Chamber Neighbors

Realty ONE Group Redefined | ONE LUXE International was built on the foundation that clients and their well-being is the highest priority. We offer a very “Real” approach to Real Estate, by providing a unique, professional, reliable, and relationship-focused service throughout Lake Murray and The Greater Midlands!

Realty ONE Group, a modern, purpose-driven lifestyle brand and ONE of the fastest-growing franchises in the world, has sold the franchise rights to new owners and strategic partners in the Midlands who are ready to bring the popular, dynamic real estate brand to Lake Murray and Columbia.

New owners Donavon H.M. Miller and Jenifer Maldonado Miller will work to greatly expand Realty ONE Group, with its high-power brand, unique COOLTURE (cool+culture), and extensive business coaching throughout the Capital City and Capital of Lake Murray. Jenifer Maldonado Miller has worked in the Midlands real estate industry for more than 20 years, while Donavon Miller is a USMC veteran and has owned/operated several businesses within the restaurant and automotive industries.

The Millers have a knowledgeable and skilled executive team, all of whom have worked previously with Donavon and Jenifer and have extensive experience in real estate. This elevated team will be announced at their grand opening later this month in Chapin.

“We are grateful for Realty ONE Group’s trust and beyond thrilled to launch this modern, nontraditional “UNBrokerage” real estate concept to Columbia and Lake Murray. For REALTORS®, I think there’s real power in this unique brokerage model, and it’s a perfect time for agents to audit their business, look hard at those current brokerage fees and percentage thresholds,” says Jenifer.

The UNBrokerage, as it’s known in the industry, has more than 18,000 real estate professionals in more than 400 offices in 49 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and now the countries of Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Italy, Portugal, Singapore, and Spain, in addition to the Philippines.

About Realty ONE Group

Founded in 2005, Realty ONE Group is an industry disrupter, radically changing the face of real estate franchising with its unique business model, fun “coolture,” technology infrastructure, and superior support for its real estate professionals. The company has rapidly evolved to include more than 18,000 real estate professionals in over 400 offices across 49 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Bolivia, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Italy, Portugal, the Philippines, Spain, and Singapore. Realty ONE Group ranks in the top one percent in the nation by REAL Trends and has been recognized by Entrepreneur magazine as the number ONE real estate brand. Realty ONE Group is surging ahead, opening doors not only for its clients but for real estate professionals and franchise owners. To learn more, visit ROGRedefined.com.

How can you help those in need during the holidays?

In this heartwarming episode of Chamber Neighbors, we shine a spotlight on the Chapin We Care Center, a vital community organization dedicated to helping those in need. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, it's the perfect time to learn about how we can make a real difference and bring joy to our neighbors.

Join us as we sit down with Alecia Klauk, a passionate advocate for the Chapin We Care Center. Alecia shares inspiring stories about the center's impact and the essential role it plays in our community, especially during the holidays.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

Learn about the various ways you can get involved and make a difference. Whether it's by volunteering your time, providing monetary support, or donating essential food items, there are plenty of ways to help those in need.

Join us in this season of giving and discover how you can be a part of something truly special. Let's come together to ensure that no one in our community goes without during the holidays.

To find out more about Chapin We Care Center and how you can get involved, listen to this episode on Chamber Neighbors. You can also visit

Meet Amanda Bigger of Bigger Glass!

The mission at Bigger Glass is simple: to provide high-quality services for their valued customers. Their team goes above and beyond to cater to each project’s specific needs. Through open communication and exceptional service, they know you’ll find what you’re looking for with them.

- Since 2002 Drew Bigger has built a reputation around his ability to provide customers with a quality of service and workmanship which surpasses typical standards in the industry.

- Always demonstrating professional care and expertise.

- Competitive pricing, and better service!

- You work with glaziers that have the ability to properly answer your questions with safety as well as aesthetics equally taken into consideration.

- Accurate pricing offered by experienced professionals. When it comes to your pocket, they understand you don't like surprises, and neither do they!

Meet Darren Kaplan!

As a husband of 20 years, a father to two beautiful children (a boy and a girl to boot!), and a mortgage banker with 200 Zillow reviews and 20+ years of experience, Darren brings not just considerable knowledge and expertise to the table, but an unmatched level of customer service and an understanding of the importance of doing what’s right for your family as well.

His customers know that he prides himself on being accessible at all times - his line is always open for you and dedicates himself to understanding your unique situation. Darren is passionate about focusing his efforts on helping families navigate the mortgage marketplace, and is available for you to call, text, or email at any time!

Drawing on his experience, he is uniquely situated to honestly and accurately advise his clients on financing programs that fit not just their immediate mortgage needs but their overall financial profile. His expertise includes programs such as Jumbo, Conventional, FHA, Refinancing, credit repair, and rapid credit rescoring.

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or an experienced investor, Darren is here to help you navigate the current mortgage landscape and understand the mortgage landscape at large, enabling me to provide you with the best guidance possible. I strive to educate his clients while keeping an open line of communication and providing honest insights into the mortgage marketplace in order to make the process as painless and seamless as possible.

If you make him your first call, he’ll be able to answer all of your mortgage questions and make sure you take advantage of the best options available to you. His experience gives the know-how to understand all loan programs and where they’re offered – meaning he could help get you the best loan for you, even if it’s not at his bank. When you work with Darren, he’ll be your Banker for Life!

Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce will promote the growth of commerce, community and culture in and around the Chapin area through the leadership and service of its partners.

