VIP Magazine

Author: vipmagsc

  • Crema Coffee Bar

    Crema Coffee Bar

    Serving coffee for people that love to drink it

    story provided by the Greater Hartsville Chamber of Commerce

         Crema Coffee Bar is a coffee shop that specializes in handcrafted coffee, smoothies, frappes, and so much more in the heart of downtown Hartsville.  Opened in 2015, owner Tiffany Crist is so grateful to the community that has opened their arms to her and her family.  Tiffany is Counter Culture Coffee certified, having completed all of the drink courses and aced the written, oral, and practical exams.  All of the Crema baristas have undergone Counter Culture training. Tiffany and the Crema staff have created a unique menu that boasts old favorites, as well as several original and seasonally rotating drinks.

         Over the past four years, the desire to develop a strong downtown community has grown at Crema, and with it, the realization that people need a place to have events and fun things to do here in their own hometown. Tiffany loves having events for people in the community and likes to think of Crema as a hub where you could have a work meeting, do homework, chat with friends, or meet some new people.

         On Friday and Saturday nights, Crema rotates a series of monthly—including movie nights, Magic the Gathering, poetry slams, Mario Kart tournaments, Murder Mystery nights, and so much more.   Every quarter, Crema showcases the work of a different local artist, which is also for sale. The work of Rachel Riner, a wonderfully talented local artist and baker, will be featured from August through October.

    Looking for something fun to do over the weekend?  You can find all of their events listed on their Facebook page, call into the shop, or follow them on Instagram.

         Join the Cremmunity!

    CREMA | 136 W. Carolina Ave | Hartsville | (843) 309-9606

  • George Rogers

    George Rogers

    Gamecock 1980 Heisman Trophy Winner

    story by Mark W. Buyck, III

        It’s the “Dog Days” of August and you can be sure that the upcoming college football season is on the minds of many South Carolinians. Former Gamecock Head Coach Steve Spurrier refers to this time of the year as the “talking season.” This is also a time when everybody’s favorite team is undefeated and their fans are predicting great success for the upcoming season.

        While Clemson has won 2 of the last 3 National Championships, the University of South Carolina fans still recalls fondly what was probably the single best individual season for any South Carolina college football player. In honor of George Rogers’s 1980 Heisman Trophy win and his Hall of Fame career, the University of South Carolina has erected a statue of Rogers in the plaza outside of Williams Brice Stadium. The statute contains the inimitable George Rogers’s grin and he is usually found nearby prior to most Gamecock home games signing autographs and posing with his trophy.  Below is the wording of a plaque on the statue honoring Rogers:

    George Rogers, University of South Carolina – 1980 Heisman Trophy Winner

    George Rogers enrolled at the University of South Carolina in 1977 and became one of the greatest football players in school history. In 1980, Rogers was the first Gamecock to receive the Heisman Trophy and holds the distinction of twice finishing in the top 10 in Heisman Trophy voting. During his career at Carolina, Rogers rushed for 5,204 yards, gaining more than 100 yards in each of his final 22 college games. His 31 career rushing touchdowns and 202 career points broke SC records and rank among the most in school history. Rogers was a first-team All-America in his junior season and a consensus first-team All-America in his senior season. His jersey number, 38, was retired during halftime ceremonies at Carolina’s final 1980 home game. The New Orleans Saints selected Rogers as the first overall pick in the 1981 NFL draft. He was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the year in 1981 and was a Pro Bowl selection in 1981 and 1982. He won the Super Bowl as a member of the 1987 Washington Redskins. He is a member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame, the University of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame. Rogers’s impact in the Columbia area continues through the George Rogers Foundation, helping students achieve the success that he attained during his years at Carolina.

     

  • Patricia Singleton Parr

    Patricia Singleton Parr

    story by Kayla Jebaily-Adams / photos by Erin Daniel

    “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth”

    – Shirley Chisholm, U.S. Congresswoman, and Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Sorority Sister

        Patricia “Pat” Singleton Parr considers service to be a way of life. A board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee since 2016 and a longtime donor, she has engulfed herself in helping children. Not only is she Secretary of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area’s board, she is also Chair of the Boys & Girls Club’s Champions for Youth Event, the lead for the Boys & Girls Club board annual meeting, the coordinator for the Florence Boys & Girls Club Teen Honor Roll Dinner, and facilitates the Florence Boys & Girls Club’s cooking class. She enjoys organizing events and taking part in hands-on activities with the members. The cooking class she holds for members takes place every week during the school year. Members learn how to cook and bake a variety of dishes, including, mini-pizzas, mini-corndogs, apple pie, breakfast food, smoothies, cupcakes, and holiday-themed foods to name a few. Ms. Parr also teaches them about choosing healthy food options and the benefits of having a well-rounded diet. Club members enjoy being around Ms. Parr’s warm, compassionate demeanor, and her cooking class is always well attended.

