Tag Archives: #yeahThatGreenville

On Reflecting the Recent Passing of Addy Sulley: A Legacy of Community, Connection, and the “Third Place”

As I sit down to reflect on the recent passing of Addy Sulley, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the way he shaped our little corner of the world here in Greenville, SC. Addy wasn’t just a restauranteur; he was a builder of community. Through Addy’s Dutch Café and Hans & Franz Biergarten, he gave us more than just places to grab a bite—they were third places, those rare and vital spots where people could come together, unwind, and connect. For me, these spaces hold a special significance: it’s where I met my wife on our first date and where the idea for Beer and Napkins first took root. Addy’s legacy reminds me of what sociologist Ray Oldenburg once wrote in The Great Good Place: “Third places are the heart of a community’s social vitality and the grassroots of a democracy.”

I’ll never forget the warmth of Addy’s Dutch Café that night I met my wife. The soft glow of the lights, the hum of friendly chatter, and the cozy, unpretentious vibe made it feel like the perfect place for a beginning. It was the kind of spot where you could linger, where nobody rushed you out the door, and where you felt like you belonged. Years later, that same space became the launchpad for Beer and Napkins—an initiative born from the belief that great ideas often spark in casual, communal settings over a pint or a plate. Addy’s restaurants weren’t just buildings; they were the backdrop for life’s big moments, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way.

So, what’s a third place, anyway? Oldenburg describes them as the essential hangouts beyond home (our first place) and work (our second place)—spots where we can relax, swap stories, and build relationships without pretense. Addy’s places nailed that concept. Whether you were sipping a beer at Hans & Franz or enjoying a quiet meal at the Dutch Café, you were part of something bigger. It didn’t matter if you were a regular or just passing through; Addy had a way of making everyone feel welcome. His restaurants weren’t about fancy decor or trendy menus—they were about the people who filled them, the laughter that echoed, and the sense of togetherness that lingered long after you left.

That spirit of connection is what inspired Beer and Napkins. Addy’s venues showed me that some of the best ideas don’t come from stiff boardrooms or rigid schedules—they come from the kind of easy, human interactions that happen in third places. Beer and Napkins took that lesson and ran with it, turning pubs and cafes into hubs for creativity and collaboration. In a way, Addy’s influence is woven into every meeting we’ve held, every napkin scribbled with a new idea. His spaces proved that when you bring people together in the right environment, good things happen—whether it’s a love story or a brainstorm session.

Now, as we say goodbye to Addy, it’s hard not to feel the weight of his absence. Greenville won’t be the same without him. But his legacy? That’s not going anywhere. Through the third places he created, Addy gave us more than just memories—he gave us a blueprint for community. He showed us how a simple café or biergarten could become a cornerstone, a place where friendships blossomed, ideas flourished, and people found a sense of home away from home. His passing leaves a hole, no doubt, but it also leaves behind a gift: the reminder that connection matters, and that the spaces we share can change lives.

Rest in peace, Addy. Your restaurants were more than just places—they were where we found each other, where we grew, and where we became better. Your spirit lives on in every conversation started and every bond forged within those walls. We’re all richer for it, and we’ll carry your legacy forward with every gathering we hold. Thank you for everything.

Sam Konduros, Brewing a Biomedical Innovation Revolution

A revolution in healthcare is brewing in the upstate!

The number of biomedical and heathcare technology startups, collaborations, and innovations is accelerating at a rapid pace in the upstate. The brewmaster at the epicenter of this technological shift is Sam Konduros. Sam is the Executive Director of the Research Development Corporation (RDC), supporting organization of GHS dedicated to improving the health of upstate South Carolina and beyond by being the engine of growth for medical and healthcare delivery advancements.

Sam will share his entrepreneurial story in economic development and the exciting developments in biomedical and healthcare technology. He may even throw in a few of his motorcycle adventure stories.

The agenda will close with a question and answer session and participants will have the opportunity to engage in an ideation session focusing on key challenges in the healthcare and biomedical technology area.

Tickets include choice of craft beer (over 21 only) and pizza will be served.

About our Speaker

Sam Konduros serves as Executive Director for Greenville Health System’s Research Development Corporation, focusing on industry collaborations and partnerships, development of intellectual property, and mission-supporting economic development strategies. Konduros also served as President of Greenville, South Carolina-based SK Strategies, LLC, from 2004-2014, which specialized in innovation strategies, integrated marketing, economic development, public/private partnerships and strategic planning – including the creation of visions & brands, “strategic roadmaps” and market penetration strategies – for numerous corporate, governmental and university entities which have included Greenville Health System, Clemson University, CU-ICAR, and Kent Worldwide among others. Konduros has been actively engaged in state, regional, and local economic development initiatives since 1989.

