At a time when culinary education is rapidly evolving, a new Dean is bringing fresh energy and vision to the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Culinary Institute of the South. Chef Jacqueline Orak’s appointment in August of 2024 marks a meaningful step forward for representation in both higher education and the culinary industry, fields where women have historically been underrepresented in top roles. With a background that blends industry experience and academic leadership, she steps into a role that demands both creativity and strategic thinking. She is responsible for shaping curriculum, guiding faculty & staff, and ensuring students are prepared for real-world kitchens and food systems. The position also requires oversight of operations, budgeting, & industry partnerships, making it one of the most complex leadership roles on campus. Having mastered the many aspects of the culinary and hospitality field, Dean Orak felt it time to disseminate her vast knowledge to future chefs. Her passion for the industry shows through in her excitement in pastries and other specialty baked goods prepared by students at the campus-based Clist Café, which has become a favorite spot for coffee lovers. Dean Orak helps students glimpse into the future to learn what the culinary world demands of a new chef. “We’re training our students to make their mark in the industry – to become Executive Chefs, Corporate Chefs, Private Chefs…there are so many different and exciting roles they can play locally and internationally and we are preparing them for those opportunities!” Dean Orak’s leadership style …
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For Caroline Molloy, sports have always been about more than competition—they’re a powerful platform for connection, mentorship, and faith.
Her deep roots in the Lowcountry shine through in her work, blending coastal charm with intentional, personalized design. From the very beginning, it was clear this was more than a passing interest. As she shares, “I found a notebook from when I was 12… full of vendors, bouquets, and timelines,” a glimpse into a lifelong passion that would one day grow into a thriving wedding planning business. For Annie, weddings are more than beautifully styled days. They are sacred, joy-filled moments where stories, families, and faith often come together. “There’s nothing like watching two people step into forever surrounded by the people they love,” she says. “It never gets old.” Her passion lies in walking alongside couples through every step of the journey, helping them feel seen, celebrated, and cared for. From the smallest details to the biggest decisions, Annie approaches each wedding with intention and heart. After studying at the University of South Carolina and gaining experience through travel and life in different cities, Annie returned to Hilton Head with a renewed vision. “This is home,” she explains. “And I love getting to create something special for people in a place that means so much to me.” Outside of weddings, Annie’s heart for people extends to her family and the non-profit her parents co-founded, Pockets full of Sunshine, which supports adults with special needs. That same compassion and joy are woven into everything she does. “At the end of the day, it’s about people,” Annie shares. …
Long known across the Lowcountry for exceptional craftsmanship in quartz, granite, and cultured marble, Athena has shaped countless kitchens, baths, and outdoor spaces. Under new ownership, that legacy is growing with a renewed focus on people, process, and product. After a 30-year career in operations leadership, Randy felt drawn to the tangible, human side of construction — where creativity, precision, and community intersect. “Acquiring Athena presented an opportunity to lead an operating company in the construction industry,” he says. “It was a chance to make life better for our employees, our customers, and our partners.” That idea — Make Life Better — is more than a motto. It guides every installation, every relationship, and every improvement the team undertakes. Athena remains one of the region’s few cultured marble manufacturers, connecting it to the history of many communities. At the same time, the company’s future is shaped by the complementary strengths of its partners. Ryan DuBois brings more than 13 years of experience building quartz manufacturing facilities across the United States, providing deep technical insight into modern fabrication, efficiency, and scalable production. Together, Randy and Ryan blend operational leadership with hands-on manufacturing expertise. Their Hardeeville facility reflects that balance, combining tradition and technology through CNC saws, laser templating, and a dedicated training center that reinforces continuous learning. The partnership itself began with months of conversation about building something meaningful, ultimately sparked by a call from a business broker who introduced them to Athena. Navigating the startup process came …
After a successful 34-year career as Executive Vice President and CFO of DuPont, Jeff’s life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2007. Rather than slowing him down, the diagnosis awakened a heightened sense of creativity and a deep passion for photography. Drawn to color, light, and the beauty of the world around him, Jeff began capturing vivid moments from Hilton Head Island, the Lowcountry, and his travels abroad. Photography became both an artistic outlet and a source of joy, allowing him to see the world through a new lens. VIVID Gallery is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), and all proceeds from Jeff’s fine-art photography support Parkinson’s research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, as well as select local charities. Through his art, Jeff turns creativity into hope, connection, and meaningful impact.
At Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists, Drs. Cory Messerschmidt and Vandit Sardana are working together to meet that need head-on, helping shape a practice expanding alongside the communities it serves. Though both board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians arrived in the Lowcountry from faraway hometowns, Dr. Sardana from just outside Toronto and Dr. Messerschmidt from Virginia, they share a defining trait: a lifelong drive to fix what’s broken. Whether tinkering with cars or building imaginative Lego creations, each discovered early a fascination with how things work and how to make them work better. “I’m drawn to solving complex problems,” said Dr. Messerschmidt, who is also fellowship-trained in sports medicine. “Every patient presents a unique challenge. We piece together symptoms, imaging and clinical insight to determine the best path forward.” Together, the surgeons bring renewed energy to the practice, combining broad surgical expertise with engaged, empathetic patient care and innovative robot-assisted technology and sports medicine services. That high-quality care makes a difference: Beaufort Memorial has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for joint replacement surgery since 2015, along with advanced disease-specific certification in hip and knee replacement, an honor held by only four centers in the state. The health system is also a designated Blue Distinction Center+ for hip and knee replacement, reflecting a commitment to skilled, costeffective care. For the doctors, building a healthier Lowcountry extends beyond the clinic. As part of Beaufort Memorial’s vision as a community health system, they regularly host free educational talks on joint …
In Hilton Head and throughout the Lowcountry and Savannah, that partner is VaVia Dumpster Rental and its owners Greg Westfall and Marco Casarin. A locally owned roll-off dumpster company, VaVia is built on a simple promise: fast, dependable service paired with clear, local communication every step of the way. Offering same-day and next-morning service, Greg and Marco understand that timelines matter, especially when projects are moving quickly and delays aren’t an option. But VaVia’s value goes beyond speed. Small in size yet big in capacity, their 10- and 15-yard dumpsters are thoughtfully designed to fit into tight driveways, narrow lots, and HOA-regulated neighborhoods. With a clean, neutral brown aesthetic that blends into residential settings and built-in driveway protection that homeowners appreciate, VaVia dumpsters are as considerate as they are capable. For them, the business isn’t just about dropping off a dumpster, it’s about removing stress from the entire process. “If the customer doesn’t have to think about their dumpster, then we’ve done our job,” says Greg. That mindset is at the heart of VaVia’s “Easy Go” philosophy, a streamlined approach that prioritizes simplicity, responsiveness, and trust. From the first call or text to delivery, pickup, and follow-up, customers work with real local people who communicate clearly and proactively. No call centers. No guesswork. Just straightforward service done right. Serving both residential and commercial clients, VaVia supports a wide range of projects—from homeowners tackling renovations or cleanouts to contractors managing job sites that require efficiency and …
With 11 tournament-grade courts, climate-controlled comfort, a cozy café, and plenty of space to connect, it’s quickly becoming a beloved gathering place in the Lowcountry. Guests can take advantage of professionally led clinics, private lessons, and leagues designed to help players improve their game while enjoying the social side of pickleball. The facility is open to everyone, making it easy for both locals and visitors to drop in and play, while membership options elevate the experience with added access, convenience, and community. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or competing at a high level, the facility offers structured programming and flexible court access to meet you where you are. Beyond the courts, The Local Pickle offers a space where the Lowcountry lifestyle truly comes to life—especially within its café. Known for its crowd-favorite smashburgers, delicious flatbreads, and quick breakfast bites, the café has quickly become a destination of its own. Paired with comfortable gathering spaces, special events, and family-friendly programming, it transforms every visit into something more than just a game.
For owner and founder Kevin Thompson, that vision has been the driving force from day one. “It’s easy to say you put customers first,” he shares, “but we challenge ourselves every day to actually live that out and treat people the way we would want to be treated.” Kevin’s journey began in the Lowcountry where he grew up, later attending the University of Georgia before starting his career in the homebuilding industry. In 2007, he transitioned into the HVAC field, where he spent years learning the business. Over time, he began to notice a pattern, missed appointments, inconsistent service, and a lack of attention to the homes people had worked so hard for. “I wanted more for homeowners,” Kevin explains. “I was tired of the excuses and knew there had to be a better way to serve people.” With that conviction, he set out to build Summit Services from the ground up. Starting with no customers, no employees, and no roadmap, Kevin relied on hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to doing things differently. “I’ll be the first to admit I made some costly mistakes early on,” he says, “but I knew if we stayed committed to our values, we could build something special.” Now, six years in, Summit Services has grown into a trusted name in the community, known for its reliability, high standards, and strong company culture. The team is built on continuous training, accountability, and a genuine appreciation for every customer served. While heating …
Featured Story
At a time when culinary education is rapidly evolving, a new Dean is bringing fresh energy and vision to the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Culinary Institute of the South. Chef Jacqueline Orak’s appointment in August of 2024 marks a meaningful step forward for representation in both higher education and the culinary industry, fields where women have historically been underrepresented in top roles. With a background that blends industry experience and academic leadership, she steps into a role that demands both creativity and strategic thinking. She is responsible for shaping curriculum, guiding faculty & staff, and ensuring students are prepared for real-world kitchens and food systems. The position also requires oversight of operations, budgeting, & industry partnerships, making it one of the most complex leadership roles on campus. Having mastered the many aspects of the culinary and hospitality field, Dean Orak felt it time to disseminate her vast knowledge to future chefs. Her passion for the industry shows through in her excitement in pastries and other specialty baked goods prepared by students at the campus-based Clist Café, which has become a favorite spot for coffee lovers. Dean Orak helps students glimpse into the future to learn what the culinary world demands of a new chef. “We’re training our students to make their mark in the industry – to become Executive Chefs, Corporate Chefs, Private Chefs…there are so many different and exciting roles they can play locally and internationally and we are preparing them for those opportunities!” Dean Orak’s leadership style …
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