        Ms. Parr chose to work with the Boys & Girls Club after she retired as an assistant solicitor for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Office of Solicitor. She looked for places where there was the greatest need in the community, and she could be involved in hands-on work. She had always been interested in working with the Boys & Girls Club, as she was a big supporter of the work and mission of the organization. When she saw an opportunity to help children who need direction, she took it, accepting the role of a board member. Since then, along with conducting the cooking class, she has been instrumental in the organization of multiple events and even brought back the Teen Honor Roll Dinner at the Florence BGC, where teen honor roll students are recognized for their academic achievements at a dinner with board members. The organization considers themselves lucky to have such a strong advocate for children on their side. Her compassion, intelligence, and tenacity are strong qualities that shine through in her work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area. Ms. Parr believes it is important for African American children to see positive African American adults as role models. She is a strong role model for members at the Club, particularly young girls who attend her cooking classes.

        Pat Parr, has been a fierce advocate for children and her community for many years. Since moving to Florence from Columbia in 1984 following her graduation from law school at the University of South Carolina, she has volunteered with multiple organizations providing services to children, including Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, Pee Dee Coalition against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Junior League of Florence, and Florence School District One. Her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., has taken on service projects to help the community, particularly children, as well. She was also an active “room mom” for her children’s classes at All Saints Episcopal Day School and Florence District 1

        Schools as well as serving as APT officers and School Improvement Councils. She hopes to continue serving her community in different capacities. As Ms. Parr told her children as they were growing up, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” She believes God put her on Earth for a reason. Even through great trials in life, such as major illnesses, her dedication to service and her life’s purpose has not wavered. She will continue to make a difference in her community for the better. The Pee Dee Area is lucky to have a service-minded individual like Ms. Parr working to make life better for those who live here.

    Boys and Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area | 843-662-1142 | bgcpda.org

  • Here’s to a Happy New School Year

    Here’s to a Happy New School Year

    story by Allie Roark

         If you are a teacher like me, you have probably been spending your last several weeks of summer planning for a new school year by spending hours on Pinterest, working in your classroom, and working on new lesson plans. I don’t know about you, but this summer flew by. I am not ready to set my 4:30 a.m. alarm clock again. This feeling can be quite similar to the “Sunday scary’s” except a little more intense.

         In the past, I spent the majority of my time worrying about my classroom being ready when I wasn’t even concerned about being mentally ready. What good will a pretty classroom do if there is an unorganized or insane teacher in charge of it? I have decided to begin a fresh, new school year with a few new strategies to help make the Sundays less scary, the school days more purposeful, and my mindless crowded. These tips can easily be modified to help any working gal in their profession. So if you’re not a teacher, you’re still welcome to take and implement what sounds good to you.

    Have a positive mindset.

         Being a teacher is hard. We are expected to meet a lot of demands every minute, hour, day, and week. Most of the time it seems expected, and we don’t feel appreciated. It can leave you feeling drained and empty. Friend, it’s impossible to pour from a cup that’s empty. Fill your cup up. Be intentional with your “me time.” Whether it’s taking bubble baths, reading for pleasure, listening to worship music, journaling, or exercising – find the time to do it. I choose to set an alarm at 4:30 a.m. to read my bible and go to the gym. It’s time that we stop feeling guilty for living our lives outside of work. Set a time to stop answering emails. In fact, don’t even check them. They will be there in the morning. You’ve had a long day, and you deserve some downtime with yourself and your family. It’s time to turn the teacher off and be you again.

         Another way to keep a positive mindset is to start each day with a grateful heart. Write out ten things that you are grateful for each morning. You are cheating if you are constantly using “your house, car, job, husband, and kids” as your answers. What little things made you happy the day before? This tip seems easy, but it does force us to think about what’s going right in our lives instead of what’s going wrong.

         I have also found it helpful to find a positive teacher bestie. It’s inevitable to not complain, but find someone that can remind you of the happy during the disappointments. Not only can we learn from each other, but we can cheer each other on in the hallways. We never get tired of compliments or appreciation. It isn’t a contest after all. 

    Create a routine.

