Meet Blake Sanders: A Husband, Father, and Community Champion
In the bustling town of West Pelzer, there's a man who wears many hats – husband, father, mayor, landscape architect, planner, and professor. But if you ask him, Blake Sanders will tell you that being a husband and father are the roles closest to his heart. Why? Because Blake knows that it's the people in our lives who matter most.
Blake is a strong supporter of JUMPSTART Landscaping, that's been making a positive impact in West Pelzer. While the organization has done amazing work implementing Blake's landscape designs, he'll be the first to tell you that the true heroes are the landscaping employees working tirelessly on the job site. Their camaraderie and shared moments of prayer matter more to him than any project.
But how did Blake end up on this remarkable journey of creativity and community development? It all started with childhood memories of playing with Lego sets, sparking his interest in creative projects. Later on, he ventured into teaching but quickly realized it wasn't his calling. During his time at Southern Wesleyan University, he honed essential skills in time management and budgeting, setting the stage for his future career.
Blake's creativity flows not just from the environment but from his mindset. He dedicates three days to immerse himself in each project, focusing on one client and one deliverable at a time. He uses the Charette Process to involve clients deeply in the planning process.
One of Blake's notable achievements was the establishment of Studio Main, an evolution of his past internships and experiences in places like Istanbul, Turkey. It's all about fostering a sense of community, focusing on what matters most, and creating walkable, likable, safe, enjoyable, and economically sound spaces.
But Blake's community involvement doesn't end there. As an elected official of West Pelzer, he saw a need for change. His efforts transformed the community into a thriving space where people could connect, walk, bike, and enjoy the outdoors together. Today, not only are there vibrant local businesses meeting the community's needs, but there are also like-minded business owners giving back in unique ways.
In 2018, Blake's path crossed with Justin, a City of Easley's public works team member. Their collaboration on a significant project led to a lasting friendship. When Justin reached out for help with JUMPSTART Landscaping, Blake jumped in, vetting the business plan and offering architectural design expertise pro bono.
For Blake, life is about more than money; it's about making a difference. He fondly remembers Justin Durrell, JUMPSTART's Director of Operations, for his boundless energy and dedication to growth. Justin's leadership style empowers his team to learn, grow, and take on new challenges.
If there's one word to describe Blake's view of JUMPSTART, it's "mission." He believes in their unwavering commitment to serving people, a mission that resonates deeply with his own values.
As Blake looks ahead, he envisions an even brighter future for JUMPSTART. He sees the organization expanding its mission to impact West Pelzer and the broader Upstate, particularly Anderson County. In celebrating Blake Sanders, we celebrate a man who knows that people are the heart and soul of any community. His dedication, creativity, and passion for making a difference are the driving forces behind the positive changes in West Pelzer and beyond.
