Face of Commitment - Southern Eagle Distributing

Southern Eagle Distributing has expanded their sales and marketing distribution network to 37 counties in GA and 22 counties in SC, servicing over 7,000 retail accounts. Southern Eagle Distributing’s portfolio consists of national, regional and local breweries, as well as, a selection of wineries and non-alcoholic beverages. We are your neighbors, from providing jobs throughout the region to putting feet on the ground in the areas we serve, through events and fundraisers, we do our best to be good stewards to the communities we’ve called home over our 100-year history. Meet Will Dorminy. It’s simple, being America’s beer-of-choice, the Budweiser family is chosen for most celebrations. From family reunions to friendly tailgates - even galas - Budweiser and Bud Light commemorate memories. Southern Eagle Distributing (SED) is proud to distribute a multitude of brands, that connect Savannah and the Golden Isles with the King of Beers, while supporting our community through a diversity of efforts. “We’re proud to be the Bud guys, but we’re not just a beer distributor. We represent family and are honored to be a part of this community,” says Will Dorminy, Managing Partner for Southern Eagle Distributing. Our diversified portfolio consists of wineries, craft, regional and national breweries, as well as, non-alcoholic beverages, such as Langer Juice, the largest independent owned juice company in the country. We’ve even expanded our local portfolio by including beverages that enhance nutrition and fuel your body with Recover 180 and Bang Energy. “Bang Energy is our top-selling performance drink, it’s a pre-workout beverage, with creatine and branch amino acids,” says Dorminy. We are proud to work, live and give back to our community. soeagle.net / 912.236.8284

Faces of South Magazine - South Magazine

It goes without saying that an endeavor as far-reaching and as meticulously crafted as South magazine is not created in a vacuum. It takes a whole team to put out the magazine you hold in your hands. And while we celebrate each of the artists, photographers and writers who make this whole thing possible, it seems like this Faces of the South issue might be a good time to introduce you to some of the talented folks who don’t get a byline or a photo credit. These are the faces you won’t necessarily see in a contributor call out in every issue, but they are as vital to South’s continued success as every letter in every word in every story, and in every pixel in every photo. Far more than just a six-times-a-year task, being a part of Team South means being on hand for many of our exciting events, helping build our content online and on social media and helping to craft a singular voice for our diverse region. They are the friendly faces you encounter when you meet us out on the town or stop by the famous Bull St. offices of South magazine, and each contributes their own talent and creativity to create a publication we can each be proud of. Whether on the page or behind the scenes, sharing a daily workplace on Bull or working remotely across the Southeast, these are the folks behind the magazine you know and love. None of this happens without them.

Face of Auto Detailing - Car Spa

Meet Wendell Burns. “We’re customer-service driven, but it’s more about building personal relationships on a human level. That’s what people come back for,” Wendell Burns explains. He’s got the credentials to prove it. Clients who had their car washed years ago when they were visiting Savannah still stop by to see Wendell when they’re in town. Burns created a system for his business that allows him to interact with each client. With a small but efficient team, he not only gets a chance to build those personal relationships, he can also take quality control very seriously. He lays eyes on every car that comes in and goes out. “We’re not an assembly line here. I’m very hands-on. I visually inspect every vehicle before it leaves,” Burns said, and he’s happy to keep it that way. “It’s more efficient, and the end result is much better because I’m not relying on others to inspect what goes out my door.” carspa.com / 912.401.7264

Face of Relationships - South State Bank

A bank is far more than the financial products it offers or the services it provides. It’s the relationships the bank builds that matter most. Few banks understand that like South State Bank. The familiar faces you’ll meet are the same faces you’ll see all over town, due to the bank’s values of community involvement. When you bank with South State Bank, you’re not just working with a highly skilled professional. You’re working with someone who is a neighbor, a friend and a vital part of our community’s fabric. In each community they serve, South State contributes to local economic growth and overall quality of life. southstatebank.com / 912.629.6587

Face of GI Health - Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah

Research comes out every year linking gut health to overall health. Gastroenterology Consultants of Savannah has been caring for the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry for more than 40 years. The practice was founded by Dr. J. Erich Schweistris. Today, it’s led by a team of caring doctors, all board-certified in gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine. A state-of-the-art endoscopy center offers cutting-edge techniques and advanced sedation. Their six locations – in Pooler, Richmond Hill, Springfield, Bluffton, and two offices in Savannah – mean high-quality care is conveniently located. They provide treatment along with education. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” says Dr. Gregory D. Borak, M.D. gastrosav.com / 912.354.9447

