No Place Like Home: HBA of Greenville's 2024 Bridge Award winners
As with any business, this one is made up of many outstanding leaders. The Home Builders Association of Greenville celebrated some of the best with their Bridge Awards. We spent some time with the honorees, who were recognized for excellence in their fields.
Jonathan Stanley Sr.
Owner/Business Manager, Acumen Builders, LLC -- Remodeler of the Year
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your business? I have, I believe, one of the greatest builders in Greenville as a business partner. Josh Bennet’s eye for detail never fails to impress our clients, and his personability and communication level exceeds that of most at his skill level. This company was largely built on his reputation and artisanship in Greenville, and our influx of repeat clients continues to prove that. From the finish and construction standpoint, Josh Bennett is Acumen Builders!
What is your favorite part about what you do? I have such a deep respect for the building and remodeling community in Greenville. Interacting with the throng of tradesmen and women has been such a privilege. I’m impressed by the skills and intelligence in our subcontractors, vendors, architects and designers who contribute to the quality of living in the Upstate. I feel privileged to be among them.
Photos: Bridge Awards event at Greenville Convention Center
How have things changed in your business over the past couple of years? Honestly, becoming a member of the Greenville Home Builders Association has been a game changer for Acumen Builders. You can’t put a price on the quality interactions and professionalism our association puts into each one of us. I have been personally invested in by board members, and I am constantly challenged to better my game and improve my processes. (Thank you, Rob Young!)
What is one thing you will never do again? In the future, I will likely avoid trying to make new friends by joining a golf tournament team when I don’t know how to golf.
What is something that might surprise us about you? I spent the first 20 years of my adult life in pastoral ministry before transitioning to the construction industry. From my perspective, I’m working for a carpenter either way!
Marv McDaris
Division President, DRB Homes -- Builder of the Year Professional
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your business? DRB Homes is the fifth largest private builder in the nation, and here in the Upstate, we are the fourth largest builder overall and have built homes in the Upstate for over 10 years. We are incredibly proud of how our homes look and feel different than a lot of other builders in our market. We genuinely care about our customers’ experience and strive to be the premier builder of choice for the Upstate of South Carolina.
What is your favorite part about what you do? We get to watch a piece of land become a neighborhood. When our homeowners move in and connections are made, a community is born. The reality of homeownership is very rewarding for our entire team.
How have things changed in your business over the past couple of years? When we started the Greenville Division, we only built homes in Greenville County. As the amazing livability of the Upstate continues to grow, so have we. Now, we build in Greenville County, Anderson County, Spartanburg County, Pickens County, and are expanding into Laurens County and Henderson County, North Carolina.
What is one thing you will never do again? We have learned valuable lessons along our journey. However, there is not any one thing that we can look back on and say we would never do again.
What is something that might surprise us about you? Most of the decisions around where we build and what homes we offer are made right here in Greenville. We are local people, building homes for local people. We come to work every day proud of the name on the door and grateful for the opportunity to build beautiful homes throughout the Upstate.
Mariana Gardner
Interior Cues -- Interior Design Showcase
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your business? At the heart of my business is my passion for design and a dedication to ensuring that each space created reflects the unique identity and style of the individual. The goal goes beyond just designing beautiful spaces; I want to create environments that truly feel like home.
What is your favorite part about what you do? I genuinely love every aspect of what I do! But if I had to choose, I'd say my favorite part is the creative process itself. There's something incredibly rewarding about uncovering my clients’ likes and dislikes, and then transforming it into a uniquely tailored space that reflects their personality and style.
How have things changed in your business over the past couple of years? In recent years, the interior design industry has seen notable shifts, largely influenced by the rise of social media and the prevalence of home improvement shows. This is where working with a design professional can assist in personalizing generic inspirations. Can you imagine how boring it would be if every home looked like the latest Instagram post or HGTV fixer upper? Nope, I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen!
What is one thing you will never do again? After experiencing the freedom of owning my own design firm, I can confidently say, without hesitation, that I will not be returning to the confines of a large corporation.
What is something that might surprise us about you? It may come as a surprise, but despite being originally from Argentina and having lived many years in Miami, I truly enjoy living and raising a family here in the Upstate. I’ve come to realize that 'life's greatest treasures are often found where you least expect them.' For me, it's the peaceful beauty of South Carolina.
Kristin Meyer
Southern Crafted Shutters -- Professional Women in Building of the Year
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your business? Our focus is on providing an unparalleled customer service experience through proactive communication. Weekly videos for our clients update them during the manufacturing process and get the entire team involved through our “Adopt a Customer” program.
What is your favorite part about what you do? There is so much opportunity for learning and experiencing personal and professional growth when you have an amazing team. Our partnership with The Golden Strip Career Center is a prime example. As a member of their School Improvement Council, we can support their overall goals and provide work-based learning opportunities to help develop high school students’ employment skills. This program has enriched our entire team.
How have things changed in your business over the past couple of years? Prior to Southern Crafted Shutters, I had no experience in building and construction or manufacturing, so it feels like every year I learn something new! My husband and I have corporate backgrounds in leadership roles and a desire to incorporate a diverse and meaningful culture. This has created endless opportunities for improvement. As a result, our team is incredibly capable, and this allows me to become more involved with giving back to the community, which fills my heart.
What is one thing you will never do again? Climb a mountain over 18,000 feet. I met some ladies when hiking the Inca Trail who convinced me to join them on a hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Summit night – going from Kibo Hut to Gilman’s Point – was very humbling. I had to have a porter pour water into my mouth because I couldn’t lift my water bottle!
What is something that might surprise us about you? In 2013, I completed a full Ironman triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run).
Scott Kegley
Area Manager, Cregger Company / Design on Tap -- Associate Member of the Year
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your business? Cregger Company and Design on Tap is like a hidden gem, delivering exceptional service at prices that beat out national competitors. It's like finding a treasure trove of quality and affordability right downtown.
What is your favorite part about what you do? I love forming and strengthening relationships with internal and external customers. We like to have associates and customers feel a sense of belonging and unity – one where we can laugh and take care of business in the same breath.
How have things changed in your business over the past couple of years? We have worked through the changing climate of construction, growing with technology and logistical demographics, all while staying true to our roots.
What is one thing you will never do again? Miss the HBA Bridge Awards dinner! LOL!
What is something that might surprise us about you? I once got randomly paired up and played golf with Alice Cooper.
This article originally appeared on Upstate Parent: No Place Like Home: HBA of Greenville's 2024 Bridge Award winners
