Florence Celebrates Local Business Leaders
Florence, South Carolina, has been buzzing with excitement after a recent event that highlighted some extraordinary contributions to the local business landscape. On September 25, at the annual membership luncheon held at the Florence Center, the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce took a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of local entrepreneurs, awarding the prestigious Business Person of the Year Award to brothers, Charles and Chase Howard.
Honoring Family Roots
The Howard brothers, who are proudly representing the third generation of the Maitland Chase family, have quite a legacy to uphold. They run Chase Oil Company, which holds the esteemed title of being the first gas distributor in the Florence area. But that’s not all! The duo added their touch to the car wash business in the 1990s by launching their very first automatic, touchless car wash near Francis Marion University. This venture quickly blossomed into what we now know as Scrubby’s Car Wash, with nearly a dozen locations scattered across the Pee Dee, Grand Strand, and even up into North Carolina!
Unexpected Recognition
When the moment came to present the award, Chamber Board of Directors member Ashley Christenbury took the stage to recognize the hard work and dedication of the Howard brothers. “I was quite surprised; I wasn’t expecting this,” Charles Howard shared, his voice brimming with gratitude. He emphasized the importance of family and heritage in their lives and work. “Our family and our heritage are extremely important to us,” he said, underscoring how it has shaped their journey as business owners.
Challenges of Small Business Ownership
Running a small business isn’t a walk in the park. Charles shared how challenging it often is to balance work and family life. “The phone is always on, and when it rings, you answer it,” he noted, which can sometimes lead to a blur between personal and professional time. Yet, despite these challenges, Charles pointed to the incredible team that supports their vision for Chase Oil and Scrubby’s, stating, “We have an amazing group of people… that help us.”
A Powerful Partnership
It’s fascinating to hear about the dynamic between the two brothers. Charles describes their relationship as unique in the business world—“Chase and I are different people but strongly connected.” They push each other to grow, rely on one another, and maintain a strong bond. Chase couldn’t agree more, humorously quipping, “Charles said it all, as usual.”
Founded on Strong Values
It seems that the roots planted during their upbringing play a critical role in their success. Chase elaborated, “It’s humbling to receive this award, but it all comes down to how we were raised. We were taught to be honest, driven, and to help our fellow man.” These values shine through their business practices and outreach in the community, making them true pillars of Florence.
What’s Next for the Howards?
Looking to the future, both Charles and Chase have their eyes firmly set on continuing to expand and innovate within their businesses. With the support of the wider community and their unwavering commitment to their principles, there’s no doubt that the Howard brothers will continue to make Florence proud.
As Florence embraces its local heroes, it’s clear that the success of the Howard brothers is more than just business; it’s about strengthening community ties and maintaining a family legacy that will inspire generations to come. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
