Breathe in the salt-tanged air and set your eyes on the pastel-hued tapestry of grand homes that make Charleston, South Carolina, not just a place to visit but a place to which you belong. Rooted in American history and marinated in a rich culture, Charleston is where history meanders down cobblestone streets and coastal beauty is serenely soaked in every vista.
Founded in 1670, with its plethora of antebellum homes and landmark buildings like those on Rainbow Row to the Battery, Charleston is a living, breathing museum capturing the essence of bygone eras. But don't think its heartbeat is stuck in the past. Charleston buzzes with a vibrant art scene and regular festivals that celebrate its coastal heritage and unique Southern identity.
A sensory delight awaits around each corner from the tantalizing aroma of she-crab soup to the southern comfort of shrimp and grits, Charleston’s culinary tapestry is rich and flavorful. And this coastal gem doesn't just please your palate. It cares for your mind, too, with a strong focus on education through great schools and a thriving local industry scene.
Rest your gaze on the blue velvet of the sea edging its stunning beaches and hum along to the playlis...
Welcome to Charleston
4 | HelloCharleston, South Carolina • Winter Issue
Welcome to Charleston - A Historical Beauty with a Southern Spirit
Breathe in the salt-tanged air and set your eyes on the pastel-hued tapestry of grand homes that make Charleston, South Carolina, not just a place to visit but a place to which you belong. Rooted in American history and marinated in a rich culture, Charleston is where history meanders down cobblestone streets and coastal beauty is serenely soaked in every vista.
Founded in 1670, with its plethora of antebellum homes and landmark buildings like those on Rainbow Row to the Battery, Charleston is a living, breathing museum capturing the essence of bygone eras. But don't think its heartbeat is stuck in the past. Charleston buzzes with a vibrant art scene and regular festivals that celebrate its coastal heritage and unique Southern identity.
A sensory delight awaits around each corner from the tantalizing aroma of she-crab soup to the southern comfort of shrimp and grits, Charleston’s culinary tapestry is rich and flavorful. And this coastal gem doesn't just please your palate. It cares for your mind, too, with a strong focus on education through great schools and a thriving local industry scene.
Rest your gaze on the blue velvet of the sea edging its stunning beaches and hum along to the playlist of waves reinforcing the low country charm. Each part of Charleston tells a unique story and invites you to become a character in its tale.
Endowed with world-class dining options and Southern hospitality encapsulating the city's friendly and warm character, you won't just be a visitor but a welcomed member of the Charleston community. Experience Charleston, not as a passerby, but as an active participant, immersing yourself in its rhythm and Southern Spirit. Welcome to this coastal beauty with a generous dab of historical charm, welcome to Charleston. It's not just a place to visit, it's a place to love, live, and truly belong.
Hello Charleston, South Carolina • Winter Issue |5
Welcome to Charleston
FEATURED STORY
Inside BBB Central SC with CEO Chris Hadley, 15 Counties, One Clear Process
by HelloNation Staff
Chris Hadley leads the Better Business Bureau serving Central South Carolina and Charleston with an emphasis on simple, repeatable steps. The office covers 15 counties across the Midlands and Lowcountry, so the advice has to travel well from Columbia to the coast. The through line is steady, gives people clear information, makes the process public, and helps both sides set fair expectations before they sign.Recent scam alerts in the South Carolina market echo that approach. As the holidays approach and Medicare enrollment draws attention, the
6 | HelloCharleston, South Carolina • Winter Issue
HelloNation Staff
ABOUT THE AUTHOR HelloNation is a national magazine dedicated to practical consumer education. We translate real marketplace issues into plain steps that help people set fair expectations, compare options, and resolve problems. Our editorial mission closely aligns with the Better Business Bureau’s emphasis on public education and transparent practices, while remaining independent and not affiliated.
