This month, Monthly puts a spotlight on local men who make a difference. From business, medicine, real estate, dining and development, these profiles showcase their success stories. The men discuss their background, motivation, and the distinct approaches they’ve taken to thrive. Their influence is valued and has made a positive impact in our communities.
Hilton Head People
LARRY Sr. & LARRY Jr. SETOLA
JUST CUSHIONS & HILTON HEAD FURNITURE CO.
By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Ritterbeck Photography
Toward the back of Just Cushions, within the stunning new furniture showroom marking the Hilton Head Furniture Co., you’ll find one item that is conspicuously out of place. Arrayed throughout, the furniture on display reflects the elegance and style of contemporary Lowcountry design. It’s a delightfully refined modern motif, which makes the antique sewing machine on the back wall stand out even more.
MARIO MARTINEZ
SACAPALABRAS
By Barry Kaufman | Photos by Rob Kaufman at Peaceful Henry’s
Some leading men are born to find one overarching passion in their life and follow it with dogged determination, never straying from their appointed path. Some leading men, however, are more diversified. We call them things like “serial entrepreneurs” and marvel at their seemingly bottomless ability to find their next passion, and their steadfast dedication to keeping so many irons in so many fires.
THE LEADING MEN OF JOE’S CLASSIC CUTS BARBERSHOP
By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Rob Kaufman
When Joe Gancio came down from New Jersey with a vision to open a true neighborhood barbershop, he knew he wasn’t going to be able to do it alone. He was going to need to form a team.
DR. MATTHEW TENWOLDE
CAROLINA VETERINARY CRITICAL CARE
By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Ritterbeck Photography
If there are two pillars of Dr. Matthew Tenwolde’s practice, they are honesty and a sense of community.
MIKE AND LUKE SIRGO
MERRILL LYNCH WEALTH MANAGEMENT
By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Ritterbeck Photography
What Mike Sirgo created when he started his financial practice office in 1993 was intended from the start to be generational - working with clients, their children and their grandchildren to help families build a legacy. Along the way, he wound up truly creating a legacy of his own, bringing his son Luke into the firm.
BOB CLARKSON
THE ALLIANCE GROUP REALTY
By Barry Kaufman | Photo by Rob Kaufman
At the risk of oversimplifying things, the real estate market is in a very interesting place right now. Interest rates have risen, inventory is slim, and yet the market remains brisk.
Animation Education
HERITAGE ACADEMY STUDENTS LEARN FROM ACCOMPLISHED FILMMAKER
BY CLAY BONNYMAN EVANS | PHOTOS SUPPLIED
The “Despicable Me” animated film franchise debuted in 2010, introducing the world to the pill-shaped, yellow “Minions,” among the most widely recognized and beloved cultural touchstones of the early 21st century.
Hilton Head Hires: OCTOBER 2022
1. MEMORY MATTERS NAMES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jill Horner was named executive director of Memory Matters. She was recently the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York. Horner also spent 17 years working for a national political advertising agency where she led campaigns, ballot initiatives, and public affairs for candidates running for political office.
OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT
COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND BELOVED HANDYMAN WALLY SUMNER
BY MARK E. LETT | PHOTOS BY LAURA R. WILSON
Stroke victim Walter Sumner is taking a long, hard road to recovery.
The good news: He’s not traveling alone and he’s picking up speed.