business this past May. He and his team provide mowing, trimming, edging, mulching, hedging, debris removal from storms, and all kinds of planting for both commercial as well as residential clients. He also has the equipment and experience for pressure washing, including RVs. “This company brings you the quality workmanship and reliability that everyone deserves,” he says. “We listen to understand what you want, to ensure I cater my expertise to meet your requirements. We will leave you with an adorable yard that will delight you.” “Now is a good time to find a landscaper because it’s still hurricane season,” he continues, “and storms can wreak havoc on a well-groomed yard. But every yard, regardless of storm damage, needs a fall cleanup before being put to bed for the winter season.” With Coastal Constructive Landscaping, you’re getting years of experience and great value for the cost, but because they are new, they can fit new clients into their schedule promptly, and can address last minute requests with ease. “I return calls the same day and typically schedule people the next day or the day after,” Ernie says. “We’re focussed on customer service and building a clientele.” Ernie chose the name for his company because he felt it fit what he offered the community. “I’m in a coastal area, and I’m great at what I do,” he says. “I have a strong work ethic, and can really make a property look good. So using the word constructive to apply to what I do just made sense.” “I bring quality work, a lifetime of experience, and love to your yard,” he adds. Coastal Constructive Landscaping Phone Envelope

Audrey Williamson of Edward Jones

June 23, 2022October 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor- Audrey K Williamson

Your Go-To For Personal Financial Services by Melissa LaScaleia Edward Jones, established in 1922, is a privately-held firm that provides financial services to serious, long-term individual investors in the U.S. and Canada. The firm’s more than 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients and care for $1.6 trillion in assets under management. Personal service to the individual is of utmost importance. The branch-office business model allows financial advisors to discuss individual investment needs on a one-on-one basis and partner with clients in an ongoing relationship to help keep them on track with their goals. The firm’s philosophy focuses on investing for the long-term in quality investments aligned with one’s goals and risk tolerance. Financial Advisor Audrey Williamson, CFP®, and Tracey Gohn, senior branch office administrator, are the branch team located in the Market Common. The Insider asked Audrey to give readers a sense of her business perspective: “Our branch vision is to understand our clients’ goals and risk tolerance, by using an established process of building customized portfolios to help achieve their goals. We continue to partner with them over time to make sure they stay on track. We are stress-testing our clients’ strategies because everyone has bumps in the road that can take them off track. “Sometimes we may move inches, and other times miles. The major bump in the road for most investors is not having enough emergency cash. Having an emergency fund prevents them from having to sell good-quality investments when they’re down, or having to take on additional debt with, for example, credit cards and loans. In addition to investments, we analyze emergency cash, cash flow, efficient tax distribution and estate considerations. “We partner with our clients’ CPAs and attorneys to make sure we are all aligned with our clients’ goals. Finally, we make sure the strategy is protected by reviewing current life disability and long-term-care insurance.” Over the years, Audrey has grown substantially in her financial learning, and earned the prestigious CFP®, Certified Financial Planner designation. Through hard work and dedication, Audrey has earned the prestigious Certified Financial Planner designation. “I am proud of that designation, and how that knowledge helps our clients in forming the best financial strategy for their lives,” she says. “As part of my continuing education, I also have attained the Charter Financial Consultant designation (ChFC).” Audrey and her husband Jeff relocated to Myrtle Beach in 2013. “We had been visiting family in Myrtle Beach for many years and we had planned on retiring in the Carolinas at some point,” she says. “But as the Michigan winters became harder to handle, we accelerated our plans and made the decision to build our new home in the Market Common. In early 2014, I accepted the opportunity to work with Edward Jones and officially moved into the Market Common office on Black Friday in November 2014. “The extensive resources that Edward Jones provides allows me to educate our clients, so that no matter what stage they are in, whether they are just starting to accumulate wealth or if they are in the distribution phase, to show them what the outcome can or will be. We truly feel it’s important for every client to understand what they own and why they own it.” “Our clients understand that our branch team knows what is important to them,” she adds. “Thankfully they do not have to communicate with a 1-800 number or some type of robo-advisor. Our clients choose us because they are looking for a face-to-face personal contact that will be proactive towards their needs. Our clients are also aware of the extensive resources provided by Edward Jones, whether it be through our robust website and online resources, or the in-depth research department, which is always focused on putting the client first. Tracey’s presence as our senior branch office administrator is critical to this and so many aspects of our clients’ satisfaction.” Tracey has been with Edward Jones for fifteen years, and as a result of her achievements was invited to participate in multiple limited partnership offerings. Her achieving senior branch office administrator is a designation given by Edward Jones in recognition of her outstanding participation in the branch. Tracey and her husband, Jeff, relocated from Saratoga Springs, NY, where she had worked as an assistant vice president at one of the largest regional banks in upstate NY. Tracey Gohn has been with Edward Jones for fifteen years and brings a wealth of experience to the table. “Not only is she instrumental in operations at our branch,” Audrey says, “she also truly cares for our clients and understands their goals on a personal level.” The duo have had to adapt the way that they care for their clients because of Covid-19. Initially, they had no in-office appointments, but were able to offer Zoom and web-app phone calls to have constant communication with their clients. Now, they are back to scheduled appointments, albeit fewer per day, and adhering to strict safety guidelines. “Throughout this process, we’ve made sure that we have constant communication with our clients. The steps we’ve taken have helped keep our clients on track with their long-term goals.” Tracey and Audrey also check-in with their clients regularly, not only to make sure that they’re okay investment-wise, but also health and well-being wise. “We care about the people we serve,” Audrey says. “For us, the relationships we build run deeper than that of financial advisor and client.” “Tracey and I are thankful for the opportunity to be part of Edward Jones,” she adds. “By focusing on what’s best for our clients, this allows us to deliver an ideal client experience. We are thankful for the trust and confidence our clients place in us so that we can help them achieve their personal goals. Additionally, the culture of volunteerism within Edward Jones is beyond anything I have ever experienced. As part of the leadership team in our region, Tracey and I are responsible for providing updates and education on processes technology, and delivering an ideal client experience. “As a company, Edward Jones has won awards for the extensive level of training and the continuation of that training. This opportunity … Read more

The Cross Guy

June 15, 2022October 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Marathons With a Mission to Spread Love and Positivity by Melissa LaScaleia Tim McKenney was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He met his wife, Brianca, in high school, and the couple relocated to Columbia, SC after they were married. In Columbia they were part of a Christian ministry, and moved to Charleston three years ago to help a group of fellow parishioners open a new branch of the church. Tim was a former Marine, and Brianca was in the Air Force. Always in pursuit of adventurous activities, when they heard about Charleston’s annual Cooper River Bridge Run 10k, they compiled a group from their church and decided to run it together as a team. And from there, things got more adventurous indeed. “It all started when we were trying to build the church in Charleston,” Tim says. “We were commuting from Columbia every weekend, and then when the race came up it seemed fun and exciting for us all to do together. Then someone said, ‘Hey, let’s run it with crosses!’ And I hesitated but then thought, all right, let’s give it a go.” It was a spur of the moment decision for Tim, but it would impact his life more deeply than he realized. He went to Lowe’s and purchased some lumber, then fashioned a cross 6 ft tall and 3 ft wide. The finished product weighed some 20-30 lb. “It sounded challenging and I like to run,” Tim says with a laugh. “I used to do Spartan races, so I’m familiar with torture. In the Marine Corps we have a saying: ‘Train how you fight.’ So to prepare for the race, I would run around the neighborhood and parks carrying it.” Tim often gets stopped by curious onlookers while training, or those in need of support who ask him to pray for him. He doesn’t mind the interruptions, as he sees it as an opportunity to educate and help others. At first the only cross-carriers for the race were Tim and another teammate. But in successive years, others picked up the trend as well, and they became known as the Cross-Bearers Group. “Emotionally, it feels overwhelming,” he says, “to think that Jesus carried a much bigger cross for miles. I also feel empowered with my mission. Jesus healed sick people, taught people, and showed people how to love. He was just an awesome dude. And he was punished and died a cruel death because people didn’t like what he said and did. Before he died, he told people to carry on his message— which is to love your neighbor and do good to others. And that ties into why I carry a cross— it’s a personal remembrance for me to carry on his personal mission— to teach others what he did and how we should respond to life and to others.” Tim has run a total of three races with his cross. The last one he didn’t train for because he didn’t realize the race was being held. “But when I showed up, I think I ran faster than I usually train,” he says with a laugh. “I hadn’t run with the cross in two years, and then I picked it up and ran.” “I won’t push my luck though and do that again,” he adds. “This isn’t my new way to train.” To learn more about Tim and what he’s up to visit: Instagram