         Raise your hand if you hate mornings (raises hand). The first 30 minutes of every day are crucial. Do you have a routine for when the students enter the room? Are they constantly coming up to your desk to ask you something? Are you having to ask them for their homework every morning? Did that one student forget to make his lunch choice again? These things seem minimal, but when they all happen at once, you find yourself playing catch up for the next hour. Plan out your procedures for how you want things done and use the first two weeks to make sure your students follow through with it. Students should walk in the room knowing exactly what they need to be doing. While they are doing their assigned work, go ahead and answer those emails, send in the lunch count and attendance, take a sip of your coffee, and take a deep breath.   

    Be organized.

         Some would probably say that I take this to the extreme, but to each its own, right? I wouldn’t say that I am OCD in all areas of life, but my workspace is something that I like to feel in control of. Misplacing something or having to stop a lesson to look for something seriously can start a morning off on a stressful foot. Why? Well, kids. As soon as you lose their attention, it’s a tough job getting them back on track. I invested in the cheap bins from Target or Walmart that usually come in a pack of five for $5 and seriously organize it all. I stick on cute labels to help me locate the bin in a quick manner, and it has been a game-changer. Are you a teacher with stacks of papers on your desk?

    Be a happy planner.

         If you read the article last month, you will see this same tip. That’s how much I believe in it. You’ve got to plan. Based on my enneagram number, I am the achiever. Planning is my thing. I don’t know why, but I get so excited to check off the tasks on the to-do list or mark something as “done” in my planner. It’s rare for teachers to leave by three in the afternoon, or leave without any papers to grade or lessons to plan. This is something that I am going to take very seriously this year. Each Sunday, I plan to spend maybe 30 to 45 minutes planning out each upcoming week. During the week, I seem to forget to be intentional and send home notes, make positive phone calls home, check my email, or schedule a meeting with a parent. I am probably one of the worst to check my email and respond right away. Even worse than I am at texting, and that’s pretty bad. If your schedule rarely stays the same week to week, you can adjust and plan accordingly. Every evening shouldn’t be spent marking papers, looking for lessons on Teachers Pay Teachers, or answering emails. Assign days for those tasks and stick to it. This action plan will work if you write it out.

        August doesn’t have to be scary. We love our jobs. Just remember a few months in how important YOU are. We do our best when our cup is full, so let’s be sure to keep it full for the next school year.

  • Take Time to Meet the Teachers

    Take Time to Meet the Teachers

         Teachers in our community do not receive enough praise. They spend countless hours, inside and outside of the classroom, teaching our children not only educational practices but the fundamentals of life as well. Since we are all gearing up for another school year, we thought we’d help shine some light on a few of these wonderful educational influencers. From teachers to principals to superintendents, their guidance is influential in the lives of our children. Read below to learn some interesting facts about who’s hanging out with our children on a daily basis!

    Weston Nunn, AP European History Teacher, Trinity-Byrnes Collegiate School

    What are some traditions you have for the first day of school?  On the first day of school I like to really dress up. During the year I wear a shirt and tie every day, but I really like to set a special tone on day one. So I make sure that I have a fresh hair cut, that my shoes are polished, and that I accessorize a blazer or suit jacket with a pocket square or lapel rose to really make an impact.

    What is one thing your students would be surprised to know about you?  My students are surprised that I know more about pop culture than they think I do, and that I’m not just a nerd who listens to Handel, Mozart, or Stravinsky. For example, recently while conducting a summer college essay writing workshop, I gave my students a choice of background music: classical, jazz, or German death metal. They chose the latter, and when I immediately told them the artist we’d be listening to and then pulled the music up on YouTube, they were stunned (and maybe a little afraid).

     

    Susanne Elvington, Reading Recovery Teacher Leader, Marion County School District

    Who inspired you to be a teacher?  As a little girl, I always dreamed of being a teacher, just like my mom and my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Ellen Davis. They both fostered within me the desire to learn and explore new things. Both of these ladies have helped me become the teacher that I am today.

    What is the most rewarding part of your job?  The most rewarding part of my job is watching my first graders grow into strategic, enthusiastic, and engaged readers and writers.

    What is one thing your students would be surprised to know about you? 36 years ago I was a first-grader just like them and attended the same school that they attend now – Easterling Primary School.

     

    Brittany Curtis, Grades 1-5, Special Education, Thornwell School for the Arts, Hartsville

    What are some traditions you have for the first day of school? I always like to start the year with a project that signifies we’re all a team. Sometimes we make a puzzle or do a group goal-setting activity. It’s fun getting to know them and help them get to know each other.

    How do you spend your summer breaks?  I spend summer break traveling with my family. I love having my daughter home and actually getting things done around the house that I never get time for otherwise! And of course, I plan for the new school year!

