The focus of our “Mondays with Rick” column this week is the pros and cons of selling your company to a private equity firm. In today’s business minute, ABD Publisher Neil Gordon says it almost happened with Southern Industries.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Rick Franza, is the Dean of the Hull College of Business who discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, we’re looking at the sale of CSRA businesses. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: Rick, in the last few years and months a number of high-profile CSRA companies have sold their businesses. TaxSlayer, Club Car, Rec-Teq and most recently, Southern Industries (Southern Siding). What are the owners thinking about? Rick: It really comes down to control, money
Do you know a young, rising star within an organization? Each year, the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Augusta Magazine honor a select group of successful young professionals in the CSRA. Since 2009, the Chamber and magazine have compiled their list of Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. These professionals, who are all between the ages of 25 and 35, represent a variety of professions and include attorneys, bankers, educators, and business owners. Applications for the 2022 Top 10 in 10 are now being accepted. The selection
What is a neon fig? Not what you think. It’s a new restaurant opening soon in Aiken. One of the owners was raised in Aiken, Cecelia Roust. The other, Marvin Sterling, is a chef and her boyfriend with some serious kitchen credentials. Cecelia managed restaurants in Savannah. Georgia. Marvin has been featured on Burger, Brews, and Que on the Food Network and Food Paradise for the Travel Channel. They have both opened several restaurants for various companies, but the Neon Fig is the first they’ve owned together. When COVID hit
It is official, Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow and we are looking down the scope of what is expected to be a long winter in the CSRA. Unfortunately for us, this rings true for real estate as well. I know we all hoped for a reprieve from the crazy market, but today’s statistics continue to be heavy-handed against buyers. The first big hit was an interest rate hike for the VA and FHA loan products. We are seeing these rates starting to hit over 4%. I have compiled a
It is official, Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow and we are looking down the scope of what is expected to be a long winter in the CSRA. Unfortunately for us, this rings true for real estate as well. I know we all hoped for a reprieve from the crazy market, but today’s statistics continue to be heavy-handed against buyers. The first big hit was an interest rate hike for the VA and FHA loan products. We are seeing these rates starting to hit over 4%. I have compiled a
Two large retailers are opening new locations in the Mullins Colony Shopping Center, near Belk in Evans. Brazilian Wax and Spa by Claudia (see photo above story) offers a variety of services, including waxing, facials, and Botox treatments. Founded in Charleston in 2007 by Claudia Rissardi, Brazilian Wax and Spa has more than 20 locations in four states: Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Pennsylvania. According to the company’s website, the company will soon add more locations, including one in Charlotte. Augusta already has one location at 2907 Washington Road in
Arielle Page puts the “small” in small business. Her homemade cheesecake pastries are primarily online/pick-up only right now. However, that is slowly changing. Since August of 2020, when Arie’s Confectionaries officially began operating as a business, the pastry chef’s sweets have been making their presence–and taste–known. While she’s the sole baker, her mom helps when it’s time to do a pop-up shop or a farmers’ market. “We offer a variety of cheesecake flavors!” she exclaims. “What makes this company unique is that we provide mini, assorted cheesecakes. Customers are able
The intersection of Washington Road near the Bobby Jones Expressway can be bumper-to-bumper, especially around lunch or dinnertime. Publisher Neil Gordon says a new restaurant is going to take a chance that traffic won’t keep customers away.
Lindsay Fruchtl of Destination Augusta, just gave a 30-minute audio tour of the Garden City and area businesses and community activities. The CBS affiliate in Atlanta chose Augusta as the first city to be profiled. This podcast is expected to create economic impact for the CSRA, because Atlantans like to take the few hour drive to Augusta to showcase our community’s unique local restaurants, small shops, and fun things to do. The photo is a view from the Hyatt House in downtown Augusta.