WFXB Fox 43 TV

June 23, 2022October 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Your Friends, Your Favorites, Your Fox, Locally by Melissa LaScaleia WFXB is a Fox affiliate news station broadcasting locally from the Market Common. They host three shows daily: Carolina AM, a live morning talk show hosted by Greg Rowles and Audra Grant; live coverage of Fox Midday News, hosted by Laura Pence and B.J. Kinard; and in the evening, Not the News— a lighthearted satire of the news, also hosted by Greg and Audra. Laura Pence has been with the station since October 2017. She’s currently the co-producer for Carolina AM with Audra Grant, and co-host of the Midday News show. Laura comes from a small town in Missouri. She attended Missouri State for college and had no plans for pursuing a career in the media or television industry. “I wanted to be a nurse originally,” she says. “But I ended up taking a media class that I really enjoyed and decided to pursue the field. After I graduated college, I took a job as a receptionist at the local Fox news station in Missouri just to get my foot in the door. Then I moved up to become a promotions producer.” In that role, Laura created promotional videos for the company’s various programs. She worked with commercial production, videography, and video editing. After six years, she was looking for a change. She applied for the co-host/producer position in Myrtle Beach at WFXB five years ago. “All three of our shows we create and write here in our studio,” Laura says. “I’ve had a blast since I’ve been here.” The morning show is designed to engage the community; it’s intended to be informative, fun and relaxed— a unique approach to morning news and way for people to connect to the outside world. Carolina AM covers a variety of topics. There is always something health-related: like statistics on exercise or a trending nutrition find— sometimes even a dating tip. They’ll always do a showbiz highlight, in which they relay the top four news-worthy stories involving celebrities. And then there’s a cooking segment. Often top chefs will appear as guest educators; at other times Greg and Audra will teach each other how to prepare a dish. Laura and Audra work together to create the show daily. For the first ten minutes of the show, Greg and Audra chat unscripted— and as it’s a live broadcast— anything spontaneous or quirky, or both, can occur. For the remainder of the show, the producers unearth content in advance. “We both work to book daily guests— whether they represent local events or a new business that’s opened,” Laura says. “It could be as simple as helping promote a 5k race. We try to have 1-2 guests per day. Then we split up the rest of the show and try to find content that is lighthearted and inspiring— things that will make our viewers laugh. Then we edit video to go along with it.” Earlier this year, Laura and Audra added a new segment to the show called Carolina Kindness. “Because of Covid, a lot of people were looking for a boost of happiness,” Laura says. “And we noticed a trend of people sharing more happy stories online. So we began by highlighting stories of kindness that we came across nationally, and called them Happy Hump Day Stories, because we aired them on Wednesdays. It evolved as we began to become aware of acts of kindness happening locally; then we began to put a spotlight on the things people were doing in our community.” Laura and Audra will sometimes search for their happy content, and sometimes it finds them. Viewers will write to them with leads, at other times they search social media platforms and the internet. “We’ve even had some guests come into the studio and share about things that have happened to them, or nominate someone else that they’ve heard has been doing things to make others in the community smile or just have a better day. So now we call it Carolina Kindness. At first it was just stories that make you smile; it wasn’t about people being kind to one another. But now it’s focussed more on that.” Carolina Kindness recently highlighted the story of a teenage girl from Florence who sent a care package all on her own to a soldier stationed in Afghanistan. He was so touched that when he finished his tour of duty, he sought her out to thank her personally and tell her how much her thoughtfulness meant to him while he was abroad. Another story featured a man who was handy with automobiles. He restored junk cars to make them mechanically sound and gave them away to those in need of a vehicle. Some of the stories are more intimate and personal. There was one about a woman selling birdhouses at the local farmers market who struck up a conversation with a man who came to her stall. Afterwards, she found out that he was a veteran, and in gratitude, she made him a birdhouse to thank him for his service. In another, a couple were having lunch at Margaritaville at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, when they met another couple and struck up a lively conversation. At the end of their meal, instead of their bill, the waitress handed one couple a note that read, ‘Enjoy your lunch on us!’ It was from the their new friends. For the showbiz highlights, the duo look at entertainment news sectors to find fresh, juicy content, like which celebrity got arrested or caught Covid. “Today we had a story about an Ed Sheeran look-a-like,” Laura says with a laugh. “He looks so much like him that he has to disguise himself when he goes out in public so he doesn’t get bombarded.” The dating tips come from anything like Fox News Lifestyle to Yahoo News Lifestyle. “We share information from dating polls— things that are fun and funny,” Laura says. “Like, ‘Would you date someone who talked … Read more

Milano Kitchen & Bath Center

June 15, 2022September 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Luxury, Prestige, Refinement by Melissa LaScaleia The dynamic husband and wife team Jack Abutbol and Dana West-Abutbol met in sunny Southern California thirty-five years ago. Jack grew up in Israel and has been a builder his entire life. Dana was born in Chicago, and grew up in LA where she became a successful actress. In 2008, when the market had an extensive correction and construction in LA slowed down, the two turned their gaze to Florida where housing prices had dropped across the board. Taking advantage of Jack’s construction knowledge, the couple purchased a myriad of locales around Florida— then renovated, rented, and eventually sold them. “In Miami we opened Milano Kitchen & Bath,” Dana says. “We wanted to do something for the individuals and builders in the area looking to renovate, and when we had the opportunity to take over a large stock of kitchen cabinets, we purchased everything and stored it in a warehouse. It was a great opportunity, and really just fell upon us.” This spring, they planned to return to California, but Jack had an associate in Miami who needed a kitchen for his second home in Myrtle Beach. Jack and Dana detoured to offer assistance; then one client led to another and another. The two realized there was a need in the Myrtle Beach area for what they had to offer, and by June made a commitment to stay. “We have people relocating here from up North, from NY and NJ, from Europe,” Dana says. “They want cabinets, shower heads and vanities of a particular quality and caliber, and there’s no access to them. We have 40 or 50 types of vanities with the option of quartz or porcelain; European shower systems and jet showers; a variety of faucets and sinks; and LED mirrors in many shapes and sizes. The options we provide are much more elegant than what is usually found, and people here are wanting those options.” Milano Quartz & Porcelain, their recently opened sister company, exclusively carries quartz countertops. Quartz is a man-made material that is superior to the granite countertops of yesteryear for their beauty, durability, and maintenance. Dana has found that most people in the South are still using granite countertops in the kitchen, due to the lack of availability and knowledge about the benefits. “Granite is old school in a bad way,” she explains. “Quartz is much more durable. It doesn’t need any maintenance, versus with granite, every eight months you need to seal it because it’s naturally porous and will absorb everything spilled on it. Quartz is more sanitary than anything else, and the range and intensity of colors are just stunning.” Milano Quartz & Porcelain procures all of their vanity cabinets from Spain, and all of their kitchen cabinets and hardware from Europe. Jack favors the streamlined, frameless European styles which maximize space and have a smooth, sleek finish. “Traditional cabinets have a face frame that covers the front of the cabinet,” he explains. “When fitting them in a kitchen, you will always have a gap at some point between the cabinets. This is dead space. Frameless cabinets are much more beautiful. The cabinet box is thicker and more stable. There are no lines so it looks like one continuous cabinet. “The majority of cabinets found in this country are wood and painted. Over time, especially with the humidity here, the doors crack and warp, and you have to be careful how you clean them or the paint will wash off. The ones we carry, we don’t have those problems. They come in a variety of lacquers, wood grains, and different kinds of veneers. You can clean them with pretty much anything and they will stand the test of time. People can special-order anything they like. Most of our cabinets are semi-customizable anyhow, and I can modify to any size kitchen.” Dana (left) with business partner Koby Zyroa (right) at their grand opening. While many might balk at the challenges of trying to special-order anything at the present time, clients of Milano Kitchen & Bath need not. The company is a beacon of abundance and availability of products in a world that has become known for traumatic shipping times and a paucity of available raw building materials. “If this area is planning to build 100,000 units in the next three years, I can supply all of them,” Jack says. “Even before Covid, we always bought ahead and had fully stocked warehouse facilities. We’re able to deliver a 72-hour turnaround time because I ship from my warehouses in Miami.” “For builders that’s huge,” Dana says. “With prices going up, a lot of builders are getting hurt. But we’re able to eliminate a lot of the pain for them; and the prices are really good too.” Part of what makes them able to accomplish this feat is the extensive relationships they’ve built over the years. They have exclusive distributorship for all quartz and porcelain for South and North Carolina through Rafaella Porcelain and Quartz, in New Jersey. This is a prime partnership, and one that ensures while the rest of country has to wait, Myrtle Beach has access to whatever of raw materials for building kitchens and baths that residents wish. “When you’re purchasing your own slabs of quartz, you want to pick them out yourself,” Dana says, “because it’s going to enhance your kitchen like nothing else.” To give their customers this opportunity, they opened Milano Quartz & Porcelain down the street, which has a showroom large enough to display their huge quantity of quartz and porcelain, as well as cabinets and peripheral items that they carry. “Were excited to introduce the area to these updates and trends which are common in other areas of the country,” Dana says. To do so, they teamed up with longtime friend, Koby Zyroa in a joint partnership. “Koby has lived in Myrtle Beach for twenty years,” Jack says. “He has several businesses here— restaurants, ice cream parlors, and wholesale merchandise … Read more

Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More

June 15, 2022September 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Don’t Replace It, Restore It With Artistry and Skill by Melissa LaScaleia Steve Dunham is the owner and man-power behind Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More. He hails from Southern California, where he worked in the grocery store business for many years. When he and his wife decided to move back to her native state of Pennsylvania, Steve began fixing up his house in preparation to sell it. In so doing, he noticed there was a crack in his bathtub. Upon investigating his options to replace or restore it, he discovered a franchise opportunity in restoring bathtubs. After he and his wife relocated, he decided to purchase the franchise for his local area. “Within two weeks I was in training in Utah,” he says. “I also had a friend, Larry Brown, who had a franchise in bathtubs. He took me under his wing for about a year and trained me as his apprentice. I learned from doing it— hands on.” Steve can repair and refinish any type of fiberglass or porcelain bathtub or shower, fixing cracks, chips, and holes; he also repairs things like vinyl fencing and windows that are cracked or broken. And if you have a weak shower or tub bottom, he can install a fiberglass inlay to give you a brand new bottom. “Once the floor cracks in a tub or shower, people think they need to get a new one, but I can fix it and match it perfectly, and it will be stronger than it was when it was new,” Steve says. “Today, there’s a trend—replace items rather than repair them, but that’s because no one knows how to fix things. But why would you replace this item when you can refinish or repair it for a third of the cost?” Steve has been working in this industry for the past twenty-three years. In addition to numerous accolades garnered from customers over the years, Steve is proud of his uniformly 5-star customer reviews found on his Google results page. “I’ve been very lucky with my choice of career and life,” he says. “Being self-employed gives me a sense of freedom which I truly love. “What I do is very fulfilling to me; I can save people a lot of money. I take something damaged or old and make it look new again. It’s not like building something, it’s an art. I have a different approach and process with the way I match colors than most, and it’s incredibly accurate. There aren’t a lot of people who do what I do.” Steve’s process is much more simple and less time-consuming then the construction involved in a replacement: “I’m not going to be in your house for days or a week with a messy replacement process,” he says. “I’m in and out. It’s convenient— no mess, no dirt, no hassle.” In the event that you’re tired of your shower doors, Steve can remove them, repair the holes, and match the color exactly so you can’t tell they were ever there. He can also refinish tubs and showers to change their color; and people are hard-pressed to notice any real difference between a refinished versus a new tub. Grand Strand Bathtub Repair also offers a walk-through conversion which will turn your existing bathtub into a walk-in bathtub or a walk-in shower. The installation lowers the front skirt of the tub. If someone has knee, ankle or hip problems or is elderly, the ledge is hard to navigate. With the tub cut-out, you can step on the walk-through and get yourself into the tub with ease. Steve has installed hundreds of these over the years, in residential homes as well as retirement communities, because of their utility. “And there’s also an installation I can do if people want to use their tub to take a bath in after I’ve done the cut-out,” Steve says. “The cut-out facilitates greater safety and ease getting in and out of the tub and therefore gives you more confidence. Many elderly/handicapped people have a hard time getting over the railing. At some point it becomes scary. I’ve installed countless of these in retirement homes, and it’s a great idea for handicapped people as well.” The walk-through conversions are fantastic for the same reasons: they are easily accessible, safe, and economical. “I can do this job in less than one day,” Steve says. “It’s not a big mess. Since Myrtle Beach has so many retirees, when you hit a certain age, it’s important to seriously consider this benefit. I also install grab bars, which add an added level of stability and security as well as confidence for handicapped and older individuals.” Steve works residentially as well as commercially— for hotels, vacation lodges, retirement communities, and more. He takes pride in the work that he does— in the level of experience that he brings to the table, as well as his attentiveness to his customers and professionalism. “The knowledge and capabilities that a person has when they’re offering me a service means more to me than a lot of things,” he says. “I really pride myself on the detail I put into my work, and the time I devote to it.” “I try to return calls the same day, but always with promptness,” he adds. “When I schedule, I follow through, and I’m very good at communicating with my customers.” Steve is happy to now call Myrtle Beach, which reminds him of his native Southern California, home; and to continue to bring his skill in repairing and refinishing to the area where he’s had so much success. Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More Globe Phone Facebook