volume of unsolicited calls and social messages tends to rise. Residents report pitches to move investments into cryptocurrency, invitations to share Social Security numbers for supposed benefit updates, and links that lead to spoofed sites. The guidance is consistent: type official addresses into your browser, do not click links from unexpected messages, and never share personal data with a caller who reached out to you.Hadley’s office pairs those reminders with tools the public can use in minutes. Business Profiles show complaint patterns and how companies respond when something
Hello Charleston, South Carolina • Winter Issue |7
Inside BBB Central SC with CEO Chris Hadley, 15 Counties, One Clear Process
Chris Hadley leads the Better Business Bureau serving Central South Carolina and Charleston with an emphasis on simple, repeatable steps. The office covers 15 counties across the Midlands and Lowcountry, so the advice has to travel well from Columbia to the coast. The through line is steady, gives people clear information, makes the process public, and helps both sides set fair expectations before they sign. Recent scam alerts in the South Carolina market echo that approach. As the holidays approach and Medicare enrollment draws attention, the volume of unsolicited calls and social messages tends to rise. Residents report pitches to move investments into cryptocurrency, invitations to share Social Security numbers for supposed benefit updates, and links that lead to spoofed sites. The guidance is consistent: type official addresses into your browser, do not click links from unexpected messages, and never share personal data with a caller who reached out to you. Hadley’s office pairs those reminders with tools the public can use in minutes. Business Profiles show complaint patterns and how companies respond when something goes wrong. Scam Tracker turns individual experiences into a public record that neighbors can search before they engage. When people use these tools, the market becomes easier to navigate. Buyers see how firms handle stress, and sellers can point to those public records when they improve a policy or resolve a tough case. Storm season adds a different challenge: the door-to-door pitch from out-of-town contractors after heavy weather. The pattern is familiar. A salesperson promises quick repairs, asks for large deposits, and claims the insurer will cover it all. When the work stalls or the crew disappears, the surprise is costly. In media interviews, Hadley has urged homeowners to slow down, verify licenses and insurance, and stage payments to completed work. Those steps are not complicated, but they prevent most of the expensive outcomes. The dispute process inside the BBB office follows the same plain structure. A complaint that meets acceptance rules is forwarded to the business with a set timeline. Staff ask both sides for dates, documents, and what resolution they want. Many cases close with a written plan that becomes part of the public record. The office is not a court, but it is a reliable forum that rewards documentation and good faith. Businesses learn to respond without defensiveness, and consumers see what a realistic outcome looks like. Relocation news reflects the office’s ongoing investment in access. A move of headquarters can sound like a logistics story, but it signals something else: more room to host partners, better access for visitors, and a fresh base for education efforts. In a region with long distances between communities, physical space still matters. When people can find the office and staff can bring in local groups, scam prevention and complaint resolution become easier to explain. Education remains the second pillar. Before big shopping periods, the messages focus on online purchase habits and nonprofit research. During storm repair season, the emphasis shifts to written estimates, change orders, and clear deposit terms. The office also speaks to schools, senior groups, and neighborhood associations. That outreach takes time, but it builds a common language around receipts, policies, and documentation that serves both sides when a deal goes sideways. Local media partnerships make those lessons visible. When a station runs a segment on fake investment pitches or phony Medicare calls, viewers hear the same rules that appear on BBB channels. Verify the sender, use credit cards for online purchases, and report what you see so patterns emerge. The point is not to chase every new scheme; it is to teach habits that work even when tactics change. A healthy skepticism and a quick check of a company profile go a long way. Inside businesses, the advice is just as practical. Post refund and cancellation policies where customers can read them. Train frontline staff to resolve common problems without escalating. Confirm promises in writing with names and dates. These steps reduce complaints and, when a complaint is filed, make better outcomes more likely. Firms that adopt them tend to see fewer surprises and more repeat customers. For residents across Central South Carolina and Charleston, the value is a fair process that is easy to use. Look up a business before you hire. Keep screenshots, emails, and receipts. Describe problems with specifics, not generalities. The BBB provides the structure, but the habits belong to the community. When a region shares these basic steps, most problems get smaller and faster to solve. The work does not end, and the office does not pretend it will. Scammers change their scripts, storms arrive on their own schedule, and new platforms create new angles for impostors. The response stays familiar. Keep information public, keep processes clear, and repeat education until it becomes routine. Under Hadley’s leadership, that is how a large, diverse service area keeps trust steady from one season to the next.
