Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Tag: photo2

MD Care Group celebrating 10 years as Virtual First Care leader

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The formation of MD Care Group started over lunch between Chris Cole and a friend who ran an ambulance service. The friend told a story of sending an ambulance 40 miles for a patient who needed a doctor. The friend said it was a poor use of funds and that it would be faster and more efficient for the person do a virtual visit with a doctor.

That planted the idea. Create a nationwide network of doctor and caregivers that people can pay a monthly service fee for the ability to meet virtually. The technology was there, but the industry wasn’t.

“I remember thinking ‘this can’t be real. If it was, everyone would be doing it,’” Cole said.
To help create the digital portion of the network such as the apps, platforms and technology to support, partnered with Steve Koenemann, an experienced developer who had done work for a cousin of Cole’s. From that start, MD Care Group has grown to cover all 50 states with a network of 172 groups and more than 10,000 members. Its doctors and caregivers can do everything from urgent care to allergies to primary care to wellness screenings to dermatology to mental health appointments and now virtual veterinarian services.

It does this through two business models: Straight to consumer, and increasingly more working with insurance agencies and business owners. MD Care Group is often used to augment insurance packages that allow businesses and users to offset the rising cost of healthcare.

Some of the other highlights of MD Care Group:
Personalized Care Navigation: Help to find in-network providers, get second opinions, and access transparency tools for treatment costs and quality ratings. Simplifying and personalizing your healthcare experience.

Telemedicine: Members can access our nationwide network of U.S. Licensed Physicians who are available 24/7/365 to treat, provide advice, recommendations, and even diagnose common acute illnesses.

Affordable Pricing: They believe everyone should have access to affordable healthcare by providing thoughtful, more inclusive care that enhances value and improves healthcare outcomes

24/7 Access: Get anytime, anywhere access to our expert doctors—no matter the health need, medical question, or chronic concern.

“MD Care is smarter, more inclusive healthcare designed with the patient in mind,” Koenemann said.

About MD Care Group, LLC:
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, MD Care Group, LLC is a pioneer in personalized virtual care. MD Care Group features a national network of dedicated health care providers paired with the advanced technology required to deliver reliable, accurate medical care centered on you and your needs. MD Care Group offers an extensive suite of solutions for some of the most common roadblocks to quality health care, including telemedicine/urgent care, virtual primary care, behavioral health, virtual dermatology, care navigation, and lab screenings and assessments. Learn more at www.mdvirtualcare.com.

Jackie Murray Becomes First Female General Superintendent at Marsh Bell Construction

Marsh Bell names Jackie Murray General Superintendent

Marsh Bell Construction has promoted Jackie Murray to General Superintendent. Jackie joined Marsh Bell as a superintendent in 2021, after she spent nearly 40 years working with several highly regarded general contractors in Upstate New York.

Over the past three years, Jackie has provided comprehensive job site supervision on several complex renovation projects at Marsh Bell, including First Carolina Bank’s flagship office in downtown Greenville; the Margaret Mills Cubbage Child Development Center at Greenville Technical College; Benson Nissan in Easley; and AnMed Health. As the General Superintendent, Jackie will support and oversee field operations including Safety, Scheduling and Quality Control.

“Jackie brings a level of professionalism and diligence to every project she touches,” said Marsh Bell Chief Operations Officer Garret Tomforde. “She leads by example and has earned the respect of her clients, colleagues and subcontracting teams. This is more than a well-deserved promotion; it’s another critical step in making Marsh Bell one of the most successful commercial builders in the Upstate.”

EVG Media Welcomes Allison Mertens As Marketing Director

Allison Mertens Headshot, EVG Media

Greenville, SC – EVG Media, a global digital strategy company based in Greenville, SC, is pleased to welcome Allison Mertens as its inaugural Marketing Director. In this capacity, Mertens will be responsible for the development and implementation of marketing strategies and plans for both the U.S. and abroad. She will ensure that EVG’s offerings of SEO-focused content, licensing, and digital media solutions reach brands throughout the region and the world.

“Allison has an extensive background in the marketing industry and in those of our clients, including hospitality, communities, and healthcare,” said Travis Seward, Chief of Staff. “After our most successful year in 2023, everyone at EVG is excited to have someone with her professional knowledge and experience on our team—and her energy and enthusiasm will help us continue our sustained pattern of growth.”

