EO Charleston celebrates Lowcountry's Inc. 5000 businesses

On Jan. 12, 2023, EO Charleston, the Lowcountry’s chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global organization representing nearly 18,000 entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries, hosted its annual Inc. 5000 celebration event at The Wonderer. This year’s guest of honor was Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. magazine, who gave the keynote speech and congratulated the Inc. 5000 owners in the audience. Of the 60 South Carolina businesses that earned a rank on the national list of top-growing privately owned companies, half are based in Coastal South Carolina.

“Inc. 5000 was honored to celebrate the companies who demonstrate American ingenuity and resilience,” said Omelianuk. “The path to the Inc. 5000 list is one of dedication, and Inc. magazine recognizes those businesses who take charge and grow to become the most successful in America.”

The event also featured the presentation of EO Charleston’s 2023 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame award. This year’s award was presented to Steve Swanson by last year’s recipient, Patrick Bryant. Swanson sold ATD in 2007 to Citigroup for the largest exit in state history. Since then, he has served as a very important angel investor in the community, providing both mentorship and equity investments in young firms.

“Entrepreneurship is a gift to our community and the state of South Carolina,” says Jessica Munday, founder and CEO of Trio Solutions Inc. (TRIO), a marketing agency based in Mount Pleasant, SC, and EO Charleston’s chapter president. “The entrepreneurs who earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list deserve recognition at the local level. EO Charleston is honored to celebrate them and their impact on our economy.”

EO Charleston’s Inc. 5000 Celebration is an annual event to honor South Carolina businesses. Charleston’s event has been recognized as best in practice among EO chapters across the country.

Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. magazine, shares remarks with guests and congratulates local Inc. 5000 companies in attendance.

Jessica Munday, EO Charleston president pictured with Patrick Bryant, EO Charleston founding member and 2022 Hall of Fame recipient with Steve Swanson (right), recipient of EO Charleston’s 2023 Hall of Fame award.