2021 SC Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies
Nov 05, 2021 05:03PM ● By David Dykes
The SC 50 Fastest Growing Companies were honored Oct. 12, 2021, at a recognition ceremony at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Simpsonville-based bioPURE, a microbial disinfection company, was named No. 1.
The competition recognizes achievements of top-performing private and publicly owned companies headquartered in South Carolina that have contributed to the state’s economy through exceptional increases in revenues and employment.
More than 200 representatives of businesses around the state attended the event, which featured a keynote address by South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.
BlueCross Blue Shield of South Carolina received the South Carolina Economic Impact Award, which recognizes companies headquartered in the state that have produced extraordinary results.
Four companies were honored with the South Carolina Excellence in Business Awards. Palmetto GBA, a Columbia-based provider of claims and transaction processing, received the Employee Retention Award, while Langston Construction Company of Piedmont took the Client Retention Award.
Also honored were South Carolina Steel of Taylors, which received the Revenue Growth Award, and Marleylilly, an ecommerce boutique based in Greer, which won the Philanthropy Award.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the SC Fastest Growing Companies awards, presented by The Capital Corporation and co-sponsored by Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly, Charleston Business Magazine, HUB International Carolinas Insurance and Morgan Stanley|The Pebble Group.
This year, the list was expanded from 25 to 50 businesses.
#01 bioPURE
Location:
Simpsonville
Industry:
Infection control and sanitization
Leadership:
Brandon Kinder, President and CEO
Brandon Kinder, president and CEO of bioPURE, had an aha moment in 2013 at the World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Kinder, a 2006 graduate of The Citadel, was working in sales. He was attending a dental show when he overheard another vendor talking about how technology was about to revolutionize infection control.
“That comment got down in my gut and got down in my spirit, and I never could shake it,” Kinder says now. “It was a gentleman selling some new (product). … But that comment is what really stuck with me.”
That chance encounter led him, three years later, to create bioPURE, a microbial disinfection company. BioPURE has found greater success in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic that brought germ control to the forefront of the fight to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
While a sanitization company seems like an obvious choice in 2021, five years ago it was a tougher sell. And it was a gamble for Kinder and his wife, who were expecting their second child at the time.
Back then, the goal was to prevent the spread of illnesses such as flu, MRSA, and E. coli.
“We were kind of like Noah building the ark,” Kinder says. “I started running around the Upstate of South Carolina in 2016 and 2017 telling people that, ‘We’ve been tricked. You need to take germs more seriously. Germs connect us all. You’re not doing a proper job of cleaning and sanitizing.’ We’ve gotten really good at cleaning, but we didn’t understand that there was such thing as a difference between cleaning vs. sanitizing vs. disinfecting vs. sterilization.”
As Kinder explains it, cleaning removes organic material that makes a surface dirty, while sterilization, the highest level of cleanliness, kills all pathogens.
In addition to sanitization, bioPURE has an agricultural arm, which assists growers in finding effective methods for applying fertilizer to their crops.
BioPURE, headquartered in Simpsonville, uses electrostatic applicators, which have long been common in agriculture and the automotive industry, to apply the sanitization agents.
“One thing we like to say is that we use physics and chemistry, not Jimmys and Johns. There’s nothing wrong with people … but physics and chemistry are a lot better than Jimmys and Johns.”
The pandemic has brought a deeper awareness of germs and cross-contamination, which has boosted Kinder’s business.
Kinder has a clear vision for the future of bioPURE.
“When we look at what the next two to five years looks like, it’s continuing to educate people on the importance of sanitizing and disinfection, but it’s got to be centered on education. … (Sanitization) should become standard operating procedure in the way you operate your home, and the way that you operate your business.”
#02 Industrial Project Innovation
Location:
Greenville
Industry:
Industrial Construction
Leadership:
Kevin Ball, President
At IPI, the company focuses on project and construction management and building long-term relationships with its clients in more than a dozen states.
It works globally in multiple industries, including automotive, government, aerospace, aluminum rolling and forging, life sciences, EV batteries, food and beverage, and consumer products.