Our vision is to be a catalyst for economic prosperity in the Chapin community. We also serve as the Communications Hub and Visitors’ Center for the area. We promote local businesses, recreational events, social concerns, and related legislative issues. We rely on relationships and technology to accomplish our communication with our partners and the general public.

Running a business is hard work, but it’s easier when you are a partner of the Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce.  We connect our partners to each other and to the Chapin community, so we can be stronger together.  We offer networking events to build strong relationships and help our partners find new customers, manage their business, grow their companies and be engaged in our Chapin community.

Even if time does not permit active engagement monthly, there is still great value to partnership.  Adding your business to our online and print directories will expose your business to thousands of new potential customers.  Your partnership shows that you are invested in your company and in the community, and consumers are more likely to use your products and services.

Partnership is open to individuals, young professionals, non-profit organizations, and small and large businesses that are located within or serve the Greater Chapin Community.  Annual dues are based on each entity’s needs; we offer several levels to help better serve our partners.

Meet Alecia Klauk of Chapin We Care Center!

Alecia Klauk is a well-known pillar in the community. Her work with the We Care Center blessed thousands of local residents.

She most recently served as Benefits Coordinator for SC Thrive, where she assisted clients for agencies like We Care and other food pantries, medical clinics, and various ministries to gain access to various government benefits programs, including Social Security Disability, SNAP, Medicaid, Welvista, FAFSA, taxes and others, as clients work to reach greater financial security and independence. She has also worked for Family Connection of South Carolina and the South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Office of General Counsel.

Chapin We Care is a Christian ministry that provides food and warmth to those in need in Chapin and the surrounding communities.

To learn more about We Care, visit them online at www.chapinwecare.org.

The We Care Center was established in 1986, to work with families and individuals in our community who are facing emergencies trying to meet their basic living needs. They serve as an outreach ministry for churches in the Chapin, Little Mountain, White Rock, Peak, Pomaria, and Prosperity communities in answer to the call of Jesus Christ to serve the poor and needy.

With the support of affiliated churches, local businesses, civic organizations, and individuals, We Care coordinates resources to act as a single point of service for our clients whether they need food, gas for doctor’s appointments, kerosene, or help with utilities. There is no charge to clients for services received.

Local churches, businesses, civic organizations, and individual donations fund the We Care Center. A full-time director and a dedicated, compassionate group of volunteers work directly with clients to ensure they get the help they need. Their Board of Directors, comprised of representatives from area churches and businesses, administers and guides the ongoing ministry.

"They come to us hungry and cold when there is nowhere else to turn. It is both our duty and our privilege to fulfill the laws of Christ and God’s charge to be empathetic toward those in need."

Meet Terri Bauerlin!

Terri works with folks in Columbia, Chapin, Lexington, Irmo, Cayce, West Columbia, Blythewood, Prosperity, and the surrounding area, including the beautiful Lake Murray. She was licensed in 2013 as a Realtor. She provides a high level of customer service with many satisfied clients who are now clients for life.

Meet Cassy Paschal, the principal at Piney Woods Elementary School.

Cassy is honored to be serving as the principal of Piney Woods Elementary School (PWES). As the principal of the district’s newest elementary school, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to help create a learning environment for my future students that is nurturing, interactive and engaging. 

She has over 30 yearss as a student and/or educator in the district. Before coming to PWES, she served as the principal of Irmo Middle School and Oak Pointe Elementary School. She started my career as a special education teacher at Wilson High School in Florence, SC then came to Irmo Middle to continue my career. She earned my bachelor’s degree from Presbyterian College and master’s degrees in public administration and educational administration from the University of South Carolina. When Cassy am not at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Johnny, and their three children: Chase, Keiser and Justus. All three of the children have either graduated from or currently attend school in School District Five. She also enjoy my many pets, swimming, kayaking and being outdoors. 

Piney Woods Elementary School stands as a cornerstone of education and community. With a commitment to academic excellence, holistic development, and fostering a strong sense of community, Piney Woods Elementary has earned its reputation as a place where young minds thrive and dreams take root.

Piney Woods Elementary School prides itself on maintaining high academic standards. The school's curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a balanced blend of traditional subjects and modern teaching methodologies. Dedicated teachers work tirelessly to create engaging lesson plans that cater to various learning styles, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to excel.

From early literacy programs that kindle a passion for reading to hands-on science projects that spark curiosity, Piney Woods Elementary School's commitment to academic excellence is evident in the accomplishments of its students. Standardized test scores consistently reflect the effectiveness of the school's approach, demonstrating that Piney Woods students are well-prepared for their educational journey.

Education at Piney Woods Elementary goes beyond academics. The school places a strong emphasis on holistic development, recognizing the importance of nurturing well-rounded individuals. Students are encouraged to explore their interests through a range of extracurricular activities, including art, music, sports, and community service projects.

Physical education is an integral part of the curriculum, promoting a healthy lifestyle and instilling discipline and teamwork in students. Additionally, Piney Woods Elementary School's art and music programs provide students with creative outlets, fostering self-expression and a deeper appreciation for the arts.

One of the defining features of Piney Woods Elementary School is its close-knit community. The school recognizes the vital role that parents, teachers, and the community at large play in shaping the educational experience. Regular parent-teacher conferences, workshops, and open houses facilitate transparent communication between all stakeholders, ensuring that each student receives the support they need to succeed.

The school's commitment to community extends beyond the classroom. Piney Woods Elementary engages in various outreach initiatives that instill a sense of social responsibility in students. Community service projects, fundraisers, and partnerships with local organizations teach students the importance of giving back and being active citizens.