Featured Stories - 2019
September 2019
Office of Small Business Opportunity Power Up Pitch Competition Winners
Webgyrlz Code, LLC
1st Place Prize Winner ($1000): Shambi Broome, owner of Webgyrlz Code. Webgyrlz Code gives females superpowers through computer science. The company also teaches them computer programming and introduces the possibilities of a career in technology. For more information log onto www.webgyrlzcode.org. (Prize money sponsored by SC Federal Credit Union. In addition a Marketing Consultation Gift Certificate was sponsored by Splash Omnimedia.)
Touch of Joy International, LLC
2nd Place Prize Winner ($500): Joy L. McLaughlin-Harris, owner of Touch of Joy International, LLC. Touch of Joy International is a client-focused and result driven business that provides transformational speaking, business coaching solutions and leadership education. For more information log onto www.touchofjoy.org. (Prize money sponsored by LLE Construction.)
No Smell
3rd Place Prize Winner ($250): Benton Marion, owner of No Smell. No Smell products and services can help the community rid automobiles and interior spaces of germs, bacteria, and malodorous smells. No Smell products are EPA registered products. (Prize money sponsored by Community Works.)
Elevate Healthcare Solutions, LLC
4th Place Prize Winner ($100): Geveva Holliday, owner of Elevate Healthcare Solutions. Elevate Healthcare Solutions specializes in wound care and foot care delivery with a special concentration of at risk population especially those who are not able to advocate for themselves. For more information log onto www.elevatehealthcareconsulting.com. (Prize money sponsored by KRJ Consulting, LLC.)
Take a Leap Travel, LLC
5th Place Prize Winner ($75): Rhonda Washngton, owner of Take a Leap Travel. Take a Leap Travel is a consultancy not an agency. They provide the services which include speaking engagements, personalized itineraries, and travel merchandise. For more information log onto www.takealeaptravel.com. (Prize money sponsored by KRJ Consulting, LLC.)
Engage Richland: Connecting Small Businesses to Financing and Contracting Opportunities
The Office of Small Business Opportunity will host its first Engage Richland: Connecting Small Businesses to Financing and Contracting Opportunities Summit on Wednesday, September 11, 2019.
This event will be held at the R2i2 Convention Center located at 763 Fashion Drive, Columbia, SC 29229, from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
We are expecting approximately 200-250 participants at this event. This event will provide relevant and timely information for small businesses on how to gain access to capital, pursue contracting opportunities with Richland County departments and to network with other business owners, lenders, affiliates, and partners of Richland County with the hopes of obtaining contracts.
For more information contact at 803-576-1540 or email osbo@richlandcountysc.gov.
To register click on the link engagerichland.eventbrite.com
"Power Up" Pitch Competition guidelines
Pitch Competition Application
July 2019
T/M Maintenance, LLC
In May 2015, Patricia A. Meeks-Jordon and her son Keito L. Jordon decided to pursue their dream of opening a janitorial and landscaping business and successfully launched T/M Maintenance Service, LLC. T/M Maintenance Service, LLC specializes in NAIC codes 561720, Janitorial Service including general and deep cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming; and 561730, Landscaping Service which includes general lawn care, mowing, blowing, edging, pruning/trimming shrubs, and debris removal. Patricia A. Meeks-Jordon, owner and President, employees hold certifications in Plant Growth and Development, Landscaping Design, Landscape Management, Soil Management, and Woody Plants and Shrubs. T/M Maintenance Service, LLC takes pride in creating interiors and exteriors that smell, look clean, and add curve appeal to their client’s residential and commercial businesses.
The company’s vision is to build a multimillion-dollar company statewide that will create long term employment opportunities for individuals and its mission is to beautify the communities and commercial landscapes throughout the Midlands.
T/M Maintenance Service, LLC is a certified as a Richland County Small and Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) and is located in Columbia, SC Richland County Council, District 3. T/M Maintenance is also a certified SCDOT Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Minority Business Contracting and Certification (SMBCC), City of Columbia CDBE and City of Columbia LBE. T/M Maintenance Service is excited about the partnership with Richland County and other SLBEs to promote economic growth and development, and is a proud supporter of Richland County, its residents and is excited for the opportunity to serve.