Magical Home Makeovers

June 15, 2022September 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

The ER Home $5000 Room Makeover Prize-Winning Story by Melissa LaScaleia Interior designer: in·te·ri·or de·sign·er (noun): Someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had in a way you don’t understand. (See also, wizard, magician.) This is how Eric Richards, the mastermind behind ER Home most aptly defines what he does. And he’s well equipped to do so. Eric has been a designer for thirty years and has created a company that is a one-stop-shop for any and all home refurbishment needs. His impressive skillset includes: painting, wallpapering, flooring, tile work, custom furniture design and building, refurbishment, carpentry, kitchen remodeling, electrical, plumbing, decorating, and feng shui. For more than half of his career, Eric has been traveling the country executing design projects small and large. He completed the redesign for two medical facilities in Philadelphia; and for several years he was the designer for Lowes Motor Speedway, a multi-billion dollar racetrack venue in Charlotte in which he designed their five-star restaurant, glassed-in penthouse suites, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and boardrooms. Luxury Living magazine featured him in their Christmas-design edition, for which Eric decorated his sprawling seventeen-room house from top to bottom in August. Eric’s success isn’t just due to his inherent talent and skills, it’s also thanks to the thoughtful way he works with his clients. He takes a lot of time to understand their needs, to make the design make sense for their lifestyle. In May, ER Home, in partnership with the Coastal Insider and Real Living Home Realty Group, ran a contest in which one lucky winner would receive a $5000 room makeover for any one room in their house, completely free. All contestants in Horry County were eligible, and no room was off limits. “I have been so blessed with so many wonderful clients over the years that to be able to give back to someone that would not request it and feel their joy and gratitude is just phenomenal,” Eric says. Eric and a small panel of judges from the Coastal Insider and Real Living Home Realty Group reviewed the submissions and decided on the winner collectively. There was no specific criteria to be met for the contest; all factors were taken into consideration— greatest need, greatest desire, most moving entry. Before: the Copley’s plain bedroom. The winners, John and Michelle Copley, live in Emmen’s Preserve in the Market Common; they were notified on July 27, and Eric reached out to them soon afterwards to learn about their vision and how he could make some magic for them. The couple had recently purchased the house, and their daughter Chelsea entered their submission. In it, she spoke about how in growing up, her parents had always put her and her sister’s needs before their own, allocating all available resources to support their passion for playing sports. At their house in Ohio, where John and Michelle raised their family, their master bedroom remained unfinished— as the couple always found it more important to spend on their family, any money that would otherwise have gone to the room’s redesign. The couple’s dream was to retire in Myrtle Beach, but Michelle was able to secure a transfer for her job in the area, and the two moved earlier than they had hoped. With the current escalation in home prices, once again, any hope of a redesign for the master bedroom had to be put on hold. Chelsea was hopeful of having her parents receive a master bedroom redo as a present for well-meaning parents who had sacrificed for their family all of their lives. “They are a wonderful family,” Eric says in speaking about the winners. “These are parents who were so selfless all their lives— they never did a lot for themselves. It was all about their church, daughters and community, and it feels nice to do something for them.” The day the contest winner was announced, Michelle and her youngest daughter, Hunter, were at Crepe Creations Cafe. “Chelsea was working that day, and she told us to make sure we watched Facebook for the announcement,” Michelle says. “So we did, and that’s how we found out we had won. We were shocked. Chelsea didn’t find out until later in the day.” After: Eric made magic with calming coastal colors. Michelle and John had just moved into their forever home in the Market Common the day before they won the contest. So they had a chance to settle into their new home with the pleasure and anticipation of having a master bedroom customized just for them. “I didn’t have a vision,” Michelle says. “I just knew I wanted it to be beautiful so that when you walk in, you say, ‘Wow.’ Eric was absolutely wonderful to work with. He met with us as a family and got an idea of what we’re like and what our tastes are. And then he just did his thing. From the time he started until he finished I didn’t see anything. It was a complete surprise.” “I did have a little anxiety,” she admits with a laugh. “But it wasn’t because I was worried I wasn’t going to like what it looked like; it was more of a natural anxiety of the unknown, of not really being in control.” Eric completed his renovations and the big reveal came on Friday, September 10. John was out of town and surprised Michelle by showing up just in time to share the first glimpse with her. “My initial impression was, ‘Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I’m living in something so beautiful!’ It looks like something out of a magazine. I never could have done what Eric did. And to be honest, my husband and I probably would have made do with what we had.” Eric painted the room sea salt— a light blueish green color. He changed the furniture to white, and incorporated art work, lamps, and accent pieces to give it a homey, welcoming feel. “There’s not one thing I regret about our … Read more

The Seacoast Artists Gallery

June 15, 2022August 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Art At Its Best Along the Grand Strand by Melissa LaScaleia The Seacoast Artists Gallery is a non-profit 501(c)(3), whose mission is to provide an atmosphere conducive to creativity, sharing, and mentoring for artists in the Grand Strand area. The gallery functions as an artist and art-lovers community spot, where chosen members can showcase their art to the public. “We want to make sure we have a place for local artists to congregate, to mingle and mix and support each other, and share their skills with other artists in the area,” says Nick Mariano, the gallery’s director. “Our Art Buddies group meets monthly, and was formed so members can offer constructive critiquing of each other’s work in a learning-focused, supportive environment.” The gallery is associated with the Seacoast Artists Guild, which has over 300 members from a wide geographical area that encompasses the Grand Strand, Calabash, the Charleston area, Columbia, and even other states. As director, Nick’s priority is to share the gallery’s art with the community, which showcases selected works from the gallery’s 70 member-artists. “The gallery hosts a wide variety of art in many mediums,” Nick says. “We have beach and landscape photography and paintings; still life photography; bronze castings; ceramics and pottery; glass-blown sculptures; and sculptures made from old instruments. This is not your typical gallery; it’s quite a lot of fun. The selection is ever-changing, with new art displayed every month. There is something here for every taste and every budget.” The gallery showcases works from visiting as well as member artists, to bring the community a diverse array of local art at its finest. Many local businesses struggled during Covid, but Nick is grateful that the gallery has been flourishing. “People have been buying a lot of art over the past year,” he says. “I think because people have been at home more and are interested in revitalizing their space, improving it and looking at something new.” Nevertheless, Nick is always trying to attract more people who are walking by off the street and into the gallery. “Many people stop and look in the window, but they don’t come inside,” he says. “I’ve added members’ art along the front window in order to catch people’s attention and draw them in. I’ve also started a monthly Visiting Artist program. For this, I display the works of an artist who is not a member of the gallery, but has a following elsewhere. Many of these artists have won prizes for their art both locally and nationally. Some are instructors and have taught over the years in the Grand Strand area. A few even have their own galleries, but are thrilled to be able to show their work at Seacoast.” As an additional way to reach out to the community, Nick has been putting together promotional videos and expanded the gallery’s Facebook page. There is also a scannable QR code at the gallery’s front door, so passersby can be immediately connected to the gallery’s current artists and activities. “On our Facebook page, we highlight one member artist each day for a week,” he says. “It’s a nice way of promoting our artists and sharing with everyone what the artist has been up to, as well as getting people interested in what the gallery has to offer. People locally and from out of state are beginning to notice us and want to join the guild or display in the gallery.” The gallery is currently hosting art classes in a variety of mediums that are open to the public. They also host one-day specialty classes, in which artists explain their craft and methods, and teach people techniques so they can refine their creative process. Nick is looking forward to the time when the gallery will be restarting their monthly receptions, so members and the public can see what the gallery is doing in a more festive environment. Their Fall Art Show is scheduled for October, and this year it will be live. Last year’s was virtual due to Covid. Members and the public are welcome to attend the awards ceremony and social. It will be advertised in the Insider ahead of time. The gallery is a space where everyone, including beloved furry companions, are welcome to convene to share ideas, be inspired, and enjoy what’s on display. For Nick, the purpose of his work at the gallery isn’t just to sell art, but to afford people the chance to see it. “It’s not about trying to get people to buy things,” he says. “We just want people to know that we’re here. We’re one of the bigger art galleries in the area, and we showcase teaching artists— many of whom have won numerous awards.” In keeping with their mission of supporting and promoting artists of all ages, the guild offers two annual scholarships of $1,000 to high school seniors who are pursuing the field of art in college to help them further their art education— one to a Horry County student, and one to a Georgetown County student. This year they gave a grant to a local school to purchase art supplies so they could expand their art program. The Cushman Fund was started in honor of one of the gallery’s deceased members. It funds grants and scholarships that promote art within the community. Gallery members create art and donate it to the gallery; all proceeds from those sales directly support the Cushman Fund. “It’s our way, as artists, of giving back to the community and helping young people pursue a career in art,” Nick says. “We want to be a gallery that serves our community. It is surprising that many people who have lived in the area for years still don’t know that there is an art gallery in the Market Common. “We hope that after they read this article, they’ll stop by and see the various categories of art that we have on display and for sale. We also encourage artists to join our guild and take … Read more

