Since I was a kid, I’ve always thought strongly that every person should work to make their community a better place. Whether it’s simply making someone smile or playing a leadership role in changing society for the better, we’ve all been given quite a bit - and thus much is expected of each of us. That belief was greatly affirmed during my Leadership Greenville experience nearly a decade ago.

LG Class 39 taught me the value of community – that, while we can do things alone, we do them better together. 

I learned how interconnected everything is in our community. Any business or organization in our community is only improved by embracing beneficial connections and enriching the area around us. More than anything, I learned that leadership is more than just making decisions and being in charge; leadership is having a broader perspective to empower people, spark change, and uplift others. When I put these concepts together with my inspiration as a kid, it made for quite the leadership experience - one that I will never forget.

Today, I devote part of my time to leading Rebuild Upstate, an organization that repairs the homes of low-income people in our community to preserve affordable housing. Since 2012, we have grown 2800% - now completing 556 home repair projects at 145 homes a year. It has grown so much that I have decided to step down from the CEO role after 15 years, so that a new leader can champion our mission full-time going forward.

My other role is leading Engenius, a web design and digital marketing agency. We have grown to currently serve 190 businesses and nonprofits – most based right here in Greenville. The focus at Engenius has always been to be a great place to work for our people. Our people are fiercely dedicated to bringing success to our clients. Out of the overflow of fulfilled employees and successful clients, we can then improve the community overall. These priorities existed prior to LG39 – but my experience with LG only cemented my focus and dedication to them.

Later this year I will be shifting to Engenius full-time (for the first time!) to grow our team and explore how much we can benefit Greenville and the Upstate as a whole. It is vital that the Upstate has small businesses  that are employing people in a great place to work and devoting time to improving our community. We’re a small piece of that as one company; being able to support numerous local small businesses in doing the same thing is what helps motivate our team toward growth.

How each of us makes our community a better place can be as unique as each of our backgrounds and skill sets. That’s what makes our community - and Leadership Greenville - so amazing. It is when each of us put forth our talents for good that we all rise together. That’s what I learned more than anything from LG - and am so thankful that 10 years later it’s still pushing me forward!

Sincerely, 

Chris Manley

Leadership Greenville Class 39