Ever wondered how a thriving community balances rapid growth with maintaining an exceptional quality of life? Matt Brady, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Mount Pleasant, takes us behind the scenes of this delicate balancing act in our latest podcast series, Mount Pleasant Made.

Brady reveals that economic development in Mount Pleasant isn't about pursuing any and all business opportunities – it's strategically focused on attracting companies in the innovation economy, tech sector, life sciences, and service-related industries that create white-collar jobs. "Quality of life is at the forefront of that calculus," Brady explains, noting that every development decision begins with the question: "Is it going to improve the lives of the people that already live in Mount Pleasant?"

This approach has yielded impressive results, with the tech industry growing by 92% in recent years. The town has created a standalone brand, "Mount Pleasant Made," to showcase economic opportunities and connect entrepreneurs with resources. Another key component is the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, which houses over 100 companies ranging from solo entrepreneurs to established businesses, creating an environment of "collision" where ideas cross-pollinate across different disciplines.

What makes Mount Pleasant unique? Brady points to its exceptionally well-educated population, high-earning households, excellent schools, and good infrastructure – all crowned by that enviable quality of life with beaches just minutes away. His passion for economic development stems from personal experience, having witnessed how BMW's arrival in his hometown of Spartanburg transformed the community after textile industry losses. "Economic development changes family trees," he notes, revealing his hope that his own children might someday find opportunities to live and work in the area.

Curious about growing or relocating your business in Mount Pleasant? Visit mountpleasantmade.com to learn more about the resources available to help your business thrive in this innovation-focused community.

Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Production Sponsor: RMBO.co

Design Sponsor: DK Design

Committee:
Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co
Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director
Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs
Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

What does it take to build a thriving tech recruitment company while navigating the challenges of being a female entrepreneur? Christina Lock, founder of Catch Talent, pulls back the curtain on her remarkable 10-year journey in Charleston's evolving "Silicon Harbor" ecosystem.

Starting as the second employee at software company Spark before launching her own venture, Christina shares how she took just three days between leaving her previous role and founding Catch Talent. With refreshing candor, she describes her business as her "middle child," revealing the delicate balancing act of growing a company while expanding her family and the support systems that made it possible.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Christina dismantles outdated notions about workplace culture. Forget ping pong tables and beer kegs—today's top talent seeks meaningful relationships with managers, opportunities for feedback, and a genuine sense of impact. This insight comes from someone who's seen both sides of the recruitment equation, having worked both agency-side and in-house before founding her own firm.

Mount Pleasant emerges as a key player in this story. Once dismissed as merely a "bring your own job" market, the area has transformed into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs at various stages. Christina's leadership as past chairperson of the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, which now hosts over 100 companies on its 18-acre campus, has helped fuel this evolution. She also provides valuable insights into the complementary resources offered by organizations like the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), allowing business owners to "choose their adventure" based on their growth stage.

Whether you're building a business, seeking to attract top talent, or simply curious about how Charleston became "Silicon Harbor," this conversation offers practical wisdom from someone who's been integral to the region's transformation. Subscribe to Building Business for more conversations with the entrepreneurs and leaders shaping our business community.

Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Production Sponsor: RMBO.co

Design Sponsor: DK Design

Committee:
Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co
Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director
Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs
Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones

What happens when a coastal town becomes the fastest-growing municipality east of the Mississippi? Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie joins us to reveal how this thriving community balances explosive growth with quality of life—and why he's fighting to keep it a "town" despite its booming economy.

The conversation demystifies Mount Pleasant's unique government structure, where contrary to what many newcomers believe, the mayor doesn't have unilateral power to direct town operations or solve individual problems with a simple phone call. Mayor Haynie shares candid insights about the rewards and limitations of serving in a council form of government where collaboration is essential.

Beyond governance technicalities, we explore Mount Pleasant's remarkable achievements—from receiving statewide recognition for conservation leadership to achieving a stunning 40% reduction in opioid-related deaths through innovative community partnerships. The mayor unpacks how attainable housing has transformed from a nice social agenda item into a strategic economic imperative for a community where median home prices exceed $880,000.

Business owners will appreciate the mayor's announcements about OPAL, the town's new one-stop digital permitting system, and his perspective on the "placemaking dividend" that makes Mount Pleasant attractive to entrepreneurs despite growth limitations. We also delve into peculiar local quirks like "donut holes"—areas surrounded by Mount Pleasant that aren't officially part of the town—and why despite $3 billion in annual retail sales, the mayor laments having "twenty Starbucks and only one Waffle House."

Whether you're a long-time resident or considering joining this vibrant community, this conversation offers valuable insight into how thoughtful leadership navigates the complex challenges of preserving small-town character amid tremendous growth and change. As Mayor Haynie ultimately reveals, the most important qualification for leading isn't expertise in taxation or zoning—it's loving the people you serve.

Follow the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce for more insights into this thriving business community!

Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Production Sponsor: RMBO.co

Design Sponsor: DK Design

Committee:
Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co
Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director
Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs
Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones