Entrepreneur Minute – Ford Perry, Catalyst by Beemok
October 26, 2026
The LowcountryBizSC, Entrepreneur Minute is an interview in support of the impact that entrepreneurs have on our communities. We will be highlighting diverse group of entrepreneurs, including some incredible innovators from the non profit world, in each of our markets (Columbia, Greenville/Spartanburg and Charleston) with a short video. Some interviews will also include a full audio version of the conversation on our WhosOnTheMove SC podcast which is available on Apple and Spotify.
We would like to thank our sponsors of this video series:
Ford Perry, COO, Catalyst by Beemok
Catalyst by Beemok will host its second annual Pitch Competition on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 196 Concord Street in Charleston, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to support the region’s next generation of companies. The event will give early-stage founders and students the opportunity to compete for a share of up to $2 million in investment. Open to entrepreneurs across all industries in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties, Catalyst aims to connect promising businesses with the capital, mentorship and relationships needed to accelerate growth. Last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 400 attendees and helped participating companies secure meaningful investment and new opportunities.
Founded by Charleston businessman Ben Navarro, Catalyst by Beemok is designed to strengthen the Lowcountry’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by bringing together innovative founders and experienced business leaders. This year’s panel of judges includes Navarro; Tim Spence, chairman and CEO of Fifth Third Bancorp; Claudius “Bud” Watts IV, founder of Meeting Street Capital; Austin McCombs, co-founder and CEO of Gnosis Freight; and Kevin Eichelberger, director of SC Launch.
The competition is open to the public, with tickets priced at $25, including lunch. All ticket proceeds will benefit Meeting Street Schools, a network of schools founded by the Navarro family that serves more than 1,500 under-resourced students across South Carolina. Business owners, entrepreneurs, students and community members interested in supporting Charleston’s growing startup community are encouraged to attend. Tickets and additional event information are available at catalystbybeemok.com.
Below is our full conversation with Ford Perry talking about the 2026 Catalyst by Beemok Pitch Competition on November 12 at Union Pier. You can also listen to this as a podcast on Apple and Spotify. Just search for the WhosOnTheMove SC podcast and please consider subscribing.
