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SC Public Radio engineers worked tirelessly to resolve technical outages stemming from recent storm-related electronic issues. Thanks to their dedication, service has been restored, and our stations are now broadcasting your favorite SC Public Radio shows. However, we are continuing to address any additional issues that may arise. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we worked to swiftly restore service.

SC Textile Company Growing Fast

If you thought the textile industry was disappearing forever from the American, and in particular, the South Carolina landscape, think again.  Our next guest’s company not only recently added a 40,000 square foot apparel factory to their operations, but were also recognized as the 7th fastest growing company in our state.

Mike Switzer interviews Chris Bernat, chief revenue officer for Vapor Apparel in Charleston, SC.​

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After almost 20 years, Mike Switzer retired from Wells Fargo Securities in 2001 as Senior Vice President/Investment Officer and Certified Portfolio Manager. In 1999, he and his wife, Maggie, purchased and operated for eight years the Baskin Robbins ice cream store on Forest Drive in Columbia. They grew the store from a bottom-tier operation in the Baskin Robbins franchise system to one in the top 5% nationwide within three years, tripling sales along the way. While operating the ice cream store, Mike and Maggie received patents for a portable ice cream sink and fold-down sneezeguard they invented and in 2002 started Magnolia Carts, an ice cream cart manufacturing company, which they sold in 2013.