For more information log onto https://www.tmmaintenanceservice.com
Martin's Motorworx, LLC
In December 2015, Randy and Sheree Martin decided to pursue their dream of opening up a quality automotive repair business and successfully launched Martin’s Motorworx, LLC. Martin’s Motorworx, LLC specializes in foreign and domestic vehicles for individuals and fleet vehicles with certifications in Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes and Mini-Cooper. The company NAICS codes are 811111 and 811198.
Martin’s Motorworx, LLC was certified as a Richland County Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) on August 3, 2018 and is located in Richland County Council District 3, Columbia, SC. For most people, auto maintenance and repair is not fun or convenient. So, Martin’s Motorworx want to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible. They genuinely care about your car and your experience, and it shows. Although you may not be related, they will make you feel like you are part of their family.
You will experience the honesty and integrity of their service and repairs, minimal wait time; scheduled appointments are usually in and out the same day (in most cases). For a small fee they will check your car before you buy or you can buy one of their cars which are already mechanically ready for the road. Martin’s Motorworx will accurate and professional diagnose your vehicle issues and if you if you get it repaired with them, the diagnosis is free. They also offer auto repair financing with no money down.
Martin’s Motorworx, LLC have a 5 star customer rating, an A rating with the BBB and certified with RepairPal to perform work for CarMax, US Auto Sales, USAA and much more. The company also maintains the Columbia Housing Authority fleet.
Martin’s Motorworx, LLC is excited about the partnership with Richland County and other SLBEs to promote economic growth and development. Martin’s Motorworx, LLC is a proud supporter of Richland County, its residents and is excited for the opportunity to serve.
For more information contact services@martinsmotorworx.com or log onto www.martinsmotorworx.com
June 2019
J Haleem Media
J Haleem Media (JHM) is a corporate media production company. J Haleem Media specializes in providing film & photography services to corporations and entrepreneurs in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. JHM produces visual marketing tools for corporate and commercial clients to use for digital marketing and branding.
J Haleem Media was founded by Jamar Washington in 2015 and has quickly grown to be the go to company for many companies and business individuals in the Midlands area. Many of the company’s clients provides services to municipalities, higher education institutions, and companies in five main areas photography, film production, digital media marketing, brand creation, and print media. The firm represents NAICS Codes 541921 and 541922.
J Haleem Media has had the pleasure of working with the following Midlands agencies. State of South Carolina Government, City of Columbia, Richland County Government, University of South Carolina, Midlands Technical College, Richland School District 1, City Year, Parker Poe Law Firm, Solomon Law Group, Alpha Media Group and South Carolina Legal Services.
The company is a certified SLBE the Richland County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity and is located in Richland County District 2.
For more info contact www.jhaleemmedia.com
iRealtyInternational, LLC
On November 29, 2011, April James decided to pursue her dream of opening up a real estate company and successfully launched iRealtyInternational, LLC. iRealtyInternational LLC is a global full service, real estate boutique firm providing professional real estate services to both public and private industry, institutions and government agencies. iRealtyInternational LLC was certified as a Richland County Small and Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) & a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by SCDOT in 2014. iRealtyInternational LLC is located in Richland County, District 2, Columbia, SC.
April Glenn-James is the CEO & Broker In Charge of iRealtyInternational. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and a Certified Green Professional, she actively engages in green building, sustainability and efficient and effective use of energy and materials through green company initiatives. She received her Certified International Property Specialist certificate which is only provided to the top 10% of brokers in the world which allows her to provide expertise in international real estate transactions. April has earned a reputation for providing skilled and practical guidance to business owners, professional organizations and individuals for over 13 years. April’s comprehensive understanding of the real estate market and exclusive marketing plan makes her highly qualified and capable of providing a unique and valuable service to all her clients. April works with a team of professionals who exude professionalism, knowledge and great customer service to successfully close any transaction, smoothly and quickly. Her areas of expertise in real estate include: • Waterfront Property • First Time Home Buyers • Luxury Properties • Commercial Properties • Investment Properties • Military Relocation She has extensive tenant and landlord representation experience nationwide. April has brokered many significant home, building and land sales throughout the Columbia Area including hotels, development of medical office space and large office buildings. iRealtyInternational’s current real estate portfolio holdings is valued over $12 million. April has built a network of partners that spans the region, the U.S and the globe. iRealtyInternational LLC is excited about the partnership with Richland County and other SLBEs to promote economic growth and development. iRealtyInternational LLC is a proud supporter of Richland County, its residents and is excited for the opportunity to serve.
