The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina is proud to welcome The Rhodes Companies of Columbia, SC, as its newest member. This family-owned business, led by Thomas and Austin Rhodes, joins a growing community of South Carolina family enterprises dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of family-owned businesses through strategic education, research, and support.
The Rhodes Companies, known for their deep-rooted commitment to excellence and service across the Southeast, bring seven decades of experience and a passion for fostering sustainable growth in their family business. As members of the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute, they will now have access to a wide range of resources aimed at helping them achieve long-term success for their family and business.
“We are thrilled to welcome Thomas and Austin Rhodes and the entire Rhodes Companies team to our Institute,” said Dr. Brad Bechtold, Executive Director of the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina. “Their dedication to their family legacy and commitment to building a stronger future aligns perfectly with the mission of the Institute. We look forward to supporting them on their journey.”
Thomas and Austin Rhodes expressed their enthusiasm about joining the Institute, stating, “We are excited to be part of this dynamic community. The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute offers us a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and connect with other family-owned businesses that share similar values. We are confident that the resources and support available will help us navigate the challenges of being a multi-generational family business and set us up for continued success.”
About the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina
The Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina, located at Anderson University, is dedicated to providing education, research, and support to family-owned businesses across the state. The Institute serves as a hub for multi-generational family enterprises, offering specialized resources in areas such as governance, succession planning, leadership development, and family dynamics, to ensure the sustainability and success of family businesses for generations to come.
About The Rhodes Companies
The Rhodes Companies’ story began in 1951 when Thomas (TL) Rhodes Sr. founded a fuel station along major North-South routes, which grew into the Southeast’s largest family-owned truck stop operation. Inspired by his father’s legacy, Dusty Rhodes later established Rhodes Graduation, which became the largest of its kind in the U.S., celebrating achievement and excellence. Over the years, the Rhodes Companies have also played a key role in real estate development, with projects across Florida and South Carolina. At its core, the company values partnerships, striving to expand the American dream through sustainable growth and opportunity.