The company in 2021 is celebrating its fifth anniversary, and Inc. Magazine revealed that Industrial Project Innovation was No. 106 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.
The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment — its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
Industrial Project Innovation’s owner and president, Kevin Ball, said, “IPI is very happy to be named in the Inc. 5000 list for the second year in a row. We have continued to experience excellent growth even in the uncertainty that 2020 brought. We feel very fortunate and thankful for this. We appreciate the trust our clients have placed in us, the vendors that have supported us and most of all for our teammates who have made this possible.”
At IPI, one of its owners is assigned to each client relationship to support IPI’s project teams as needed for the work’s success. The company focuses on excellent performance, eliminating waste and bureaucracy, and building trust with its clients.
From concept to operations, IPI offers:
INITIAL PLANNING: Site option analysis, initial process/facility concept development, selection support of program service providers, local government relations, and initial budget and development schedule.
PROJECT PLANNING: IPI provides integrated project planning from concept to operation, beginning at the earliest phases of a project. It sets program targets for each project’s critical success factor, develops a project execution plan and finalizes contracting strategy. It reviews design development, development of project objectives, evaluates local contractor and supplier capability, manages incentive package commitments, develops a workforce training plan, and develops risk management strategy.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT: IPI offers complete project management leadership including design, procurement, construction quality, and safety services. Company officials finalize a project-execution plan, develop detailed design documents, implement procurement plan/supplier selection, set up site temporary facilities, begin site operations, and complete operations and maintenance planning.
PROJECT CONTROLS: IPI says it has complete project controls capability including estimating, scheduling, cost, risk, and change management.
PROJECT DELIVERY: IPI offers integrated project planning and project delivery acting as construction manager or contractor with an owner’s focus.
On its website, the company says: “We leverage our extensive network of industry experts to seamlessly deliver your industrial construction project.
“From front-end planning to ongoing plant operations, you can rest assured that IPI will be your trusted partner and offer support during the entire project lifecycle. We allow you to focus on your day-to-day responsibilities.”
#03 SteelCore Industrial, Construction and Welding Supply
Location:
Spartanburg
Industry:
Metal-working tools, equipment and supplies
Leadership:
Brandon Coates, CEO; Wayne Coates, President
SteelCore Industrial, Construction and Welding Supply began when father and son Wayne and Brandon Coates saw an unfilled niche.
Wayne Coates, now 58, was selling nuts, bolts and other construction products, while son Brandon, now 31, was selling welding supplies and steel.
“But we were going after the same people, so buyers were having to go to multiple companies to get what they needed,” SteelCore CEO Brandon Coates said. “The idea of making it easier for buyers with a one-stop shop for everything was enticing.”
SteelCore, the third-fastest growing private company in South Carolina, markets an array of products, from power tools and welding gases to construction anchors and steel. Its market isn’t limited to builders, as customers include the military, which employs SteelCore products on aircraft carriers, submarines and armored vehicles, and schools, which purchase face masks and hand sanitizer.
Spartanburg-based SteelCore’s success begins and ends with service, according to Brandon Coates.
“We take being service-oriented to a different level. We deliver daily, while some of our competitors only deliver once a week,” he said. “Sometimes we’ll make multiple deliveries to the same customer in a day, and we don’t charge for delivery.”
SteelCore runs delivery trucks daily to Charleston, Charlotte and Anderson, in addition to having a vehicle for local deliveries. But it also has trucks available to fill emergency orders.
“Our speed and agility is very impressive,” Brandon Coates said.
SteelCore serves the Carolinas and Georgia and has 10 employees. Started in 2013, it plans to add two additional locations.
Wayne and Brandon started SteelCore with the idea of not repeating issues they saw in companies they’d worked for previously.
“We identified what we didn’t like about where we’d been before and said, let’s not do that,” Brandon Coates said. “For one thing, we’ve developed a culture where work ethic is rewarded. You can do a lot with motivated employees.”
The pair balance each other in terms of responsibilities.
“My job is sales, and his is keeping the operation going,” Brandon said.
