Business Sales

B2B Stories

Lighting Up the CSRA: One on One with Keith Mele of DTL Energy Solutions

Publisher’s Note: ABD recently had some commercial lighting done in a building we manage. It got me thinking. Has your company ever done an energy audit? Savings and rebates are possible. In a wide-ranging interview, Keith Mele from DTL Energy Solutions shows businesspeople the light! ABD: How would you describe what DTL Energy Solutions does? DTL: DTL Energy Solutions is a commercial electrical services company focused on helping businesses reduce operating costs through strategic lighting upgrades, energy-efficient lighting retrofits, and proactive facility maintenance. We specialize in turnkey LED lighting conversions

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B2B Stories

Kendrick Deal: What happens to staff?

Stephen Kendrick JR. got a nice 75th Anniversary present heading into the holiday week. Classic Collision, one of the fastest-growing auto body repair and collision companies in the U.S., acquired Kendrick Paint and Body. Kendrick, who purchased ownership in 2008 and ended his tenure as sole owner and CEO, communicated to staff on Thursday morning that the deal was done. The acquisition affects more than 190 employees who operate the nine locations on both sides of the Savannah River. There’s some confusion as to how many employees will be affected

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B2B Stories

Successful franchise owner sells two CSRA bakeries

After six years in business in Evans and two years in Aiken, Susan and James See sold their Nothing Bundt Cakes franchises last Thursday, August 22. It was a sweet ride for their family, employees, and customers, but they felt the time was right. “We’ve been blessed, and we worked hard to be good stewards of the brand and to bring joy to our community by giving back, but we wanted to retire, travel, and see where God leads us next,” See explained. The See’s had already put in hard

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B2B Stories

CSRA business success leads to expansion

When Maria Cardona opened her therapeutic massage business last July, she never sat still. She kept up a constant flow of messages on social media, she walked up and down Laurens Street in Aiken handing out business cards, and she got to know neighboring businesses. The networking paid off. “Business has been great. Being a Chamber member helped and the foot traffic generated by our next-door neighbor, Radioactive Pinball Arcade, resulted in new clients,” Cardona explained. Cardona knew it was time for her business to grow. Meanwhile, Uma Hill was

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B2B Stories

Freddy’s Frozen Custard coming to Washington Road

The Finem Group of Meybohm Commercial recently managed the sale of a property on Washington Road that will soon become a Freddy’s Frozen Custard. Located at 3038 Washington Road in Augusta, the property was sold for $2 million which also brought the popular 7-Brew coffee chain to the area. The Finem Group represented the seller in that transaction, and John Metts with Wilson Kibler represented Freddy’s Frozen Custard. According to a press release sent to ABD on April 2, The Finem Group noted that it conducted a comprehensive analysis to

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B2B Stories

Multi-million dollar sale of major Augusta manufacturer

Clearwater Paper Corporation will acquire Graphic Packaging, a bleached paperboard manufacturing facility, for $700 million based on adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) of approximately $100 million. Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA), told ABD he has spoken with Graphic Packaging about the transaction. “The facility in Augusta fits into the portfolio of Clearwater much better, which should mean longer-term access to growth for the Augusta facility because it’s a better fit within Clearwater,” he said. “Bleached paperboard plays a major role in sustainable

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B2B Stories

Deep pockets for downtown Augusta historic investment

A property steeped in history with a potential lucrative future is for sale, if you can pony up almost $2 million. Almost 21 years ago, The Bees Knees helped pioneer modern dining in Downtown Augusta. Over the years, the space at 215 10th Street has been a gathering place for many seeking a unique culinary experience. Now, with Manny’s Off Broad and Lenox on Tenth, a new generation of restauranteurs has taken up the baton and an opportunity to invest in Augusta’s downtown has presented itself. The property offers approximately

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B2B Stories

Lawn equipment company sold to CSRA restaurateur!

From making burgers to making hay. That’s the transition that longtime Augusta area restaurateur, David Cravens has been undergoing since September 1st. He’s the new owner of Palmer Equipment and will celebrate his acquisition with an event planned for Saturday, October 14th at the showroom in Wilkes County. Cravens will offer name brands such as Stihl products and equipment from Kubota and Land Pride. Palmer’s caters to both agricultural and residential customers. They have tractors, lawnmowers, weed eaters, hay bailers, and more. “It has been such a blessing to continue

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B2B Stories

CSRA roadside café set to close

On the edge of Aiken County, almost close enough to throw a rock to the Barnwell County line, Almost There Café opened for business last fall. Owner, Dawn Redmon and her cooks served up good ole Southern fare fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread, and a variety of other dishes that soon became favorites. The building at 245 White Pond Road in Williston had been a donut shop, a chicken joint, and a mercantile over the years. It wasn’t a big place, but locals seemed to love the food.