    What is one thing your students would be surprised to know about you? I was in the Young Singers of Darlington and we were invited to sing at Disney World. When we were there I came down with the chickenpox and had been flown back home by myself.

     

    Sonya Graves, Principal, Lucy T. Davis Elementary School, Florence

    What inspired you to become a teacher, prior to being a principal? I had a wonderful fifth-grade teacher who pushed me beyond my limits! I also participated in the Teacher Cadet program when I was in high school. This experience confirmed my passion for witnessing academic, social and emotional growth for all students!

    What advice do you have for new teachers? Building relationships is key! Students will work harder for you if they trust you and feel loved. Also, always remember “why” you chose this profession!

    What is one thing your students would be surprised to know about you? I enjoy writing poetry in my free time! I actually had a poem published years ago!

     

    Danielle Reames, 3k-5k, Speech-Language Therapy, Southside Early Childhood Center, Hartsville

    What advice do you have for new teachers? First-year is tough–But so are you! Take chances and give it your all! Lastly, relax and make it fun.

    What is one thing your students would be surprised to know about you? I love a good 5 a.m. workout to jump start my day and I enjoy playing golf.

    What are you most looking forward to this school year? Seeing the growth in my little learners. Helping a child to communicate whether it be verbally, through signs, pictures, or using a communication device is the greatest feeling in the world! Can’t wait to see all of my sweet friends and start working on mastering their speech and language goals!

     

    Mandy Hicks, Early Childhood Development, Delmae Heights Elementary

    What inspired you to become a teacher?  My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Simmons, made a positive impact on my life. She not only was a great teacher academically, she personally invested in me and other students. I knew I wanted to have the same effect on others.

    What is the most challenging part of your job? The most challenging part of my job is not being able to change the circumstances for students. It is very difficult watching children not get the support they need.

    What is one thing your students would be surprised to know about you?

    My students would be surprised to know that I enjoy deer hunting. My dad took me out for my first dog drive a couple of years ago with Sportsman Hunting Club and I loved it.

     

    Kandace Bethea, Superintendent, Marion County School District

    As Superintendent, what is your main focus at the job?  As superintendent, my main focus is to ensure that every child is exposed to high-quality teaching and learning experiences as we strive to prepare them to become college, career, and citizenship ready.

    What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is when we, as educators,  see the impact of our meaningful work being evidenced through students’ academic and personal successes!

    What advice do you have for new teachers?  My advice for new teachers can be communicated using 3-Ps: Have a PASSION for your work; Be PURPOSEFUL in building positive relationships with students; and PLAN for success!

     

    Nicole Snipes, 3rd Grade Teacher, Carver Elementary Magnet School, Florence

    What inspired you to become a teacher?  I had two teachers who inspired me to become a teacher! My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Bateman, and my middle school band director, Mr. Jones.

    What are some traditions you have for the first day of school? I always spend the first day getting to know my students and working on building my classroom community! A good strong classroom community is the key for a successful year!

    How do you spend your summer breaks? I spend my summer breaks with my son, Joseph, and daughter, Ella! We enjoy camping in our camper!

     

    Ryan Milling, Assistant Principal, Lake City High School

    What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is watching students gain skills that will allow them to be successful in college or the world of work. At the high school level that is when a student earns a career certification and/or applies that to a job that they will have once leaving high school. At the high school level, it’s also when high schoolers graduate and move on to the next chapter of their lives and/or put in the hard work to pass a grade or overcome some of life’s challenges.  I would say that the last sentence applies to my work with elementary students also.

    What advice do you have for new teachers?  Always remember why you decided to get into the profession. A lot of times our efforts will have lasting impacts and those impacts may not be seen until years down the road.  New teachers should find mentors immediately, a good group of individuals to plan with and to bounce ideas off of and to never stop believing in themselves and to not be afraid to grow.

    What is one thing your students would be surprised to know about you?  What they are most surprised about is that I am a fraternal twin. On another note, I often share my failures with my students. I want them to learn resilience and see it in real people. They still get excited when they see me in the grocery store.

    What inspired you to become a teacher?  I started out wanting to go into business or engineering but something was always calling me to a purpose. I sought out mentors and people that I trusted for feedback. Most of those people that I relied on were educators themselves. So I began my journey on an inquiry into a field like social work and criminal justice but decided that education was the best fit.

  • Essential Oils for the School Year

    Essential Oils for the School Year

    story by Kat Barnette, Young Living Consultant

         There are a couple of easy ways to incorporate using oils at school. Some schools do allow teachers to diffuse oils in their classrooms. Others have put them on cloths and placed them on the children’s desks. Make sure to check with your school to see what their rules are.