CertaPro Painters

June 15, 2022August 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

by Melissa LaScaleia CertaPro Painters is a local, family owned and operated franchise started by husband and wife team, Doug and Robin Bland. Ryan, their son, works as the residential sales associate; and Camden, their youngest son and a student at Coastal Carolina University, also helps out. CertaPro Painters is one of 330 national franchises. They offer residential and commercial interior and exterior painting as well as kitchen and bathroom cabinetry refinishing, and some carpentry work. Refinishing is one of their most requested services, as the process typically costs a third of the price of new cabinets, and the results look brand new. They also offer hurricane preparation services. “Right now we’re at the very beginning of hurricane season and we’re already at our sixth storm,” Doug says. “Painting your home is a vital way to protect it, because you’re sealing its surface; it’s not just to beautify it.” Often, when people think of the damage inflicted by hurricanes, they think of projectiles and wind damage. But the majority of damage is due to flooding or water intrusion. When painting a home, one of the services CertaPro provides is a thorough preparation of the surface, in which they conduct any needed carpentry repairs like rotting wood, loose pieces, or holes. All of these things are opportunities for greater damage down the road. Painting and tending to this beforehand can go a long way in getting ahead of the damage, and can often prevent it from occurring. “It’s important too, if you use removable hurricane shutters, that you immediately tend to those holes created in the house after a storm to prevent rot,” Doug says. “And this is another area where we can fill in the blanks.” CertaPro Painters services customers along the majority of the South Carolina coast, from Little River to North Charleston, including the inland areas of Conway, Longs, and Loris. In speaking about his company, Doug says, “We’re trying to change how the painting industry is done as a whole. One of our family members will manage a customer’s request from beginning to end, so the customer feels comfortable knowing that if they have any questions or problems, they’re working with one person who knows their situation instead of multiple channels and people. It gives them a voice. “Your home is your biggest personal investment, and we like our customers to feel comfortable having us in it. All of our painters undergo background checks. We make sure they have access to all the latest tools and resources, and validate their skill level and assign them a project that is aligned with it.” For Doug, having a personal approach in the day-to-day administration of what he does is what sets him apart and helps him build customers for life. “We wanted a different spin on what the painting industry has traditionally been,” he shares. “We heard too many stories about people paying down payments in the thousands of dollars never to hear from the contractor again, or to not hear from them for many weeks, causing a great deal of anxiety.” For this reason, CertaPro doesn’t require a deposit upfront for any of their projects. And they don’t require payment until they finish a project. “We want our customers to know that we’re committed, will follow through, and will work hard to satisfy them,” Doug says. Before CertaPro, Doug worked in business management for Xerox for 25 years, orchestrating large-scale million-dollar projects. “Xerox was known as a worldwide leader in corporate training,” he says. “When I look at what made me a success at project management, it was because I cultivated qualities like accountability, creating a customer for life, and a disciplined approach; these are all key factors that translate from one industry to the next. As I looked to make a career change and be more involved in the local community that I loved, I looked for something that fit those core values. “CertaPro fit in every aspect; they are different from your normal painting company. And in working with my team and customers every day, those values dictate how I run my business.” John Pettry, CertaPro’s job-site supervisor, has been with the Myrtle Beach team since the beginning. “He has a background as a Marine,” Doug says. “And his talent and skill level is unparalleled. I have yet to come across a skill or technique he cannot do. I have some customers who when they ask us to come back, will specially request John. He and his wife, Jenny, have been an integral part of our company, and we appreciate them so much.” Camden works part-time at Sherwin Williams, where he’s learning a lot about the painting industry and has been a saving-grace for the family business. There’s been a raw materials shortage with increased shipping delays since January, do to a big freeze that affected manufacturing headquarters in Texas, as well as challenges brought about by Covid. That shortage is ongoing, and will likely continue throughout the rest of the year. “Camden has been instrumental in helping us to find creative solutions in meeting our customers’ needs for paints as well as the colors that they want,” Robin says. “His knowledge of colors and tints enabled him to create a custom color palette that was similar to what we were using before, that we could mix into a white base to get a variety of colors.” “It’s a real team effort, what we do, but we accomplish it daily together,” Doug adds. CertaPro Painters Myrtle Beach Facebook Instagram Globe Phone

17 on 17

June 15, 2022August 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Elko is Celebrating 17 Wonderful Years on Hwy 17 Bypass by Melissa LaScaleia In 2004, Micheal and Kimberly Elko moved from New Jersey to Myrtle Beach. The husband and wife team purchased multiple businesses specializing in pools, Olhausen pool tables, hot tubs and HotSpring Spas and created Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools. “Our showroom is fully stocked and totally awesome. There are walls of accessories, water care supplies, game room products, and HotSpring Spas on display,” says Kimberly. Elko sells and services most major brands of hot tubs, pool tables, saunas, and pools. They are an authorized service and repair as well as a warranty center for most major brands, but are capable of repairing everything. They conduct pool and spa water testing, and provide analysis as well as solutions for optimal water health. They build fiberglass in-ground swimming pools offering 3D design. Elko Service also offers swimming pool and hot tub cleaning, maintenance, and repair service for residential and commercial properties. They offer free design work for your spa or game space. With her background in design, Kimberly is able to assist clients with color matching and design layout. They also sell Doughboy above-ground pools. A HotSpring Spa can address a range of life and health issues, from arthritis and sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, stress, injuries, and calming hyper children. Elko is also a part of many groups including: BNI, Horry Georgetown Builders, Coastal Power Women, Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, and Georgetown Chambers. Elko Spas, Billiards & Pools Globe Phone Facebook Map-marked-alt

The Jerk Shack

June 15, 2022August 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Cold Drinks, Amazing Food and Good Times by Melissa LaScaleia Taylor Peugh was born and raised in sunny L.A. He served for eight years in the United States Marine Corps, and after some exploration, took up residence in Charlotte, NC. He became an entrepreneur, starting several companies and real estate ventures. The Jerk Shack is his latest endeavor. “I met my wife, Kim, in Charlotte,” he says. “And her family lives in Murrells Inlet. After five years of driving back and forth for holidays, we decided, in July 2020, to relocate to Myrtle Beach.” In August, The Jerk Shack restaurant became available for purchase, and Taylor and Kim decided to embrace their new life at the beach as well as a new adventure. They bought it— and took over operations the following month. Today, The Jerk Shack is a bar and grille that offers dinner-sized salad plates, burgers, tacos, wings, and other bar-food classics all day long, all served with the zeal and open-heartedness that the dynamic husband and wife team bring to the table both literally and figuratively. “I had no prior experience in a restaurant or in the industry,” Taylor laughs. “And in the middle of Covid, I thought, ‘Let’s buy a restaurant.’ I owned a number of home services businesses, like carpet cleaning and things in that category. But because of Covid, we stopped those services. I was looking for something new, and the challenge of a restaurant sounded like fun to me.” Upon first taking over the business, Taylor’s goal was to, in his words, “Get really loud really fast.” He took out ads on the radio, took to social media to engage the community, and offered a variety of daily specials. “My philosophy with my customers is like how one would approach successful dating,” he says. “The first time you think, ‘It’s okay, I’ll come again.’ The second time: ‘You have my interest.’ And the third time, ‘Yeah, I’m into this.’ If you come to my restaurant three times, I consider you to be my longterm customer, and I’m going to take care of you and I want you to have a great experience every time you come through the door.” Like all restaurants during the age of Covid, The Jerk Shack is experiencing staffing shortages, but for Taylor and Kim, working around that has been entertaining for them— as this go-getting couple consistently rise to whatever challenges their new endeavor brings. Above, the interior of The Jerk Shack which Taylor and Kim purchased during Covid and transformed into a whopping local success. “We focus on everything that’s going right,” Taylor says. “We focus on everything that’s going right,” Taylor says with enthusiasm. “Our location is great and we always provide cold drinks, amazing food and a good time. We sample all the products and take the time to taste-test each finished item on the menu. We use the best possible ingredients we can find.” The Jerk Shack hand-presses their hamburger patties rather than using pre-made ones. Taylor explains how a hand-pressed patty tastes better because there’s more air in it; when you take a bite, it doesn’t taste compressed. One of their most popular menu items is their Island Rice Bowl, which offers a choice of three types of rice and six types of protein and includes plantains and seasonal vegetables. “I have a really great team that makes everything possible,” Taylor says. “They are the ones who will assist me, saying— ‘That’s not to our standards, let’s remake it.’” Taylor and Kim are happy to call Myrtle Beach home, and enjoy giving back to the community. They encourage anyone who has a fundraiser they’d like help with to reach out to them. “We want to be good stewards of the community, as we feel that’s part of what it means to be a small business owner,” he says. The couple are very involved in the local Toys for Tots movement, and have commenced collecting toy donations for the holiday season at their restaurant already. Those donations are guaranteed to stay in Horry County. “Toys for Tots really impacted my life growing up,” Taylor says. “Without them, I wouldn’t have had a Christmas. Last year’s turn out was great— we had to rent a U-Haul to drop all of the toys off— and this year we want it to be just as good. It’s a great feeling to give back to our community.” “If you haven’t been to our restaurant, come out,” he adds. “And if you have, come back.” The Jerk Shack Facebook Phone Map-marked-alt

Ocean Lakes Golf Cars

June 15, 2022August 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Serving Ocean Lakes and the Entire Grand Strand Community by Melissa LaScaleia In the late ‘80s, the owners of Ocean Lakes Family Campground started a small golf car rental business with roughly forty golf cars, so people could traverse their extensive 310-acre property with greater ease. Over the years, it evolved to become Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, a division of the Jackson Companies, of which Ocean Lakes Family Campground is also a part. Today with over twenty-two miles of paved roads, as well as one mile of beach front property, the rental fleet has grown to host 1000 golf cars to accommodate the needs of both campground guests as well as the public. Everyone is welcome to visit Ocean Lakes Golf Cars to view their sales floor of available golf cars to purchase, as well as inquire about custom accessories, parts, and repairs. Simply ask for a pass at the guard gate of the Campground to visit the golf car facility. “Most people don’t realize the extent of what we have to offer our community,” says Jeff Caldwell, the golf car sales and services supervisor for Ocean Lakes. “We want the public to know that Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is available for everyone, not just guests of our campground. We want to serve a greater segment of the population and show residents our great service and outstanding products. “We just finished a remodel of our showroom and are proud to show what we have available to anyone in the market for a golf car. If you already own a golf car and need it serviced, give us a call and we will come pick it up, service the car, and deliver it to you. Over the years, our outreach has increased, and today we sell almost five hundred golf cars a year.” Above, the fleet of Club Cars available to rent or buy. Ocean Lakes Golf Cars Sales and Service is open seven days a week. At their showroom, they have over two hundred golf cars for sale to suit anybody’s preferences. One of the brands they carry is the new Club Car Onward Golf Cars, which are powered via electric, gas, or Lithium Ion HP— an innovative, high performance AC drive battery. 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.” In October 2018, Ocean Lakes opened a new 11,000 square foot production facility across the street from the campground. Here, they assemble new vehicles; this is also where the extensive reconditioning process takes place. They have 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.” Ocean Lakes can customize just about anything. Their newly remodeled showroom is a repository of colorful options from which customers can glean inspiration for their own design choices. Some of the most frequently requested installs are lift kits, Bluetooth stereo systems, wheels and tires, and seat upgrades. “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.” Ocean Lakes Golf Cars is 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 Golf Cars has been affiliated with Club Car for more than seventeen years, offering their cars to rent, and in 2015 began selling the new Club Car Consumer product line. Ocean Lakes has won Club Car’s coveted Black & Gold Elite status every year for the past four years (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) 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.” Michael T. Williams, director of North American commercial and consumer sales, and Ben McElmurray, regional manager Southeast region, commercial utility and retail sales, stated: “It means you achieved an extraordinary level of service and representation of Club Car, as well as exceptional sales performance. It means you are in the top percentile of your peers.” Ocean Lakes Golf Cars has eleven full-time, factory-trained Club Car service technicians working in their service department. They service most makes and brands of golf cars, and provide service from Georgetown to North Carolina along the coastal areas. And they offer pickup and delivery service along the Grand Strand. “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 … Read more

