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PeopleMatter today announced the relocation of its headquarters operation in downtown Charleston. The company partnered with The Prime South Group on the relocation. Projected to bring 265 jobs to the area and an $18.8 million capital investment over the next four years, PeopleMatter will be the largest privately held technology company located in downtown Charleston.
“South Carolina continues to stand out as a place where businesses can succeed and grow. We celebrate PeopleMatter’s decision to create 265 new jobs as it increases its footprint in our state,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
PeopleMatter, the only comprehensive talent management solution for the service industry, began in the Charleston Digital Corridor Flagship incubator in 2009 with the vision of three men. Two years later, co-founders Nate DaPore, PeopleMatter president and CEO, and PeopleMatter Vice President of Strategy Charles Wyke-Smith, along with PeopleMatter Chief Operating Officer Ken Haigh, lead this rapidly growing company. With headquarters in Charleston and offices in Atlanta and San Francisco, the Software-as-a-Service company’s client base grows weekly in four targeted verticals —foodservice, convenience store, hospitality and retail.
“Ultimately, the decision to move our headquarters downtown builds on our overall strategy to make PeopleMatter a major employer of choice in the area, while hopefully catalyzing other software companies to come to Charleston," stated DaPore. “With our “stimulate + create = innovate” philosophy, we are creating an environment for team members to succeed and excel in our new location.”
“While we are constantly trying to recruit new companies to our state, it’s always exciting to see our existing businesses expand. PeopleMatter’s decision to increase its presence in Charleston is another sign South Carolina’s business-friendly environment and talented workforce are helping companies grow,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
PrimeSouth will begin immediately on the two-phase project encompassing 466 King and the adjacent 468 King Street, known as Charleston Beer Works. Phase 1 will include the complete renovation and forth floor addition to the historic 466 King Street plus a four-story atrium designed to accommodate all expansion plans for Phase 2, estimate late 2013. According to Blanchard Construction and project team architect, Schmitt Walker Architects completion date of phase one will be Fall 2012.
“The relocation of PeopleMatter to downtown Charleston will continue the vision of building a diverse world class city,” said Chris Price, PrimeSouth Group president and CEO. “We believe that this could be a transformative element in the ever changing fabric of downtown, especially Upper King Street.”
The project became a reality when developer Chris Price and Nate DaPore began searching for a property to house the high-growth tech company. Originally designed as a retail–office space, the 466 and 468 King Street properties were identified as the perfect space to house a premier technology hub. Code-named “Project Bahamas” by Price and DaPore, the renovation phases will add a combined project of 55,000 square feet to the middle of the vibrant, growing Charleston peninsular.
Built more than 123 years ago, the original structure was two separate buildings that were combined and renovated sometime around the early 20th century. “Project Bahamas” is unique in the fact that the architect and contractor will put a new, state of the art structure in the interior while preserving the historical exterior structure.
“Adding PeopleMatter as the largest privately held technology company to reside in the downtown peninsula of Charleston merges the new age of business with our historic culture,” said Charleston Mayor Joe P. Riley. “We are delighted to add them to our vibrant, growing community.”
“With downtown Charleston as the backdrop, we have an unbelievable canvas to attract knowledge-based companies that could make a decision to go anywhere in the country,” stated Charleston Digital Corridor Director Ernest G. Andrade. “Congratulations to PeopleMatter, those with the vision for the company, the venture capitalists who believe in, and provide the resources for, and the PeopleMatter team members who make it a reality.”
“Our congratulations go out to Nate DaPore and PeopleMatter for this exciting new expansion,” said Teddie E. Pryor Sr., Chairman of Charleston County Council. “A high-tech company facility of this magnitude is the ultimate vote of confidence for our technological workforce in Charleston, and a testament to the fertile conditions for highly innovative entrepreneurs like Nate DaPore,” Pryor continued. “The timing of this development could not be better, and we as a community are grateful for it.”
The state of South Carolina provided the company with job development credits, which will be available when hiring targets are met.
About PeopleMatter
PeopleMatter provides the only comprehensive talent management solution for the service industry. We help employers identify, develop and engage dependable talent to provide exemplary customer service. PeopleMatter’s platform of HR tools handles hiring, scheduling, learning, recognition and performance management. Our integrated technology manages the process, so employers can focus on the talent. PeopleMatter. The name says it all. PeopleMatter is headquartered in Charleston, S.C., and on the Web at www.peoplematter.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businesses grow. This year, Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Deal of Year Award from Area Development magazine. Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and Google Inc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, rural development initiatives and offers grants for community development. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