SteelCore began with no inventory and an empty building, but there was no doubt the company would be a success, Brandon Coates said.
#04 Flexspace
Charleston, SC
Todd Jessup, Principal and Founder
A storage solution provider that embraces technology and connectivity for greater efficiency while designing solutions with an eye toward future sustainability. Flexspace’s core competencies include design, engineering, installation and support of high-density, automated storage solutions across a wide range of markets and applications.
#05 Luxor Scientific, LLC
Greenville, SC.
Ryan Flanagan, CEO
An accredited full-service clinical laboratory that provides timely and high-quality test results, processing up to 400,000 specimens per month to enable clinicians to diagnose, treat and monitor health conditions. Luxor’s laboratory experience and expertise ensures that it delivers innovative products and services with maximum value, including clinical utility, cost-effectiveness, timeliness and reliability.
#06 Logisticus Group
Greenville, SC
Vikash Patel, President
Transportation logistics, project management and technology company that supports projects through North and South America by employing processes and technology solutions to deliver more predictable, controlled, efficient and expedited projects. Logisticus believes its processes, technology solutions, personnel and business model deliver a more predictable, controlled, efficient and expedited project.
#07 Kelley Engineering
Piedmont, SC
Matt Kelley, President and CEO
Engineering and manufacturing company serving a broad customer base across the Southeast. Kelley Engineering specializes in designing and building custom automation equipment as well as providing machining and metal fabrication services to a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, ceramics, injection molding, medical, packaging, tires and general manufacturing.
#08 Adapt Forward
North Charleston, SC
Rich Bowman, CEO
Professional services consulting firm focused on cybersecurity and related technical solutions. Adapt Forward specializes in Defensive and Offensive cyber capabilities. It strives to rewrite the rulebook on how cyber defense and incident response is done with a blend of offense to validate our defense.
#09 Blue Sky Specialty Pharmacy
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Curt Nesbitt, CEO
www.blueskyspecialtypharmacy.com
Blue Sky Specialty Pharmacy uses technology to enhance the pharmacy experience. Patients are better informed, better supported and more empowered; doctors and staff are released from administrative burdens; and payers and manufacturers benefit from knowledge of improved client care, increased confidence in regulatory adherence and compliance, and improved health outcomes.
#10 Catch Talent, LLC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Christina Lock, CEO and Founder
High-touch recruiting agency offering a full range of flexible solutions, including direct-placement hiring, recruitment-process outsourcing, contract and contract-to-hire models. Catch Talent delivers end-to-end talent acquisition solutions to growing technology, digital media and professional services companies, allowing companies to scale quickly to meet demand.
#11 Palmetto Fortis Marketing LLC
Greenville, SC
Tim Morgan, CEO
www.palmettofortiseducation.com
Palmetto Fortis Marketing LLC is a sales and marketing company serving the private and Christian school markets by partnering with organizations that strive for excellence in both products and services. Palmetto Fortis offers an extensive database of 26,000-plus private and Christian schools in the domestic and international markets.
#12 ClaimLogiq
Mount Pleasant, SC
Todd Hill, CEO and Founder
Customized payment integrity firm with emphasis on providing software and technology, handling virtually limitless claim volumes customized for all manner of healthcare payers. The company, with a client-facing, transparent approach to payment integrity, is dedicated to innovation through continuous self-improvement, in-process transparency and client-driven control.
#13 TerraStride Inc.
Columbia, SC
Lanford Holloway, CEO and Founder
TerraStride Inc. provides mapping applications for sportsmen, land managers and land brokers, enabling people to create, share and publish maps using any device, at home or in the field. TerraStride’s mapping technology helps people enjoy, manage and market land through two distinct product lines, land brokerage software, and hunting and land management software.
#14 Preferred Home Services
North Charleston, SC
Chris DiCampli, Co-Owner
Plumbing, electrical repair, heating system installation and air conditioner repair firm which tailors services to boost customer ease and convenience. Preferred Home Services has managed tens of thousands of jobs throughout the region, providing home and business owners with reliable solutions.
