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Electrician Contractor in Irmo, SC

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We Keep Irmo Shining Bright

Electricity - it's one of the most important innovations in the history of humankind. It's hard to imagine life without electricity, and for good reason. Nearly every aspect of our lives is affected by electricity in some form or fashion, from the way you wash your clothes to the effort you put in at work. From a residential standpoint, you need it to cook, clean, entertain, and live comfortably. For commercial purposes, electricity is used to power the computers needed to keep America moving. That's why, when the electricity in your home or at your job is compromised, life grinds to a halt. Unfortunately, electrical problems are inevitable in today's day and age. When the electricity in your home or commercial workspace fails, you need a quick, effective solution that will get your life back on track. And that, in a nutshell, is where L&M Electric, Inc. shines the brightest.

Our company was founded in 2009 by Roger Lee and John Mezzles. With a combined 46 years of electrical experience, the two entrepreneurs set out to create a company that offers quality workmanship and unparalleled service to all its builders and clients. Today, we are proud to have served South Carolina for nearly two decades as the premier electrician contractor in Irmo, SC. Our family-owned business specializes in both residential and commercial electrical work. Our highly-trained team has the experience and skills to handle any electrical issue, from minor panel breaker problems to large-scale industrial issues.

Despite winning numerous awards and recognitions in the Southeast, we don't let our accolades go to our head. Our team is committed to providing effective, personalized electrical work for every one of our customers. We take pride in our ability to offer peace of mind to our customers when they need it most, and that's exactly what we aim to provide to you too. We're talking one-on-one service provided by a friendly, professional electrician. There are no corners cut, no hidden fees, and no excuses - only the highest quality work from the finest electricians in Irmo.

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$99 Electrical Home Safety Inspection

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What sets us apart from other electricians in Irmo, SC? It boils down to three reasons:
Customer-Centric, Quality Electric Service
Customer-Centric, Quality Electric Service

As guests in your home, you won't ever have to worry about a member of our team trying to sell you something you don't need. Our job is to serve your electrical needs. You expect the highest quality electrical work in South Carolina, and that's what we will provide.

Experienced, Affordable Electricians
Experienced, Affordable Electricians

You understand that the highest quality work requires fair compensation, but you're not made of money. Our commitment is to offer affordable electric work at a price you're satisfied paying.

Family Owned & Operated
Family Owned & Operated

We know that you are choosing L&M Electric for a reason. Unlike large corporations, we truly care about our customers. As a family business, serving you is personal for us. We stake our reputation on the quality of our work. As such, we are accountable and will always strive to deliver the service you have come to expect from our company.

Affordable Electric Service That Makes You Feel Like Family

At L&M Electric, we employ the brightest commercial and residential electricians in Irmo. Having electricians that specialize in both residential and commercial projects allow us to provide our customers with a wider range of services.

Our team fixes a broad range of electrical issues, but we have built our reputation on the following electric services:

 Smart Home Electrician Irmo, SC

Electrical Repairs

Every homeowner has to deal with an electrical component breaking or failing at some point. When that happens, you need a partner who can troubleshoot the problem and correct the issue efficiently and effectively. A few common problems that we help solve for our customers include:

  • Ceiling Fan Repair
  • Light Fixture Repair
  • Light Switch & Outlet Repair
  • Electrical Safety Inspection
 Smart Home Installation Irmo, SC

Electrical Installations

Whether you have a new ceiling fan that needs to be installed or you have a new electrical outlet that you'd like added to your bedroom, L&M Electric is here to help. Our team installs quality solutions every day of the week - there's no electrical installation job your residential electrician in Irmo, SC, can't handle. Here is a glance at some of the installation projects that we complete for homeowners:

  • Smart Home Installation
  • Electric Car Charging Station Installation
  • Whole-Home Surge Protection Installation
 Electrical Repairs Irmo, SC

Renovations and Remodeling

If you're renovating or remodeling your home, you need a professional electrician on-hand to work to properly install your new electrical devices and systems. Our skilled electricians are happy to work with you or your remodeling consultant to install your lights and keep your home shining bright. Common renovation and remodeling jobs include:

  • Hot Tub Wiring
  • Kitchen Lighting Renovations
  • Finished Basement Electrical Wiring
 Electrical Safety Inspection Company Irmo, SC