Face of Performance & Production - Stardust Pixxies

A Stardust Pixxies show isn’t just a death-defying aerial ballet of fire, drama and exquisite skill. It’s a visual poetry of motion that has come to define the city of Savannah. It’s hard to believe it’s been just a few years since the Stardust Pixxies began in 2015, dazzling crowds at smaller gigs while they built their reputation. Fast forward to the present, and this sky-high circus of wonder and amazement is one of the biggest feathers in Savannah’s cultural cap. “We bring energy,” says Pixxies founder Jamie Failing. “With every show, we are trying to create an atmosphere where we can bring audiences into our world.” stardustpixxies.com / 912.344.8538

Face Of Nightlife - Barrelhouse South, Rogue Water, & Vice Lounge + Mojito Bar

Chris Clarke does not take the title “The Face of Nightlife” lightly. He understands nightlife like few others, seeing it for the multi-faceted experience it can offer. With the trio of Savannah hotspots he and his team have opened over the years, however, there is no one else who could possibly hope to claim that title. Nightlife isn’t just one vibe, one experience. Sometimes, a night out means gathering to watch your favorite band or discovering a new one at Barrelhouse. Sometimes, it’s testing out your karaoke chops and having a craft beer on the patio with the locals at Rogue Water. Sometimes, it’s putting on your nicest outfit and indulging in craft cocktails and dancing at Vice. What Clarke and his team have created among these three experiences is a cross-section of the ultimate night out, whatever form it may take. And that’s how you earn the title “The Face of Nightlife.” BARRELHOUSE SOUTH, 125 W Congress St, f@BarrelhouseSouth ROGUE WATER TAP HOUSE, 38 Mlk Jr Blvd, f@RogueWaterSAV VICE LOUNGE + MOJITO BAR, 109 W Congress St, f@VICELoungeSAV

Face of Championship BBQ - Wiley's Championship BBQ

Meet Nate Shaffer. Savannah’s veritable champion of barbecue needs no introduction. Especially to Nate Shaffer, the new owner of Wiley’s Championship Barbecue, who understands exactly how important his restaurant’s legacy is. “When he opened the doors in 2008, Clifford Wiley McCrary Jr. changed barbecue in Savannah and racked up well-deserved national awards,” says Shaffer. “I’m excited by the challenge of picking up that mantel, and by where we’ll take Wiley’s in the future.” The ownership may have changed, but Wiley’s still frequents national media, whose adulation draws diners from around the world, each seeking the sweet savoriness of Savannah’s specialty St. Louis slow-smoked ribs. wileyschampionshipbbq.com / 912.201.3259

Face of Success - Teresa Cowart Real Estate Team

Meet Teresa Cowart. This is Real Estate Southern-mama style. For Teresa, success can’t be measured in dollars and cents. It’s about helping others and servant leadership. “A home is the biggest investment people make in their lives. It’s a huge responsibility – one I don’t take lightly,” she explained. Teresa started her real estate journey over 15 years ago, newly divorced, with three young daughters. “We had some challenges to overcome because of the career I’d chosen. It’s not nine-to-five. It’s very ‘life consuming.’ We made a pact, and we were in it together,” she said. Today, Cowart leads a team of 30 and is co-owner of three RE/MAX franchises and a Motto Mortgage. Teresa is grateful that her success allows her to be a role model for her daughters, help her agents be successful and reinvest in the community that helped her grow. When she looks back at her journey and into her future, she is loving life and is truly humbled and blessed to be doing something she loves and leaving her own kind of legacy. teresacowartteam.com / 912.525.0900

Face of Confidence - Studio60 | BodyBrite

Meet Bobbie Ciaccio. Bobbie Ciaccio wants you to feel good about yourself. The owner of Savannah’s newest salon, Studio 60, is all about confidence. The salon, teaming with the franchise BodyBrite, offers a variety of skin care options from IPL laser hair removal, pure oxygen facials and microneedling. Their advanced technology is built to boost your confidence as quickly as possible. “I just love helping people,” Ciaccio says. “I love making people look beautiful, and making people feel good about themselves. That’s the rewarding thing about this job.” The studio’s clientele has been growing since Studio 60 | BodyBrite’s inception this September and continues to bolster Savannah’s beauty inside and out. studio60bodybrite.com / 912.355.5451