#15 Frampton Construction
Ladson, SC
Chad Frampton, President and CEO
Full-service construction firm offering planning and design support, preconstruction and construction services, managing projects in the Southeast and beyond. Frampton Construction takes pride in building strong relationships with clients while providing the highest quality of service. It delivers personal oversight throughout the building process while working diligently to exceed expectations.
#16 SC Steel, LLC
Taylors, SC
Charles Wall, President
SC Steel LLC is a steel fabrication company serving industrial, commercial, distribution and office facilities throughout the United States since 1952. SC Steel has grown rapidly since acquisition by FabSouth in 2018 through investment in capital improvements that enable it to provide steel at competitive prices and on accelerated schedules.
#17 Stokes & Company, CPAs
Greenville, SC
Stephen Stokes, President
Stokes & Company CPAs is a certified professional accounting firm offering a variety of accounting, payroll and tax services to companies of all sizes and industries as well as individuals through four locations across Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina. Stokes’ accounting services are designed to relieve clients of day-to-day paperwork.
#18 PrideStaff
Greenville, SC
Gary Brons, Owner and Strategic Partner
Recruiting and staffing agency specializing in placement of light industrial and office clerical positions for a variety of companies in Upstate South Carolina. PrideStaff is a member of a national franchised staffing organization with more than 80 offices and 5,000 clients.
#19 Capital Waste Services
Columbia, SC
Matt Parker, CEO and President
Capital Waste Services is a waste services company supplying 9,500 commercial and industrial customers and more than 65,000 residential customers with dependable waste and recycling services. Capital Waste Services employs more than 220 waste industry professionals and features a leadership team made up of experienced industry executives.
#20 SEJ Services, LLC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Brandon Schneider, CEO and Owner
SEJ Services LLC is a commercial janitorial and facility services company providing services to more than 400 facilities across the Southeast, including office, industrial, manufacturing, healthcare and educational facilities. SEJ strives to establish partnerships with its customers with the goal of being the best-positioned, most-trusted choice for janitorial and facility services throughout the Southeast.
#21 Diesel Laptops
Irmo, SC
Tyler Robertson, CEO
Founded in 2015, Diesel Laptops provides specialized diesel diagnostic equipment for the commercial truck, construction, automobile, agriculture and off-highway markets. Diesel Laptops focuses on providing diesel diagnostic tools and repair information. The company prides itself on being diesel diagnostic experts and offering customers strong customer service.
#22 Eye Health America
Easley, SC
Mary Lou Parisi, Co-CEO
Eye Health America partners with best-in-class eye care practices and ambulatory surgery centers in the Southeast to provide clinical care to the region. Member practices offer full-service integrated eye care from routine eye exams, contact lenses and glasses to medical ophthalmology and surgery including cataract, cornea, LASIK, retina, glaucoma, pediatrics and oculoplastics.
#23 MedTrust Holdings, Inc.
Hanahan, SC
Lenna Macdonald, CEO
Mobile healthcare provider focusing on serving hospital systems throughout the Southeast by operating 24-hour ambulance services and using data-driven, innovative methodologies. MedTrust Holdings Inc., with 450 employees, has a fleet of fully equipped ambulances, high-tech dispatch and state-of-the-art compliance systems. It serves more than 50,000 patients per year.
#24 Matt O’Neill Real Estate
Mount Pleasant, SC
Matt O’Neill, CEO
Matt O’Neill Real Estate features a team of real estate agents that puts innovative marketing strategies to work to sell high-end properties in the Charleston area. High-quality marketing tools such as 360-degree video walk-throughs positioned across wide-reaching platforms and close relationships with sellers help make connections with buyers.
#25 Creative Builders Inc.
Greenville, SC
Will McCauley, President
General contracting firm licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee. Creative Builders Inc., a 50-year-old firm, has used a hands-on project-management approach to become one of the fastest-growing commercial builders in the region. As a general contractor, Creative Builders Inc. touts its highly diversified portfolio and quality reputation.