Before joining EVG Media, Mertens served as SVP, Corporate Growth for Crawford, a marketing strategy company, where she oversaw business development since 2017. Mertens brings over 25 years of marketing and branding expertise along with experience in agency management. Her varied background includes marketing strategy, media, market research, as well as B2C and B2B marketing and advertising. She also served as Director of Business Services for Infinity Marketing and Director of Marketing and Communications for what is now Windstream Communications. Additionally, she spent several years in Washington, D.C. in political advertising and in New York City where she worked for a world-wide management consulting firm.

“It’s a great time to join EVG Media because its offerings and team have incredible growth potential,” said Mertens. “The strength of the business with the momentum we’re seeing in this market puts us on an upward trajectory. I am excited to work in this industry with such a talented group of people.”

A native of Greenville, Mertens has been deeply involved in the Greenville community throughout her career, including currently serving as President Elect of the Greenville Professional Women’s Forum and Alumni Regional Chair for Williams College, her alma mater. Mertens is a Riley Fellow at Furman University, a Franciscan Forum Fellow, a graduate of Leadership Greenville, and a recipient of Greenville’s Best and Brightest award. She is the former Sustainer Advisor for the Junior League of Greenville, former board chair of the Carolinas Chapter of the MS Society, and a past board member of the St. Francis Foundation and the Friends of the Greenville Zoo.

About EVG Media
EVG Media is a digital strategy marketing company with offices in Greenville, SC and London. It provides SEO-focused content, licensing, and digital media solutions for brands throughout the world. With capabilities in over 35 languages and partnerships with multiple media partners, we help clients increase brand awareness and grow their audiences. For more information, please visit our website at www.evgmedia.com.

Experienced Agents Flocking to Wilson Associates in 2024

Wilson Associates, one of Greenville’s largest independent real estate firms, is riding a wave of success into 2024, attracting several highly tenured and well-respected new agents. These new hires – Barb Riggs, Kendall Keir and Reid Tollison – come to Wilson from other top brokerage firms.

Barb Riggs of Wilson Associates

With nearly 30 years of experience, Barb Riggs knows the Greenville real estate market and the business inside and out. A consistent top producer and consummate professional, Barb has earned an excellent reputation among the countless agents, brokers, mortgage professionals, buyers and sellers with whom she has done business. Most of her business comes from repeat clients, who trust her implicitly. She volunteers for Meals on Wheels, has been a Team Leader for The Race for the Cure, and is a member of The Women’s Council of Realtors in the Upstate.

Kendall Keir of Wilson Associates

Greenville native Kendall Keir has real estate in her blood. A born optimist and entrepreneur, she has helped countless people buy and sell personal and investment properties at the optimal time and price. While she has worked with a wide of range of people, she especially enjoys helping younger and first-time buyers and sellers navigate a complicated market to upgrade their lifestyles. She is also committed to enhancing her community by serving as a board member at The Warehouse Theater and participating in multiple events and initiatives in support of those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.

Reid Tollison of Wilson Associates

Client satisfaction and providing stellar service is always top of mind for Reid Tollison, who is returning to Wilson Associates after a brief stint at another local brokerage. A Greenville native who can’t imagine living anywhere else, With her proven ability to remain calm and productive under pressure, Reid is ready to leverage her calm demeanor, strong communication skills, considerable community ties and attention to detail to work through even the most challenging transactions. While an active community volunteer in the past, her time outside of work is now consumed with two small and very active children.

“Everyone loves a winner, and Wilson Associates is blessed to have our choice of agents wanting to join our team,” noted Wilson Associates Founder and CEO Sharon Wilson. “They’re coming based on the unique collaborative culture, dedication to unparalleled personal service, community partnerships, incredible volume, and track record of success. Our agents are the best in the business, and Kendall, Barb, and Reid are excellent additions to our team.”

Kim, Lahey & Killough welcomes attorney Emily Bohan

Emily Bohan, Greenville business and franchise lawyer, joins Kim, Lahey & Killough

Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is pleased to announce the addition of attorney Emily Bohan to the firm’s Greenville, SC, office. Bohan’s law practice focuses in the areas of franchise law, business formation and organizations (including LLC’s and Partnerships), business disputes, alternative resolutions, and labor and employment matters.

Bohan’s firsthand experience in navigating the complexities of running a franchise operation equips her with insights into the myriad of challenges faced by businesses; her own franchise business, PuroClean, will celebrate its 15th year in 2024. As an attorney, Bohan counsels businesses and individuals in all aspects of business law including business formation, contracts, franchise, employment, compliance, licensing, and trademark matters.

In addition, Emily Bohan is a South Carolina certified mediator and is able to assist parties in business disputes to come to a resolution outside of a courtroom.

Bohan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Legal Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz and her Juris Doctor from the George Mason University School of Law. She is admitted to practice before federal and state courts within both South Carolina and Virginia.

With offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC and Brevard, NC, the Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm is devoted to helping clients establish, enforce, and leverage their intellectual property rights from the Upstate, to the Lowcountry to across the globe. For more information, visit the firm website at kimandlahey.com.

Countybank Foundation Donates $2,500 to SC Ovarian Cancer Foundation

Pictured (left to right) are Ken Harper, Chief Banking Officer for Countybank; Crysal Peterson, Treasury Services Administrator for Countybank; and Stephanie Rudisill Henkin, Executive Director for Executive Director for the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation.

The Countybank Foundation, established in 1971 representing Countybank and Greenwood Capital, donated $2,500 to the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the health of women through education on the warning signs of ovarian cancer, support of those diagnosed with the disease, and promotion of ovarian cancer research.

Countybank and Greenwood Capital have a long history of donating bags and volunteering to support the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s Handbags for Hope, an annual fundraising event that puts purses on auction. “Our associates look forward to this event every year,” said Crystal Peterson, Treasury Services Administrator for Countybank. “We love knowing that funds raised from this event support educating women on the warning signs of ovarian cancer, provide support of those diagnosed with the disease, and funds ovarian cancer research through a local partnership with Clemson University.”

The most recent donation from the Countybank Foundation will go toward the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s Bags of Hope program, which provides a tote bag filled with items designed to comfort women diagnosed with ovarian cancer as they go through treatments. The donation from Countybank and Greenwood Capital will provide 50 totes for the Bags of Hope program.

“I have been volunteering with the Ovarian Cancer Foundation for years, and I have seen their dedication firsthand,” said Melissa Bane, Senior Private Client Advisor for Greenwood Capital. “I have always been moved by how they recognize and honor survivors. You can feel the love, support, and community in the room. It moves me to tears.”

For more information about the South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation, visit www.scovariancancer.org.

Carolina Handling receives industry MVP Award

Carolina Handling, a recognized leader in the material handling industry, has received the 2024 Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Award from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) for outstanding achievements in 2023. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the company has received the award.

The MVP Award is a prestigious accolade within the industry, with fewer than 10 percent of MHEDA’s 600 member organizations earning the distinction. Carolina Handling’s continued recognition as an MVP within the industry underscores a dedication to excellence, professionalism and responsible stewardship in the business world.

To qualify for the award, companies must provide evidence of a commitment to their customers, employees and suppliers, satisfying criteria in the following areas: Industry Advocacy; Customer Service & Safety Practices; Business Networking; Continuing Education; and Business Best Practices.

“This award is a testament to our associates and their ongoing commitment to a culture of service and caring in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “We’re honored to be recognized by our customers, suppliers and industry peers for elite customer service, a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, and a passion of caring for the community.”

The MVP Award is significant because it encompasses various facets beyond business achievements, according to Van Clarkson, President of Fairchild Equipment and 2024 MHEDA Chairman.

“Achieving this recognition signifies that Carolina Handling has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, upheld industry standards, contributed positively to its community, and shown dedication to continuous improvement,” Clarkson said. “This acknowledgment not only elevates the company’s reputation among its peers but also instills confidence in its customers and community members, showcasing it as a leader in the materials handling world.”

MHEDA is the premier trade association dedicated to serving all segments of the material handling industry, providing services to nearly 600 member companies seeking to improve their business through education, networking, benchmarking and best practices.

ABOUT CAROLINA HANDLING

Founded in 1966, Carolina Handling is one of the Southeast’s leading integrated material handling solutions providers and the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida’s Central time zone. The company provides lift trucks and automation solutions for manufacturers, warehouses and distribution centers, along with parts, racking, storage, lighting and dock and door equipment.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Carolina Handling operates branch offices in Atlanta, Georgia, Birmingham, Alabama, Greensboro, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, and an Equipment Distribution Center in Piedmont, South Carolina. The company has more than 770 associates. For more information, visit carolinahandling.com.

Countybank Foundation Donates $5,000 to YMCA

Pictured (left to right) are David Tompkins, Commercial Banking Manager for Countybank; Brian Harlan, Lakelands Region YMCA CEO; and Tony Lawson, Commercial Relationship Manager for Countybank.

The Countybank Foundation, established in 1971 representing Countybank and Greenwood Capital, donated $5,000 to the Lakelands Region YMCA. This follows a series of donations for the Greenwood YMCA’s recent community wellness expansion, located in the former Bowers-Rodgers Resale store in Uptown Greenwood.

