As a company, Akers Ellis is thankful for many things – our agents and staff, our clients, our beautiful Lowcountry – and strongly believes in giving back to the community in which we live and work. In that spirit, we have proudly contributed to local organizations and events during the past year, including:
- American Heart Association’s Heart Ball
- Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic
- Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding
- Charleston Collegiate School
- HALOS (Helping and Lending Outreach Support)
- Haygood/Grady Memorial Tennis Championship
- Johns Island Community Association
- Kiawah Conservancy
- Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club
- Sea Island Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build
- Water Mission’s Walk for Water
- Windwood Farm Home for Children
During this Thanksgiving season, our agents and staff paused to recognize the personal blessings for which we are most thankful. Our team compiled a lengthy list of thankfuls, many of which include the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter, while others are more personal. Reading the list brought smiles to our faces, and we hope it does the same for you.
In no particular order, we are thankful for…
Steven Ellis – I am very thankful to have the unique opportunity of being where I am in my life. I am thankful for all those who have come before me who worked hard for me to be here now. I am thankful for our team of dedicated employees and agents who we consider family. My wife and daughter couldn’t be better and make my days even more special. I am thankful that my parents are here, which is special for all of us, but also we are grateful Granddaddy Joe works for the company and keeps everyone in check. I am thankful for our loyal clients who are the owners and the vacationers who are the life blood of our company, plus the outflow of their support makes our company thrive. I am thankful for my health and opportunities. I am thankful our company is able to give back to the community and help others. Coming in second are: long runs on the beach, Hege's Restaurant, Ironman races, and Johns Island Crossfit.
Sissy Ambrose – Family: I have 2 awesome parents, 5 siblings, 2 sisters-in-law, 2 children, 4 nephews, 2 nieces, plus countless aunts, uncles, and cousins. I would not want to do life without such an amazing support group. To live in Charleston: I am so thankful to have such wonderful rivers, beaches, and restaurants all within an amazing community of people. Time at the barn: I know it sounds silly but I am the happiest when I'm relaxing at the barn with my daughter enjoying the company of the gentle giants. Horses bring an incredible peace to my life. Friends: Good friends to share life with is priceless! Our Veterans, active duty military, and first responders: I am forever grateful to these brave souls.
Nancy Bryant – My tribe which includes steadfast family and friends who are present and those who are here in spirit for always; the ability to exercise and the fact that I found a studio to call home; the beach, specifically Kiawah Island, and the peace and serenity and beauty that it provides; music as it makes me happy, thoughtful, soulful and it knows me; gaining wisdom with age – glad to know I can learn from my mistakes and be a better person than yesterday; my pup…the question “who rescued who?” could not be truer.
Kathleen DeWitt – Family and our lab Sumter because pets are family too; health and knowing we have incredible doctors and hospitals close by if needed; a positive work environment and co-workers; loyal clients that have trusted in me to make huge financial investments with my guidance; good coffee.
Jerald Hucks – My children’s laughter; hot chocolate with big marshmallows; my phone; our selfless staff and their teamwork; our savvy marketing department.
Leslie Hucks – I am thankful for my husband Jerald: he is incredibly thoughtful, hardworking, and determined, and I admire him every day. I am thankful for our family: we have two active boys who fill our lives with joy and a sweet old pup who loves his people. I am thankful for our extended families: though we don’t get to see everyone often enough, the bonds of family live in our hearts and withstand distance and time. I am thankful for our dear friends, church family, and neighborhood: it makes living away from family a bit easier. I am thankful for those who serve others: government leaders, law enforcement, emergency personnel, educators, medical professionals, the list is endless, and I am forever grateful. I am thankful to work for a company who truly values and rewards its employees.
Elaine Ross – My family; my friends; my health; living on this beautiful sea island; our freedom.
Karen Wlodarski – My dogs; warm weather; friends; technology; Starbucks.
Contributions by other Akers Ellis team members –
Family and friends; good health; to work with a young professional team at Akers Ellis where every day is a challenge to improve our skills to better serve our guests.
Good health; those serving our country around the world; having family here in town; my new home; my small group of excellent friends.
My health; an AWESOME place to live (Charleston); my clients; my friends and family – near and far; my loving God.
A job that I enjoy; my blended family; good health; supportive friends and family; each day I am alive.
Spouse; children; grandchildren; Akers Ellis.
My health; my family; watching movies on the couch with my daughter and husband; the sunrises in the morning and the moon at night; my friends that I don't see enough but I am grateful to have them in my life!
The Lord who has so blessed me and my family; my lovely wife and family plus my grandson; good friends; this great job that has such a great crew to work with; a roof over my head.
I am blessed to live in a country where I am free to worship God without fear of martyrdom; farmers and the growing interest locally in locally grown, healthy foods; my extended family, even if we do not always agree politically, we know how to reach across the aisle; the beautiful Lowcountry surrounding the beautiful city of Charleston; our service men and women who put themselves in harm’s way so that we can enjoy lives of peace and prosperity.
My loving wife of 46+ years; our good health; our 5 feline American children; our family and close friends; our 27+ years as full time residents of Kiawah Island.
