Hilton Head Monthly Voice Voice of the Lowcountry 
BEWARE OF THESE TOP 10 LEADERSHIP BLIND SPOTS
“It’s what we learn after we know it all that really counts.” This is one of my favorite quotes — one of many by the great John Wooden. Ask anyone I know or work with, and they will tell you I mention this one often.
I believe we should always be open to learning.
HOW DO TARIFFS AND A POTENTIAL TRADE WAR AFFECT THE LOWCOUNTRY?
Financial markets don’t generally deal well with uncertainty, and we have been witnessing a lot of uncertainty in the markets recently. President Donald Trump’s unconventional style of diplomacy, particularly when it comes to international trade, has caused increased volatility in both the equity markets and the fixed-income markets.
DARE TO ASK YOURSELF THESE 5 QUESTIONS
Many years ago, a mentor gave me the book “The Man in the Mirror” by Patrick Morley. I still have it, and every two or three years, I take it with me to the beach and reread it.
LOCAL CULTURE GETS A BOOST
Heritage tourism in the Lowcountry is gaining ground, with a new alliance of Lowcountry leaders, pledges of financial support from Beaufort County and the Town of Hilton Head Island, and partnership with the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.
ORIGINAL EXPERIENCES DRIVE BOTH ECONOMIES
On my first visit to Rovinj, a lovely seaside town on the Croatian coast, a three-hour ferry ride across the bay from Venice, I fell in love with the setting: A compact and well-preserved old town, a wonderful harbor walk lined with restaurants, and a fabulous large park where five-star hotels overlook the Adriatic Sea — plus miles and miles of bikeable public nature preserves along the blue ocean, which entices swimmers to jump in the clear water.
Golf memorabilia, a custom mirror to anchor a room, or a watercolor painting of a gorgeous Lowcountry sunset over the marsh: All will get expert treatment by caring professionals at The Great Frame Up in Bluffton.
In fact, clients’ artwork never has to leave the store, because owners Adam and Pam Meister have invested in advanced technology and state-of-the art machinery for framing, scanning and printing. Their commercial Cruse scanner is recognized as the premier in the industry, and the Bluffton store is home to South Carolina’s only one — there are only 25 in the country.
MAHIEU LEADS RESORT RENTALS INTO THE FUTURE
Gerard Mahieu got where he is today by thinking outside the box. As the president of Resort Rentals of Hilton Head Island, he’s always known that his customers want the best bang for their vacation buck — but these days, the deals they think they’re getting on the internet from his competitors aren’t always so hot. Mahieu, who honed his business skills at a leading advertising agency in Paris, knows that many websites’ claims of outrageous bargains on rental accommodations are hogwash—but what could he do to fight back?
BUILDING COMMUNITY WOULD BOOST LOWCOUNTRY ECONOMY
When most people think about economics, they think of money, stocks, bonds, banking. It’s easy to forget that at its most basic level, economics really boils down to a study of human behavior.
Charisma, strategy and vision are hallmarks of history’s great leaders, but a newer trait, “emotional intelligence,” has found its way into the workplace. People today have a great sense of independence and a need for empowerment. This means leaders must exercise authority and management skills while also encouraging participation and empowerment.
THE NEXT GENERATION TAKES THE REINS AT COASTAL RESTAURANTS AND BARS GROUP
Depending on how you look at it, the Carolina Restaurants and Bars (CRAB) Group traces its roots back to 2015 or 1973. Why the broad range? Allow us to explain.
The more recent date marks the moment that the Reilley and the Kenneweg families, both renowned for the way they shaped Hilton Head Island’s restaurant scene, made their long-standing partnership official by gathering all of their resources under the banner of the CRAB Group.
