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Business & Brews

Meet the Partners

Our partners bring a wealth of expertise across various industries, from insurance and wealth management to digital marketing and event planning. Each partner plays a key role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and community through their work. Get to know the dedicated professionals behind our network.
Stephen Pieper

Stephen Piper

Founder and Partner,
Piper Insurance Group
Stephen Piper is a seasoned insurance professional with over 25 years of experience in the industry. As the founder of Piper Insurance Group, Stephen's expertise is matched only by his dedication to building lasting client relationships. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Greenville University and is a Certified Insurance Counselor.

Stephen is also the creator of Business & Brews, a monthly networking event that fosters community and connection among professionals. Licensed in Life & Health and Property & Casualty across multiple states, Stephen has a broad understanding of the insurance needs in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.

His leadership experience is further highlighted by his active participation in Rotary since 2015, including serving as President of the Rotary Club of Greenville City Center from 2016-17. He is also a graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 33. Stephen is married with two children, and he brings the same passion for adventure and relationship-building to both his family and his work.
Ben Bounds

Ben Bounds

Founder (Charleston B&B) and Partner
Ben Bounds is an Experiential Event Design Specialist at Follywood Productions, the Event Director and Promoter for Charleston Business & Brews, and a Senior Marketing Consultant in broadcast and digital media.

With 20 years of experience in event coordination, marketing, sales, and business development, Ben has played a key role in producing and promoting festivals, fundraisers, nonprofit initiatives, corporate events, sporting events, concerts, and music venues. His expertise in experiential event design ensures engaging, high-impact experiences that drive results.
Kenny Ridgell

Kenny Ridgell

Partner,
Ridge Media
Kenny Ridgell is a data-driven marketing entrepreneur who has spent the better part of a decade merging art, science, and innovation into measurable growth strategies for his clients. After beginning his academic career as a biochemistry major, Kenny discovered a passion for business and marketing at the College of Charleston, where he graduated with honors. This distinctive blend of analytical rigor and creative thinking led him to launch Ridge Media in 2014 while still a student, ultimately shaping a unique approach to marketing that prioritizes experimentation, evidence-based decision-making, and tangible returns.

Under Kenny’s leadership, Ridge Media has grown into a firm that stands apart by applying the scientific method to the marketing landscape. Each campaign is viewed as a hypothesis to test, a puzzle to solve. By combining strategic storytelling with systematic experimentation, Kenny and his team have consistently cut through digital noise and driven meaningful, sustainable revenue growth for an array of businesses.
Andrew Van

Andrew Van

Partner
With a diverse background in real estate, event planning, program management, and project management, Andrew Van brings a unique blend of skills to every project he undertakes. His experience in stand-up comedy and improv adds a special touch to his role as an emcee, ensuring that audiences are not only engaged and entertained but also actively connecting and expanding their networks. Andrew firmly believes in the power of referrals and strives to create memorable experiences that foster meaningful connections. He is an independent emcee with experience in corporate events and comedy showcases. Inquiries can be made by emailing yesvandrew@gmail.com.

Andrew created the One Star Reviews Podcast, where he reads bad reviews of good local businesses to bring a sense of humor to trolls and help support local business exposure. He has taken a break from the podcast to focus on his career and, more importantly, to be present and help take care of his family.
Mike Giordano

Michael Giordano

Partner,
Williams Wealth Management
Mike has been in the markets since he was a teenager. Mike’s dad showed him how to buy stocks long before the ease of the internet. He’s been advising clients for more than a decade. His firm, Williams Wealth Management, is local, independent and has a family-like vibe.

Mike’s emphasis is helping people protect the wealth they’ve already built. He also helps families transfer wealth to future generations.

Grab the remote! You can also find Mike talking money on television. His popular “Mike on the Money” segment airs weekly on WYFF News 4.
Mike and his wife, Malisa, have three small children. He says making sound financial moves is not just important, it’s imperative!
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