Each week, we want to introduce you to a Harrison's Hardworking Hero. These folks come from all walks of life, and could be anyone. We might feature the people who keep you safe, the people who keep things running, the people with the coolest jobs we've heard of, or just the people who shop in our stores. We might even feature you. We're always taking nominations, and you can get in touch with us by emailing jed@harrisonsworkwear.com. We only ask that you be willing to answer a few questions, and we'll reward you with a gift card.
The Gillespie family has been helping others honor their loved ones for five generations.
Kyle Gillespie now owns Gillespie Marble & Granite Works, the business started by his great-great grandfather in 1898.
"When I was a kid, I'd come to work with my dad in the summertime and watch him and my granddaddy and their employees work, and I just picked up the trade," Gillespie said.
Gillespie Marble & Granite Works has provided grave markers, custom granite, marble, and bronze memorials across the Upstate for more than a century. In a business that deals with families in incredibly emotional situations, Gillespie learned much more than just the physical aspects of his business.
"You've just got to be honest with people, you have to be sincere, and you have to be compassionate," Gillespie said.
With that in mind, Gillespie said he's honored when families continue to turn to his business through several years.
"I'm very honored when families come back and are customers for generations," he said. "That's a big part of our customer base, generational customers. I'm proud of that."
Gillespie said that he sees his business as a family serving other families.
"I want people to feel like they've been treated fairly," he said. "I want people to be very proud of the memorial we've made for their loved one that's passed away. I want them to look at it and it be exactly what they envisioned when they came in."