         For individual children, you can use leather jewelry and apply the oils straight to the leather. Anytime the child wants to smell it, they can! It’s like wearing perfume, but way safer and can help them focus, destress, relax..the options are endless!

         Another great option is to use a diffuser locket necklace and place a piece of leather inside. Add a few drops to the piece of leather and wear all day.

    LAVENDER

         This is great support for sleep the night before school! If there are butterflies for your kiddos, or if they are restless, especially before bed, diffusing and applying to the feet is a great option to help them get the sleep they need!

    Benefits of lavender oil:

    • Roll onto feet after school for calming
    • Roll onto the chest and diffuse when pollen count is high and you’re battling allergens
    • Use generously on the skin after touching something hot or after a day in the sunshine
    • Use generously on bug bites or itchy skin
    • Roll onto the back and drop into bath water when experiencing constipation

    LEMON

         This is a “cleansing” or “clearing” oil which can be helpful for the respiratory but also for the emotions. Roll this one onto the feet and diffuse for nervousness.

    Benefits of lemon oil:

    • Use to remove gum or sticky residue – my fav is to remove paint after those crafty days
    • Add to a blend with Lavender when pollen count is high and battling allergens
    • Add onto the chest and diffuse during the winter months to support the respiratory system

    THIEVES

        This is the oil for a big ‘ol immunity support! You can use this proactively before you start the school day – every day. It makes the BIGGEST difference.

    PANAWAY

        This is a great oil for all the boo-boos and growing pains. Those little legs have lots of growing to do! When they are experiencing growing pains, this is one to grab!! Who has little ones who wake up at night from growing pains?

     

    Want to know more about oils for back-to-school?  Visit www.myyl.com/katbarnette

  • Marlin Ketter

    Marlin Ketter

    story by Jordan Pupa

        States, districts, and communities are starting to really see the importance of music and music advocacy. Music is a crucial component of a well-rounded education for students. According to Marlin Ketter, Director of Bands for Hartsville Middle School and Assistant Director of Bands at Hartsville High School, learning to play an instrument and being a part of a successful school band instills discipline, cooperation, self-esteem, creativity, critical thinking, leadership, and personal responsibility in students. Mr. Ketter inspires students to do things they never thought they could do. He fully invests in their future, leading them to become better individuals with creative minds and the desire to make a difference in the world.

        Marlin is a graduate of Coker College and also holds a master’s degree in music education from North Greenville University. The fine art of music runs through his family. Marlin’s father was a trumpet player, his mother was a participant in the color guard, and his sister played flute and piccolo. “My family was very encouraging when I made the decision to pursue a teaching degree and I never looked back,” says Marlin. “My family believes that with God on your side, there is no obstacle that cannot be achieved. This type of support has guided me through some of the most difficult challenges, as well as some of the most rewarding successes.”

        The constant support from the education department at Coker College was also influential in Marlin pursuing education. Marlin shares, “Coker is one of the best colleges for education in the southeast. Their constant strive to make sure that every student is prepared and career-ready is nothing short of outstanding. They are encouraging in the fact that they do not provide all of the answers but provide the necessary resources and processes in finding the correct answers.” While at Coker, Marlin became a proud member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the National Association of Teaching and Singers (NATS) among many other organizations. Additionally, he was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, and served as an adjudicator for the district, all county, and region events. He also had the opportunity to complete an honors project called, “Reaching Children through Music: A Middle School Choral Clinic,” designed to reach middle school children through music one step at a time. During his tenure at North Greenville University, Marlin wrote a thesis focusing on the recruitment and retention in urban middle schools.

        Upon completing his education, Marlin has had the opportunity to teach at numerous schools within the area. Currently, Marlin holds the role as Director of Bands for Hartsville Middle School in addition to the Assistant Director of Bands at Hartsville High School. When it comes to his yearly schedule, there is no rest for the weary! Just to give a brief overview, band camp begins late summer. The fall is full of football games and marching band competitions, and the winter is comprised of concert and jazz band, winter ensemble, and community parades. The start of a new year is full of region band and all-state auditions. All-state clinics and concert festivals are held in the spring, then ArtSummer is in the early summer.

        Many people do not recognize the behind-the-scenes work it takes to run a band program, especially a successful one. “When a student performs in an honor band clinic or gets recognize in front of their peers, there is a sense of moral success in me that keeps striving to be a better and more focused educator,” states Marlin. “I do not claim accomplishments, rather long-term success that people can distinguish that when they hear Hartsville Middle School name associated with Mr. Ketter, they know both identities are successful in their own rights.”