For more info contact www.irealtyinternational.com
May 2019
Sims Petroleum Company, LLC
In December 2017, Wayne Sims launched Sims Petroleum Company, LLC headquartered in Columbia, SC. Sims Petroleum Company is a Distributor and Transporter of bulk fuel products specializing in Gasoline, Diesel, Ethanol, Biodiesel and Jet Fuel. Their mission is to provide their customers with competitive pricing, excellent customer service and to delivery on their promise of providing quality fuel products in a timely manner. The company NAICS codes are 324110 and 424720. Sims Petroleum Company was certified as a Richland County Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) on April 5, 2019. Sims Petroleum Company is located in Richland County Council, District 4, Columbia, SC.
Mr. Sims is the owner and CEO of Sims Petroleum Company and his staff consist of at least one employee with background and skill sets in the petroleum business. Wayne Sims is a graduate Scholar of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Entrepreneurship Program class of 2017. Sims Petroleum Company covers the entire Southeast Region with service locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia and Florida. Sims Petroleum Company holds Motor Fuel Licenses in each of these States as well.
In addition, Sims Petroleum Company is SCDOT ACDBE & DBE Certified, SCDOT SBE Certified, Governor’s Office Small and Minority Certified, City of Columbia SLBE Certified, City of Charleston SBE Certified, and Charleston County SBE Certified, NCDOT ACDBE & DBE Certified, NC HUB Certified, NC SBE Certified, City of Charlotte MBE & SBE Certified, VDOT ACDBE & DBE Certified, MDOT MBE/SBE/ACDBE & DBE Certified, GDOT ACDBE & DBE Certified, GDOT MBE Certified, FDOT ACDBE & DBE Certified and National Minority Supplier Development Council Certified. Sims Petroleum Company is excited about the partnership with Richland County and other SLBEs to promote economic growth and development. Sims Petroleum Company is a proud supporter of Richland County, its residents and is excited for the opportunity to serve.
For more information log onto https://simspetroleum.com
Chason Landscaping
David Marion and his family have owned Chason Landscaping for almost 20 years. Their desire is to serve the people of Richland County by making outdoors spaces more beautiful and enjoyable. Chason Landscaping is committed to meet all of your landscaping and irrigation needs. This includes landscaping and irrigation design and installment, fountains, pumping systems, water features, athletic fields and playgrounds, pavers, retaining walls, storm water piping, utility work, small site work and erosion management. Chason Landscaping is actively managed by David Marion whose breadth of experience lends to excellence in his design work and implementation in jobs of all sizes and complexities. He and his crew are committed to providing their clients professional, timely and quality work to your specifications. Chason belongs to Carolinas AGC, SC Green Industry Association, and is a certified Small Local Business Enterprise since 2018. Chason Landscaping is located in Blythewood, SC, Richland County Council District 2.
Chason Landscaping employs 11 crew members with backgrounds and skill sets in all types of irrigation, dirt work and exterior projects. The crew’s variety of experiences will bring expertise to your job. Chason Landscaping maintains a fleet of vehicles and equipment just right for the work you need. They specialize in meeting your most challenging needs with creative solutions to accomplish the goals for your project.
Chason Landscaping is excited about the partnership with Richland County and other SLBEs to promote economic growth and development in Richland County. David Marion and Chason Landscaping are proud supporters of Richland County and its residents.
For more information log onto www.chasonlandscaping.com or find them at www.facebook.com/chasonlandscaping.
April 2019
Carolina Cardiac Care, LLC
C. Celena Allen matriculated from Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC in 2003 with Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Biology and obtained a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from Webster University in Columbia, SC. She is a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS), and a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT). She completed course work at Midlands Technical College, Columbia, SC in 2005-2006 excelling in its well-known and advanced Cardiovascular Sonography Program. In addition to course work, she performed all her clinical rotations through the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC.
In 2017, Ms. Allen decided to pursue her dream of opening a Cardiovascular Ultrasound Company and successfully launched Carolina Cardiac Care, LLC as owner and CEO. Carolina Cardiac Care is a mobile company that specializes in Adult Echocardiography, Carotid Duplex, Arterial Doppler, Venous Doppler, Renal Doppler, Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm Ultrasound, and Ankle Brachial Index non-invasive diagnostic testing. The company offers services to hospitals, private practices, and state/federal agencies. Carolina Cardiac Care utilizes NAICS codes 621512 and 561990.
