Brad Abercrombie Brings Local Heart and Vision to Role as New Main Street Laurens Director

Brad Abercrombie Brings Local Heart and Vision to Role as New Main Street Laurens Director

For Brad Abercrombie, the newly appointed Director of Main Street Laurens, stepping into this leadership role feels more like coming home than starting something new. A lifelong Laurens resident and longtime volunteer with the organization, Abercrombie’s deep ties to the community and passion for downtown revitalization make him uniquely suited to guide the city’s Main Street efforts forward. His official first day is July 28, but Abercrombie has already been busy meeting with stakeholders, planning for upcoming events, and setting his priorities for the months ahead.

A Homegrown Connection to Main Street

Abercrombie’s involvement with Main Street Laurens dates back to its earliest days. “My involvement began with the first Squealin’ on the Square as a volunteer,” he said. “Being from the community, I just enjoyed the work and being around the people I grew up with in Laurens.” His commitment to the program has only deepened over the years, as he watched how visitors and competition teams from across the country came to appreciate the charm of Laurens’ historic downtown square.

“I’ve seen people come back just to take in the square, visit the restaurants and shops. That’s what keeps me passionate about this mission,” he said. “The work Main Street does—design, economic vitality, organization, and promotion—touches every part of our lives.”

Reflecting on the Past, Planning for the Future

Abercrombie has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Laurens’ downtown. “Growing up, the square was the center of activity. Then as a young adult, it really died off. But in the last 15 years, it’s come alive again.” From new restaurants to retail shops and cultural offerings, Abercrombie sees a bright future ahead—one that builds on the foundation of recent revitalization while continuing to evolve to meet new opportunities.

His first 90 days on the job will focus on strengthening communication, organizing upcoming events like Squealin’ on the Square and Finally Friday, and catching up on Main Street America’s state-level requirements. He’s also keen to establish stronger communication with merchants, property owners, and the City of Laurens.

“Communication is going to be key. We need to do a better job of letting people know who we are, what we’re doing, and how they can be part of it,” Abercrombie said. “And we need to work closely with the city to make sure we’re aligned in our goals for downtown.”

Tackling Challenges, Building Opportunities

One of the most pressing challenges Abercrombie has identified is addressing the number of vacant buildings on the square. “I’m going to reach out to property owners and talk about their plans and visions,” he said. “If we can get them on board to make improvements—whether through leases or sales—it opens the door for bringing in new businesses. It starts with the property owners.”

Beyond bricks and mortar, Abercrombie is also focused on expanding community engagement and bringing fresh ideas to downtown programming. While he’s keeping some details under wraps for now, he hinted at exciting new events coming later this year. “You’re just going to have to watch what we do in the next few months.”

Measuring Success and Looking Ahead

For Abercrombie, success will be measured by tangible outcomes like increased foot traffic, new businesses opening, and growing event attendance. But he also places great value on intangibles like trust, transparency, and community buy-in. “A thriving Main Street is self-sufficient, with a community backing it fully and trusting the direction we’re headed,” he said. “Volunteers and community support are the backbone of this organization.”

Looking ahead, Abercrombie says his immediate goal is to build momentum through consistency, communication, and collaboration. “This isn’t about putting my personal stamp on Main Street Laurens—it’s about working alongside others to keep our downtown moving forward in a way that honors its history while creating new opportunities for the future.”

Abercrombie is committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the community. Whether through forums, surveys, or simply keeping his door open, he wants residents and business owners to feel heard and involved in the process. “Open, honest, and transparent—that’s how I operate,” he said. “If you want to talk, come see me.”

Though he’s focused on steady progress, Abercrombie teased one upcoming project he’s especially excited about—but isn’t quite ready to reveal. “It’s coming in October. It’s not Squealin’. You’ll just have to wait and see.”

For Laurens, the work is just beginning — and under Brad Abercrombie’s leadership, a new chapter for Main Street Laurens is just getting underway.