First you get the money, then you get the power

As Al Pacino said in the movie Scarface, “In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power.”

Al Pacino’s drug lord may not be the best moral compass for you to follow in the New Year, but we must allow that from a purely fiscal perspective, he makes a valid point.

In short, if you want to get anything done, you’d better have your financial house in order first. That applies to small business owners, the man in the street and, yes, even fictional gangsters.

And with the dawning of 2013, we’re all feeling like expanding our own financial empires, and Monthly feels like getting you there. So read on for some smart financial tips for 2013.

Read more: First you get the money, then you get the power

Market power: inside area real estate

There are finally some positive signs for a Hilton Head area housing market that has been battered by a bursting housing bubble and ensuing national recession. This one-two punch bludgeoned local property prices by up to 50 percent over the past half-dozen years, according to realtors and Beaufort County officials.

And while some might contend that asking Realtors to appraise the housing market is akin to asking a travel agent whether it’s a good time to take a vacation, encouraging statistics back the claims of these profit-driven people who, as property owners themselves, have taken their own financial hits during the country’s worst financial slide since the Great Depression in the 1930s. Their optimism is rightfully guarded, of course, and there was still an unresolved matter involving a looming fiscal cliff at press time, yet those surveyed point to an increase in sales, diminishing inventory, quicker turnover, fewer short-sales and foreclosures and, equally important, the continued allure of the Lowcountry’s laid-back lifestyle.

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On the Move: December 2012

New Hires

The Beach House, a Holiday Inn Resort, has hired Tom Neely as the general manager of the Beach House executive team. In his new role, Neely will be responsible for the oversight and management of staff, all food and beverage outlets and sales and marketing initiatives at the 202-room oceanfront resort. Neely brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience to The Beach House.

 Coastal Carolina Hospital recently announced the promotion of two of its administrators. Steve Hoover has been promoted to vice president of operations and Christina Oh has been promoted to assistant vice president of outpatient services. Hoover has a bachelor’s of science degree in medical technology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and a clinical laboratory science degree from Wake Forest University’s Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston Salem, N.C. He is currently enrolled in the MBA program at the University of Phoenix. Oh has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, and is currently enrolled in the executive master’s of healthcare administration program at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Master Stylist Christine Smith has joined House of Color salon in Bluffton. Smith is a certified colorist and Great Lengths extensionist, formerly of Salon Karma.

Chris Yarrison has joined Colleton River as food and beverage service manager. Yarrison previously worked at Country Club of Hilton Head, where he served as assistant food and beverage director. He graduated from USCB with a B.A. in hotel, restaurant and tourism management and recently passed his level one certification of Sommeliers from the Court of Master Sommeliers Guild. Colleton River also welcomes new executive chef Robert Wysong. Wysong has served as chef at numerous clubs and restaurants, including the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island.

Read more: On the Move: December 2012

Readers' Choice 2012

Behold, the power of the people. Thousands upon thousands of you voted in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, bestowing your accolades on these, the standard-bearers of excellence in Lowcountry food, business and service. Stand and be recognized, Readers’ Choice Award winners. You’ve earned it.

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Taking a bite out of the apocalypse

From the “Take a bite out of the apocalypse” dept.:

If you’re like us, the (possible) coming apocalypse of Dec. 21 is really bumming you out. After all, the end of the world affects us all, since that’s where we keep all our stuff.

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Taking care of business: Mayor Laughlin proposes new ideas for economic development

Question 1: You are interested in opening a business on Hilton Head Island. Where do you go for up-to-date information about doing business here?

Question 2: You already have commercial property here and are looking for opportunities to redevelop it. Where do you go for that?

You may not like either answer.

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The Gift that Keeps on Giving

At this time of year, we are often reminded that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive. But there are a group of local businesspeople who are living that mantra year-round by taking part in what’s being pegged as a “gift economy.”

Simply put, a gift economy is a type of economic system in which goods and services are given without any expectation of reward or payment. According to the New World Encyclopedia, “A gift economy emphasizes social or intangible rewards, such as karma, honor, or loyalty, for giving.”

April Lewis, owner of The Art of Yoga on Hilton Head Island, is an adherent of the practice. Her studio doesn’t charge fees for its services, which include yoga classes, herbal consultation, holistic healing and massage.

“It really is a simple idea about getting what you give,” she said. “People think that way during the holidays, but we hope people will think about that concept year-round.

“It’s all about the honor system. When we tell people the fee is whatever they want to pay, some of them say, ‘Wow, that’s awesome,’ and some people want a ballpark figure of what to pay. But that’s the fun of it – seeing people’s faces when we explain that we’re a donation-only business.”

So how well does it work? Marty Crocker, a massage therapist at The Art of Yoga, says it is simply amazing.

Read more: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

On the Move: November 2012

NEW HIRES

BB&T-Carswell Insurance Services has hired Emerson Martinez to its personal lines staff as a personal lines account executive. He will be located at One Park Lane on Hilton Head Island. Martinez brings more than 10 years of experience as an insurance professional in the industry.

Read more: On the Move: November 2012