The SC SBDC names 2017 state star Darrell Jones as new USC region director
December 18, 2017
Outgoing director Martin Goodman steps down after 11 years at the helm
The South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) has named Charleston native and longtime community business leader Darrell Jones as director of the University of South Carolina (USC) region which covers 13 counties.
Jones will be replacing Martin Goodman who will be stepping down from the post after a successful 11 year run. SC SBDC State Director Michele Abraham is grateful for Goodman’s leadership and lasting contributions to the SBDC. “Martin thrived on finding innovative ways to galvanize the USC region and was utterly devoted to his clients.”
Jones acknowledges that he has some very big shoes to fill. “Martin has left behind a truly remarkable legacy. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity and talented staff to build on that legacy,” said Jones.
Michele Abraham has the utmost confidence in Darrell’s ability to lead and inspire his team. “Darrell consistently excels in everything he pursues,” said the state director. “He is fueled by a passion that motivates others and upholds the SC SBDC’s reputation for performance excellence.”
Jones, who joined the Charleston Area SBDC in 2014 and began managing the center in 2016, will now be wearing two hats: he will continue to manage the Charleston Area SBDC while simultaneously overseeing the eight area centers comprising the USC region.
Among his many accomplishments, Darrell has developed a robust series of partnerships with key organizations such as the Small Business Administration, the College of Charleston, area lenders and other partners that have led to innovative programs and joint activities that are attracting many high-potential clients to the SC SBDC.
Like all SC SBDC network professionals, Darrell draws upon his breadth and depth of experience to strengthen the SBDC network and enrich the quality of its services. Having worked in commercial banking—as both a lender and credit analyst—for almost 20 years, he has an in-depth knowledge of the interworkings of the financial industry. “I am able to identify with and better serve the needs of my clients because I have sat on both sides of the desk,” said Jones. Following his lengthy stint as a “corporate man,” Darrell became an entrepreneur with a knack for mining promising ventures.
Given the current business climate, coupled with the expertise of consultants throughout the USC region, Darrell is committed to accomplishing the following three priorities: (1) maintaining an ongoing dialog with stakeholders to ensure they value the SC SBDC for its positive impact on the state’s economy, (2) increasing the SC SBDC’s footprint by promoting the no-cost, confidential services provided by knowledgeable consultants, and (3) providing clients the high-quality tools and resources they need to succeed.”
Looking back, Darrell describes his career path as a series of serendipitous choices that ultimately led him to the SC SBDC. “I didn’t begin my career with the aspiration of becoming a business consultant. Yet, in hindsight, I see that every unexpected twist and turn of my professional journey was a slow, magnetic pull, drawing me to where I am today. And I love it.”
About the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC)
Twenty-one South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) located throughout the state’s 46 counties offer pro bono individual, confidential business consulting. Highly-trained consultants assist both existing and startup companies by providing a variety of services including business plan development, fiscal and operations management, human resources, financing options, marketing strategies and much more. In addition to conducting a variety of free or low-cost education workshops, SBDC centers refer clients to useful business resources. Specialized services include government contracting, exporting, technology commercialization, veterans’ business assistance and minority outreach.
Visit SCSBDC.com to find a center and make an appointment. Follow us at facebook.com/SCSBDC & @SCSBDC.
