My family has lived in Columbia since the 1980s. I grew up in Northeast Columbia, was active in my church youth group and graduated from Richland Northeast High School. Life then took me to Clemson University where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing. The highlight of my time at Clemson was falling in love with my wife, Laura. After graduation, we returned to Columbia to start our family. Our first house was a rental on Trenholm Road, but we knew the house was too small for a new family. We purchased a home in Northeast Columbia but quickly realized that we missed Forest Acres and needed to return. Just before the birth of our second daughter, we purchased a home in Forest Acres and fell back in love with our outstanding community. We were blessed with a great street and lovely neighbors, but our family outgrew that wonderful home. We are now in our forever home in Forest Acres with our three daughters.

In 2008, my brother and I recognized that the downtown Columbia area was in desperate need of a pool supply store. The idea of Jack Oliver’s Pool, Spa and Patio was born, and we leased a building on Millwood Avenue. We had no idea how popular our business was going to be, and we knew our space could no longer accommodate us. When looking for a more permanent location and with both of us living in Forest Acres, we knew that is where we wanted to be. The business-friendly environment of Forest Acres was a draw, and with the former Goodwood store available, we knew we had found our home. Through hard work and with great employees, our business has become a namesake in Forest Acres.

I hope my experience as a small business owner in Forest Acres will provide valuable insight to our City Council and thriving City. Forest Acres is growing and expanding, and I want to make sure our family-owned small businesses have a voice! Growth is important in Forest Acres and I want to see it done responsibly. I look forward to meeting my fellow Forest Acres neighbors as I work to earn their vote!