Market Common Dentistry Dr. James E. Mills & Associates

June 15, 2022July 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Enjoy the Benefits of State-Of-The-Art Technology With Family-Like Care by Melissa LaScaleia Market Common Dentistry is a small, local, and privately owned dental practice which has existed in Myrtle Beach for 30 years. Spearheaded by doctor James E. Mills, DDS, the dental practice specializes in building strong relationships to meet their patients’ dental needs effectively and sustainably. “As a private practice, we are not subject to quotas required by corporations and there is no pressure to meet financial benchmarks,” says Dr. Mills. “Because of this, we can put our patients first, and are able to provide more personalized care.” Market Common Dentistry offers a variety of cutting-edge dental procedures to best serve their patients. And in the past year, they have added additional techniques and surgical procedures to their repertoire. They have several sedation options including oral, intravenous, and intramuscular, which help relax nervous patients. They offer cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) for guided implant procedures and extractions of complicated wisdom teeth; and Platelet Regenerative Fibrin, a technique which injects platelets into the surgical site to accelerate the healing process. Additionally, they employ a new regenerative procedure called Leucocyte Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF), a method of concentrating platelets, growth factors, leukocytes, and proteins into a pliable biological matrix. The therapeutic technique is used to heal both soft and hard tissues. L-PRF is especially helpful in socket preservation — reducing bone loss after a tooth is extracted. L-PRF aids in tissue regeneration following bone grafts, sometimes necessary for successful dental implants. It can also be used to revitalize dental pulp, potentially preventing the need for root canal therapy or extraction. With L-PRF, a small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge, allowing plasma and platelets to be isolated. These concentrated growth factors and proteins are re-introduced at the treatment site to speed healing and promote natural collagen production. They also offer an intraoral device for individuals that cannot tolerate a CPAP “Continuous Positive Air Pressure” device for sleep apnea. This device can help those 25% of people who do not wear the CPAP, yet suffer from the condition. In addition to containing cutting edge, modern dental equipment, the office was designed with amenities like heated vibrating dental chairs, and ceiling-mounted monitors so patients can watch DVDs or television during procedures. Dr. Christopher J. Latvis joined Market Common Dentistry last year. With his certification in prosthodontics, he is experienced in full-mouth rehabilitation and reconstruction of worn and missing teeth via conventional crown and bridges as well as implant restoration and removable prosthetics. Lisa Yazici, the practice manager, has twenty-four years of dental office experience and has been with Market Common Dentistry for fifteen years. Her job is to run the daily operations of the dental practice and ensure that everything is running smoothly—from patient comfort to treatment planning to office administration. “I love providing the utmost care for our patients and knowing that patients with tremendous fears have the ability to get their dental work completed with ease,” she says. “It’s extremely rewarding. Even though I don’t perform dentistry, I feel like I make a difference by being a part of the process. “And because we function as a stand-alone business, we perform the services that are needed independent of what insurance may dictate, and can assist with financing options to ensure our patients receive the care they need.” Amanda Gronau, a patient coordinator, is one of the many staff at Market Common Dentistry who work to put patients at ease. As an added benefit, due to their ability to offer sedation as well as the expertise of both doctors, most dental procedures are able to be conducted in their office, bypassing the need to be referred to specialty practices. “We develop a rapport with our patients to help put them at ease,” Lisa continues. “We understand that people dislike the dentist, and that’s why the entire team at Market Common Dentistry, from the front desk to the dental hygienists and assistants, to the doctors, do everything they can to make patients feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable. “We treat all patients regardless of fear levels, but for those who are anxious, we’re ready with techniques and a compassionate staff to offer the extra support they need. Our patients are like family to us.” Dr. Mills shares that his favorite thing about practicing dentistry is helping people achieve a healthier mouth and providing them with the services that they want and need. “I really value and strive for the best long-term patient outcomes,” he says. “It’s gratifying when I can relieve their pain and see them leave with a smile, having helped them make headway with their oral health.” For the past year, Market Common Dentistry has implemented a myriad of safety precautions due to Covid-19. “We’ve always had very high standards for sanitation, but we’ve taken it up a level to put both our staff and clientele at ease,” Dr. Mills says. “You can’t social distance with dentistry, so we’ve taken all precautionary methods.” Today, the entire team at Market Common Dentistry is thrilled to be open and returning to a greater sense of normalcy after the past pandemic year. “How happy we are to get back to normal,” Lisa says. “We’re thrilled to be open and able to treat our patients where they once more feel comfortable being in the chair. We have seen many new patients, and our ability to provide sedation dentistry helps put people at even greater ease when receiving dental treatment.” Market Common Dentistry Globe Map-marked-alt Facebook Phone

Milano Kitchen & Bath Center Newly Opens in Myrtle Beach

June 15, 2022July 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Kitchens & Baths to Make a House a Home by Melissa LaScaleia Milano Kitchen and Bath Center is set for their grand opening in Myrtle Beach at the end of this month. The store carries ideas and elegant offerings for all your kitchen and bath remodeling needs. They cater to homeowners, interior designers, builders, contractors and realtors, and offer discounts to all first responders and veterans without exception. “Our heroes deserve to be rewarded for all they do for our community,” founder Jack Abutbol says. “I’m a firm believer in respecting those who take care of us, therefore this discount is a permanent policy at Milano.” “My wife, Dana, and I are from California,” he adds, “and witnessing the recent surge of wildfires there as well as the ensuing response and dedication of first responders, we knew that we needed to offer support to them in whatever way we could.” Jack and Dana have worked together in this industry for over thirty years. They have three children, Nicholas (32), Gabriella (27) and Giselle (18); a daughter-in-law who is married to Nicholas, Erica; and a 2 year old granddaughter, Oaklynn. The couple’s children reminisce about how they savored nightly family dinners around the kitchen table throughout their childhood, and Jack and Dana want to help other families refurbish their kitchens and create similar memories as well. Milano Kitchen & Bath Center is centrally located in the heart of Myrtle Beach off of HWY. 501 and Robert M. Grissom Parkway. Last year, they came to Myrtle Beach for a kitchen design project, and were so charmed by the area they decided to call Myrtle Beach home. “We felt that it was the perfect place to share our vision of the endless possibilities for kitchens and bathrooms,” Jack says. “And, this is an amazing area; as everyone knows, the real estate market is booming here.” “This is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been,” Dana says. “And the Southern hospitality is just incredible. This is a perfect home for a Milano Kitchen and Bath showroom, and I am excited to bring what we have to offer to this community.” Many people don’t fully understand the benefits of a full kitchen remodel. While some are die-hard lovers of the home kitchen experience, others feel out of sorts in theirs because of lack of time, lack of space, lack of functionality, or all three. “But whether you have a tiny area or large, we can create a custom kitchen space where you can utilize every inch of it and most importantly enjoy it all,” Dana says. “A gourmet chef is not the only person who can appreciate a new kitchen. A kitchen is the central hub of a home. “To sit down as a family and hear about each other’s day is an integral part of creating a strong bond with your significant other, your children and even your roommates. People can more pleasurably take time to wind down at the dinner table or start the day at the breakfast bar in a warm and inviting kitchen environment, no matter how much space you have.” Trading one sunny coast for another, Dana West-Abutbol (left) and Jack Abutbol (right), owners of the newly opened Milano Kitchen & Bath Center , love what they do and are thrilled to bring their business to the community. For those who are concerned about the cost, Milano has many pricing options. “We can work within your budget, but if that is not a concern, we will still find you the best prices on materials, guaranteed— and in a timely manner,” Jack says. “We keep many products in stock, and will ship within 72 hours. Small orders or large— your new kitchen is just a phone call away.” Some people, planning on an impending retirement, may hesitate to invest in a new kitchen. But Dana says that statistically, home improvements have been shown to increase a home’s value significantly, ultimately putting more cash in the homeowner’s pocket once they sell. Milano Kitchen & Bath Center creates a customized experience for every visitor— whether it’s a unique look for new construction, a newly renovated home, or an upgrade. The experienced staff at Milano are happy to guide visitors throughout the selection process, so feel free to come and browse through their European-style showroom to see the latest models, trends and ideas that are currently available. Milano not only carries kitchen and bathroom cabinets but also vanities, faucets, sinks and countertops—everything you need to create a warm and inviting home environment. Their festive grand opening is tentatively scheduled for Friday, August 27 at 3:30pm, which will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, wonderful food, spirits, great giveaways and additional surprises. All first responders and veterans are welcome to enter an exclusive raffle, in which one lucky winner will receive a brand new kitchen for free. Call for more details; all are welcome to browse their store before the opening date. Milano Kitchen and Bath Center Globe Map-marked-alt Facebook Phone

3 Cats & A Dog Petsitting Services

June 23, 2022July 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Here to Care for Your Feathered, Furry and Scaly Friends Anytime, Day or Night by Melissa LaScaleia Mistie Velasco began 3 Cats & a Dog Petsitting Services in Myrtle Beach in 2004 to meet the demand of pet-parents who wanted some extra attention and care to be given to their animals. Over the years, her business has expanded to include a comprehensive array of services. Today, 3 Cats & a Dog offers 20-30 minute daily pet-sitting visits that include walking, feeding, potty time, play time, and treats for people’s furry, feathered, and scaly friends. They can administer any necessary medications, and take pictures and leave notes with every visit so people can be reassured that their pet is being tended to with love and care. They also perform light grooming services like bathing and nail trims. “Many groomers are swamped at this time,” Mistie says. “We can come right to you and do nail trims so you don’t have to go to the groomer. In addition to our many weekly clients, we also can accommodate overnight stays, which have grown recently in popularity.” Mistie encourages people to hire a pet-sitter when they are going out of town rather than bring their pet to a kennel; that way the animals get to stay in their own home and don’t have the extra anxiety of being displaced and in foreign surroundings. Missy Beebe, one of Mistie’s teammates, has been working with animals her entire life. She loves the joys of overnight pet-sitting. “I am the biggest animal lover in the world,” she says. “Being able to take care of people’s animals in their home, so they can stay in their own environment— it’s the greatest thing for me as an animal lover to see the animals so relaxed and joyful and being tended to with care and love. It’s so good for the animals to have that unbroken chain of companionship and love.” “I take care of other people’s animals exactly as I would take care of mine, and mine are spoiled,” she adds with a laugh. “It’s such a joy; I love every minute of it.” Lynn Livesay has been working for Mistie for the past six years. “I’ve always had pets, but when our most recent ones passed away, I thought I’d spend time with animals in a different capacity,” she says. “I love taking care of the animals and the friendships that I create with them as well as their owners. I’m retired and really enjoy the flexibility and camaraderie. I get as much out of it as the animals do. My favorite thing about what I do is that I can still have the love of an animal without the ownership and responsibility that comes with it.” “Everyday there is something new to see,” Mistie says. “We work with every animal imaginable. There are domestics— dogs and cats. I also see birds, reptiles, tortoises, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, goats, chickens, snakes, and ducks. There isn’t anything that we don’t see. That is what is so much fun about this job. You never know what is going to occur when you see these pets, and I just love it.” 3 Cats & A Dog Petsitting Services Globe Phone Facebook