Face of Gastropub - The Ordinary Pub

From its inception, The Ordinary Pub redefined the formula of classic pub fare. Walking the line between relatable and rejuvenated, the menus created by Corporate Executive Chef Justin “Grizz” Grizzard test the confines of classic pub fare. Along with GM/Executive Chef Daniel Gattone (Ordinary Pub) and Executive Chef Sean Freeman (Broughton Common), Chef Grizz is creating exciting lineups. “The menus have far exceeded my expectations over the last four years,” owner Mike Vaudrin said. Grizzard, Gattone, and Freeman all started as line cooks with Vaudrin and lead with ingenuity. According to Vaudrin, “They push the envelope while keeping it familiar.” Partnerships with local purveyors like Kachina and Bootleg Farms end with twists on the traditional, making The Ordinary Pub and its new sister restaurant, The Broughton Common, the faces of Savannah’s emerging gastropub scene. theordinarypub.com / 912.238.5130

Face of Commercial Building - South Coast Contracting Group

South Coast Contracting Group brings more than 40 years of combined general contracting and facility maintenance expertise to the Coastal Empire. From small renovations to large commercial construction, SCCG has built a reputation as an honest contracting empire with an unchallenged commitment to their clients. With projects such as the Savannah Film Studios, The Crossings at Godley Station and Bluffton Centre, to name a few, they are rapidly growing in all areas related to the field. “Our business is built on long-term, lasting relationships with our customers,” co-founder Greg Alfonso said. Alfonso founded the family-oriented company with Marlon Marchena, and they are devoted to fostering mutual trust with those they work with, all while giving back to the community as a proud supporter of numerous local charities. southcoastcg.com / 912.339.5088

Face of Tourism - Tourism Leadership Council

Meet Michael Owens. “Service is at the heart of everything we do,” Michael Owens said. Owens is the President and CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council, a private, non-partisan, nonprofit trade organization representing the tourism and hospitality industry. He explained. “We know we’re serving others when we advocate for people’s careers and prosperity.” By influencing public policy and promoting responsible growth, they protect Georgians in the tourism industry, a field that uniquely allows anyone, regardless of background or circumstances, to succeed. The Tourism Leadership Council safeguards the livelihoods of workers that make up one of the largest and most impactful industries in the state. tourismleadershipcouncil.com / 912.232.1223

Face of Tacos and Tequilas - Tequila's Town

Meet Temo Ortiz. Those of us in Savannah are lucky enough to have been there from the beginning. Tequila’s Town opened six years ago to universal acclaim, gaining fans with their dedication to authenticity and their tequila list as long as your arm. Each dish is a love letter to the rich culinary heritage of chef/owner Temo Ortiz’s native Morelia, Michoacán, written in fresh local ingredients. Every tequila on the list is a treasure, with more than 80 artisanal and small-batch bottles to choose from. Now, Savannah gets to share its good fortune as Tequila’s Town expands. Its three locations from here to Jacksonville are spreading the southeast’s finest Mexican experience, while still maintaining the family-owned-and-operated appeal that made the restaurant so successful in the Hostess City. Authentic, local and growing without sacrificing quality – we’ll raise a glass of tequila to that. tequilastown.com / 912.236.3222

Face of Strength and Fitness - Viking Strength Sports

“A lot of misfits come into our gym,” Katt Mabe says. “Even if another gym has the right kind of equipment, they don’t have the family aspect where the owners and trainers care about them and track their progress. We wanted to create a home for people.” Viking Strength Sports is that home. Founded in 2019 by Katt Mabe and Nate Korpusik, the veteran-owned gym (Korpusik was in the Army Infantry) specializes in strength sports – powerlifting, bodybuilding, and Olympic-style lifting. They coach Strongman competitors and work to bring more competitive strength sports to Savannah. “It’s definitely something the community has been craving,” Mabe says. Just this year, they’re hosting three strength competitions. Savannah has historically only had one a year – the Savannah Spring Open – prior to their efforts. They’re truly leading the charge in strength and fitness in Savannah, empowering everyone who walks through their doors to try hard things and conquer big obstacles.vikingstrengthsports.com / 912.304.3044