#26 Clear Touch
Greenville, SC
Keone Trask, President and Founder
Clear Touch develops products for education, business and government entities, including multi-touch interactive panels, software suites and accessories. It also serves as an exclusive reseller of Clear Digital products. The company’s commitment to its customers, the reliability of its products and its industry-leading innovation has paved the way for its growth.
#27 Langston Construction Co. of Piedmont, LLC
Piedmont, SC
James Braswell, Owner
langstonconstr.com
Langston Construction Co. of Piedmont LLC is a general contracting firm begun in 1969, that provides commercial, industrial and environmental construction services in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Langston Construction is experienced in constructing industrial buildings, wastewater treatment plants, renovations and expansions, water treatment plants, plant maintenance and commercial buildings.
#28 Vapor Apparel
Hanahan, SC
Jackson Burnett, President
A manufacturer of clothing and accessories geared toward people passionate about outdoor- and water-related sports. Founded in 2004, Vapor Apparel creates sun-protection gear with technical fabrics that are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, cooling and odor-resistant, protecting skin against 98% of UV rays whether the garment is wet or dry. Vapor Apparel’s built-in UPF 50+ SOLAR BLOC technology is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. The company also makes ECO-BLOQ sustainable clothing, created from recycled plastic water bottles.
#29 Jeff Cook Enterprises LLC
Charleston, SC
Jeff Cook, CEO/Owner
Jeff Cook became a real estate agent after being laid off from his job in 2002. He opened his first office in 2010 and split off to become Jeff Cook Real Estate in 2015. The company now has offices in several South Carolina cities, including Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Rock Hill. The company’s vision is “to redefine the method in which real estate is sold,” and its mission is “to empower our team to deliver the best service and to empower our clients to reach their real estate goals.”
#30 Sunny Days Entertainment LLC
Simpsonville, SC
Melvin Wells, Partner/CEO
A leading supplier, distributor and manufacturer of branded and licensed toys across multiple product categories. Established in 2012, the company makes products ranging from vehicles to bubble products to collectibles. Sunny Day brands include Maxx Action, Pop-N-Play, Elite Force, Fun! Bucket, Ravel Tales and more. The company has licensing agreements with Mattel to create Barbie Pop-Up Tents and Thomas the Tank Engine Play Tunnels and Activity Pits. Sunny Days Entertainment’s mission is “spreading sunshine through traditional, creative play.”
#31 National Land Realty
Greenville, SC
Jason Walter, CEO
A company that specializes in purchasing, leasing and selling farm, ranch, hunting and wildlife land, recreational, timber, country estates, waterfront properties and commercial development properties. National Land Realty says its job is to create solutions for landowners and those seeking to become landowners. Its agents offer local expertise with the support of a national network, along with game-changing technology and unprecedented data. The company has offices around the state, including Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and Florence.
#32 Cantey Foundation Specialists
Camden, SC
William Cantey, Owner
The company provides residential foundation repair, and its mission is to create life-changing experiences for customers and the community by redefining the industry and changing customer expectations. The company strives to give customers high-quality, long-lasting results, and is constantly refining its process in search of new and better methods. Its other services include crawl space repair, concrete leveling, basement waterproofing and commercial construction services. Cantey Foundation Specialists has offices in Camden, Roebuck, North Charleston, Augusta and Charlotte.
#33 Integrated Biometrics
Spartanburg, SC
Shawn O’Rourke, CEO
The company, headquartered in Spartanburg, was founded in 2002 as an alternative solution to the commonly used traditional optical and silicon fingerprint technologies. The company’s patented light-emitting sensor film technologies provide enrollment and verification fingerprint sensors to hardware integrators, software and database providers and contractors serving government agencies and commercial markets worldwide. Integrated Biometrics products are used by Homeland Security, Border Patrol, law enforcement and other government and commercial applications.
#34 Marleylilly LLC
Greer, SC
Kelly Owens, Founder
Ecommerce monogramming and personalized gift boutique. The company was established in 2010 when the company’s founder had to buy wedding gifts for a dozen friends while staying within her budget. She bought a monogram machine from eBay and began creating one-of-a-kind gifts. Eleven years later, the company’s product line features clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, gifts and more. The company began in the founder’s home and now utilizes a 154,000-square-foot facility.
