I was born and raised in Greenville. While a student at Travelers Rest High, I spent my summers as a teen in Spartanburg working for my Uncle at Fann Electric Co. Upon graduating high school, I would attend Greenville Tech in hopes of becoming a graphic designer as I have always loved marketing and advertising.
After finishing Tech, I landed a job as a designer with The Greenville News. Exactly one year later, I landed a job at BILO headquarters in Mauldin. And this is how I ended up in The Golden Strip 20 years ago.
One year into it…. BILO decided to outsource the graphics department and we would all lose our jobs. It was at this point I made a conscious decision to pursue a career as an electrician. But… on my last day at BILO, I asked this beautiful young lady if she would go on a date with me. We’ve been married 17 years now. My wife Beth Fann is a Hillcrest High graduate.
Fast forward… we now own and operate Fann Electric Services in Simpsonville and have proudly served The Golden Strip since 2007
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife and I work together in the family business. She’s a life long resident of The Golden Strip graduating from Hillcrest. We have 2 wonderful children, Marleigh Fann, a freshman at Hillcrest High and Nicholas, a 7th grader at Rudolph Gordon. We have a German Shepard named Ryn and a Bull Mastiff named Bo.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Prior to 2015, we primarily focused on new construction. We would get a ton of calls for small jobs that we just couldn’t get to. After years of this, we decided to take a leap of faith in an effort to be more helpful in our community. As an Eagle Scout, I’ve always been passionate about helping when I can. I’m now serving the community that has helped me so much.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Stella’s Southern Bistro, Eggs Up in Simpsonville, Low Country Shrimper in Mauldin and of course our most favorite stop is The Ice Cream Station in Simpsonville.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to Mauldin from the Cherrydale area 20 years ago.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Wade Shealy
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Bentonia, Mississippi… because I’m a huge Blues music fan.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
On any given day, you can massively change the direction of your life.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To travel the entire US with my wife and kids visiting various historical places.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Whitman’s Ice Cream Shop… my first “taste” of Simpsonville 20 years ago.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Mac Arnold. He’s a local blues man, a living legend. I’ve been fascinated with Blues music since I was 15 years old. I admire Mac and it would be a dream come true to eat lunch with Mac and hear a few stories from the road.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The People. The people of this community are amazing, kind, generous and loving.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right here in The Golden Strip performing electrical services for generations to come.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I like to Rap.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Philmont Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
Helping hand in time of need.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace and love.