Fun in the Sun in Myrtle Beach This Summer

June 15, 2022June 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

a group of small children standing in front of tall waterslides at Myrtle Waves, a Myrtle Beach waterpark

The Family Entertainment Group that Focuses on Fun by Melissa LaScaleia Lazarus Entertainment Group is a family run business comprised of second and third-generations working together to bring the best of family entertainment to the Grand Strand. The group offers three of the most premier attractions for fun along the Grand Strand: Broadway Grand Prix, Wild Water & Wheels, and Myrtle Waves Water Park. “My grandfather, Jack Lazarus and his wife, Bonnie, started with their first park in 1976 after moving to Myrtle Beach from Gastonia, North Carolina,” says Christina Watts, the marketing director for Lazarus Entertainment. Someone mentioned to Jack the idea of a competitive go-kart track and opening one in Myrtle Beach. He thought it sounded like a great idea, and the rest was history. “They opened the Grand Prix on the south end of town,” she says. “It began as adult competitive go-kart racing for ages 16 and up. People were passionate about it right out of the gate; if you were a true racer at the Grand Prix, then you had your own personal license from the track. There are people who still keep it in their wallets to this day.” The track gained such popularity that it was even referenced in the movie, The Perfect Storm with Mark Whalberg. On December, 2016, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. gave it a shout-out by posting a photo of himself in a go-kart at the track on his Twitter account with the caption, ‘If you were at the Myrtle Beach Grand Prix in 1993, you might have gotten your a** kicked.’ The kiddie park at Wild Water & Wheels offers hours of entertainment for little ones. (Photo Christina Watts) What began as adult competitive racing over time evolved to become more family-oriented, with a second location opening in North Myrtle Beach. Today the Broadway Grand Prix offers seven kids rides, bumper cars, an arcade, minigolf courses, a rock-climbing wall, and seven go-kart tracks. The variety of tracks gives patrons of all ages and sizes the experience of what it’s like to race cars on a small-scale, so it’s an activity the entire family can enjoy. Admission is also free, you pay only to race— so those who want to be a part of the fun but forgo the actual racing, can spend time watching or enjoying any other number of available activities. “We have a full, 20,000 square-foot arcade comprised of ninety games that was newly renovated this year,” Christina says. “It includes a Max Flight Simulator, a fully interactive simulator that can perform 360 degree motion over two axes. This year, we also rolled out a brand new card-reading system. The Pitt Stop Cafe offers a variety of food and beverage, snacks, and ice cream. It’s connected to our indoor go-kart track, Slick Track. And the remainder of the park is all outdoors.” In 1989, Christina’s father, Mark, and his brother, Robbie, worked alongside Jack to build Wild Water & Wheels, a full-fledged water park with speed slides for thrill-seekers; tube slides for families; and mat slides, which land somewhere in the middle in terms of required derring-do. There’s also a wave pool, lazy river and minigolf. The Flowrider at Myrtle Waves lets patrons have the experience of what it’s like to ride the waves —surfer style. (Photo Christina Watts) “Over the years we’ve added more slides, but it retains that same old-school, nostalgic, ‘90s feel,” Christina says of the park. Their family couldn’t resist— and installed go-kart tracks as well, inspiring the parks’s slogan, “Cool down in the water, heat up on the track.” “This park is great for families because we have kiddie attractions: Wally’s Lagoon; a kiddie pool; and Wee Kids Water World,” Christina says. “There are lots of little slides— it’s a great place to bring the smaller kids and give them hours of things to do.” The park has food and beverage options and offers cabana rentals so families can comfortably make a day of it. Wild Water is open until 8 on Fridays for Friday Family Fun; they also have Sunday Fundays and Manic Mondays with special pricing. Myrtle Waves is another family-oriented water park under the Lazarus umbrella, but with many options for thrill-seekers. Lazarus Group purchased the park in 2017, revamped it, and turned it into a full-fledged park that truly offers something for everyone, at every stage of life. It is the largest water park in the state, featuring twenty-two slides and attractions across twelve water rides, with 1.2 million gallons of water. Some of their rides include Rockin Ray, Arooba Tooba, Tsunami!, Night Flight, a lazy river, a wave pool and a FlowRider— an attraction that gives you the experience and thrill of what it is like to surf on a wave. The Broadway Grand Prix offers racecar driving thrills for almost all ages. (Photo Christina Watts) “Myrtle Waves is a really fun atmosphere,” Christina says. “We have kid’s play areas, including Saturation Station, an interactive play structure designed to accommodate smaller guests with three open-body slides, and a volcano waterfall bucket. It’s a very popular spot.” On Friday nights, Myrtle Waves is open till 8pm so people can slide while the sun is setting— always a popular experience. And, to allow patrons the most uninterrupted fun, you have the option of ordering food online and picking it up when it’s ready so you can skip the wait in line. Myrtle Waves has a beer garden too, so adults can sip on what’s on tap while watching their children float down the lazy river. The garden area is not exclusive, any age is welcome— but acts as a lounge area where people head for a more relaxed vibe and a pause from all the rest of the fun. The entire Lazarus family works together to make these entertainment parks the fun and memorable places that they are. The perfect way to catch your fun in the sun this summer. Broadway Grand Prix Facebook Map-marked-alt Globe Phone Wild Water … Read more

Window Genie of Myrtle Beach

June 15, 2022June 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Picture of staff of Window Genie standing outside in front of their company vehicles

Cleaning Windows and a Whole Lot More 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. “We’re not perfect, but we try to be,” says Tom Washer, the owner of the franchise. “Our first priorities are to have respect for the customers, respect for each other, and to provide a quality service at a premium price.” Tom is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He joined when he was 17 years old and served for four-and-a-half years in Arizona, Texas, Panama, and Oklahoma City. During his time in the military, he gained a lot of knowledge working in the maintenance analysis division. He then spent thirty-five years of his civilian life working throughout New England in sales and management for consumer products. Being tired of the snow and cold weather, and interested in joining a franchise brand, he and his wife relocated to Myrtle Beach six years 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. Thomas Washer, owner of the Myrtle Beach franchise. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) “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. If you’re selling your home, having algae on the roof can be a big deterrent because it looks dirty and people may think that it needs to be replaced.” 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. The “genie-mobile” carries the crew on their way to cleaning dirt and grime off roofs, windows, and houses. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) “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 do not 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.” Tom and his team of 11-12 employees, including his office manager, Bethanne, manage everything from advertising to marketing to human resources. “The best part of what we do is making a difference,” Tom says. “We work with a lot of realtors and have helped to sell many homes. Sometimes a home will sit for six months, and then I’ll get a call from a realtor to clean the roof or home, and it will sell in two weeks. 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. Window Genie of Myrtle Beach Facebook Map-marked-alt Globe Phone

Gator-Strong Services

June 15, 2022June 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

picture of staff of gator strong standing outside of their building in front of the gator strong van

For All of Your Gate, Fence, Shutter and Hurricane-Protection Needs by Melissa LaScaleia Gator-Strong Services of Myrtle Beach designs, installs, and services all types of gates, fences, and hurricane shutters for their clientele along the Grand Strand and stretching into the Georgetown, Horry, Wilmington, Brunswick, and New Hanover County areas. The company is jointly owned and locally operated by Danny Vulin and Jim Leone. Danny met Jim when the former was the owner of Metro Fence, and Jim, the owner of Fence Source. Jim was a firefighter in New Jersey for eighteen years before moving into the fencing industry. Danny grew up working in the fence business; and operated his company in the Grand Strand area for ten years. “Jim was one of my distributors,” Danny says. “I sourced a lot of materials from him, and we were in contact often. Over the years, we developed a strong working relationship and a good rapport, and eventually decided to become partners. We merged our companies and opened a company together in 2017, Gator Fence.” Today the company has grown to include twenty-five employees, two locations, and six trucks. “We are an incredible team, and definitely like a family,” Jim says. “Jackie Rooney is the manager of the fencing division. She is originally from New Jersey and is a huge asset to our company.” Jim’s wife, Anne-Marie Leone, manages the hurricane division; Linda Harris handles human resources and bookkeeping; Jeremy Rickrode is a sales manager; Jeff Camp is the field supervisor; Bill Lynch, a sales rep, has known Jim since the 6th grade; and Dean Cooper, who runs the shop, has been with the company for seven years. Mike Lipinski is a sales manager and works very closely with Anne-Marie. Jake Fullwood is a fencing field supervisor in charge of two crews, and with over 15 years of industry experience, is a great leader for the company. Guy Murphy is a new salesman— Jim used to sell products to him in New Jersey. “He moved down here, and one day walked into my store to buy fencing for a project he was doing,” Jim says. “I couldn’t believe the coincidence, and offered him a job.” Danny lives in Wilmington, in Carolina Beach, and Jim, in the Market Common. “Where we are right now, between Brunswick and Horry County, they’re two of the fastest growing counties in America,” Danny says. “The amount of people moving here increases all the time. The market is in a spot where we have a lot of new construction and new communities, and people need fences and gates. Everything is growing. And the range of territory we cover— from Wilmington to the Market Common, to Pawleys and beyond, ensures that we can meet all of our clients’ needs.” The company serves clients with residential, commercial and industrial projects. The quality of their work and the extensive number of years both have in their industry garners them many high-profile jobs. “We’ve installed all kinds of access systems for communities and apartments, and have built fencing and gates for several baseball fields in the Myrtle Beach area as well as Coastal Carolina University,” Danny says. “We also installed gates and access control panels for the Wilmington and Myrtle Beach Airports.” Danny Vulin (left), and Jim Leon (right), are friends and business partners with a track record of success. They opened Gator Fences in 2017, Gator Strong Services in 2019, and a new location this year. (Photo Jim Leone) The company manufactures the fencing for their vinyl fence at their facility in Myrtle Beach, so they can custom design everything to their clients’ specifications. They also offer aluminum, wood, and chain link fencing. They have two showrooms, where customers can see available options for every product they carry. After witnessing the devastation of two recent hurricanes, in 2016 and 2018, Danny and Jim were inspired to begin a new company, Gator-Strong Hurricane Shutters, to best meet their clients’ needs. In 2019, they merged it with Gator Fence to become what they are today— Gator Strong Services. “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. Unfortunately, it’s not feasible for many. 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. Today, their hurricane division designs, installs, and services all different styles of hurricane shutters including: storm panels, motorized roll downs, accordions and Bahama shutters. “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 … Read more