        This summer Marlin was the director of the ArtSummer program for Darlington County School District, a three-week course where students are exposed to and participate in activities in multiple arts disciplines. This year, they had the opportunity to serve nearly 100 students in the areas of Dance, Instrumental Music, Media Arts, Theater, Visual Arts 2D & 3D, and Vocal Music.   

        Great teachers like Marlin who give it their all-year-round are remembered not for the knowledge they impart, but for the way they encourage and lift their students’ achievement, not just in a subject, but also in the important skills of living a fulfilling life. “When each child walks into my classroom, I want everyone to feel we can achieve anything possible. Whether it is learning the correct posture, learning a new note, or learning how to tie shoes, the learning possibilities are endless on both sides of the spectrum. I want them to know that…if better is possible than good is not enough! We must strive to be excellent at everything we do. With education, the power of one will not get the job done: but by providing, protecting, and pursing, my students will reach new heights in becoming life-long learners and career ready.”

  • Investing in Federal Qualified Opportunity Zones

    Investing in Federal Qualified Opportunity Zones

    Issues to Consider in Making a Qualified Opportunity Zone Investment

    story by Jack Muench, Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A.

        This is the first part of a two-part article that explains investing in qualified opportunity zones, its opportunities, and its restrictions. The first part of this article, presented below, deals with critical non-tax issues for potential Opportunity Zone investors. The second part will present an overview of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations that form the basis for the tax savings.

         In late 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. That legislation contained Internal Revenue Code Section 1400Z, which provides income tax advantages for persons who invest indirectly in property located in Opportunity Zones.

        Investments in qualified opportunity funds are generally intended to encourage investments to start small businesses, to develop abandoned properties, or to provide low-income housing in economically distressed communities. Internal Revenue Code Section 1400Z allows the deferral and, in some cases, the negation, of capital gains tax. In order to achieve these tax benefits, an investor must invest in either Qualified Opportunity Zone stock or in a Qualified Opportunity Zone partnership interest.

        From a non-tax perspective, an investor must examine the structural and operational risks inherent in any investment venture. This is especially true where, as here, the investment term required to achieve the tax benefits is between five and ten years.

        A Qualified Opportunity Zone investor will become a shareholder in a corporation, a partner in a partnership or a member in an LLC. Regardless of the entity type, the typical investor will have relatively little say in management or critical decisions. These decisions include the following, all of which should receive careful attention in making such an investment.

    1. Capital Calls.

    Some entities require that the general partner/CEO/manager will have the ability in certain instances to call for additional capital past the original amount invested. It is critical for the investor to understand what these instances are and to make sure that she can protect herself against an untoward capital call if at all possible. Preferably, a capital call cannot occur without a vote of a substantial percentage of the investors. Investors should be aware that, even if it takes a substantial vote, once the requisites for the capital calls have been met, an investor will generally have a fairly short period of time to contribute the additional capital. Typically, if he or she does not, there are penalties for not contributing, which can include a substantial diminution or even a forfeiture of the original investment. Identify up front whether capital calls will be required and seek to limit them as much as possible.

    2. Management Bonuses.

    In many deals, an incentive for management performance is a “flip” in the management interest. Typically, the flip will allow the general partner’s interest in profits to be significantly increased after the investors have received a minimum return on their invested capital. Investors must analyze their proposed shareholder/partnership agreements carefully in order to ascertain that the flip cannot be achieved merely by insignificant sales of entity assets or the passage of time.

    3. Replacing Management.

    Continuity of management is critical to the success of any enterprise. In some instances, however, management acts in a fashion such that removal is required. Hence, removal provisions should be carefully analyzed to require that, in the event of behavior such as fraud, theft, or a material breach of the partnership agreement (or the partnership’s loan documents with its lender) swift and certain removal and replacement are addressed.

    4. Conflicts of Interest.

    Management expertise is critical to the success of any enterprise. This signifies that the manager of your investment project may well be the manager of other, and even competing, projects. Entity documentation must be carefully analyzed to ascertain the degree to which conflicts of interest are permitted and minimized.

    5. Investment Liquidity.

    It must be recognized that an Opportunity Zone investment is not the same as buying a share of stock in IBM. Indeed, due to federal and state security laws, an investor will almost certainly find her investment to be very difficult to sell. In this regard, an investor would like to see a partnership agreement provision allowing for a forced sale (a “put”) from the investor to the partnership. While a “put” is desirable from the investor’s standpoint, its very existence will require the entity to maintain a pool of money (which may make the desired tax benefits unavailable). Further, exercising the “put” may result in financial strain to the entity.

