Hilton Head People

AMERICAN WOOD REFACE

By Barry Kaufman / Photo by Lloyd Wainscott

Bruce Zaidman and his son, Ben, of American Wood Reface have been remodeling kitchens in the Lowcountry since 2009 and have over 1,000 very happy clients – so many in fact most of their business comes from referrals or repeat customers.

VACASA HILTON HEAD

by Barry Kaufman | Photo by Rob Kaufman

Behind every great Vacasa Hilton Head getaway, you’ll find a dedication that extends to both the guest and the homeowner. Each carefully curated vacation property is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring that homeowners enjoy peace of mind along with the highest possible rental revenue, while helping Vacasa Hilton Head guests create memories to last a lifetime.

THE FRENCH BAKERY

Story by Barry Kaufman | Photo Supplied

Tomasz Belka has been in the kitchen at The French Bakery since shortly after his father Marek took over 15 yeas ago. But his culinary journey began years before he made his way to Hilton Head Island.

THE ISLAND REC CENTER

By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Rob Kaufman

The Island Rec Center has been keeping our community active and involved since 1984. As it moves into the future, a trio of new faces will be guiding it. Chuck Mullen, Recreation and Operations Superintendent, joined in late August. “What stands out to me is the commitment to having top-notch facilities and staff who are committed to providing a well-rounded, positive recreational experience,” he said.

FIRST TEE – THE LOWCOUNTRY

By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Rob Kaufman

As the local chapter of a national group who are teaching students valuable life skills through the game of golf, First Tee – The Lowcountry is changing lives in the Lowcountry. In schools or at their gorgeous Gumtree Road facility, First Tee instructors pair top-notch golf education with a focus on life skills and values. Leading the charge are the Leading Men of First Tee – The Lowcountry.

CAROLINA IT

By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Ritterbeck Photography

The field of information technology changes by the second, with the release of each new bit of hardware or software and with the advancement of new online threats. Staying on top of these developments takes dedication, something that Brian Blount of Carolina IT knows all about.

AVOCADO BIKES

By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Rob Kaufman

The hallmark of a good leading man is that he never stops moving forward. As owner of Avocado Bikes, the ingenious e-bike rental service employed by hospitality firms up and down the east coast, Ken Fagut exemplifies that quality. Not only is he a dedicated cyclist, riding his first 100-miler at age 13, he also has kept his Hilton Head Island-based business moving forward despite the odds.

KENNY B’S

By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Rob Kaufman

It may be Ken Ballard’s name on the door, but don’t try to tell his bulldog, Beignet Bouchee that Kenny B is the leading man at the restaurant. “We picked him up from New Orleans back in 2017,” said Ballard. “People ask me why I love Georgia football so much, it’s because I love the dog.”

BUDGET BLINDS

By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Ritterbeck Photography

While it might be his name at the top of this profile, Bob Engler wants to be very clear on one point: when it comes to his business, Budget Blinds, there is no leading men. It’s a highly organized, tightly orchestrated group effort executed by a staff he trusts.