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My #WomenLeadGVL Story

Strong and determined women have inspired me since childhood. From my wife, mom,  and my grandmother (see 7 Things I learned from my Grandmother) to two of the  most impactful bosses of my career, I’ve personally learned and grown through the mentorship and guidance of women. Regrettably, until lately I have not given much back.

My company Beer and Napkins started with the philosophy of diverse ideas, diverse environment, and diverse people. Yet our board of advisors was made up of close friends and colleagues… and they were all men. This imbalance was painfully apparent after I shared our company with a colleague and she pointed out the lack of a diversity on our board. Furthermore, after coming across a New York Times article by Sheryl Sandberg and her call to action for men “It’s time for men and women alike to join forces in championing gender parity”, my genuineness was challenged. Did I really believe in a diverse group? Though we touted diversity I was not living it! The profound awareness of my inattentiveness to inequities prompted a drive to lead by example. After deep reflection, my business partner Tony Miller and I assessed our current situation and realized we needed to take action.

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Sheryl’s #leanintogether inspired me to use our resources, talents, and Beer and Napkins platform to support women in leadership and entrepreneurship. #WomenLeadGVL was born. It was a way of locally honoring women who have contributed to our growth.  We took few key actions to set in motion our vison.

  • Our #WomenLeadGVL initiative was started to support and encourage women in leadership and entrepreneurship through meetups, events, and other projects.
  • We diversified our board adding two talented women agreed to become part of our organization. Both Pamela Wood Browne and Veronica Schoell have enriched our organization with ideas and support as we grew. They have embraced our #WomenLeadGVL initiative and progressively moving our organization forward.
  • Started a video campaign for #WomenLeadGVL. Here are a few inspirational words from Greenville SC women entrepreneurs and leaders:

June McCreight, COO of Coba Enterprise Management

https://www.facebook.com/BeerNapkins/posts/940076262720355

Amy Roe, Fountain Inn Chamber of Commerce

https://www.facebook.com/BeerNapkins/posts/939000449494603

 Jordana Megonigal, Publisher of Business Black Box

https://www.facebook.com/BeerNapkins/posts/935223486538966

Kimberly Carroll, Director of Unusual Circumstances English for Life

https://www.facebook.com/BeerNapkins/posts/934214186639896

Veronical Schoell, Business Coach and Leader in the upstate automotive industry

https://www.facebook.com/BeerNapkins/posts/933734806687834

This is just a start and we have much more to do! Women have worked hard for their current place in leadership positions, equal pay, and entrepreneurship. On this Labor Day and the future, I ask you to reflect on all the women who have contributed to your growth in your career and life and I challenge all men and women to use their resources, talents, and skills to support women’s personal growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship. We encourage you to use our #WomenLead__ and replace the last three letters with your community and spread the encouragement.

Phillip A. McCreight, MHRD, SHRM-SCP
Founder
Beer and Napkins, LLC
M 864-430-0903
[email protected]
www.beerandnapkins.com
Have Ideas for Engaging Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship share here https://beerandnapkins.imaginethat.io/womenleadgvl  #WomenLeadGVL

Mauldin: An Emerging Community

For the past year it has been a pleasure for us to learn more about the city of Mauldin. Given that Mauldin has never had an actual main street or “downtown” area, it has an extraordinary 61% population growth since 2000! One of the challenges is how can Mauldin provide the growing residents and visitors a thriving environment of culture, business, and activities.
One of the things we’ve learned is George Patrick, Administrator, Office of Cultural Affairs has been diligently working to promote provide artistic and cultural activities to continually develop a more energetic community. As we spoke with George, it was evident that all the avenues were explored including bench-marking other municipalities and their growth plans. You can read more about Mauldin’s Downtown Master Plan here: Master Plan.  However, he wanted an additional component, a grassroots community driven ideas for input into their strategic plans.

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Beer and Napkins provided the platform where both residents and visitors delivered their input at the July 21st and August 5th idea events.  George shared with the group about the underdeveloped spaces behind Chicora Alley and the Cultural Center ripe for ideas. He also shared with the group about plans for connecting with the Swamp Rabbit.

Many ideas ranging from open air cafes, interactive art displays, to pubs, breweries, and high end shopping were mentioned. Additionally, the #MauldinEdge was born representing both the spirit of progress of Mauldin and where the hub sits on the edge of the crossroads formed by 107 [East Butler Road] intersecting with 276 & the railroad.

You can review, add, and vote on these ideas here: https://beerandnapkins.imaginethat.io/mauldinedge

Through these community idea generation events two key themes emerged: a center hub where guests can interact with each other and art and a walkable, connected city.

At our September 1st Event we will developing short-term and long-term recommendations to support these two key themes.  Join us at the Turtle Shell, September 1st at 6:30pm for a fun and engaging community event! RSVP Meetup Here: #MauldinEdge: The Final Session

George, Tony, and I look forward to seeing you Tuesday!

Phil McCreight, Founder Beer and Napkins