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Editor's Pick💠Leadership wisdom with a side of triviaIf you've ever wondered what it takes to lead a company, Greenville's John Boyanoski, president + CEO of Complete PR, has a few thoughts: Don't ask your team to do anything you wouldn't do yourself, embrace failure because it's a great teacher, and celebrate the little wins — like not getting fired by the office cat. (Yet.)
He also recently learned that Greenville native and laser co-inventor Charles Townes was just the second person — after Mother Teresa — to receive both a Nobel Prize and the Templeton Prize. Now that's a fun fact for your next trivia night.
Follow Boyanoski on LinkedIn for more insights, and stay tuned for more perspectives from local leaders in our 5 Questions with the CEO series. |
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News Notes
Number151. That’s how many jobs Fortified Solar plans to create with a $22.75 million expansion in Greenville. The local solar manufacturer will build a new facility near Donaldson Field Airport to expand its production of integrated solar roofing systems. AnnouncedSCBIZ has named 43 South Carolina business leaders as its 2026 Icon Honors recipients, recognizing their career achievements, leadership, and community impact. Honorees will be celebrated Sept. 22 in Columbia.LeadershipGreenville-based MindWell named Connie Rusynyk CEO, effective July 13. The veteran healthcare executive previously grew Halcyon Rehabilitation into an 118-facility company and will lead MindWell's next phase of growth across Greenville, Anderson, and Charlotte. Have a company update or announcement to share? Let us know. Small BizA new launchpad is coming for Spartanburg’s small business owners. The Power Up Small Business Incubator received 60 applications from entrepreneurs and will select nine businesses to operate affordable retail spaces made from repurposed shipping containers along the Mary Black Rail Trail when the program opens in November. (The Post and Courier)AnnouncedAirsys has signed on as Greenville Triumph SC's newest corporate partner through the 2029 season. The partnership includes community initiatives, youth soccer programs, and fan experiences, beginning with the inaugural Made in the Upstate match on Wednesday, July 29. (SCBiz)LeadershipColliers South Carolina has welcomed Brendan Gower back as director of real estate management services for the Greenville-Spartanburg region. Gower brings more than 20 years of property management and brokerage experience and will lead a team overseeing office, retail, and industrial properties.JobLooking for your next opportunity? United Bank is hiring for three roles in the Upstate, including Commercial Banker, Sales Associate, and Sales Associate Supervisor openings in Greer.BizAfter two days of conversations at Greenville’s FutureX Capital Summit (July 14-15), one theme stood out: building a company takes more than a great product. Founders and investors discussed everything from using AI as a growth tool to building strong teams, customer relationships, and businesses that can thrive long-term.HealthBon Secours St. Francis’ internal medicine residency program welcomed 12 new resident physicians this summer as it grows to help meet the Upstate’s healthcare needs. The program is also seeking more patients for its residency practice, where community members can help train the next generation of doctors. (Greenville Journal)LegacyGreenville’s restaurant community is mourning the loss of Andrea Ciavardini Royko, a James Beard semifinalist and longtime hospitality leader who died July 18 at age 44 after a battle with cancer. Known for her Italian wine expertise and mentorship, Royko helped shape Greenville’s dining scene through roles at Husk, Soby’s, Jianna, and ABYSS. (Greenville Online)LeadershipThe Greenville Symphony Orchestra added nine members to its Board of Directors and named officers for the 2026-27 season. The new directors will support the organization’s artistic, educational, and community initiatives as the symphony prepares for its upcoming “Common Ground” season.CommunityYour favorite local newsletter is asking for a little love. GVLtoday launched a support campaign for readers who want to help keep local news, events, and community highlights free. Donations support the team behind the daily newsletter — whether that’s enough for a coffee or a bigger boost.BizSouthern First Bancshares reported $11.2 million in second-quarter net income, up 70% year over year, as the Greenville-based bank saw loan growth, expanded deposits, and a stronger capital position. The company also grew retail deposits by $184 million during the quarter.Try ThisOne of the easiest ways to level up your business? Professional marketing materials. Think: glossy business cards, custom envelopes bearing your business’s logo, and branded letterheads. GotPrint makes it easy to understand your options — order a free sample kit.*BizRunning ads with us is easy. In fact, you can submit, schedule, and be ready to run in under two minutes. See how our self-service portal works.
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Agenda
Editor's Pick🌟 Best of the Upstate 2026 | Tuesday, July 28 | 6-11 p.m. | Greenville Convention Center | Join the community in celebrating the winners of the 2026 Best of the Upstate Community's Choice Awards.
Tuesday, July 28SUDsGVL (Startup Drinks) | 4-7 p.m. | Bridgeway Public House, Simpsonville | Free, register
Wednesday, July 292026 SC Women in Business Awards | 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Hyatt Regency | $225+
Thursday, July 30 Women’s Coworking Day | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | OpenWorks Coworking | Free, RSVP
Empower Hour Peer Networking for People with Disabilities | 1-2 p.m. | Able SC | Free, contact peersupport@able-sc.org or call 1-800-681-6805
Plan AheadSCRA Startups on Tap - Upstate | Tuesday, Aug. 4 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Free, reserve a spot
2026 Local Intracommunity Visit - Big Bets Series | Friday, Aug. 7 | Approx. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | $279
Fix My Pitch: Stage Presence | Monday, Aug. 10 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Next Innovation Center | Free, register |
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Listed
Retail, for leaseMarkley Station | 5,961 sqft | Rate upon request | The former Hoppin’ taproom space in Greenville’s West End is now available for lease — the space includes a flexible layout, high-end finishes, and a rooftop patio with covered and uncovered areas.
220 E. Coffee St. | 1,444 sqft | $40 sqft/yr | A downtown retail space with a turnkey build-out, walkable access to Main Street, and proximity to the city’s top dining, entertainment, and hospitality destinations.
Warehouse/flex, for sale1906 Dobbins Bridge Rd., Anderson | 5,400 sqft | $565,000 | A 2025-built, never-occupied flex/warehouse building in Anderson is on the market, featuring four roll-up doors, LED lighting, insulated interiors, and updated warehouse amenities.
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The Wrap
| Your startup just got a few more home offices. Greenville's NextGEN at the NEXT Innovation Center has joined entrepreneur support organizations in Columbia, Mount Pleasant, and Myrtle Beach to launch the new ESO Network. The partnership gives members reciprocal access to coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and other startup resources across the state, making it a little easier for founders to plug into South Carolina's broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. |
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