The Growing Years

I grew up in the Carolinas, and when I was in grad school, I realized I wanted to spend my career keeping people at home while they received healthcare services. This was the beginning of a lifetime of predicting and creating trends in healthcare and technology in the Carolinas and beyond. 

But let me take a few steps back. This desire to be of service started with my parents. If you grew up in Charles and Carol Cooper’s house, being kind, generous, and humble was not negotiable. We lived a very modest lifestyle, which was sometimes frustrating for me as a teenager – but we learned to value and make the most of what we had. My Dad worked extremely hard, and even when his businesses became a resounding success, he always put the needs of others first.

After school, my path was pretty straightforward: I studied Business Economics at Wofford College and then did my Masters of Health Administration, specializing in Home Health Care, at The University of South Carolina. The following year we founded Winyah Health Care (now Palmetto Infusion Services), and I have spent my working life in the dedicated field of healthcare.

I grew up in the Carolinas, and when I was in grad school, I realized I wanted to spend my career keeping people at home while they received healthcare services. This was the beginning of a lifetime of predicting and creating trends in healthcare and technology in the Carolinas and beyond. 

But let me take a few steps back. This desire to be of service started with my parents. If you grew up in Charles and Carol Cooper’s house, being kind, generous, and humble was not negotiable. We lived a very modest lifestyle, which was sometimes frustrating for me as a teenager – but we learned to value and make the most of what we had. My Dad worked extremely hard, and even when his businesses became a resounding success, he always put the needs of others first.

After school, my path was pretty straightforward: I studied Business Economics at Wofford College and then did my Masters of Health Administration, specializing in Home Health Care, at The University of South Carolina. The following year we founded Winyah Health Care (now Palmetto Infusion Services), and I have spent my working life in the dedicated field of healthcare.

I always say that my first (and only) boss was my partner and father. While I was (and always have been) very headstrong and ready to take on the world, my Dad was patient in teaching me the ropes. A natural businessman who was disciplined and ethical in every way. He taught me about servant leadership by example and would go the extra mile in everything that he did; for example, he put ice cream parlors in all of his nursing homes, knowing that a special treat could make all the difference to someone’s day. He would be called a “game-changer” today! I was lucky to inherit an entrepreneurial spirit from him, and I love nothing more than finding a business opportunity and seeing an idea grow into a thriving business. 

Over the years, I have enjoyed great success in creating and investing in healthcare businesses. My career has been dedicated to providing health care that enables people to remain independent. As the Executive Chairman of Palmetto Infusion, I have enormous pride in the incredible work our teams do in over 30 centers in the Carolinas. Patients always say they feel like part of the family when interacting with Palmetto. That’s how it should be. I have always believed in investing in our teams on every level because I know you get to keep the customer for life when your workers are happy and fulfilled.

About Letting Go

Life always teaches you what you most need to learn.

Sometimes we get complacent in life. I was fortunate in business, health, and family – but things were slowly falling apart below the surface.

While running highly lucrative businesses and having all the rewards of what success looks like on the outside, I was losing a running battle with my ego. A double-hip replacement a few years ago and being unable to walk allowed me the space to hit rock bottom. Being flat on my back was an excellent place to start letting go and rebuilding my life.

I realized that, in many ways, I had been trapped in comparing myself to others and my father. I would hang onto old resentments and stew in negative emotions. I would abuse my body and take those around me for granted. Fear often held me back from doing the things I most loved to do, and my ego sabotaged me at every turn. I had to learn about letting go and being in the present moment.

I have been fortunate to have had the support of my family and friends on my journey. And it’s been an incredible time of humility and discovery. I am now committed to helping companies and leadership teams by investing in their businesses and professional skills so they can attain their goals.

EY Southeast Entrepreneur of the Year – Southeast, Ernst & Young, Sep 2020. Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive award programs for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. Nominees are evaluated based on six criteria, including overcoming adversity, financial performance, societal impact and commitment to building a values-based company, innovation, and talent management.

LIVING LIFE IN THE
BEAUTIFUL CAROLINAS

I am incredibly blessed to be part of an amazing family that supports me in everything I do. I live in a beautiful part of the world called Pawley’s Island in the Carolinas, and these days I make time for my hobbies – I love gardening and photography and am learning to fly (I have always wanted my pilot’s license). Spending time on my farm tending the farm animals gives me immense joy, as does walking my dog in nature. I also make time to invest in my mental health and wellbeing – something I would not have done in the days of building my businesses. I also practice gratitude on a daily basis, and I find that acknowledging what I have gives me a feeling of prosperity and peace of mind.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

I continue to look for ways to serve – I am currently writing a book, involved with many non-profit organizations, and a contributing member of my church. I am excited about the journey ahead.

As Executive Chairman of Palmetto Infusion Services, I am incredibly proud of our teams, who epitomize servant leadership daily. Our vision is that Palmetto will grow to become a national entity, giving affordable and much-needed healthcare services to patients across the country.

Despite many setbacks, I have enjoyed building businesses over the past 24 years; nothing gives me more joy than being able to help others to follow their dreams, passions, and pursuits. I truly believe in investing in people and human capital, and this is part of my big plan for the next ten years.

INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES

In 2020, I founded The Carolus Company, where I not only invest in companies but also give leaders the much-needed professional and marketing support to scale their businesses and empower the lives of their families and surrounding communities. I have big dreams for The Carolus Company, and our investments aim to embrace several
industries in the Carolinas.

If you have a business entity that could benefit from a collaboration/partnership with our team, please don’t hesitate to contact us.