New Construction Electrical Projects

Many new construction homeowners stress about having their electrical system wired from scratch. For us, it's just another day on the job. If you're building your dream home, don't leave your electrical work to mediocre electricians. Trust L&M electric for reliable service and the highest quality electrical work in Irmo. A few new construction projects we handle are:

  • Breaker Panel Box Installation
  • Wiring for Backup Generator
  • Landscape Lighting Outdoors
  • Low Voltage Wiring
 Whole Home Electrical Install Irmo, SC

Your Residential Electrician in Irmo, SC

When you own a home, there's something inherently fulfilling about taking care of your property and fixing issues that pop up over time. When it comes to electrical work, however, DIY projects can be dangerous. Electricity is an amazing innovation, but if you aren't fully trained and licensed to handle such work, it's best to leave it to the experts at L&M Electric. Your home's safety is essential for you and your family. Our team will go above and beyond to ensure that your home's electrical system is operating correctly without any concerning problems.

With more than 60 years of combined experience as electricians, we are capable of troubleshooting and fixing a litany of electrical issues in your house. Keep reading to learn more about the most common electrical issues our customers report, along with some handy tips on how to remediate such problems.

Electrical Services Irmo, SC

Panel Breaker is Tripped

If you don't have any power in your home, it might be time to check your electrical panel to see if there are any tripped breakers. If you spot a tripped breaker, try your best to switch it over to its original position. If you can't, remember that some breakers need to be flipped to the "off" position before turning it back on. If you don't have any luck, give our office a call. We'll send a trained residential electrician in Irmo to your home to fix the problem on-site.

 Remodel And Renovation Electrical Work Irmo, SC

Overhead Fan Stops Working

If you have an overhead fan in your living room or bedroom, you know how quickly it can accumulate dust. Most homeowners clean up using a rod duster. However, sometimes homeowners accidentally hit the fan direction switch when doing so. But, instead of flipping it "on" or "off," they bump it into a limbo zone where neither direction is selected. When this happens, your overhead fan will not spin. If one of your fans stops working suddenly, this is one of the most common reasons why. If you're sure you didn't hit the fan direction switch, it could be an indication of a larger problem. In this case, call our office for a free phone consultation. We'll troubleshoot with you over the phone and if necessary, send out an electrician.

 Electrician Irmo, SC

Kitchen Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your home was built in the last 35 years, chances are it has two 20-amp circuits running to your kitchen countertop outlets. Newer homes will have three circuits. If you're constantly tripping the breaker to your kitchen, it's most likely because you have too many electrical devices connected to the same circuit. To help alleviate this problem, place appliances like coffee makers and toasters on two different circuits. That way, they can share the load.

At the end of the day, your home is your place of solitude and relaxation. But, when you have electrical issues in your home, things can quickly go from peaceful to problematic. Whether you're renovating your home and need a new room wired for power or your panel breaker keeps giving your problems, L&M Electric is here to assist. If you have questions about an issue or need to schedule service, our team is ready to help answer your questions and coordinate the best time for a residential electrician to come to your home in Irmo.

 Smart Home Electrician Irmo, SC

Tips to Save Money and Maintain Your Home's Electrical Systems

Unlike some of our competitors, who are reluctant to provide any information that might prevent them from making a buck, L&M Electric is all about empowering our customers. If we can offer sound advice that will educate our clients and help them save money, we have no problem doing so. That's why we have put together some helpful tips and tricks for maintaining your home's most common electrical systems. Because, at the end of the day, a little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to your family's safety.

 Smart Home Installation Irmo, SC

Install Surge Protectors

Intense lighting storms can cause powerful surges of electricity that ruin your home's electrical appliances and amenities. Surge protectors installed at your electrical panel can help prevent these surges by grounding the electricity running through your home. They do so by directing it away from your electrical devices. This common solution is inexpensive, effective, and always a better choice than replacing expensive items like TVs and computers.

 Electrical Repairs Irmo, SC

Examine Your Breaker Panel

Breaker panels control the power to your home. When they go bad or are damaged, there's a good chance that you will lose power to most of the rooms in your house. Open your breaker panel and keep a sharp eye out for signs of corrosion and rust. Double-check that each breaker you see flips on and off properly. If you notice corrosion or if the breaker switches won't flip, it's time to get in touch with a residential electrician in Irmo, SC, who can inspect your breaker panel and recommend upgrades if necessary.