    6. Lender Issues.

    Real estate investment projects typically require a loan. Since at least 2008, lenders have become increasingly sophisticated in ascertaining that their loans will not go into foreclosure. Thus, loan agreements may require a significant equity-to-debt ratio and may prohibit the replacement of management without lender approval, at least of the replacement manager. Loan agreements may also seek to require management and, in some cases, investors to sign a personal guaranty of some or all of the loan. A potential investor must be aware of the particulars any loan documentation in place or likely to be put in place during the term of the project.

          There are significant non-tax issues that arise in Qualified Opportunity Zone investments. These issues must be analyzed before a potential investor becomes enamored of potential income tax savings.

     

    248 West Evans Street | Florence, SC | 843.662.3258

    2050 Corporate Centre’ Drive, Suite 230 | Myrtle Beach, SC | 843.650.6777

  • Forty Acre Rock – Kershaw, SC

    Forty Acre Rock – Kershaw, SC

    story by Zach Hughes | photography provided by Zach Hughes and SCDNR

        One of the things I truly love about traveling in South Carolina is as you travel west from the Pee Dee the landscape slowly changes right before your very eyes. It doesn’t matter which road you take, but with each passing curve, the fields begin to transform into hills. The further west you travel the more dramatic the hills begin to present themselves. Growing up in Florence, which is somewhat flat, the Midlands always had a unique draw to it.

        Of the many roads west that you can see this transformation, one of my favorite drives is to take 151 northwest past Hartsville. I will even admit that I have always been drawn to Hartsville as well because of this. Once you get up around Lake Robinson, the dramatic hills let your eyes see for miles.

        On this particular trip a few weeks ago, we recently found a very interesting and surprising reason to travel right into the Midlands. Located within the east side of Lancaster County, and just outside of Chesterfield and Kershaw Counties, is a place called Forty Acre Rock. Hidden within these hills, the enormous rock covers the top of the tallest surrounding hill and peeks its head through the trees surrounding it.

        Over the years, I have heard friends speak of this rock and thought it was about time I go check it out. As I mentioned before, the drive there was half the fun. Once you have made it past Hartsville, the hills really begin to present themselves as the road begins to rise and fall as if you are navigating a boat over long rolling waves in the ocean.

        Once we got close we decided to take a hike to the rock from the lower parking lot. It just so happens that this was the first day-hike that my wife and I took our newborn son on. Strapped to my chest in a baby carrier, we took off down the trail in search of a big rock.

        Curving through midland hills and luscious green trees the trail took us northward and the path increased in elevation ever so slightly. There was a light drizzle from the overcast sky, but that’s okay, it made the trees seem even greener and more alive. After passing through an opening, cut out for power lines, we found ourselves towing the edge of a small creek that cut through the ground like a snake. In following that creek, it led us to a small waterfall that lay out over a rather large piece of rock cut from the earth. A quick step over the small rocks at the base of the waterfall, and we were faced with a nice steep trail upwards.

        As we hike our way up the edge of the waterfall via roots and jutting rocks, we could tell that the ground was beginning to change. Rocks were becoming even more frequent, and that means we knew we were getting close. The top of the waterfall was merely a small stream that seemed to cut its way through a wall of rock. Around the corner and through more trees we found ourselves at a crossroads. To the right, we could continue to follow the stream and to the left, it looked like it was a trail almost straight up. But through the trees, we could see that at the end of this trail was a clearing. So naturally, we went left. This being the steepest part of the trail we found ourselves some makeshift walking sticks just to help with the climb.

        As we neared the top, the trail was quickly surrounded by rock and the trees came to a sudden end. What we found at the end of the trail was a field of wavy rock slab that seemed to cover acres of land. As we trekked up this patch of rock, our walking sticks scraped against the rock with each step. It almost seemed like an abandoned parking lot that throughout years of wear began to sag and give way to the earth. Small patches of vegetation out of the pools of water and cracks in the rocks told a story of how alive this place was. Near the top, you could see for miles through a clearing in the trees. Although you are not quite on top of the world, you feel like you can see over the Midlands for a fair distance. This patch of rock is also surrounded by a ring of trees and plant life, only to come to an abrupt halt when facing the rock.

        This place is truly unique in the nature of its existence within the Midlands. It is well worth the day trip from wherever you are in our state, even though it is not as well known. It is a decent little hike to the top, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and check the weather before making the trek. All in all, we were pretty well pleased with our experience of the place. As the weather begins to warm up, make sure to take time and go explore this natural wonder. You will be surprised what a place like this may reveal to you.