BB&T Now Truist

June 23, 2022June 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Bringing You Better by Melissa LaScaleia Lisa Mabrey is assistant vice president and mortgage loan officer with BB&T now Truist. The company is currently in the process of finalizing a merger, reflected in their name. BB&T purchased SunTrust in 2019. The acquisition was completed in December of that year, and as it was a merger of equals, the two banks became a new entity, combining the best of what both offered to bring their customers additional ways to grow their finances and enrich their lives. For the past two years, BB&T has been updating all of their marketing materials, signs, and letterhead to reflect this change and their new name. For now, they are known as BB&T now Truist, and expect to have the transfer finalized by 2022, at which point they will be known solely as Truist. Lisa began work with BB&T in North Carolina, in 2008. “I was an administrative assistant for seven other loan officers until I was promoted to be one myself, in 2009,” she says. “I was hired by my current manager, Larry Craddock. I came to Myrtle Beach in August, 2011. My market in North Carolina was in a very rural place, and I saw more opportunity for growth in the Myrtle Beach area. As a mortgage loan officer with BB&T Now Truist, Lisa Mabrey works to bring her clients solutions for their unique situations to facilitate them with their goal of homeownership. “When I first moved here, I worked hard so that my name would be spread to the local realtors, and so I could establish a steady stream of referral sources. I have established several business relationships along with many personal friendships, and my business, today, is thriving.” “Realtors rely heavily on mortgage loan officers,” she explains. “The realtors need us to pre-approve people who want to buy homes because it saves everyone, the realtors and the home-buyers, time. “Realtors don’t want to spend a lot of time showing people houses that they could never get approved for, so it’s important that I be accurate and knowledgeable in my work.” 80% of Lisa’s clients are referred to her by realtors, a testimony to what she is able to accomplish. “I offer many options to my clients in order to assist them in attaining their dream of homeownership,” Lisa says. “I work with people purchasing their first home and I also work with clients building their million-dollar dream home. I help them every step of the way from the initial application through closing and even after closing. I really reach to accommodate my clients and meet them where they’re at to best serve them. Lisa Mabrey prides herself on her ease of accessibility for her clients, so she can best serve them during on of the biggest purchases of their lives. (Photo Lisa Mabrey) “I also pride myself on being very accessible to my realtors and clients. I answer my phone, texts and emails all hours of the day and night, and even on weekends. This is very important in today’s hot market. Properties are moving so fast that you need a loan officer that is available and responsive.” “And,” she adds, “I make myself available to assist my clients with any questions they may have long after they close on their new home. I strive to be great in customer service. It builds trust and rapport, and people know they can count on me, especially for something as stressful and exciting as buying a new home.” Lisa is proud of what she does, and proud to be an employee of Truist— a company which she feels is very solid. “My business has really grown over the years,” Lisa says. “I have a constant stream of referrals from some of the most successful realtors in Myrtle Beach. I also get many referrals from my previous customers, which is a great compliment, as it shows that they trust me enough to help their friends and family with one of the most important decisions in their lives.” BB&T now Truist Envelope Map-marked-alt Globe Phone

Moore, Johnson & Saraniti Law Firm, P.A.

June 23, 2022June 30, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Trusted, Experienced, Compassionate by Melissa LaScaleia Moore, Johnson & Saraniti is an all-female, local law firm which began in 2001. The firm practices in the areas of general litigation, estate planning, probate administration, family law, corporate, collections, community association representation, personal injury and mediation. There are three senior partners: V. Lee Moore, Sarah A. Johnson, and Elizabeth J. Saraniti. Angela D. Harrison is a junior partner; and associate attorney, Sarah K. Stapleton, recently joined the team. Sarah was born in Fayetteville, NC, and grew up in Wilmington. She graduated from Methodist University in Fayetteville in 2015, where she studied history, and earned her law degree from Mercer Law School in Macon, Georgia in 2018. She began her college career as a history education major. “Then I took a law class and I liked the problem solving and the logic of it,” she says. “I made law my minor, and ended up at Mercer because my legal studies professor in college, who was my mentor, was an alumni there and thought it would be a good fit for me as well.” After graduation, Sarah lived in Washington, D.C. for a while. “I didn’t love it, though,” she says. “And I wanted to be near the coast and back South again, so I decided on Myrtle Beach. I was drawn to this firm because I liked that it is all women, and that there’s a family feel to it. It felt comfortable to me. When we first met, I could feel that they wanted me to be successful— and it felt like the right place to be.” Sarah joined the firm in December 2020. In her law practice, she covers a little bit of everything— including estate planning, probate, corporate law, and civil litigation. “Growing up, I was an athlete,” she says. “I am competitive and I like the activity of this profession and the feeling of accomplishment that I have from working with others and bringing their situation to completion.” As a whole, Moore, Johnson & Saraniti can help clients to determine what they need to accomplish their goals and offer advice and solutions to get them there. “We are committed to providing ethical representation that is responsive to our clients,” says Angela, who’s been with the firm since 2012. “We look at each individual situation, and customize what we have to offer to meet our clients’ unique needs.” Lee Moore has been practicing law for more than thirty-two years. She takes the time to examine each person’s request more deeply, to safeguard her clients from any oversights that could land them into a quagmire at a later date. The firm’s culture is results-driven and canine friendly, and clients love the presence of the animals too. From left to right, Sadie, Sarah Stapeton, V. Lee Moore, Angela Harrison, and Greta (in arms). (Photo Meganpixels Parker) Lee is originally from Pawleys Island, and went to high school in Georgetown. She attended USC, then moved to Florida and worked as a paralegal before returning to USC to study law. After graduation, she settled in Surfside Beach. When starting her own private practice, Lee was looking for an attorney who handled real estate closings to round out the services her firm offered. In an unusual twist of fate, Lee’s father used to have breakfast regularly at the Litchfield Diner with the husband of attorney Sarah Johnson. Word got out that Sarah had the skills that Lee needed, and when they met, both felt it would be a good fit. “Sarah and I joined forces first,” Lee says. “And then about a year after that, I was looking for a very detail-oriented person and I found Elizabeth. I saw her in the court room and decided she’d be the perfect fit. “Amongst our entire team, we really meld a lot of areas of law, and that enables us to provide more extensive services to our clients. We cover areas that complement one another.” One of the main areas that Lee focusses on is estate planning. And, she often finds that people don’t have the appropriate documents in place to cover their needs appropriately. “Not understanding the ramifications of all aspects of an estate plan leads many people to believe they just need a simple will, but that may not be the case,” Lee says. An estate plan requires an attorney to review multiple areas, including the possible need for either a will or a revocable trust, and a review of all assets, both probate and non-probate, along with a review of beneficiary designations. “People have a perception that probate process is expensive or cumbersome,” says Lee. “But in South Carolina, that process is actually relatively simple.” An estate plan is more than a will— it incorporates everything. A trust could be necessary to manage the assets for an underage beneficiary. Then, there are some assets that are not controlled by the distribution scheme in a will. If you designated a beneficiary to receive something, like a life insurance policy, that contract controls the distribution regardless of what your will may provide. The same thing holds true with annuities and retirement accounts. Lee begins the process by looking at her clients’ current documents to confirm that they are valid in this state, and that they still accomplish her clients’ goals. “We also review the two types of Powers of Attorney,” she says. “One has to do with health care, and the other with financial matters. Both are important because that appointed person impacts decisions that need to be made while you are still alive.” In addition to estate planning, Lee also handles probate administration, family litigation, and mediation for both probate and family court matters. Sarah K Stapleton, above, is the newest addition to the team. As a former athlete, Sarah is motivated by the same drive to work for her clients and bring their situation to a successful resolution. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) “I like mediation because you can help people resolve something in a … Read more

Brookgreen Gardens

October 12, 2022May 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Above, Fighting Stallions, by Anna Hyatt Huntington, 1931

A Haven for Conservation, Art and Education by Melissa LaScaleia In 1930, the dynamic couple Archer Huntington and Anna Hyatt Huntington purchased 9,000 acres of land in Murrells Inlet, the seat of four former Waccamaw Neck rice plantations. Anna had been diagnosed with tuberculosis, and her doctors recommended that she winter someplace warmer than their native NY and Connecticut. The Huntingtons intended to use the land as a personal retreat so Anna could recover her health. But once they arrived and saw the beauty of the place and the gardens, they realized the property was something that they needed to share with the world. The following year, they formed Brookgreen Gardens as a non-profit organization. This year marks Brookgreen’s 90th anniversary as a majestic, tranquil, and awe-inspiring space— one that has been delighting visitors since its gates first opened. “Initially Brookgreen’s mission was to collect, preserve, and exhibit American figurative sculpture and also to collect, preserve, and exhibit the animals and plants of the Southeast,” says Lauren Joseph, Brookgreen’s marketing director. “Brookgreen became the first public sculpture garden in America when it opened to the public in 1932.” Archer was one of the wealthiest men in the country at that time. And Anna was one of the most successful young woman in business, even before she married Archer. She was a prominent and widely acclaimed sculptor, receiving major commissions for her art. She supported herself fully as a young woman in the ’20s, something that was rare for that age. In addition to being a businessman, Archer was a poet and a scholar; he loved art and museums. “When they realized that this property could be an outdoor museum, it captured both of their imaginations,” Lauren says. The Great Depression created challenges all over America, and the Myrtle Beach area was no exception. In the ’30s, Murrells Inlet had no electricity and no health care. Highway 17 was a one-lane dirt track, and most people used the river to get from place to place. When the Huntingtons arrived on the scene, they brought electricity; established a free health clinic for the community; opened a school; and employed the local population, many of whom were descendants of enslaved Africans. They ushered in vitality, opportunity, and hope to an economically and socially impoverished place. “The Huntingtons really wanted to give work to the people who were here and help them live better lives,” Lauren says. “From the very beginning, they wanted to build into the community, something we continue to purport to this day.” Many know of Brookgreen solely as a park. And indeed, it is an award-winning public garden. Brookgreen’s conservation efforts ensure that a large variety of native plants and trees are being preserved for future generations. Oak Alley (above), is an awe-inspiring part of the gardens, housing Live Oak trees that are upwards of 200 years old. (Photo courtesy of Brookgreen Gardens) Brookgreen is a member of the American Public Garden Association (APGA), and in the peer group of some of the most impressive gardens in the US. They even have a boxwood collection that dates to the days when the area was a plantation. But people may not realize the importance of the American sculpture that is housed here — or the extensive conservation efforts the organization entertains both with animals and horticulture. Brookgreen is a fully accredited zoo through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and an accredited art museum through the American Alliance of Museums. “There’s always been a zoo at Brookgreen,” Lauren says. “Anna loved animals and was an animal sculptor, and the idea of conserving and educating people about the local wildlife has always been important. The zoo has river otters, foxes, species of raptors, ducks, and deer. They are all here to facilitate a better understanding of the animals for those who visit.” Brookgreen has a domestic animal exhibit that helps to preserve animal breeds that would have been common on farms in the 1800s. “We work with a heritage-breed group and help to sustain these species for the future,” Lauren says. “North American river otters are a threatened species. We are also part of a program through The Association of Zoos and Aquariums called, The Species Survival Plan. And we are working with the otters as part of a breeding program to keep these animals healthy and vibrant. We are also getting ready to bring red wolves here, the most threatened canid in North America.” Brookgreen will have a red wolf habitat with two breeding pairs of wolves to help sustain the species and even reintroduce these wolves back into the wild if they do go extinct. They anticipate it will be built by this fall, or January 2022 at the latest. 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,” Lauren says. “Sculpture was always important to the mission of the Gardens and the Huntingtons. “In the ‘30s, artists were hurting because of the Depression. Suddenly no one had money to commission sculptors. But the Huntingtons did. They continued to support the arts and add to the Brookgreen collection. Many of the pieces too, were made by Anna.” During the Great Depression, the Huntingtons continued to commission sculpture to support the arts when most others were unable to do so. Above, Riders of the Dawn, by A.A. Weinman, a German-born American sculpture. (Photo courtesy of Brookgreen Gardens) As part of their ongoing mission to perpetuate cultural opportunities, Brookgreen offers sculpture workshops taught by artists from all over the country. They also have a sculptor-in-residence who will be teaching their newly established program … Read more

Solutions and Magic With ER Home

June 23, 2022May 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Sometimes referred to as "The Wizard of Market Common," Eric Richards of ER Home makes magic with his interior design skills.

