About Gigi
I come from parents who owned many local businesses in Charleston, including everything from a janitorial business to a large and relatively well-known hobby shop. Growing up, I attended Middleton High School and had no idea what I wanted to do as an adult. I started college as a business major at 17, failed epically at it, and changed to criminal justice. There, I excelled and completed my degrees up to MCJ at the Univ of SC, postmarked 9.11.01! I did NOT wish to be an officer.
I ended up at the SC Dept of Social Services, where I licensed foster parents. I worked a protective service caseload for adults and children and eventually did protective service investigations on nights and weekends. Eventually, I got burnt out on going to court, but I was using my degrees. However, one day, I just had it. I wanted something where I was not constantly in court, filling out paperwork, or getting threats of harm. So, I reached out to a friend and started carpet cleaning! Physically? It was three months of soreness EVERY DAY. But mentally, it was so much better!
Eventually, my dad, who had gone into management consulting by then, decided he was tired of living in hotels and planes and wanted to start something local. My experiences, extensive training, and certifications led to the birth of Apex. Since then, I have taken a few business classes and realized I could now teach those classes that were so tricky years earlier. I occasionally go out on a job or 2, but I came off the truck in 2008, just before my son was born.
In June 2019, I lost my mom, followed by my dad in June 2020, after caregiving for him for that year while running Apex. Following his passing, I realized he had not passed on all his knowledge as he believed he’d have more time. I took over Apex 100% and climbed many walls and barriers to learn what I needed. While it has been an excellent experience, it’s not for the faint of heart!
What do you love about your job? I like having some freedom and being able to assist my son with his scouting events and his schooling where needed. Plus, I love talking to anyone I meet or who calls or emails!
Where did you go to school? I attended Middleton High School (1989), Trident Tech (Criminal Justice 1993), the University of South Carolina (BS Criminal Justice 1995), and the University of South Carolina (Masters Criminal Justice 2001).
In another life, I’m pretty sure I was doing something involving being on the water!
If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d start a covered and partially climate-controlled outdoor roller skating rink open to the public where food trucks, DJs, and other vendors could come and make money with no fees to be paid to me. And, you know, keep working at Apex!
The best advice I’ve ever received is to wake up daily, show up, and try your best. There will be mistakes. Own up to them and apologize if needed. Things can be learned at any age and improved constantly. Read, watch, and listen. Hang out solo and with others, as you will need both for your sanity. There are rarely TRUE obstacles that cannot be overcome.
If I could invent a holiday, it would involve people not spending money except for food, like a BBQ or something similar. Most holidays have reached a point where hosts/givers focus too much on the money spent and not enough time having fun and enjoying the experience.
What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars? Stick it out! It is a hard, labor-intensive job, but the rewards and the people you meet are fantastic.
If I weren’t so damn good at my job, I’d probably be stuck trying to figure out how to revamp the whole state agency I worked for previously.
Cats or dogs? Currently, I have three cats and two dogs, so both.
My favorite word in the English language is DISREMEMBER because it is an actual word!
What’s the most inspiring part of your job? Having people reach out after the job is completed with praise and hearing the happiness in their voices or phrasing (if via text). You can ALWAYS tell!
If I were a superhero, my superpower would be folding laundry and putting it away!
When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a police officer or fireman—I watched CHIPs and Emergency throughout my childhood.