#35 Blue Haven Pools
Charleston, SC
Steve Treese, President
The company builds swimming pools and provides supplies and maintenance services to Charleston and the Tri-County area. The company is locally owned but has relationships with a nationwide network of suppliers to offer quality products at competitive prices. Founded in 1954, Blue Haven Pools uses 3D design software to create custom-designed pools, waterfalls, hot tubs and more.
#36 Cantey Tech Consulting
North Charleston, SC
Willis Cantey, CEO
Founded in 2007, Cantey Tech Consulting provides IT support and consulting that includes cloud and hosting services, virtual private servers, help desk support, advanced security, hosting and backups in Charleston and around the Southeast. Its team of support clients ranges from medium-sized businesses to law firms to medical practices, and the company also supports schools in the Southeast.
#37 Docugraphics LLC
Charleston, SC
Thomas Fimian, Owner/CEO
Office equipment supplier that offers a full line of Xerox copiers, printers and services through its network of agents, dealers and resellers. Docugraphics’ managed IT services include the full spectrum of technology solutions, such as remote monitoring, backup and recovery, managed security, network assessments and network management. The company’s mission statement is “to increase our customers’ business success with innovative and customized document workflow solutions.”
#38 Kopis
Greenville, SC
Andrew Kurtz, CEO
A technology firm focused on providing high-impact software and cloud solutions to businesses and state agencies around the Southeast. Kopis, which was named the 2020 Greenville Chamber Small Business of the Year, offers a variety of custom software and technology solutions to help businesses grow. Its services include software and app development, workflow automation, business intelligence and SQL managed services.
#39 Thorne Ambulance Service
Greenville, SC
Ryan Thorne, Founder and CEO
Family-owned and -operated mobile medicine provider with operations in Greenville, Myrtle Beach and Laurens. Thorne Ambulance Service provides wheelchair, basic and advanced life support services and has partnerships with Mercy/Bon Secours in Greenville, AnMed in Pickens and HCA Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach. Thorne also offers standby services to special events in connection with its partnerships with Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Clemson University, Furman University, Anderson Motor Speedway, and others.
#40 JEAR Logistics
Mount Pleasant, SC
Mark Neumeyer, CEO
JEAR Logistics is a third-party freight brokerage firm that provides over-the-road truckload and LTL hauling services. Established in 2007, JEAR Logistics made a commitment to exceed expectations by developing strong relationships with customers and carriers. JEAR focuses on the refrigerated sector of the 3PL industry, providing on-time delivery safely and with integrity. The company’s logistics sales executives are committed to carriers and to customers’ needs, offering real-time responses 24 hours a day.
#41 AFF Group
Lyman, SC
Ben Leinster, CEO
AFF, which stands for American Foam and Fabric, manufactures laminated textiles, coated fabrics, foam and other advanced materials. Its products are designed for the automotive, hospitality, residential, commercial, health care and aviation industries. The company was founded more than three decades ago and worked with automotive aftermarket interiors in the beginning. Its products are now distributed locally and globally.
#42 A3 Communications Inc.
Irmo, SC
Brian Thomas, President
Systems integrator that offers IT and physical security solutions, with 24/7 service across the Southeast. The company serves more than 2,500 clients with solutions that range from IP video surveillance to structured cabling to networking security, along with virtualization and storage. Founded in 1990, A3 Communications joined forces in 2019 with The Cook & Boardman Group LLC, the nation’s largest distributor of commercial doors and hardware.
#43 Myrtle Beach Hyundai
Myrtle Beach, SC
Freddie Hyatt, Dealer Principal
Mickey Turner, General Sales Manager
This car dealership has been family-owned since 1999. Myrtle Beach Hyundai sells new and used vehicles and offers leasing and automobile financing. In addition to Myrtle Beach, the company serves the communities of Conway, Georgetown, Little River and Socastee. Myrtle Beach Hyundai also has a car repair and servicing department.