 Electrical Safety Inspection Company Irmo, SC

Test Your GFIs

GFIs, or Ground Fault Interrupters, are similar to surge protectors in that they prevent electrical damage from happening in your home. The primary job of a GFI is to prevent electrical shocks that happen during a ground fault. Because water is a conductor of electricity, GFIs should be installed anywhere that an outlet comes into contact with water. You should try to test your GFIs every month, if possible, to ensure that they are working correctly. When you look closely at your GFI, you will notice a "test" and a "reset" button. Hit the "test" button to trip the GFI outlet and then hit "reset" to restore power. If your outlet resets, your GFI is working as it should. If not, you need to replace your GFI outlet. Because electricity is involved, we recommend hiring a professional to install new GFIs in your home. That way, you know the job is done right.

 Whole Home Electrical Install Irmo, SC

Replace Outdated Light Bulbs

The right light bulb can add the perfect amount of ambiance to your home. Eventually, however, even the best light bulbs will need replacing. While they don't need checking every month, it's a good idea to inspect all your bulbs at the beginning of the year. If any of your bulbs are dead, you should replace them. You should also consider replacing bulbs that are incandescent with LED lights. LED light bulbs may cost more upfront but use less electricity and are more efficient over the long run.

Electrical Services Irmo, SC

Schedule a Home Safety Inspection

In terms of preventative maintenance, scheduling a safety inspection for your home's electrical systems should be a high priority. These inspections will shine a light on the electrical features in your home that need to be fixed. Most modern electrical fires are caused by short circuit arcs, defective insulation, or broken wiring. An inspection conducted by a qualified electrician will help determine what needs to be fixed so you and your family stay safe in your home. Your inspector should cover your whole home and will examine common features such as:

  • Breakers
  • Fans
  • Exposed Wiring
  • Electrical Panels
  • Circuits
  • Switches
  • Outlets and More
 Remodel And Renovation Electrical Work Irmo, SC

DELIVERING QUALITY ELECTRICAL SERVICE TO 5,000+ HOMES PER YEAR

he electrical system in your home brings it to life from the lights and appliances we use every day to the entertainment we all love and enjoy. You want an electrician that makes you feel safe while delivering the quality services you're promised.

ELECTRICIAN SERVICE REQUEST

Full-Service Electrical Work for Home and Business

Whether you need light switch services for your newly renovated home or need a generator installed at your commercial property, L&M Electric is here to serve you. Our team will get the job done right, so you can get back to loving your life in the Lowcountry.

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 Electrician Irmo, SC

Latest News in Irmo, SC

Irmo rolls to region title, crazy finishes highlight final day of regular season

Irmo took the suspense on who would win the Region 5-4A championship but the rest of the conference went down to final moments of the regular season Friday.The Yellow Jackets dominated Lugoff-Elgin, 80-49, to win the title and homecourt advantage in the first three rounds of the 4A Lower State playoffs. Te’Andre Summons led the way with 21 points and Madden Collins had 20. Brandon Crawford blocked nine shots.The rest of the three automatic bids weren’t decided until after the final buzzer. Ridge View rallied from 11...

Irmo took the suspense on who would win the Region 5-4A championship but the rest of the conference went down to final moments of the regular season Friday.

The Yellow Jackets dominated Lugoff-Elgin, 80-49, to win the title and homecourt advantage in the first three rounds of the 4A Lower State playoffs. Te’Andre Summons led the way with 21 points and Madden Collins had 20. Brandon Crawford blocked nine shots.

The rest of the three automatic bids weren’t decided until after the final buzzer. Ridge View rallied from 11 points down to defeat AC Flora, 50-46, to force a tie between the two teams for second.

AC Flora and Ridge View split the season series each winning by four points. The two teams also scored 93 points each in two games, forcing another tiebreaker which was total points allowed in region play. Flora allowed less points in region play and got the No. 2 seed. The Blazers are third and both teams will host a first-round game on Wednesday.

Westwood rallied from three points down in the final minute to defeat Richland Northeast, 57-56, and clinch the fourth spot in the region. TJ Bell had 20 points and Arden Conyers had 19.

Both teams finished 4-6 in region but the Redhawks swept the series.

The top four teams in the region automatically qualify for playoffs. RNE and Lugoff-Elgin can get one of the four at-large berths which will be decided on Saturday.

Other key results from Friday:

? Great Falls defeated CA Johnson, 62-52, to win the Region 3-A boys championship. CAJ will be No. 2 seed.

