Category: Press Release

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty honors top Associates

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty has honored its top Associates for December of 2023.

In the Greenville office, the top Associates for transactions closed for buyer clients were Drew Torres and Grace Herlong Loveless, and the top Associates for listings closed were Matt Nocks and Loveless. In the Clemson/Lakes office, the top Associates for transactions closed for buyer clients were Diane Bostrom and Lisa Vogel, and the top agent for listings closed was Suzanne Withington.

Torres is a University of South Carolina graduate who moved to Greenville in 2019 to pursue his passion in real estate. Torres was Rookie of the Year in 2020 and earned International Diamond Society status, which is for the top 15% of agents globally for another agency. He joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty in 2021 and was a Chairman’s Circle honoree in 2022 for doing more than $10 million in sales.

Loveless joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty team in 2017. She sold more than $9 million in her first year and was named the company’s Rookie of the Year. She became a member of the President’s Circle, which is for Associates who did more than $5 million in sales, and joined the Chairman’s Circle in 2021 and 2022. She also was the top producer in the Greenville office in 2022.

Nocks joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty in 2019. In 2020, he became a member of the President’s Circle and received the Most Improved Award, and earned President’s Circle honors again in 2022.

Bostrom has been with Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty since April 2021 and she became a member of the Chairman’s Circle in 2021, and the President’s Circle in 2022. She is committed to her clients and ensures they get the best service each time.

Before Vogel joined Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, she was one of the top 5% of agents at different brokerages and a member of the firm’s President’s Circle Society. Before that, she was the Broker-in-Charge for one of the largest North Carolina real estate companies. In 2022, Vogel had the largest sale for anyone in the Clemson office.

New to Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, but certainly no real estate rookie is Withington, as she’s been in the real estate business since 1990. Withington grew up in a family that invested in both residential and commercial real estate, making it a world she knows well. To her, luxury real estate means homes that feel like a sanctuary.

“We ended our year on a strong note,” said Joan Herlong, owner and CEO of Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. “I’m proud of how our Associates are creating new opportunities for people in the Upstate and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2024.”

About Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty

Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is one of the leading and most trusted names in real estate in the Upstate of South Carolina. First founded by Owner/CEO Joan Herlong as AugustaRoad.com Realty in 2011, the firm has since handled thousands of properties in the Greenville and Upstate area. In 2017, the company affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, becoming Joan Herlong & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. The company has more than tripled in agent count and production volume since that time. Learn more at www.jha-sothebysrealty.com.  

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational, and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.

January 4, 2024
Contact:
John Boyanoski
863-289-9772
jboyanoski@completepr.net
Greenville Jewish Federation hosting three events in January to highlight Jewish cooking and heritage

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Jewish Federation is hosting three events this month that highlight the way Jewish traditions have helped shape southern cooking for generations.
A new cookbook by Rachel Gordon Barnett and Lyssa Klingman Harvey, Kugels and Collards: Stories of Food, Family, and Tradition in Jewish South Carolina, shares recipes and stories of Jewish food and heritage in the state.
Kugels and Collards started in 2016 when Barnett and Harvey started a blog with that name where they gathered Jewish recipes and family stories from across South Carolina. Four years later, they’d accumulated enough South Carolina Jewish recipes and stories for a cookbook with more than 80 recipes, including brisket, potato latkes, different kinds of challah, and more.

Barnett and Harvey will be signing books and doing meet and greets to celebrate the launch of their new cookbook. All three events are taking place on January 28. They are:

Brunch and Learn, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., The Cook’s Station, 515 Buncombe Street, Greenville: VIP experience where guests will enjoy an intimate brunch and learning hour with a demonstration and sampling of recipes. Seating for this event is limited.
Book Signing, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., The Cook’s Station, 515 Buncombe Street, Greenville: Following the VIP event, the authors will move to the Cooks Station cafe area to sign books for those who have pre-ordered. A limited number of books will be available for purchase at the signing
Book Signing and Tasting, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., Temple B’nai Israel, Heywood 146 Avenue, Spartanburg: Features a question and answer session, sampling, and signing event. Hear from Barnett and Harvey and try Grandma Ida’s Lokshen Kugel before getting a copy or two of the book signed.