The Offerings of Creative Design Genius Eric Richards by Melissa LaScaleia Eric Richards is a man with a vision and a passion for making that vision happen. When I caught up with him last, he was at home preparing a taco salad. “Do you mind if I cook while we talk?” he asked. Then proceeded to expound enthusiastically on the ingredients he had selected for his dish— avocado, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and the dressing he was whipping up to accompany it all— as well as accompanying Martini. For Eric, in life and in his work as owner of his interior design company, ER Home, there are no problems, only solutions. And all is approached with passion, drive, and full engagement. This is not a philosophy that is difficult for him to achieve, as he has always had a true gift for interior design, and a true penchant for positivity. “In college, my teachers were blown away by my proficiency in design and I was too,” he says. “It just came naturally. How I got this gift, I don’t know, but I’m grateful I have it and I don’t take it for granted. I meet the most amazing people and I’m able to help them and most of the time, change their lives.” To Eric, interior design is not as much about decorating as it is about form and function. “It’s about configuring a space and best utilizing a space to suit people’s lifestyle needs,” he says. “But to get to that point, a lot of work has to be done in terms of architectural construction and the installation of things. That’s work that I love doing.” To help him do it, Eric acquired every skill set involved in design, including: painting, wallpapering, flooring, tile work, custom furniture design and building, refurbishment, carpentry, kitchen remodeling, electrical, plumbing, and decorating. Today, ER Home is a one-stop-shop for all your home refurbishment needs. Eric even draws upon his studies with feng shui. “We as humans think we see with our direct eye, but we actually see more with our peripheral vision,” he explains. “When we’re in nature, there’s a natural flow to it— that’s why you feel soothed. I try to replicate that flow in the home. My studies in feng shui gave me a confident understanding of the choices I was making. They 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.” Eric is a firm believer that beautiful things don’t have to cost a fortune. Above, testing a chair in a local furniture store. For more than half of his thirty-year career, Eric has been traveling the country executing design projects small and large. He completed the redesign for two medical facilities in Philadelphia; and for several years he was the designer for Lowes Motor Speedway, a multi-billion dollar racetrack venue in Charlotte in which he designed their five-star restaurant, glassed-in penthouse sweets, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and boardrooms. Luxury Living magazine featured him in their Christmas-design edition, for which Eric decorated his sprawling seventeen-room house from top to bottom in August. Since last year, Eric’s most requested design projects are bathrooms and kitchens. “It’s so much fun for me,” he says. “I really love doing those types of projects.” Eric’s success isn’t just due to his inherent talent and skills, it’s also thanks to the thoughtful way he works with his clients. He takes a lot of time to understand their needs, to make the design make sense for their lifestyle. “The longer you’re personally in the home and around the clients, the more they all speak to you. So the different layers will change throughout the process,” he says. “There’s a psychology about working with clients and with design— you have to be able to marry many different styles together— of husbands and wives, or partners, and make the space work for them. “Many people move here with their treasures and don’t know what to do with them, how to incorporate furniture or mementos that have meaning to them into their new lifestyle and home’s style. “My job is to take a client’s vision if they have one, improve it, expand it, and excel with it beyond what they can see in their mind.” Despite how much time, thoughtfulness, and energy ER Home invests in each project, and often the extensiveness of what they undertake, they still complete most projects in 1-3 weeks maximum, and for a budget that works for their clients. Eric with his company’s van in the background. Eric is a firm believer that in today’s market, beautiful things are readily available at a low cost. “If somebody has a budget of $200, I will give them the maximum they can get for $200,” he says. “If they have a budget of $200,000, they’ll be treated the same exact way. It’s really not about the amount of money as much as it is about what the client wants and needs.” And now, one lucky person along the Grand Strand will get to experience Eric’s talents for free, firsthand in their own home. From now until July 15, ER Home, in partnership with the Coastal Insider and Real Living Home Realty Group, is running a contest and giving away a $5000 room makeover for any one room in your house. All contestants in Horry County are eligible, and no room is off-limits. To compete for the prize, submit a wishlist of what you want to happen for that one room and why. The winner will be announced in August, followed by a consultation with Eric. Work will commence in September. “My vendors have all been notified and are all ready and prepared to see what the winner’s needs are— everything from flooring to paint and accessories,” Eric says. “There’s no specific criteria to be met for the contest,” he adds. “But we’re taking … Read more

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

June 15, 2022May 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Cindy Bright, with her two dogs, Dwight (left), and Angel (right).

Dogs 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 offers 30, 45, and 60 minute visits for dogs, which includes a walk, potty break and play time, water and a treat. Cat-care visits last for 30 minutes. She can also create customizable schedules to suit her clients’ needs. Cindy administers medications and gives water and food according to the owner’s request. She also offers transport for groomer and veterinarian visits. In addition to dogs and cats, she also cares for birds, fish and rabbits. Angel reaps the rewards of having a mom who’s made pet-care her full-time passion. (Photo by Meganpixels Parker) When clients go out of town, Cindy will also take care of their home—to give it a lived-in look and take care of basic needs. She’ll tend to things like: lights, curtains, trash, mail, TV/radio, and watering plants. Prior to beginning Einstein’s, Cindy worked as a registered nurse in hospital emergency rooms for twenty-seven years. “I was looking for a change,” she says of her former career. “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 going into my fifteenth year as my own small-business owner.” Dwight poses for a picture. (Photo by Meganpixels Parker) “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. 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

Beach Landscaping

June 15, 2022May 31, 2021 by The Coastal Insider

Our Grass is Always Greener by Melissa LaScaleia Matt Freedman, the owner of Beach Landscaping, is originally from the Washington, D.C. area. He and his father, Bob Freedman, have been running their landscaping and hardscaping business together in Myrtle Beach for the past twenty years. The two learned their profession hands-on, on the job. Since those early days, Matt has become an expert in plants and landscaping— investing in formal education, attending classes, and logging hours in the study of plant identification, pesticide application, and weed identification and control. Beach Landscaping has gleaned area accolades as a result of their strong work ethic, attention to detail, and professionalism. “One of the reasons why we were able to get business from the onset was that we called people back and followed through with what we said we were going to do,” Matt says. “It was basically our customer service, and we stick with that to this day. “We maintain as much communication with our clients as we can, and have a lot of different avenues and infrastructure in place so that when people call, they have access to someone on our team who is there for them, to listen and assist them quickly and easily. It’s huge for people that we’re here and we’re accountable for what we provide.” “We have a lot of long-term customers— we’ve learned what they want, and we take care of them,” he adds. “Additionally, our team is pretty stable which helps make us more effective at customer service because we are familiar working with one another and can deliver consistency. My wife of thirteen years, Tracy, works with us too, and she’s a big part of helping to make everything run smoothly.” Beach Landscaping offers numerous services for both businesses and residences along the Grand Strand: regular lawn mowing and maintenance like resodding and lawn repair; bed design, planting and maintenance; full landscape design; and irrigation installation. They also cover spring and fall cleanup, overturn soil, give recommendations on what plants would thrive in specific areas of your yard, and conduct soil testing and treatment for lawns that need more perk. Matt Freedman (above), has spent years learning everything he could about plants, trees, and shrubs. He received the most knowledge from working hands-on. One of their newest and most exciting offerings is design and execution for hardscapes, paver patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens and retaining walls. The company again learned hands-on by working with others skilled in the craft, until they were able to master it themselves. Their ability to successfully teach themselves new skills and consistently offer excellent services with great attention to customers is both impressive and inspiring. “Hardscaping is something that we’re really pushing now because a lot of homes are built with small patios in the back,” Matt says. “People want to have more of a comprehensive outdoor living space. It’s more in keeping with the Myrtle Beach lifestyle— to be able to be outdoors and have a place to relax. Hardscaping entails the planning and creation of a functional space that involves patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, driveways, pool decks, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and retaining walls. Then, we tie the landscaping together with the design, adding trees and shrubbery.” Instrumental to making that process happen is Terri Stevens, who owned her own landscaping and hardscaping company in Virginia for twenty-two years. Terri is happily retired from running her own business but still passionate about what she does; she’s found her new niche with Beach Landscaping. “Terri is a highly skilled artist,” Matt says. “She executes everything having to do with hardscaping, from architectural layout and design elements, all the way through to completion.” Matt’s brother, Andy Freedman, joined the team last year, helping to further develop the hardscaping side of the business. He meets with customers to explain what they offer as a company. “Terri and Andy work well together,” Matt says, “so that she can envision options for clients and help them to identify what their needs are based on the architecture of the outdoor space and how it merges with what they want to create.” Hardscaping, the art of adding non-living structures to the landscape, is growing in popularity as more people spend time outside and around their homes. Beach Landscaping has seen a lot of growth in the past few years. They added a second commercial crew to better handle the workflow of home owner associations, and also added a fifth residential maintenance crew. On any given day, they will have 4-5 project crews working on projects that range from installing large-scale hardscape patios to laying down mulch. The additions to their Beach Landscaping family mean that the company is able to do everything they’ve always done, and now a lot more of it. The only thing they don’t do is take down large trees— which requires special safety equipment and highly specialized training. “Just like anything, as we grow, we learn; and it’s a difficult thing at times, but the desire to succeed is what drives us,” Matt says. “We could always stay the same, but challenge makes us evolve, which is something we’ve always championed for our business. Then we become a better organization all-around. It’s cool to do that with your family. And because of that, today we’re seen as a company that can do everything. We’re like a one-stop shop for all your landscaping and outdoor living needs.” Matt’s favorite aspect of his work is hardscaping. “I enjoy building something for clients that is fresh and original— that I know will bring them and their family and friends greater peace in their own home environment, and joy in their surroundings,” he says. For those who prefer to do things on their own, Beach Landscaping has put together a series of informational videos available on their website and Facebook page so people can educate themselves about how to properly maintain their yard and lawn. “Our first video was on recognizing lawn disease and … Read more

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