? Madison Mickens hit the go-ahead jumper with 20 seconds to help AC Flora girls past Ridge View, 53-50, and earn the second seed from Region 5-4A. RV finishes third.

? Chapin girls defeated White Knoll, 37-23, to win a tiebreaker game and earn the fourth seed in Region 4-5A.

? Mid-Carolina defeated Saluda, 40-31, in a tiebreaker game to win the Region 2-2A title. It’s M-C’s first region title in 23 years.

Friday

Ridge View 50, AC Flora 46

ACF: Wiley 5, Maxwell-Timms 2, Gray 3, Willard 8, Johnson 5, CP Parker 13, Jackson 5, Higgins 6. RV: Yale Davis 14, Perez 4, Corbett 8, Stephens 2, Jayden Pretty 17.

Irmo 80, Lugoff-Elgin 49

I: Te’andre Summons 21, Madison Collins 18, Jonathan White 12, Crawford 6, McLaughlin 6, Brand 5, Mason Collins 4, Foster 2, Campbell 2, Albritton, Hopkins 2. LE: Damon Howey 12.

Blythewood 53, Spring Valley 50

B: B: Will Olden 14, TJ Lewis 13

Westwood 57, Richland Northeast 56

W: TJ Bell 20, Arden Conyers 19. RNE: Marques Smith 15, Cameron Copeland 15, Tillman 12.

Great Falls 62, CA Johnson 52

Cardinal Newman 68, Heathwood Hall 48

CN: Jordan Frazer 20, Russ White 16, Carter 8, Hart 7, Smith Jr. 7, Dessausure 3, Gillens 2, Rogers Jr. 2, Echevarria 2, Doctor 1. HH: JD Gardner 23, Frick 7, Claxton 3, Hunter 3, Noble 2, Bradley 2, Belk 2, Searfoss 2, Morris 2, Horton 2

Palmetto Christian 79, Northside Christian 58

NC: Dane Sundell 18, Sullie Crider 11. PCA: Seitz 14, Sorensen 13

Ben Lippen 78, Camden Military 47

BL: Braysen Stockman 14, Ellis Jones 14, Stephen Nichols 10, Buxton 9, Helmadollar 6, M. Stockman 6, Van Horn 6, Herd 6, Kusher 2, Zetz 3, Little 2.

Thursday

Lexington 47, Dutch Fork 31

L: Jaxon Prunty 15, Evans 6, Figueroa 8, Scott 9, Maxwell 6, Campbell 3.DF: Govan 3, Bryson Taylor 9, Stagg 2, Toney 3, Yarborough 3, Smith 1, Johnson 2, Garner 2, Roberts 5.

Keenan 82, Fairfield Central 29

K: David Elam 12, Chrisean Oree 10, Sumpter 6, Ama. King 4, Robinson 2, Anderson 6, Caughman 5, McCullough 7, McNiel 7, Golston 4, Price 2, Simpson 2, Ant. King 2, Crawford 8.

Swansea 62, Gilbert 59

G: T Smith 19, Barefoot 9, Coleman 8, Gould 6, Etheredge 5, Cook 4, Addy 3, Adams 2, Gooding 2. S: LeBron Fields 16, Dontae Amaker 13, Ricky Tyler 12, Goodwin 9, Sutton 5, Taylor 5, Gissendanner 2.

Lower Richland 46, Dreher 28

LR: Alex Atkinson 13, Shibb Brown 11, James 7.

River Bluff 57, Chapin 45

Saluda 59, Mid Carolina 37

Saluda: Watson 6, Graham 2, T. Mathis 6, Warren 3, Zion Wright 18, A. Mathis 8, JT Lott 14, Adams 2. MC: Floyd 5, Davenport 3, Palmore 2, Myers 3, Clark 4, McCormack 5, Crooks 2, Boyd 3, Conner Cromer 10.

Orangeburg-Wilkinson 63, Brookland-Cayce 56

Abbeville 53, Newberry 47

Friday

AC Flora 53, Ridge View 50

RV: Bailey 7, Hollins 3, Drakeford 7, Jenkins 8, Simone Johnson 10, Anasia Harvey 14. ACF: Trinity Delaney 15, Terrana Gray 17, Darby 2, McCray 3, Tamiira Delaney 12, Mickens 5,

Heathwood Hall 77, Cardinal Newman 16

HH: Lauren Jacobs 23, Sabreya Monsanto 17, Shamarie Hayes 14. Gore 7, Spriggs 6, Virginia Bowers 4. Frick 2, Laughlin 2, Cunningham 2. CN: Wilkinson 6, Laubacker 4, Allert 3, Tuorio 3

Westwood 58, Richland Northeast 15

W: Raven Johnson 13, Makiah Thompson 12, Jessica Woods 10, Miracle 7, Daniels 6, Brown 4, Pope 2, Chatman 2, Davis 3.