See more details and get tickets here.
“Preserving the Southern Jewish table is so important for our state heritage,” said Courtney Tessler, CEO of the Greenville Jewish Federation. “We hope as much of the community, Jewish or not, comes out to learn and taste some Jewish history.”
About the Greenville Jewish Federation:
The Greenville Jewish Federation is a dynamic organization dedicated to serving and strengthening the Jewish community in Greenville and neighboring counties. With a rich philanthropy and community-building history, the Federation works tirelessly to support educational programs, social services, cultural events, and advocacy efforts that promote Jewish values, heritage, and unity.
To learn more about the Greenville Jewish Federation’s initiatives and upcoming programs, visit www.jewishgreenville.org.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Soapstone Preservation Endowment, a public charity created for the sole purpose of protecting and promoting the history and legacy of the Liberia Community and Soapstone Baptist Church in the mountains of Pickens County, has launched The Partnership Challenge.
The Partnership Challenge seeks at least 100 businesses, churches, individuals and families who provide a one-time $3,000 or greater tax-deductible gift, or $1,000 per year over three years, in support of the Endowment’s mission. The program is designed to help the organization amass a $500,000 perpetual endowment by December 2025.
“The story of Soapstone, founded by freed slaves almost 160 years ago, captured the attention and hearts of people from across the region and around the world when the great-granddaughter of the community founders used her cooking skills to keep the doors of the small mountain church open. Often referred to as the ’miracle of the fish fry,’ Mable Owens Clarke and her team of volunteers fed thousands of people for ten Saturdays each year, 22 years running as a means to generate funds,” said Carlton Owen, the chairman of the Endowment.
The church mortgage has been paid, the site is forever protected by a conservation easement held by Upstate Forever, but with Mable in her early eighties and a church membership of fewer than a dozen, the monthly fish fries are no longer a viable option. Thus, in June 2022, the Soapstone Preservation Endowment was chartered to fill the void by establishing a means to relieve the small congregation of the burden of protecting the historic site, which was once used by the Cherokees as a mine for materials to make cooking utensils, and then for more than 150 years as the center of a vibrant African American community, including a one-room school and church.
Long Branch Baptist Church, an African American church in nearby Greenville, was among the first to join The Partnership Challenge.
“Soapstone Baptist Church holds a part of all of our history…the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the stained,” said Pastor Sean Dogan. “Our support uplifts unity and hope for our future. This project gives us a reflection of the past, but also shines a great light to guide us into our tomorrow. It is our hope that others will join in this journey of helping to preserve, protect, and to continue to proclaim a story of faith, fellowship, and community.”
Burr & Forman, a large law firm with roots in the Upstate, also responded to the call.
“When we learned of Soapstone’s story, the decision to help protect it was an easy one,” said Mike Burns, a partner in the firm. “Supporting the communities in which we live, and work is at the core of our firm’s culture, and we are honored to be a partner to the Endowment.”
With the support of friends, foundations, and areas businesses, the Endowment already has amassed a total of nearly $150,000, 30% of its goal.
For more information go to www.soapstonepe.org.

FUEL, a Greenville, S.C.-based brand building agency, is accepting applications until January 17 for its FUEL for Good Grant program for the first half of 2024. As part of its commitment to community service, FUEL selects local nonprofits each year and provides pro bono marketing services, enabling them to further their missions and address important needs in the Greenville community.

To qualify, applicants must be based in Greenville County, S.C., serve the local community, hold a valid 501(c)(3) certification, and have a clearly identifiable need for marketing assistance. Nonprofit organizations meeting these requirements are encouraged to complete an online application at www.fuelforbrands.com/fuel-grant by the January 17 deadline.