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B2B Stories

New ownership for CSRA staple

Harold Wright launched Wright One Paint and Body back in 2007 on Gordon Highway in South Augusta. The sale of the business is expected to close on Friday, June 2nd. “I have been in the paint and body business for over 30 years, beginning as an estimator and manager working for other shops, but found out I was great at teaching people, which pushed me to open my own shop. Now I’ve come full circle and am ready to retire and do more things that I love,” Wright said. “We’ve

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B2B Stories

144-year-old business still thriving under new ownership

“Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin While he can’t help with your taxes, Clint Jackson can provide the comfort and service you need during the hardest time, the loss of a beloved family member. As an experienced manager of Napier Funeral home, following the death of the former owner, Sammie Napier, Jackson became the owner in October 2022. “I had just turned 16 when my cousin took his life. Shortly after that, I started working with the Napier family, helping with visitations and funeral services,” Jackson

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B2B Stories

CSRA Auto Group to buy another dealership

The Gerald Jones Auto Group drives a hard bargain when it comes to fellow car dealers. For the third time in the last seven years, owner Andy Jones is going on a shopping spree for dealerships. ABD has learned a deal is being finalized for the Auto Group to close on the purchase of another dealership in the next 30-45 days. In early 2016, the Gerald Jones Auto Group Ford purchased Bobby Jones Ford Lincoln from the heirs of former owner, Frank Lawrence. It continues to operate on Wrightsboro Road

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B2B Stories

Global renewable energy companies buy building in Augusta

Two members of a global renewable energy group of companies recently purchased a building in Augusta, according to Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate. TEXEL Energy Innovations Inc. and Transition Energy Inc. bought an 11,000-square-foot garage/flex space located at 1228 Gordon Highway. The Finem Group with Meybohm Commercial Real Estate sold the building, which contains 1,500 square feet of office space. TEXEL, a Swedish-based company, has developed a 100 percent recyclable storage solution that charges within minutes and lasts more than 100 years, according to the company’s website. This technology was

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B2B Stories

Local assisted living community sold to Arizona-based real estate firm

A local assisted living and memory care community has been sold for an undisclosed amount. Last month, Inspired Healthcare Capital, an Arizona-based private equity real estate firm, purchased Thrive at Augusta from Drake Real Estate Partners, a New York-based investment firm, according to an article from Seniors Housing Business. CBRE Senior Housing, a commercial real estate investment firm, arranged the sale of the 85-unit property located at 313 Furys Ferry Road in Martinez. “Thrive Senior Living will continue to manage the community,” the article said. Thrive at Augusta President, Melita

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B2B Stories

Cookie business EXPLODES in CSRA!

While Charles Terry III (photo at right) is in Evans today through Wednesday, training his employees at Crumbl, his business partner, Tobias Harris of the Philadelphia 76ers is training for tonight’s NBA game with the Phoenix Suns in Pennsylvania. In October, the two childhood friends from Long Island, New York purchased the highly successful cookie franchise from Augustans Dr. Troy Akers and his wife Nancy, who just opened the Mullins Colony location in late April of this year. “Tobias and I were looking to do business together for years,” said

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B2B Stories

Downtown medical office building sold to a new owner

A large downtown medical office building is under new ownership, according to Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate. The 21,430-square-foot building, which was built in 2002, is located at 630 13th St. near Piedmont Augusta and Augusta University Medical Center. Its tenants include Augusta Vascular Center and Hanger Clinic. Augusta Vascular Center treats a variety of conditions, including varicose veins, uterine fibroids, and peripheral artery disease. Hanger Clinic is a national healthcare company that provides prosthetic and orthotic services. One 3,462-square-foot medical suite is available for rent in the building. For

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B2B Stories

Local home improvement company sold after half century

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.

