1985 was a good year for Terry Richburg.
He had opened a convenience store three years earlier, but was approached by Burgess Sprott when the Haleys decided they could no longer run the Exxon station due to health reasons.
"Things just seemed to fall into place and have pretty much been the same since then," the Clarendon County native said.
Born and raised in Manning, Richburg holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of South Carolina and finds it rewarding to see happy customers while acknowledging today's business climate provides many challenges.
"Basically the toughest aspect (of running a business) is providing a quality product and service at a fair price," he said.
Richburg's day gets underway at 7 a.m. when he opens for business.
"I usually open every day at 7 a.m. with the exception of Sunday," he said. "I am fortunate in that I have had good employees over the years. I may work three or four hours or I may work all day. You just have to check for yourself."
In moving Clarendon County forward, Richburg sees the primary issues as employment, taxes, education and attracting new businesses and industry. "Especially those that may help our younger generations stay here at home," he said.
As for free time, he likes to spend time with his wife and four children, as well as enjoying the lake or hitting the links.
"And those wonderful dance recitals for the girls and anything I can do to support them in all they do," he said.
Richburg is proud to call Clarendon County home.
"It's my hometown, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else unless I were rich and famous, but that's not going to happen!" he said, laughing. "I just want to say a great big 'thank you' for everyone's support over the last 29 years."
Terry's Exxon is located at 220 S. Mill St. and is open Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Contact: (803) 435-2434
