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Founding Families and Framing Families of The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina
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We are independent family enterprise owners with entrepreneurial spirit and belief in free enterprise. We are family enterprises that have transitioned into and beyond the second generation; well beyond start up.
We have experienced and know a thing or two about survival. Today the world of business has never been more difficult. The world of families has never been more complicated. When you put the two together, the complexity grows exponentially. On our journey there have been both pain and glory. Despite our experience or maybe because of it we recognize the need and benefit for continued learning.
We want our community and state to be strong economically. Family enterprises are integral to that. We have contributed by creating new business ventures and jobs with a strong sense of responsibility to all our employees. We also generously give our time, talent and treasure to community initiatives and non-profit organizations.
We made a commitment to the Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina (FEISC) because there is a significant need for such a resource and service in our state. FEISC has tremendous potential and we wanted to be there from the beginning to establish the foundation. That potential will be realized by bringing family enterprise stakeholders together to learn and share; thus, strengthening family and business sustainability even well beyond the current generation. We look forward to the camaraderie, mutual support, personal and professional development.
We also recognize the responsibility to tell our story, offer our wisdom and guidance to other family enterprises. Perhaps we can even be a model for some other family enterprises no matter their stage of development.
The added value is having an opportunity to bring next generation family members and even non-family employees together. They will challenge and be enlightened by each other as well as knowledgeable teachers and thought leaders in business and family enterprise workings.
Enterprise owning families who become Founding Family or Framing Family Members of the FEISC are best described as:
- Seeking education not marketing as the primary goal for joining
- Forward thinking and focused on continuous improvement
- Committed to, or considering, the sustainability of the business for future generations
- Seeking to maintain family harmony while succeeding at business
- Open to peer-learning and considering new ideas
- Willing to devote time to address business and family challenges
- Wanting to develop camaraderie and network with other enterprise owning families
- Able to benefit from and contribute to the mission of the FEISC and Anderson University
Founding Family Members and Framing Family Members of the Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina (FEISC) have a unique opportunity to benefit from the collective wisdom of successful business owners and other professionals in an atmosphere that encourages open discussion and exchange of ideas.
The following organizations represent the current Founding and Framing Families of The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina. I encourage you to read about each of them and click on their logo to visit their websites.
Founding Families
Instel Power Products
Our electrical solutions are backed by deep product knowledge, a half-century of experience, and a well-stocked inventory of new and legacy components-from circuit breakers and transformers, to fuses and renewal parts across all major manufacturers. lnstel also provides engineering services, medium voltage terminations, circuit breaker testing, and on-site emergency response, as well as first-class manufacturing services including retrofits, refurbishing, bus fabrication, and project consultation. We make sure your electrical systems operate safely and reliably.
Spinx
Stewart formed Spinx in 1972 with a home heating oil delivery service and one convenience store in Greenville, SC. Today, Spinx operates more than 80 convenience stores in South Carolina and employs over 1,400 associates through its stores, food operations and related businesses.
Sargent Metal
In June of 1975, Donnie Sargent started Sargent Metal Fabricators. Donnie’s dad, JD Sargent came shortly after that. They equipped their shop with select machines and a desire to become a quality driven metal fabrication shop. Many of their initial jobs were in the textile industry. Sargent continued to grow over the years and made many products that included armored trucks and fire trucks.
T&S Brass
T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of faucets, fittings and specialty products and accessories for the foodservice, industrial, commercial plumbing and laboratory markets. Founded in 1947, the company introduced the industry’s first pre-rinse unit, followed by key innovations like the foot pedal valve over the next decade.
Framing Family
Greenville Office Supply
Since 1968, GOS has committed to providing superior service to our customers across the United States and beyond. Our combination of professional services & competitive prices has fueled our success and established GOS as a leading single source supplier for all your workplace needs.
International Plastics
Since 1964 International Plastics has been an industry leading supplier all types of flexible packaging. Specializing in custom-manufactured plastic bags in many styles, colors and print to meet your various packaging requirements. We also offer a huge inventory of common poly bag sizes and styles for same day shipping. If you need packaging just call The Flexible Packaging Experts™.
Ortec Inc.
With three plants and over 300 employees, we can meet your production needs while maintaining a high level of personalized service. We are large enough to get the job done, yet small enough to care. If you are looking for a responsible steward to help you in your marketplace, Ortec can help.
Stone Property Management
Stone Property Management: Dating back three generations to Stone Manufacturing, the Stone Family has continued to re-invest into the Greenville area in all aspects of real estate holdings. Striving to invest in a variety of local businesses that make Greenville the vibrant city it is today.
Stringer Gas and Oil
Wilson Stringer formed Stringer Oil Company back in 1954 with a small heating oil delivery service and then with the addition of the Propane in the late 70’s. Stringer Oil & LP Gas Company will have its third generation at the helm showing that the family owned and operated business continues to provide what they feel is the most important service: treating their customers like family.
Colonial Trust Company
Colonial Trust Company has provided wealth management and fiduciary services across South Carolina for over a century. Our privately-owned firm delivers high-quality, comprehensive services to individuals, families, and institutions. We partner with clients to design solutions for their financial objectives and needs. As a family-owned, multigenerational firm, we appreciate the significance of building financial foundations and solid legacies.
The Bank of Travelers Rest
As the oldest bank to be chartered and still headquartered in Greenville County, Bank of Travelers Rest remains committed to the vision of its founders. Customers experience the conveniences of a full-service financial institution while enjoying the personalized service of their community bank. Bank of Travelers Rest serves the county through offices in Travelers Rest, Marietta, Greer, Berea, and in the City of Greenville. Because Bank of Travelers Rest understands the needs of customers go deeper than traditional service points and hours, additional service is offered through the Customer Support Center, ATMs, Online Banking, Mobile Banking, and Saturday hours. Doing what is right for our customer is the foundation on which the business of Bank of Travelers Rest is built. The commitment of the bank extends beyond banking services and reaches the people in our communities, towns, and cities. Bank of Travelers Rest finds value in community initiatives and reinvests in those to fund the growth, change, and betterment of the places we call home. At Bank of Travelers Rest, we’re community minded and that’s what drives us to provide outstanding financial service.
The WorkSmart Group
The WorkSmart Group is a family-owned company that is committed to our community, employees, and clients that we serve. With over 30 years of staffing and direct-hire industry knowledge, WorkSmart has perfected the ability to provide a boutique staffing experience by aligning with like-minded companies that share the same dedication to personalized service. We focus on working hand-in-hand with our clients to foster and develop a productive WorkForce.