Chapin 37, White Knoll 23

Irmo 57, Lugoff-Elgin 26

I: Abby Livingston 19, Andrea Collins 13, Claire Howard 10. LE: Charles 9

Mid-Carolina 40, Saluda 31

MC: Brooks 8, Brea Boyd 10, Shepherd 7, Stewart 2, Sims 6, Gunter 7

Ben Lippen 43, Ashley Hall 36

BL: Meilynn Bailey 14, Swan 4, Combs 8, Hester 8, McGuire 9.

Thursday

Lexington 39, Dutch Fork 38

L: Lindsay Garner 13, Cuttino 2, Green 8, Saville 8, Yanity 8. DF: Hillary Offing 19, Lee 6, Cheeseboro 6, Spratley 5. Jackson 2.

Keenan 84, Fairfield Central 33

FC: McMillan 9, Cook 2, Jordyn Adams 10, Kennedy 6, Yarborough 6. K: Harmon 1, Griffin 2, Tanaja Kennedy 24, Brown 8, Hicks 4, Robinson 4, Cornish 2, MiLaysia Fulwiley 27, Sutton 6, Johnson 4.

Lower Richland 74, Dreher 28

LR: Green 4, Chi’Nya Isaac 15, Tyra Floyd 22, Jhnai Sumter 18, Foster 5, Curry 6, Hillard 2, Weston 2. D: Ayanna Jacobs 13, Taliyah Hollis 11, T. Davis 4.

This story was originally published February 11, 2023, 12:08 AM.

Irmo big man’s presence a key in Yellow Jackets’ deep postseason run

Throughout Tim Whipple’s 40-plus years of coaching at Irmo High School, there haven’t been too many big men who’ve had an effect on the game like Brandon Crawford.The 6-foot-9 Irmo center delivered another strong performance on offense and defense Monday in helping the Yellow Jackets to a 59-34 win over Lucy Beckham in the third round of the Class 4A playoffs.Irmo advances to Whipple’s 14th state semifinal to face Hartstville, which knocked off defending champion Wilson. The winner of the Irmo-Hartsville...

Throughout Tim Whipple’s 40-plus years of coaching at Irmo High School, there haven’t been too many big men who’ve had an effect on the game like Brandon Crawford.

The 6-foot-9 Irmo center delivered another strong performance on offense and defense Monday in helping the Yellow Jackets to a 59-34 win over Lucy Beckham in the third round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Irmo advances to Whipple’s 14th state semifinal to face Hartstville, which knocked off defending champion Wilson. The winner of the Irmo-Hartsville game Friday at the Florence Center advances to next week’s state championship.

Crawford led the way for the Jackets with 15 points and six rebounds — and he changed the complexion of the game with seven blocks.

“He has single-handedly changed the focus of offenses,” Whipple said of Crawford. “And I have never had a player do that. It is a credit to him. He works hard. And being sick and not being out there, I think he realized how much he loved basketball and how much he missed it.”

The senior missed almost three weeks with mononucleosis but has since been dominant, averaging 13.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 blocks over Irmo’s last eight games including the playoffs.

The Class 4A Player of the Year blocked 11 shots in a game against Lugoff-Elgin on Feb. 10 that clinched the Region 5-4A championship.

Crawford said it was a bit of an adjustment to get back into shape and regain chemistry with his teammates. The Yellow Jackets changed things up a little with a more guard-oriented attack with him out, but everyone is on the same page now.

“It took me a minute to get back. They changed things on offense when I was out. I had to get used to that. But after that, it has been real easy,” Crawford said.

Whipple thinks the time Crawford was out was a turning point for his team. Irmo went 3-2 without him and was able to mistakes they learned during that stretch and turn them into positives.

“The guys have done a phenomenal job staying focused, living in the moment and doing everything they can to make things happen and not worry about tomorrow,” Whipple said.

