Like any company, this company is made up of many excellent leaders. The Home Builders Association of Greenville celebrated some of the best with their Bridge Awards. We spent some time with the winners, who were recognized for excellence in their fields.
Jonathan Stanley Sr.
Owner/Business Manager, Acumen Builders, LLC — Renovator of the year
What do you wish everyone knew about your company? I believe I have one of the largest builders in Greenville as a business partner. Josh Bennet’s attention to detail never fails to impress our clients, and his personality and level of communication exceed that of most at his skill level. This company was built largely on its reputation and craftsmanship in Greenville, and our influx of repeat customers continues to prove that. From a finishing and construction standpoint, Josh Bennett is Acumen Builders!
What is your favorite part of what you do? I have such deep respect for the Greenville construction and remodeling community. It was a privilege to interact with the crowd of traders and women. I am impressed by the skills and intelligence of our subcontractors, vendors, architects and designers who contribute to the quality of life in the Upstate. I feel privileged to be among them.
Photos: Bridge Awards Event at the Greenville Convention Center
How have things changed in your company in recent years? Honestly, joining the Greenville Home Builders Association has been a game changer for Acumen Builders. You cannot put a price on the quality of the interactions and the professionalism that our association puts into each of us. I have been personally invested in by board members and I am constantly challenged to up my game and improve my processes. (Thanks, Rob Jong!)
What is one thing you will never do again? In the future, I will probably avoid making new friends by joining a golf tournament team if I can’t play golf.
What is something that might surprise us about you? I spent the first twenty years of my adult life in pastoral work before moving into the construction industry. From my perspective, I work for a carpenter anyway!
Marv McDaris
Division President, DRB Homes — Builder of the Year Professional
What do you wish everyone knew about your company? DRB Homes is the fifth largest private builder in the country, and here in the Upstate we are the fourth largest builder overall and have been building homes in the Upstate for over 10 years. We are incredibly proud of how our homes look and feel different from many other builders in our market. We truly care about our customers’ experience and strive to be the best builder of choice for the state of South Carolina.
What is your favorite part of what you do? We see how a piece of land becomes a neighborhood. When our homeowners move in and connections are made, a community is created. The reality of homeownership is very rewarding for our entire team.
How have things changed in your company in recent years? When we started the Greenville Division, we only built homes in Greenville County. As the Upstate’s amazing livability continues to grow, so do we. Now we’re building in Greenville County, Anderson County, Spartanburg County, Pickens County, and expanding into Laurens County and Henderson County, North Carolina.
What is one thing you will never do again? We learned valuable lessons during our journey. However, there is nothing 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 about where we build and what homes we offer are made right here in Greenville. We are local people and build houses for the 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 signals — Showcase for interior design
What do you wish everyone knew about your company? At the heart of my business is my passion for design and my commitment to ensuring that every space created reflects the individual’s unique identity and style. The goal goes beyond just designing beautiful spaces; I want to create an environment that really feels like home.
What is your favorite part of what you do? I truly 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 is something incredibly rewarding about uncovering my clients’ likes and dislikes, and then transforming them into a uniquely customized space that reflects their personality and style.
How have things changed in your company in recent years? In recent years, the interior design industry has seen notable shifts, largely influenced by the rise of social media and the rise of home improvement shows. This is where working with a design professional can help personalize generic inspirations. Can you imagine how boring it would be if every house looked like the latest Instagram post or HGTV fixer-upper? No, 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 and without hesitation say that I will not return to the confines of a large company.
What is something that might surprise us about you? It may come as a surprise, but even though I’m originally from Argentina and lived in Miami for many years, I’m really enjoying living here in the Upstate and raising a family. I have 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 Meijer
Southern crafted shutters — Professional women in building of the year
What do you wish everyone knew about your company? Our focus is on providing an unparalleled customer service experience through proactive communication. Weekly videos for our customers update them throughout the production process and involve the whole team through our ‘Adopt a Customer’ program.
What is your favorite part of what you do? There are so many opportunities to learn and experience personal and professional growth when you have a great team. Our collaboration with The Golden Strip Career Center is a good example of this. As a member of their School Improvement Council, we can support their overall goals and provide work-based learning opportunities to help develop the employment skills of high school students. This program has enriched our entire team.
How have things changed in your company in recent years? Before joining Southern Crafted Shutters, I had no experience in building, construction, or manufacturing, so I feel like I learn something new every year! My husband and I have a corporate background in leadership roles and a desire to integrate a diverse and meaningful culture. This has created endless opportunities for improvement. As a result, our team is incredibly capable, and it allows me to become more involved in 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 while hiking the Inca Trail who convinced me to join them on a hike to Kilimanjaro. The summit evening – 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 (3.8km swim, 180km bike and 42.2km run).
Scott Kegley
Area Manager, Cregger Company / Design on Tap — Associate Member of the Year
What do you wish everyone knew about your company? Cregger Company and Design on Tap is like a hidden gem, providing exceptional service at prices that beat national competitors. It’s like finding a treasure trove of quality and affordability right in the center.
What is your favorite part of what you do? I enjoy establishing and strengthening relationships with internal and external customers. We want employees and customers to experience a sense of connection and unity – a feeling where we can laugh and take care of business in the same breath.
How have things changed in your company in recent years? We have weathered the changing climate of construction, grown with technology and logistics demographics, while staying true to our roots.
What is one thing you will never do again? Don’t miss the HBA Bridge Awards Dinner! LOL!
What is something that might surprise us about you? I was once 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
