Brad and Brent Chavis
Sunshine Pressure Washing
How did you, as family, get into business together?
We have always known that we wanted to do something together. We worked for a guy in high school who owned a similar business and decided that we enjoyed this line of work. We had $1,200 between the two of us and decided to start our business. From that day forward, we put everything into growing Sunshine.
What mentors have you had that have helped you in your business?
Scott and Craig Heath, owners of Aiken Pest Control, have always been our go-to guys for business advice.
What was your first job?
We started out cutting grass before we were tall enough to reach the handle of the push lawn mower and also cleaned out gutters for neighbors when we were 12 years old.
How has family connection and support helped enhance your business and or professional life?
Being identical twins, we have always been close. It is nice having someone you can completely trust and who values your business as much as you do.
Bobby Robinson
Rite Price Roofing
How did you, as family, get into business together?
My brother-in-law and sister have run a construction company for over 10 years in Aiken. Growing up, I would help out on weekends and throughout the summer. As I started learning my way around job sites and we became busier, the company started looking to find additional roofing help in the area. Fortunately, with few roofers specializing in metal roofing, David and Carole Ann came to me and asked if I would be interested in opening and operating a local roofing company. Rite Price was born.
What mentors have you had that have helped you in your business?
My brother-in-law, David, has been a major help and a mentor from the start of my career in construction. In addition, my crew lead, Luis, as well as all the guys on Dogwood’s team have poured their knowledge and skills into me over the years. I’m grateful for their willingness to teach me and for allowing me the opportunity to grow the skills needed to run Rite Price with integrity and professionalism.
What was your first job?
My first position in the workplace was with Dogwood Construction. I started with cleanup and quickly worked my way into trim, framing, and ultimately roofing.
How has family connection and support helped enhance your business and or professional life?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family. My wife, Kaylee, provides unrelenting support by encouraging me, following up with potential customers, and keeping me organized. My parents are always recommending us to friends and locals, and they provide encouragement when tough situations arise. I am grateful to be surrounded by a village of encouraging, caring, and loving family members who have instilled in me the value of hard work.
CR and Manse Jolly
Rock Creek Land Development
How did you, as a family, get into business together?
Our dad, Rankin Jolly, started the company in 1995. We started working weekends and summers with him as soon as we were able to and really enjoyed it. After graduating from Clemson in 2012, CR spent some time in Charleston, SC working for a large landscape firm before coming back to Aiken in 2014 and going into business full-time with our dad and Manse at Rock Creek.
What mentors have you had that helped you with your business?
We were lucky to have a few great mentors. From day one our dad, Rankin Jolly, and our grandad, Robert McKie, were both always there with advice and answers for any questions we had. At Clemson, CR had another great mentor in Mr. Jackie Jackson. Manse, having been around construction sites from a young age, is fortunate to have the support of many in the industry over the years. We both feel like we wouldn’t be where we are at this point without all the help from our dad and grandad.
What was your first job?
CR's first job was working weekends and summers during middle school and high school doing landscape maintenance for our dad when his company was Custom Lawn & Sprinkler. Manse's first job was right here at Rock Creek making $5 an hour. Consistent hard work and dedication to this business has contributed to the overall success with the company.
How has family connection and support helped enhance your business and professional life?
Being a family owned and operated company, family connection and support has helped us tremendously. Our dad built the foundation for our company and connected us with the right people to work with. We are very grateful for this and the opportunity to build it into what Rock Creek is today.
Harvey and Carlos Holloway
The Yard Barber Landscaping
How did you, as family, get into business together?
Carlos had already started the business doing lawn maintenance. Harvey came to Aiken and wanted to start offering fencing services, a skill learned in California. So, we decided to collaborate in the business, and the rest is history!
What mentors have you had that have helped you in the business?
When we run into something new in the fencing part of our business, we can call on Mike, Harvey’s fencing mentor. As for the rest of the business, when we run into something new, we like to collaborate with other people in the same field as us. Besides that, we’ve been pretty self-sufficient!
What was your first job?
Carlos' first job was cutting grass for our church, and Harvey’s first job was a cook at Hardees!
How has family connection and support helped enhance your business and or professional life?
The family connection has helped a lot. Our family is very close, and as a result, we won't let anything come between us. It's always family first, business second. Businesses come and go, but family will always be here. It definitely makes us stronger!