When aregion sharesthese basic steps, mostproblems getsmaller and fasterto solve.
goes wrong. Scam Tracker turns individual experiences into a public record that neighbors can search before they engage. When people use these tools, the market becomes easier to navigate. Buyers see how firms handle stress, and sellers can point to those public records when they improve a policy or resolve a tough case.Storm season adds a different challenge: the door-to-door pitch from out-of-town contractors after heavy weather. The pattern is familiar. A salesperson promises...
Temporary Fencing Isn’t Just for Construction Sites
In today’s busy world, temporary fencing often brings to mind construction zones and work sites. But temporary fence solutions offer value far beyond building projects. I’m Corin Clark, President and Co‑Owner of Trident Fence and Ironworks, LLC. With almost 30 years of experience in consumer service and
hands‑on local leadership, I’ve seen temporary fencing meet many needs in Charleston and beyond.Temporary fence panels provide security and structure at events, helping organizers manage entry points, direct traffic, and ensure public safety. From festivals to neighborhood block parties,
8 | HelloCharleston, South Carolina • Winter Issue
Temporary Fencing Isn’t Just for Construction Sites
In today’s busy world, temporary fencing often brings to mind construction zones and work sites. But temporary fence solutions offer value far beyond building projects. I’m Corin Clark, President and Co‑Owner of Trident Fence and Ironworks, LLC. With almost 30 years of experience in consumer service and hands‑on local leadership, I’ve seen temporary fencing meet many needs in Charleston and beyond.
Temporary fence panels provide security and structure at events, helping organizers manage entry points, direct traffic, and ensure public safety. From festivals to neighborhood block parties, chain‑link or mesh fencing creates clear boundaries and organized flow without permanent installation.
For property owners managing short‑term projects—like yard work, roof replacement, or pool installation—temporary fencing delivers safety and privacy. It keeps pets and children away from hazards and shields neighbors from dust or debris. This fencing is also ideal for creating temporary work zones that meet safety standards while protecting expensive tools and equipment.
On farms or rural properties, temporary fencing serves to direct livestock during rotations or keep animals away from sensitive areas. It’s cost‑effective, easy to move, and minimizes permanent disturbance to the land. For beach weddings or waterfront events, wind‑resistant temporary fencing ensures guest safety without harming sand or vegetation.
In all these scenarios, a key advantage is the minimal installation footprint. Temporary fence panels often come with reusable bases or stanchions, which avoid the need for digging post holes. After the event or task, panels are removed cleanly, leaving no damage behind.
With nearly 30 years in customer‑focused service in Charleston, I’ve delivered temporary fencing for nonprofit fundraisers, historic district street closures, film shoots, and private events. In each case, I’ve worked closely with clients to assess site needs, recommend fencing types such as privacy slat panels or chain‑link mesh, and coordinate logistics so that installation and removal happen smoothly.
Temporary fencing can transform a short‑term need into a safe, controlled space without permanence or damage. Choosing the right temporary fence means understanding site conditions, local ordinances, and event or project requirements. Whether you need crowd control barriers for a downtown block party or secure perimeter fencing for a backyard construction project, temporary fencing is a flexible solution worth considering.
Corin Clark
neighbors from dust or debris. This fencing is also ideal for creating temporary work zones that meet safety standards while protecting expensive tools and equipment.On farms or rural properties, temporary fencing serves to direct livestock during rotations or keep animals away from sensitive areas. It’s cost‑effective, easy to move, and minimizes permanent disturbance to the land. For beach weddings or waterfront events, wind‑resistant temporary fencing ensures guest safety without harming sand or vegetation.In all these scenarios, a key advantage is the minimal installation footprint. Temporary fence panels often come with...
chain‑link or mesh fencing creates clear boundaries and organized flow without permanent installation.For property owners managing short‑term projects—like yard work, roof replacement, or pool installation—temporary fencing delivers safety and privacy. It keeps pets and children away from hazards and shields
Temporary fencing can transform a short‑term need into a safe, controlled space without permanence or damage.
About the Author
Corin Clark, President and Co‑Owner of AAA Fence Company of Charleston (formerly Trident Fence & Ironworks), took the helm in June 2024. With nearly 30 years in the consumer service industry, Corin brings hands‑on leadership, local insight, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship and community service.