#44 Custom Equipment
Charleston, SC
Bobby Riggs, President
Material handling equipment supplier. Custom Equipment began operations in 1978, and its services include custom packaging, facilities, storage, ergonomics, container repair and maintenance, and custom fabrication. The company services many industries, including agricultural, food and pharmaceutical. Its products include conveyors, totes and bins, and powered utility carts.
#45 Plus-Plus USA
Greenville, SC
Ryan Hamilton, Head of Operations
and Product Development
Plus-Plus USA creates toys and other products designed to inspire kids and adults to create in new ways. Its toys are manufactured in Denmark using zero-plastic-waste technology that’s powered by wind energy. Plus-Plus USA ships to more than 5,000 retailers, as well as consumers nationwide from its Greenville warehouse.
#46 J. Musselman Construction
Charleston, SC
Jon Musselman, President
www.jmusselmanconstruction.com
J. Musselman Construction is a full-service general contractor founded in 2006. The company holds unlimited general contractor licenses in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, and has an unlimited construction manager license in South Carolina. J. Musselman Construction has experience in all aspects of commercial construction, with a particular emphasis in medical, office and retail.
#47 Spartanburg Meat Processing
Spartanburg, SC
JoAnne LaBounty, President
Spartanburg Meat Processing offers fully cooked pork baby back ribs, as well as value-added proteins for the grocery and restaurant industries. The company services the military, along with the entire United States, and exports its products to seven countries. In 2020, Spartanburg Meat Processing products could be found in 30,000 U.S. grocery stores.
#48 KRJ Consulting LLC
Columbia, SC
Karen R. Jenkins, President and CEO
Provides management consulting, information technology and innovative learning services to federal and local government clients, corporations and small businesses. KRJ Consulting, founded in 2008, offers a Synergy Leadership Assessment to clients to help them develop results-driven organizational change. KRJ Consulting’s core values are “Helping people, adding value, making a difference.”
#49 PCI Group Inc.
Fort Mill, SC
Christian Kropac Jr., President and Co-Founder
Provides mission-critical print and mail communications services for businesses where client-centric data is key and security is critical. PCI Group also delivers workflow solutions that utilize advanced technology, experience, compliance security, document processing, direct mail and data security. PCI Group serves many industries, including insurance, health care, telecommunications and utilities.
#50 9Round Franchising LLC
Simpsonville, SC
Heather Hudson, Co-Founder and COO
www.9round.com/fitness-franchises
Full-body kickboxing program that began in Simpsonville and has now expanded to more than 700 franchise locations in 17 countries. Founded in 2009, 9Rounds offers two ownership models: semi-absentee owner and owner-operator. The 9Rounds workout incorporates interval, cardiovascular and circuit training regimens at nine workout stations around the club.
2021 Special Awards
South Carolina Business Awards, home of the official S.C. 50 Fastest Growing Companies program, announced that BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is the recipient of the 2021 South Carolina Economic Impact Award.
The prestigious award, sponsored by BMW Manufacturing Co., recognizes companies in the Palmetto State that have achieved extraordinary results. The award honors companies from across the state in a variety of industries, each offering outstanding contributions to South Carolina’s economy.
“It is an honor for BMW to sponsor The SC Economic Impact Award and recognize BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina for contributing to the growth and sustainability of our great state,” says Max Metcalf, manager, government and community relations for BMW Manufacturing Co.
“As the only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance carrier, we have been offering security to the state’s citizens for 75 years and we are honored to receive the SC Economic Impact Award,” says Matt Shaffer, senior vice president, major group of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. “Then and now, we have remained true to our unwavering commitment to fulfill our mission to serve our customers well and continue our efforts to improve the communities we serve.”
At the SC 50 Fastest Growing Companies® awards ceremony, held Oct. 12, four companies were rewarded with South Carolina Excellence in Business awards.
The companies that received the recognition are:
Revenue:
• South Carolina Steel
Philanthropy:
• Marleylilly
Client Retention:
• Langston Construction Company
Employee Retention:
• Palmetto GBA