In its fifth year, the FUEL for Good Grant program allows the agency’s team to collaborate and dedicate strategic marketing and branding expertise to help local nonprofits with specific marketing challenges. To date, FUEL has awarded the grant to 14 local nonprofits and donated hundreds of hours providing services ranging from logo refreshes and rebrands to social media campaigns and collateral development.

Following an internal review of the grant applications, FUEL will select the winner and begin work in February. For more information or to apply for the FUEL for Good Grant program, please visit www.fuelforbrands.com/fuel-grant or contact Meredith Kinsey at meredith@fuelforbrands.com.

About FUEL

Founded in 2011, FUEL is a brand building agency that creates and implements strategies that help companies to rise above the noise and generate demand. Its team of talented, senior-level thinkers, designers, writers, and creators ignite brands’ full potential through thoughtful and strategic marketing plans, purposeful design, compelling content, and well-orchestrated campaigns. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., FUEL drives results for companies in a variety of industries throughout the Southeast region, from real estate and hospitality to manufacturing and nonprofit. For more information, visit fuelforbrands.com.

Marsh Bell Construction the extensive renovation of the Margaret Mills Cubbage Child Development Center on the Cleveland Street campus of Greenville Technical College. The 10,000 square-foot facility provides full day-care services for the Greenville Tech faculty, students and the surrounding community. The scope of work includes grading and drainage; demolition of existing cabinetry and flooring; replacement of exterior windows and doors; partial roof replacement; installation of new cabinetry; new flooring, plumbing fixtures and interior / exterior lighting fixtures; full interior painting. Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) is the architect. The project is expected to complete in the Spring of 2024.

“This projects really says a lot about Marsh Bell as a company,” according to CEO Paul Westberry. “We take great pride in developing lasting relationships with organizations that bring so much value to their communities. Every project is a unique collaboration between client and builder, along with our design and trade partners, to maximize the property’s functionality and long-term community impact.”

GREENVILLE, S.C.— Lima One Capital’s Christian Groomes has been recognized as one of the leading strategic superstars by earning a place in the 2023 Mortgage Global 100.
The Mortgage Global 100 list spotlights outstanding professionals worldwide who have led the mortgage industry as role models for colleagues and trusted partners for their clients amid 2023’s market.
Now in its fifth year, this formidable list of the biggest names in the mortgage industry was put together by Mortgage Professional America (MPA) and its sister publications, Canadian Mortgage Professional, Mortgage Introducer, Mortgage Professional Australia, and NZ Adviser. The list includes 100 mortgage industry titans across the globe, including 24 from the United States.
A Senior Sales Manager with Lima One Capital, Groomes is an Upstate native and a graduate of Clemson University graduate, where he also played football. He joined Lima One in 2018. Earlier this year, he was named a Top Emerging Star by Scotsman Guide.
Groomes attributes his success to his focus on building relationships. “What has really pushed us over the edge is truly just getting to know people, getting to know their businesses, what they’re wanting to do, and why they’re wanting to do things,” Groomes said. “I don’t want to be transactional. I want to be a trusted adviser and partner because when we do loans for people, we’re also an extension of their business, and I am there for them.”
About Lima One Capital:
Since its inception in 2011, Lima One Capital has funded over $8 billion in loans for real estate investors who are building, improving, and stabilizing neighborhoods across the nation. Lima One’s core loan products are New Construction loans for ground-up construction, in-fill, specs, and model homes; Fix and Flip, a 13-month bridge loan for investors who are buying, renovating, and selling properties; Rental property and portfolio loans for purchasing or refinancing residential rental properties; and Multifamily bridge lending for the purchase, rehab, or refinance of 5+ unit multifamily properties. For more information, visit limaone.com.

