Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Brewer Bartley.
Hi Melissa Brewer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our family business began in 1989 when my father, Ansel Brewer, founded Greenwood Financial Services, Inc., building on his earlier venture, Brewer Enterprises car lot, which he opened the year before for our brother David to operate. Together, these two businesses became the first combined finance company and car lot at 1744 South Main Street in Greenwood, South Carolina—focused on helping customers establish or rebuild credit while offering affordable vehicles. Our father began his career in finance in 1963 with American Credit which later became Barclay’s American Credit. He realized he needed to help Greenwood and surrounding areas with innovated financing.
I started in customer service with Greenwood Financial Services, Inc and later became the branch manager, while my brothers also took on key roles. Over the years, the business expanded—opening locations in McCormick in 1994 which was operated by David and Russell as Manager with Scott as assistant manager in Ninety Six in 1996. During that time, our mother, Martha Brewer, also launched a furniture store alongside the growing family operations. We closed our Ninety Six locations around 2002 to help run our main location in Greenwood.
I ventured out parttime as a REALTOR in Greenwood, but my father wanted me to come back to the family business. Selling houses was a great experience for me but I needed to come back home to what was in my blood .. cars and finance.
In 2010, I began running Brewer Enterprises III located at 2710 Hwy 25 S in Greenwood, continuing the family tradition of honesty and integrity . A unique part of our approach has always been encouraging customers to thoroughly test drive vehicles and have them inspected by their mechanic before purchasing. Most people do not know this but we encourage customers to drive the vehicle for an hour or two. A ten minute test drive is not enough time to know about a vehicle before purchasing.
Today, the business remains family-operated, with our youngest brother Scott and his wife Renita managing the finance company and Brewer Enterprises. In 2024, I expanded further by adding Brewer Buildings in Greenwood and McCormick, becoming an authorized dealer of Old Hickory Buildings—offering quality, customizable structures with dependable delivery.
Through decades of growth, our family has remained committed to serving the community with integrity, value, and gratitude for loyal customers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running a family business has not always been a smooth road. Working closely with family can be a challenge in itself. While there are many perks, there are also downsides—such as heated family discussions or disagreements along with limited retirement and insurance benefits.
That said, the flexibility has been a true blessing. When our children were growing up, we were able to bring them to work with us when school was out or they were sick. Now, as our parents grow older, that same flexibility allows us to be there for them without relying on outside care.
In 2025, our father was involved in a fire accident and was hospitalized for over three weeks. During that time, he also went into heart failure. As a family, we pulled together—David and Scott kept the businesses running, while Russell and I focused on caring for our parents and continue to do so.
Moments like that remind us what truly matters. Despite the challenges, we are incredibly grateful to be able to support one another and be present during times of need.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our business is truly rooted in family, service, and trust. What started with our father’s vision has grown into something much bigger—built on relationships, hard work, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve.
We specialize in helping our community with reliable financial services while also operating our family-owned car business and Old Hickory Buildings. Over the years, we’ve become known for treating our customers like family. Our father had bumper stickers made years ago that said, ” I am a great family member of Brewer Enterprises.” We understand that every situation is different, and we take the time to listen, guide, and provide solutions that truly meet their needs.
What sets us apart is our personal approach. When you walk through our doors, you’re not just another number—you’re someone we care about. I had the privilege of working for two new car dealerships for a short time and I did not like the mentality of customers being treated as “Just a NUMBER or Another SALE.” Many of our customers have been with us for years, even generations, and that kind of loyalty means everything to us. We believe in honesty, consistency, and being there for people not just in the good times, but when they need us most.
As a family-run business, we also bring a level of flexibility and dedication that’s hard to find elsewhere. We work together, support one another, and that unity carries over into how we serve our customers.
What we’re most proud of, brand-wise, is the reputation we’ve built. It’s not just about the services we offer—it’s about the trust we’ve earned in our community. Being known as dependable, caring, and committed is something we never take for granted. Sure, you will have the un-satisfied customer, but the loyal customers outweigh the unhappy customers.
At the end of the day, we want people to know that we’re here for them. Whether it’s helping them through a financial need or finding the right vehicle, we strive to make the process simple, personal, and positive. Our goal is not just to do business—but to build lasting relationships that stand the test of time.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network doesn’t always happen overnight—it grows through relationships, consistency, and simply being willing to show up.
One of the biggest things that has worked for us is staying connected within our community. Whether it’s through local events, church, or long-time customers, many of our strongest relationships have come from simply building trust over time. We’ve found that mentors often come naturally when you surround yourself with people who have experience, wisdom, and a willingness to pour into others. The biggest mentor has been our father, Ansel. He has been graced with a wealth of knowledge for the businesses. He has built a future for my brothers and myself. He has taught us to work hard and make a comfortable living. He also taught us to look for ways to make an extra dime or two. He made us work for what we have so that we will appreciate what we have and to be thankful for God’s blessings. There is “No entitlement attitude allowed.”
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice. Most people who have been in business for years are more than willing to share what they’ve learned—the good and the hard. Being humble and open to learning goes a long way.
Another important piece is consistency. Keep showing up, keep doing the work, and keep treating people right. Your reputation will often open doors to the right connections.
Also, networking doesn’t always have to be formal. Some of the best connections come from everyday conversations—customers, peers, or even other business owners. Just being genuine, listening well, and showing interest in others can build meaningful relationships.
What’s worked best for us is focusing on relationships over transactions. When you lead with honesty, care, and integrity, the right people—and the right opportunities—tend to follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brewer-cars.com
- Other: https://brewer-buildings.com