Face of a Legacy Evolution - Beyond Exceptional Dentistry

Dr. Ryan Reeves leads the team at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry. His relentless pursuit of excellence is a constant quest. It’s a journey that started early in his career after four years of undergrad and four years of dental school where he was taught the same old things – a philosophy of dentistry based on patching up problems rather than solving underlying issues. “What we’re taught in dental school, it didn’t really make sense. There has to be a better way.” So, he sought out experts in the physiologic side of dentistry. “After the morning of the first lecture, my first thought was ‘The earth’s not flat!’ I knew it was going to be a game-changer.” That game-changer is an approach to dentistry that looks at the alignment and balance of the whole musculature and nerve structure of the head and neck to solve the root cause of dental problems. “We’re rarely someone’s first dentist,” he said. “We treat patients others have given up on. They’ve had other dentists tell them their only option is to take all their teeth out. They’re looking for more, for what others can’t do.” They look beyond....and find answers at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry they were told didn’t exist. Reeves estimates that maybe five percent of dentists in the country do what he does, and maybe two percent do it routinely. There’s a reason people fly from across the country to be treated by Dr. Reeves and his partner, Dr. Rod Strickland. In fact, there is a map in the Beyond Exceptional Dentistry lobby that shows where patients have come from across America. In his quest for answers, Reeves sought out one of the most unique practices in the country where he could apply his approach. He found it in The Durham Office, now Beyond Exceptional Dentistry. Brad Durham had already established a legacy of dentistry unlike anything in the world. Reeves wants to keep what was so exceptionally built and constantly evolve so it stays on top. “Upholding the legacy isn’t enough, we have to go BEYOND that,” he says. For Reeves and his team, that means creating the model for the way dentistry should be practiced. When they achieve this daily commitment, Beyond Exceptional Dentistry is more than a name, it’s a promise. BeyondExceptionalDentistry.com / 912.234.8282

Face of Public Relations - Abshire Public Relations

Abshire Public Relations is a simple concept, yet it can be quite puzzling as the ways we communicate change at lightning speed. For 20 years, over 150 businesses and nonprofits in both the Savannah region and throughout Georgia and South Carolina continue to make Abshire Public Relations their first call to help them take the puzzle out of PR. What started as a strong traditional press force in 2000 has become what every thriving business needs - a strategic partner helping your business communicate your company mission in multiple ways. Whether it’s providing confidential executive counsel, developing social media campaigns and branding videos, coordinating cultivation events or even helping CEOs connect with the right influencers, the creative, nimble team at Abshire PR does it all with a smile. Jennifer Abshire and Susan Hancock have been the strong leadership behind the brand, but they credit their creative director, Shannon O’Keefe, and a strong stable of innovative freelancers for their company’s success. “It is amazing to see how our role as a trusted strategic advisor stays the same but the way we communicate branding changes so fast. As companies have adapted to rapid change, we continue to grow to fit our clients’ dynamic needs,” said Abshire. The team believes in paying it forward with their volunteer efforts. Susan Hancock chairs Senior Citizens, Inc., Jennifer Abshire serves on Georgia Chamber’s Board of Governors and chairs Leadership Southeast Georgia’s alumni efforts and Shannon O’Keefe is a Savannah Jaycees board member. “Every day we wake up with both feet on the ground, wondering what we will be doing or who we will be meeting that will make an impact,” says Abshire. “We love working with companies and being right in the middle of the room where key decisions happen and then see how those strategic decisions create a successful effort for our clients. I promise it never gets boring!” abshirepr.com / 912.695.7881

Face of Education - St. Vincent's Academy

“No work of charity can be more productive or good for society than the careful instruction of women.” Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, uttered those words. The Sisters of Mercy started St. Vincent’s Academy 175 years ago and these words have been the guiding principle since then. “She was so progressive for her time,” St. Vincent’s president Mary Anne Hogan said. Established 175 years ago, St. Vincent’s is the oldest educational institution in Savannah. “We will always stay true to our mission of educating women and turning out leaders. We’ll continue to do that for another 175 years,” Hogan promised. The school encourages their students to think globally, offering study abroad opportunities that open their eyes to a bigger world. “In addition to rigorous academics, we train them to be servant leaders,” Hogan said. Students who graduate with the distinction of a St. Vincent’s Academy diploma are independent women with a heart for service. “Once they leave us, the possibilities are unlimited. We give them wings and the courage to go out and do great things.”

Face of Waste Services - Atlantic Waste Services

Meet BEN WALL. For most of us, waste disposal is a tricky situation we’d rather not deal with; luckily we are fortunate enough to have Atlantic Waste Services at our disposal! If you are ready to get rid of it, why not trust the management team that boasts over 80 years of combined experience? Specializing in industrial, commercial, residential, construction and demolition waste, the family-owned company can do it all with the utmost efficiency. Ben and Burke Wall pride themselves on their fast and reliable service and strive for the satisfaction in knowing they are helping people every day. atlantic-waste.com / 912.964.2000