GREENVILLE, SC — High Spirits Hospitality venues and staff earned five well-deserved in the 2023 Best in Business Awards.
The Best in Business awards recognized companies and individuals from around South Carolina that bring success to the Palmetto State’s business community. Winners were announced in the December issue of Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly and Charleston Business Magazine.
The honors for High Spirits Hospitality include:
Best Chief Diversity Officer, Krista Hauschild – Gold
Best Venue, Events at Judson Mill – Gold
Best Catering Services (Liquid Catering) — Gold
Best Food and Beverage Company – Silver
Best Hospitality Business – Silver
“This has been a challenging few years for the hospitality industry,” said Tammy Johnson, CEO and founder of High Spirits Hospitality. “But we have survived due to a lot of hard work, determination and commitment to providing amazing service. These awards highlight that dedication.”
About High Spirits Hospitality:
High Spirits Hospitality is the parent company of five independent brand companies: Liquid Catering, Events at Judson Mill, Bravo1 Protection, The 405, and High Spirits Events. What started as a small bartending service has grown into a thriving South Carolina-based company with more than 150 employees, more than 35,000 square feet of real estate, and scores of awards and accolades. High Spirits Hospitality is a 100% woman-owned business with the single vision of being the go-to provider for event and security services. Learn more at www.highspiritshospitality.com.

GREENVILLE, S.C. –Wagner Wealth Management has won Best Financial Planner in the Post and Courier Greenville’s inaugural Readers’ Choice contest.

During the voting period, more than 6,000 local Greenville County residents cast their votes for their favorite local businesses, services, spots, and more.

This adds to a recent streak of Wagner Wealth and its staff members winning top honors in the past few months including being named The Greenville Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Month in September; the company being named Best of the Upstate for wealth management firms by the Greenville News; Mimi Edwards earning a SC Best In Business Bronze Award for top Chief Operating Officer in the state, and Hayden Turlington being named of Greenville’s Best and Brightest 35 and Under list as well as being named the Chamber’s Young Professional of the Year.

“Being voted Best Financial Planner by the community is an honor,” said Dan Wagner, founder and CEO of Wagner Wealth Management. “We’re proud of all of the hard work that we do, and it’s always great to be recognized for that.”

About Wagner Wealth Management:

Wagner Wealth Management specializes in helping individuals and companies reach their personal and professional goals. Wagner Wealth Management currently oversees more than $500 million in total client assets; their experience is diverse, exceptional, and ready to work. The firm has offices in Anderson, Greenville, and Seneca. Learn more at www.wagnerwealthmanagement.com.

Securities offered through Arkadios Capital. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Wealth Management Advisors, LLC. Arkadios Capital and Wealth Management Advisors, LLC, are not affiliated through any ownership.

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Rebuild Upstate, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving safe and affordable housing for individuals and families in need, celebrated its wildly successful A Toast to Home event earlier this month.

Guests of A Toast To Home enjoyed culinary delights from Smoke on the Water and Liquid Catering, all while networking with community members and local businesses who share a passion for affordable housing. Throughout the night, guests contributed to the noble cause of preserving the homes of low-income families of the Upstate by bidding on silent auction items. In total, the evening raised nearly $65,000, enough to repair 6 homes or complete 26 individual repair projects.

More than 190 were in attendance at the celebratory occasion, held in The Foundry at Judson Mill. The night was sponsored by: Southern First Bank, ServPro of West Greenville & Anderson, and Furman Capital Advisors.

Rebuild Upstate CEO Jake Beaty states: “With each repair we complete, one more person can sleep easier, knowing they will remain in their homes for a little while longer. Your contributions will transform the lives of many Upstate neighbors by keeping them safe, warm, and dry this year and beyond.”

Rebuild Upstate is committed to keeping low-income homeowners safe and living in dignity with home repairs and accessibility improvements in existing houses and neighborhoods. Home repairs can range from small plumbing fixes to roof and floor replacements. Accessibility improvements range from installing grab bars and railings for vulnerable populations to building wheelchair ramps for those with disabilities.

About Rebuild Upstate:
Rebuild Upstate serves low-income homeowners with repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. Its team envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity in a safe home environment in order to maintain and foster strong, sustainable communities. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.