Te’Andre Summons and Madden Collins each added 12 points for Irmo. Jonathan White added 10.

Irmo trailed 8-5 after the first quarter but shut out the Bengals in the second, outscoring them 17-0, and led 22-8 at halftime. The Yellow Jackets held Lucy Beckham to 29 percent shooting from the field.

Rowan Irelan led Lucy Beckham — a school located in Mount Pleasant — with eight points but was in foul trouble for most of the game.

SCHSL

Monday

Class 4A Boys

Irmo 59, Lucy Beckham 34

LB: Smith 7, Huber 2, Bailes 5, Irelan 8, Coakley 3, Allard 3, Miller 4. I: Brandon Crawford 15, Te’Andre Summons 12, Madden Collins 12, Jonathan White 10, Brand 7, Mason Collins 2, McLaughlin 1.

Class 3A Boys

Crestwood 68, Lower Richland 49

Tuesday

Class 4A Girls

James Island at Westwood

Ridge View at AC Flora

Class 3A Girls

Loris at Camden

Crestwood at Lower Richland

Class 2A Girls

Fairfield Central at Gray Collegiate

Keenan at Silver Bluff

Wednesday

Class 5A Boys

TL Hanna at Lexington

River Bluff at Conway

Class 2A Boys

Eau Claire at Gray Collegiate

Columbia at Keenan

Class 5A Girls

Lexington at Mauldin

Dorman at Spring Valley

Friday

Class 4A Boys

Irmo vs. Hartsville at Florence Center, 7:30 p.m.

SCISA

Monday

Class 4A Girls

Heathwood Hall 73, Augusta Christian 28

HH: Lauren Jacobs 19, Sabreya Monsanto 18, Shamarie Hayes 14, Camillea Gore 11, Spriggs 5, Laughlin 2, Mullins 2, Bowers 2. AC: Ellis 12, Jolly 9, Witt 5, Thomas 2

Northwood 45, Hammond 28

H: Khalil 8, Adams 3, Evans 2, Hyman 7, Stephens 3, Earl 3, Vincent 2.

Class A Girls

Cambridge 25, WW King 17

Tuesday

Class 4A Boys

Porter-Gaud vs. Hammond at Sumter Civic Center, 5 p.m.

Wilson Hall vs. Cardinal Newman at Sumter Civic Center, 8 p.m.

Ben Lippen vs. First Baptist at Sumter Civic Center, 6:30 p.m.

Class A Boys

Our Lady of the Rosary vs. WW King at Hammond, 3:30 p.m.

Newberry Academy vs. Charleston Collegiate at Hammond, 6:30 p.m.

Ragin Prep vs. Richard Winn at Hammond, 8 p.m.

Thursday

Class 4A Girls

Heathwood Hall vs. First Baptist at Sumter Civic Center, 6:30 p.m.

This story was originally published February 20, 2023, 10:04 PM.

Meet The Footwear Designer Behind Your Favorite Yeezys Who Is Launching His Own Apparel Brand

For Randall Yarborough, being highly in tune with his surroundings as an adolescent was the foreshadowing of his future career.The footwear designer grew up on the west side of Detroit, MI — off of Joy Road to be exact — and was fascinated by the buildings in the downtown area. While he didn’t know exactly just what architecture was at the time, he knew he wanted to get his hands on it.&ldqu...

For Randall Yarborough, being highly in tune with his surroundings as an adolescent was the foreshadowing of his future career.

The footwear designer grew up on the west side of Detroit, MI — off of Joy Road to be exact — and was fascinated by the buildings in the downtown area. While he didn’t know exactly just what architecture was at the time, he knew he wanted to get his hands on it.

“I was always like, ‘Okay, I want to get my mom a house. How do we get out of this place? How do I make a better life?’ The idea of building her house was something that I was like, ‘Okay, I can do this. I can build her house.’ I didn’t know how to do it. I didn’t know what that profession was called. But that’s what really drove me into architecture,” Yarborough shared with AfroTech.

Yarborough’s interest only grew with him, majoring in architecture at the University of Florida. This journey led to PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy, where he met Dr. D’Wayne Edwards — who is the founder of Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design. Dr. Edwards was passionate about getting more people of color into the space, and Yarborough was one of those designers.

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A post shared by Randall Yarborough (@ray_5)

After earning his master’s at Rochester Institute of Technology in 2013, the then 24-year-old began working at SKLZ, a sporting goods and athletic training company. Yarborough shared with AfroTech that he was the only Black person during his time there. However, the Detroit native was steeped in his sense of security and identity, which he would end up needing while continuing to navigate the white-dominated industry.

