Business news

Collins Group Realty welcomes two new team members
Collins Group Realty has named Lauren Kovach business operations manager and hired Hilton Head Island native Cassie Cobia as a marketing team specialist.

Kovach brings more than 25 years of experience in advertising, marketing, management consulting and software sales, including 10 years in sales support. She will oversee daily operations at the company’s Hilton Head Island and Bluffton offices and supervise administrative staff.

A Chicago native, Kovach earned degrees from the University of Michigan and University of Georgia. She spent 20 years in Atlanta before relocating to Hilton Head Island with her husband, Jeff.

Cobia will assist with property marketing, website content, social media and community outreach. A 2022 graduate of Hilton Head Preparatory School, she graduated with honors from Clemson University and previously worked in the local real estate industry.

Chip Collins, owner and broker-in-charge, said Cobia’s local connections and marketing background will benefit the company’s efforts throughout the Lowcountry.

Veteran-owned bicycle shop opens in Bluffton
Fowler’s Bicycle Shop has opened at 70 Pennington Drive, Suite 9, in Bluffton, offering bicycle sales, repairs and accessories.

The veteran-owned, family-operated business is owned by Matt Fowler, who has more than 30 years of cycling and racing experience.

The shop carries road, gravel, recreational and electric bicycles, including Cannondale and Aventon brands. Its service department handles tune-ups, adjustments and advanced repairs. Service manager Maria brings more than 16 years of experience.

“We wanted to create something more than just a place to buy a bicycle,” Fowler said.

The shop also hosts Saturday group rides and cycling events, aiming to become a gathering place for the local cycling community.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed Sunday.

For information, call 843-837-2453 or visit www.fowlersbicycleshop.com.

Lowcountry Autism Foundation director appointed to state council

Sophia Fakoury Townes, president and executive director of the Lowcountry Autism Foundation, has been appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to the South Carolina Interagency Coordinating Council. She will serve as a parent representative through February 2028.

The council advises the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities.

A former educator, Townes became involved with the foundation after her son Jack was diagnosed with autism at age 3. She served on its advisory council and later as volunteer program coordinator for Beaufort County. Her involvement grew after another son, Joseph, was diagnosed in 2018. She became president and executive director in June 2024.

The foundation provides free programming and resources to more than 5,000 families throughout the Lowcountry.

Entrepreneur launches enthusiasm-inspired clothing brand

Hilton Head Island entrepreneur Matt Papka is using clothing and a simple message to encourage people to connect with others and approach life with enthusiasm.

Papka founded The Enthusiasm Company and launched its bREAL clothing and merchandise line in 2025. The name stands for “Be Real Enthusiastic About Life.”

The venture grew from an experience at his son’s soccer game, where Papka noticed parents and children struggling with stress and a lack of interaction.

“Looking around at the bleachers, I saw parents who were either too stressed to fully enjoy the moment, or simply not being present. I saw kids that were playing through incredible anxiety. What I didn’t see was anyone talking to one another,” Papka said.

After a three-decade career in insurance and later work as an inventor, Papka developed the company with a mission of encouraging kindness, personal connections and positive attitudes.

The bREAL line includes shirts, hats and stickers. The company also promotes a pledge encouraging people to take small actions that improve the lives of others.

More information is available at breal.life.