Stewart Spinks, founder of the Spinx Company, received the Order of the Palmetto on Friday, Dec. 2 at Fluor Field in a surprise announcement during the company’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Presented by Gov. Henry McMaster, the award is the state’s highest civilian honor and recognizes individuals who have served both the state and its residents.
In 1972, Spinks founded his business at the age of 26, which now has more than 80 locations. Over the years, he has been recognized for his entrepreneurial efforts, including being inducted into the Convenience Store News Hall of Fame receiving the Greenville Tech Entrepreneur Award. He was also named Individual Philanthropist of the Year along with his wife, Martha.
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“I am truly speechless at this amazing honor,” said Spinks. “This means so much to me but would not be possible without the love and support from the Spinks family and also the Spinx family. Thank you all for 50 wonderful years of making lives easier.”