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B2B Stories

Mondays with Rick: Selling your business

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

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Business Sales

New majority owner of Partridge Inn fuels $10 million renovation

New General Manager ✔ New Majority Owner ✔ New bathrooms ✔ New HD 55” TV’s ✔ New adjacent parking lot ✔ These are just some of the changes happening during the historic Partridge Inn’s $10 million renovation, which started September 15th and will last until before the Masters Golf Tournament. Taconic Capital, a Park Avenue global investment firm in New York City became the new majority owner since purchasing its share in August—just prior to the remodeling of the landmark hotel. Atlanta-based NorthPointe Hospitality Management Company still represents the P.I.

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B2B Stories

New franchisee to take over “cool” local business

Maranda Carruth has always wanted to be a business owner, but she wasn’t sure what type of business it would be. Carruth will officially take over the Kona Ice of Western Augusta franchise on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, but she has been preparing for this new role for the last three years by learning the business from the current franchise owners, Dean and Denise Dozier. Dean is retiring, and Denise plans to continue working with the business for now. “It will be nice to have her around while I’m learning,”

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B2B Stories

How to improve the value of your business to a buyer

In working with business owners on the sale of their businesses, we always start the process with a business valuation to determine what we feel the company would sell for in the market place. And it probably comes as no surprise that many business owners are hoping for a price greater than what the market probably will pay. Why this occurs is there is no public database of what businesses sell for that a seller or buyer can research to arrive at a value, especially if there is no real

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B2B Stories

Local doctor and his wife excited to see how the cookie crumbles

Troy Akers works as a doctor, but now he’s decided to take a bite out of the cookie business. Next spring, Troy – an Army veteran – and his wife, Nancy, will open a Crumbl Cookies franchise at 4263 Washington Road, Unit 625 in the Mullins Colony Shopping Center near Belk in Evans. “We’ve always been entrepreneurs at heart,” he says. “I’ve looked into different businesses.” Friends told them about a Crumbl franchise opportunity, so they visited the Lexington location and fell in love with the brand. “My wife bakes

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B2B Stories

New owner promises change at unconventional CSRA convenience store

A popular store in Aiken County now has a new owner. Andrew Siders – vice chairman of the Aiken County Council – bought Dave’s Grill & Grocery convenience store on Thursday, Aug. 12. Dave Golding – the previous owner – just retired after running the business for 38 years. Located at 3286 Wagener Road in the small town of Couchton, Dave’s Grill & Grocery is no ordinary convenience store. “We have a full grill,” says Siders. They serve a variety of meals, such as barbecue, chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs.

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B2B Stories

Evans DIY business sold to new owners

New owners of AR Workshop A successful do-it-yourself arts and crafts business in Evans is changing hands at the end of the month. AR Workshop – located at 3116 William Few Parkway next door to Rooted Coffeehouse in the Riverwood Shopping Center – has been sold to new owners who will take over the business on June 28. Owners Brandi Collins and Anita Barr will hold a VIP farewell party on Saturday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and only 24 seats are available for clients. Collins is

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B2B Stories

Another day, another downtown Augusta building sold!

ABD reported that another downtown building, the former Antiques Marketplace on Broad Street sold recently for $575,000. That deal was brokered by Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate. This building at 1031 Ellis Street was purchased for $500,000. (Photo courtesy Zillow) A 113-year-old building on 10th and Broad just sold for $500,000 to one of the tenants The building at 1031 Ellis Street features a bar, nightclub, and restaurant venue called “Soultry Sounds”. There are also three loft apartments above the club. Jonathan Aceves, the commercial real estate broker for Meybohm tells ABD

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B2B Stories

Augusta real estate brokers to redevelop historic Florida property

Summer House Real Estate brokers James and Jenny Schaffer have a flair for making people feel “at home”. Their boutique, three-story office on the 2600 block of Washington Road is part real estate office and part venue for the community. The Schaffers are also huge proponents of preserving the environment as evidenced by their gifts to the Water Mission Project. Jenny Schaffer, who also brokers an office in Fernandina Beach spoke to the hometown newspaper and told a reporter she has been interested in this property for many years and

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B2B Stories

Iconic Broad Street building converting to lofts and retail spaces

The approximate 10,000 square foot, three-story Marketplace Antiques Building was sold to Adaire Pennington with the intent of revitalizing the property to feature loft apartments on the second and third floors and retail space on the first floor. (Photo by Neil Gordon) The historic Marketplace Antiques Building at 1208 Broad Street will soon follow the path of other developers in downtown Augusta— with mixed-use housing and retail. The new owner, Adaire Pennington, is excited about preserving this historic building. “Augusta’s downtown has so much potential, and I intend to play

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