Face of Daufuskie - The Daufuskie Difference

Meet Wick Scurry. “Daufuskie is a very special island.” Simple words to describe a not-so-simple experience spoken by Daufuskie Island’s own Wick Scurry. After falling in love with the island, Scurry built Freeport Marina, which houses Daufuskie’s only General Store and the Old Daufuskie Crab Company. Wick then started a tour company, The Daufuskie Difference, offering a ferry service, guided tours, and golf cart rentals. Wick also purchased the Bloody Point Lighthouse and Silver Dew Winery which he reopened to the public so everyone could enjoy their unique history. Wick’s passion for Daufuskie makes him a face of this very special island. To get a true taste of island lifestyle, step aboard a Daufuskie Difference ferry, meet the locals, eat the famous Daufuskie deviled crab, drink a Scrap Iron cocktail (an ode to Daufuskie moonshiners of long ago) and let Daufuskie hold a special place in your memories. daufuskiedifference.com / 843.342-8687

Face of Print - Spectrum Printing and Marketing

When sisters-in-law Michele Thompson and Kim Bulluck took over Spectrum Printing and Marketing after Michele’s father retired, they were on a mission to continue the success of the company. “We wanted to prove to ourselves that we could succeed; and we have!” Kim said. “We’ve done that by providing consistency and professionalism to our clients.  Because if they don’t look good, we don’t look good.” Michele said. They expanded into promotional products and apparel in 2008 and moved into a bigger space to accommodate their growth last year. Today, after 33 years in business, they are proud to be your local expert in print and promotional products. spectrumprintingandmarketing.com / 912.897.7228

Face of Fleet Repair - Autointensive Care

Meet Mike Thompson. Mike Thompson owner of Auto Intensive Care has been performing fleet maintenance and repair service since 1997. Mike understands the importance of timely repairs for its corporate fleet accounts. “If a fleet vehicle is in the shop for repairs it’s not on the road making the customer money,” Mike said. That’s not all he does, of course. Auto Intensive Care also serves everyday retail clientele in need of service and repairs, but fleet maintenance has become a big part of his business. He offers a one-stop shop for fleet owners in need of anything from simple maintenance to major engine overhauls and fleet management. He explained, “We give fleet managers peace of mind when it comes to repairs.” autointensive.com / 912.355.6312

The Face of Regional Growth - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Bay Street Realty Group

In 2019, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Bay Street Realty Group jumped into the Georgia real estate market with gusto. With Will Thurman placed as Managing Broker for Georgia, the company acquired Bob and Reba Lararmy’s successful Savannah, GA Landings-based real estate company, acquiring 35 new agents. Thurman and his team ended 2019 by opening a downtown Savannah office and in early 2020 announced they acquired Cora Bett Thomas Realty. These acquisitions make them a real estate powerhouse, with combined sales of $291 million in 2019. This spring they will open an additional new space located at Savannah’s historic Chippewa Square, making room for their new, expanded team. With the Laramys, Cora Bett Thomas, and members of Cora Bett Thomas Realty’s management team now joining forces with Bay Street Realty Group, it’s easy to see why this dynamic company is the Face of Regional Growth. baystreetrealtygroup.com / 912.355.4171

Face of Luxury Apartments - The Mark at Chatham

Meet Holly Mae Francis. Just as The Mark at Chatham is the face of luxury apartments, Holly Mae Francis is the face of The Mark at Chatham. For the last six years Holly has made it her mission to provide Savannah’s residents with more than just housing, but with an experience. It’s this dedication to comfort and convenience that has made her a perfect fit for newly constructed The Mark at Chatham, a place that is redefining innovative luxury living. “Helping people find a home in which they feel comfortable, and are proud to live, is the part I love most about my job,” Francis says. “The Mark at Chatham is more than just a luxury apartment, It’s a lifestyle.” From its state-of-the-art fitness center to its resort-style saltwater pool, living at The Mark at Chatham is as much of a relaxing getaway as it is a home, and its convenient Chatham Parkway location gives you access to everything Savannah has to offer. themarkatchatham.com / 912.400.4554

Face of Automotive Repair and Performance - RPM Autoworx

Meet Rick Broussard. Rick Broussard of RPM Autoworx is a true car afficionado. Known for high-tech, reliable repairs and out-of-the box thinking, he branched out from regular repair work to performance work, custom work and resto-mods under Dynamic Autosports, a part of the RPM Autoworx family of companies. “We are still here for your regular diagnostics, service and repairs,” he said. “But we’re now also performing upgrades for most any year, make and model of vehicle.” Broussard and his skilled technicians can help you with your daily driver, classic or racecar, improving reliability, safety and performance. rpmautoworx.com / 912.651.5500