The Countybank Foundation has a longstanding relationship with the Lakelands Region YMCA when it comes to giving. “The YMCA gives Greenwood residents a place where they can enhance their wellbeing and quality of life,” said David Tompkins, Commercial Banking Manager for Countybank. “Giving to the Lakelands Region YMCA allows us to support a community and service-based organization that has an impact across Greenwood.”

The Lakelands Region YMCA offers a variety of programs from afterschool and summer camps to fitness and sports. Its mission is centered on putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy mind, body, and spirit.

“We prioritize donating to local organizations to improve and support the communities we live and work in,” said John Wiseman, Director of Fixed Income for Greenwood Capital, “Lakelands Region YMCA does a great job in helping us meet that goal by providing afterschool care, evidence-based health intervention, and other programs that support families in our area.”

“The Lakelands Region YMCA is very appreciative of the Countybank Foundation’s continued support,” said Brian Harlan, Lakelands Region YMCA CEO. “Their contributions help us build better programs and facilities, and ultimately a better community.”

For more information about the Lakelands Region YMCA, visit lakelandsymca.org.

Laura Blanton Joins Raymond James & Associates

Laura Blanton

Laura Blanton, Managing Director – Investments, recently joined the Greenville Complex of Raymond James & Associates, located at 112 Haywood Rd, Greenville.

“I am thrilled to welcome Laura to the Raymond James family,” said Complex Manager Brian Flemmer. “Laura is an exceptional advisor with decades of industry experience and an individualized approach to serving clients that meshes perfectly with Raymond James’ Client First philosophy.”

Blanton began her career in 2002 when she joined A.G. Edwards, which later became Wells Fargo Advisors. Since then, she has earned numerous accolades, including being named to three Forbes lists in 2023: Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, Top Women Advisors Best-in-State, and Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors.

“I’ve always based my practice on building trust,” stated Blanton. “Through Raymond James, I’m able to offer access to the resources and sophisticated products of a global financial firm while never compromising the ability to provide objective advice that puts my clients’ best interest first.”

Blanton and her team can be reached at 864-289-2111 or online at blantonwealthmanagement.com.

About Raymond James & Associates
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (RJA), member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC, is an industry leader in financial planning and wealth management services for individuals, high-net-worth families, corporations and municipalities. RJA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE-RJF), one of the nation’s premier diversified financial services companies with approximately 8,700 financial advisors throughout the United States, Canada and overseas. Total client assets are approximately $1.32 trillion as of Nov. 30, 2023. Additional information is available at raymondjames.com.

2023 Forbes Top Wealth Advisors Best-In-State, developed by Shook Research, is based on the period from 6/30/2021 to 6/30/2022 and was released on 4/4/2023. 39,007 nominations were received and 7,321 advisors won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More: https://go.rjf.com/3KsXbF7. Please see https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors for more info.

The Forbes America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State 2023, developed by Shook Research, is based on the period from 02/04/22 to 09/30/22 and was released on 02/01/2023. 38,314 nominations were received and approximately 1,700 women won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More: https://www.raymondjames.com/award-disclosures/#2023-forbes-best-in-state-Women Forbes Link: https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-women-advisors/.

Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State 2023, developed by Shook Research, is based on the period from 3/31/22 to 3/31/23 and was released 8/8/2023. 3,738 nominations were received and 1,464 won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More: https://www.raymondjames.com/award-disclosures/#2023-forbes-top-next-gen-best-in-state Please see: https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-next-gen-advisors/?sh=4bb1a1c15fc3

Red Oak Developers Welcomes Ed Knope As Project Manager

Greenville, South Carolina — Red Oak Developers, a leading multi-purpose developer in South and North Carolina, has added Ed Knope to their team as Project Manager and Construction Management. Knope has over 25 years of experience as a site work contractor as he was the former Managing Partner of Elite Grading in Greenville, SC. Ed will oversee all construction and infrastructure for Red Oak Developers in the Upstate, working directly with builders and contractors on land development projects.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Ed’s experience and knowledge to join our team, and excited for the future of Red Oak Developers! Ed’s skillset will allow us to continue to serve our customers and deliver a product needed for this growing market”, said Owner, Brad Skelton.

About Red Oak Developers
Red Oak Developers is a full-service developer with a mission to design and create residential communities and commercial developments that promote a healthy lifestyle and the preservation of the natural environment. A veteran-owned company, Red Oak Developers achieves goals by combining vast experience with a long-standing network of professional relationships. With a full-service approach, Red Oak Developers can rapidly move a project from site selection to acquisition/entitlement and project management/construction to delivered product.

For more information, visit https://www.redoakdevelopers.com/