GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Upstate South Carolina real-estate professionals honored one of their leading figures Tuesday and helped the March of Dimes raise more than $50,000, reported The Greenville News. Stewart Spinks, CEO and founder of The Spinx Co., was honored for his success in the economic development of Greenville County, outstanding leadership within the community and his industry, and outstanding citizenship.
"I don't know of anyone who deserves this honor more than you do," fellow Realtor Dan Joyner told Spinks as the local association presented the award. [image-nocss] The event drew 350 people to a $175-a-plate breakfast, the report said.
Spinks, who came to Greenville 37 years ago and became a pioneer in the gasoline/convenience store business, called the event "a humbling experience."
"Fortunately, we're in a community that gives back and reaches out and helps good causes like the March of Dimes. I'm just proud to be part of this," Spinks said.
The Real Estate Award was established in 1998 by the South Carolina chapter of the March of Dimes to honor a member of the real estate community who has demonstrated a long history of service, said the report.
Meanwhile, Spinks will give the graduation address when the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg holds its Convocation Honoring December Graduates on December 15, for 455 students, according to the university's website.
Spinks founded the Spinx Oil Co. in 1972 with a heating oil home delivery company and one gas station in Greenville. In 1977, Spinx opened its first independent store, marketing petroleum products under the Spinx name. Spinx became an Amoco petroleum jobber in 1984 and subsequently added the Exxon, Conoco and Sunoco brands to the petroleum offering of the company. These major brands and the Spinx private brand allow the company to supply more than 60 wholesale dealer accounts in the Carolinas and Georgia.
Spinks is a board member of NACS (National Association of Conveniences Stores) and further serves on their Coca-Cola Leadership Council. He also serves the industry as a Board Member of the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers Association (SIGMA), Greenville Tech Foundation, The Urban League, The Boy Scouts of America (Blue Ridge Council), and South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Stewart serves as a past chairman of the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce, a trustee for Furman University, and is currently on 15 other boards.
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