Carolina Cardiac Care was certified as a Richland County Small and Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) on March 21, 2019 and is located in Richland County Council District 2. She is also certified as a Woman Owned Business (WBE), Minority Owned Business (MBE), and an American Registry of Medical Sonographers (AE/VT) (ARDMS).
For more information log onto website: https://ccccardiac.org
M Benton, LLC
In April 2017 Marion Benton made the decision to embark on a new venture! Mr. Benton has always had an Entrepreneurial mindset! His new business No Smell was successfully launched to aide in helping others have a germ-free space. NAICS Codes 423850 & 424690. No Smell is a Deodorizing & Sanitizing Business specializing in eliminating odors from any space you own.
No Smell is certified Janitorial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesaler, and Janitorial Chemicals Merchant Wholesaler. No Smell is a mobile service company. No Smell was certified as a Richland County Emerging Small Local Business Enterprise (ESLBE) on April 11, 2017. It is located in Richland County, District 9, Columbia, SC.
The owner and CEO, Marion Benton handles all duties of the company. He transfers his skill set from the Navy as a Military Veteran. In the Navy he learned hard work, dedication, and commitment. He also credits his status as a Kidney Transplant Patient, for his passion for making sure more spaces in everyday life are germ free.
No Smell is excited about the partnership with Richland County and other SLBEs to promote economic growth and development. No Smell is a proud supporter of Richland County, its residents and is excited for the opportunity to serve.
For more information contact website: https://Nosmellservices.com
March 2019
Brownstone Construction Group, LLC
Brownstone Construction Group, LLC, Management and Construction Company specializing in NAICS code 236220, which includes Construction Management, Commercial and Institutional Building and Architectural Design Services. Brownstone was recertified as a Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) through the Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) in 2018, and is located in Columbia, Richland County, District 4. Brownstone was founded in 2005 by Dale Collier and Darrell Campbell as an Agency Construction Management Firm providing services for clients by undertaking large building programs. They envisioned the development of a full-service design and planning firm focused on completing projects better than the rest of the market place. They seek strategic opportunities that showcase their talent. Brownstone Construction Group was named the 2018 Business of the Year by the United States Black Chamber of Commerce (USBC). They were also recognized in the Top 50 of Agency CM’s Nationwide in the July 2018 edition of Building Design and Construction Magazine, Formal Receipt of National Certification by the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (July 2018), Selection with Turner Construction to complete the International African American Museum for the City of Charleston, Selection as Design Architectural Firm by Saluda, Charleston and Bamberg School Districts (with others pending), Selection as CM Agent by Savannah Chatham County Public School System, Selection as CM Agent by the City of North Charleston for the North Charleston Aquatic Center, Selection with Gilbane Company to continue our partnership at the ongoing USC Law School Renovations, MUSC Children’s Hospital named NAMC National Project of the Year, Completed USC Law School project being recognized as one of ENR Southeast’s 2017 Best Projects, Pending Selection as teaming partner to the upcoming $140M City of Savannah Arena Project, Ongoing exceptional work in Charleston and Darlington School Districts, Major progress in partnership with MB Kahn at Spartanburg High School, and continued success with the Richland County Penny Transportation Program. Brownstone group is excited about its partnership with Richland County and looks forward to serving the community.
For more information contact www.bstonegroup.com
DAD N Associates, LLC
DAD N Associates, LLC is a Traffic and Transportation Engineering Company specializing in NAICS code 541330, Civil Engineering Services and Engineering Consulting Services. While the company was established in August 2017 they have over 30 years of government experience here in the United States and in the United Kingdom. It is at the core of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, where moving goods and people is all about economic sustainability. Their knowledge, skills, and expertise provides intelligent, innovative, and practical solutions that help address the unique transportation needs of their clients. DAD N Associates offers services in traffic data collections and analysis, traffic engineering studies and design recommendations, highway design and review, transportation planning, ITS and connected vehicle technology, macro and micro simulations modeling, safety engineering analysis and design, and training on real world micro simulation. A few notable projects performed by the Principle Engineer while employed with South Carolina Department of Transportation are, State Wide Congested Corridor Management Plans, valued at $15 million dollars for six corridors; SC 101 Corridor Management Study Spartanburg, SC, no funding identified; and South Carolina State Wide Congestion Report, no funding identified. DAD N Associates was certified as an Emerging Small Local Business Enterprise (ESLBE) through the Richland County Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) on April 13, 2018 and is located in Columbia, Richland County, District 3.
For more information contact www.dadnassociates.com