     

    Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis and their newborn son Christopher (pictured above). Zach is a local entrepreneur and has spent most of his time working around the automotive industry. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism

  • The Mailroom Barber Co.

    The Mailroom Barber Co.

    TRADITIONAL BARBERSHOP + GROOMING SUPPLY

    story by Jordan Pupa | photography provided by The Mailroom Barber Co.

         It is no question that men’s grooming continues to witness phenomenal market growth across the United States. Additionally, millennials are emerging as the next generation of business owners. Some of the most profitable businesses today are run by those under the age of thirty-five. Robert Watkins of The Mailroom Barber Co is no exception. Focused around providing a positive experience for customers, community feel, inclusivity, natural products, and giving back, The Mailroom Barber Co exists for people who refuse to settle for bad haircuts or color, or mass-produced products that just simply don’t work.

         Robert started cutting his own hair in 2012 and later started cutting his friends’ hair too. “I was in school at FMU studying photography and graphic design, but it wasn’t leading me in the career direction I had hoped,” explains Robert. “As I was learning more about cutting hair, I started looking into the barber industry and fell in love. The image of the classic barbershop and the idea of being a Barber struck a chord with me.” Robert left school and started an apprenticeship at Trendsetters Barber Lounge on Pamplico Hwy. He was there for two and a half years. In 2016, at the young age of 21, he opened The Mailroom Barber & Studio with Molly Norton. A few months into business, Robert purchased the Studio from Molly to make it a more unified shop and cohesive brand. Molly Norton is currently the Studio Manager. The studio side of the Florence location specializes in Balayage, vivids, and other coloring services.

         Robert had two focuses when starting The Mailroom Barber Co. First, he was fed up with cheap, mass-produced hair and beard products surrounding the barbering industry. Second, he knew that by consuming products with corrupt supply chains, that we are actually contributing to the problem of underpaid children and slave laborers. In order to make a change, The Mailroom Barber Co makes pomade and other products in-house by hand, strictly using 100% ethically sources ingredients and packaging. Using ethically sourced products is one of the easiest ways to be involved in stopping the abuse of human life because it puts a dent in the market of unethical production and forced or slave labor.

         The full line of high-quality masculine-scented products produced includes a variety of hair pomades, beard products, lip balms, and more, all of which can be purchased online. One of their most popular items is the Pipe Tobacco scented Beard Oil. “That scent, in particular, is the most popular one we make,” shares Robert. “It’s so popular because the scent is made from essential oils which means it isn’t an overpowering fragrance. It’s floral, spicy, and nostalgic. For Father’s Day, I would suggest a Beard Kit with the Pipe Tobacco scent.”

         Robert is excited to be a part of helping Florence grow, specifically by being a part of the revitalized Downtown district. His connection with Florence runs deep, as he was born there and grew up there. The Mailroom Barber & Studio has been so successful that a second location was opened in Greenville, SC. Robert explains that Greenville has been on the horizon for quite some time now. “I happened to meet John Redgrave, the Greenville shop owner, at a perfect time when we were looking heavily into which city to expand to. John and I hit it off immediately and after forming a relationship, I offered him a brand licensing deal. Greenville is one of my favorite cities in South Carolina, so I had no doubts that it would be a great first city to expand to.” Both shops are doing remarkably well. The Florence location has a waiting list of about a month and the shop in West Greenville books about a week out!

         It is clear that Millennials have proven to have the drive and the entrepreneurial spirit needed to run a successful business. Robert would like to expand to a few other cities in South Carolina, but he will need to find the right people first. His current team of master barbers and experienced cosmetologists have come together to do things the right way by creating a neutral space that fosters community and meets their clients’ needs. Visiting this unique and hip barber shop is something you won’t regret.

     

    BEFORE + AFTER WITH KRIS CURTIS

    After

    After taming Kris’s unruly facial hair and providing a hair trim that renewed his confidence, Robert used the Matte Clay Pomade, which has no shine, to complete the look.

     

     “A straight razor shave is something too few people get to experience. We use two hot steam towels and top-shelf shave soap to create an experience that feels more like therapy than grooming. Do future you a favor and put a hot towel shave on the books today.”

     

     

     

     

    THE MAILROOM BARBER & STUDIO

    116-B S IRBY ST, FLORENCE, SC

    (843) 773-0626

    FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM:

    @THEMAILROOMBARBER

    SALON INSTAGRAM:

    @THEMAILROOMSTUDIO

    Book your appointment today online. themailroombarberco.com