Just four years later, Yarborough put his resume in to work at Adidas thanks to a friend who advised him. After the interview process, he landed the role of technical footwear designer for YEEZY.

“When I got to interview for the technical designer position, realistically if you look at it from a resume standpoint, it’s kinda like going backward,” Yarborough explained. “It feels like an entry-level position. And technically it was, but I wanted to get into footwear. When I went into the interview, I was talking to them, and I was like, ‘Hey, I’ll do this technical designer role for now but just so you understand, after a year I want to be a footwear designer. I already have the tools and the knowledge…So after a year of being a technical designer, I was a footwear designer.”

The initial backtracking positioned him to quickly move up at YEEZY as a senior footwear designer. Although Yarborough isn’t the biggest fan of the job title hierarchy, he recognized that the concept was beneficial for the bigger mission — supporting the next generation of Black designers.

“When it comes down to the titles and positions, it’s sometimes important to have those if you want to do more things,” he said. “I know that to get to a point where I want to be able to mentor people and do these things that, yes, becoming a senior designer was important, and that’s one of the reasons why I wanted to do it. Whether it’s that or a design director, those are spaces where you’re influencing other people. Not saying you can’t do that as a technical designer or a junior designer. You can still do those things, but the reason why I wanted to get to that next step was so it can be written down.”

Yarborough was a force at YEEZY for over five years, playing a role in the Yeezy 1050 “HI-RES” and the Yeezy NSLTD BT.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Randall Yarborough (@ray_5)

Now, he’s working on launching his own basketball shorts brand, Joyshed, in the summer of 2023. The name is inspired by his upbringing on Joy Road in Detroit, MI, and Hollingshed Road in Irmo, SC.

“The two places of growth in my life and celebrating them through design,” Yarborough shared about the meaning behind the brand’s name. “Joy and Shed [are] places where I’ve created and made a lot of joyful moments, but with joy comes pain, and with pain comes the shedding of tears.”

He added, “The logo (fingerprint/DNA) I put on everything I touch in this world started with these two places so this is how I honor them both at the same time.”

Ultimately, with everything aside, Yarborough hopes for a future where he can mentor Black designers and also play a part in helping Black people have ownership over what the culture produces.

AdidasDetroitFootwear IndustryPENSOLE Design AcademyRandall YarboroughYeezys

Ngozi Nwanji

Ngozi Nwanji is a Nigerian-American journalist, writer, and content creator from and based in Silver Spring, Maryland with a passion for storytelling, media representation, and music. Along with writing for AfroTech, she's the founder of her own entertainment website, Z's P.O.V — a platform for underrated music and Black creatives.

Swinney explains what he wants to see from Williams in Year 2

Antonio Williams made an immediate first-year impact for Clemson last season, leading the Tigers in receptions (56) and receiving yards (604) while also hauling in four touchdown catches and serving as the team’s punt returner for most of the season.Dabo Swinney hopes to see Williams take the next step in his development as a sophomore this year, coming off a 2022 season in which he collected multiple freshman All-America honors.“You just want to see a guy learn and apply the lessons from last year,” Clemson&r...

Antonio Williams made an immediate first-year impact for Clemson last season, leading the Tigers in receptions (56) and receiving yards (604) while also hauling in four touchdown catches and serving as the team’s punt returner for most of the season.

Dabo Swinney hopes to see Williams take the next step in his development as a sophomore this year, coming off a 2022 season in which he collected multiple freshman All-America honors.

“You just want to see a guy learn and apply the lessons from last year,” Clemson’s head coach said on Monday as his team kicked off spring practice. “Just take that next step. He was freshman All-American. They don’t give sophomore All-Americans.”

Williams made 10 starts last season, the most by a Clemson freshman receiver since Hunter Renfrow’s redshirt freshman season (10 in 2015) and the most by a true freshman receiver at Clemson since Sammy Watkins (10 in 2011).

A former four-star prospect from Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, S.C., Williams became the first true freshman to lead Clemson in receiving yards since Justyn Ross in 2018 and the first to lead in receptions since Artavis Scott in 2014.

In his second collegiate campaign in 2023, Swinney wants to see Williams “take another step from a maturation standpoint in just his overall total development,” and take a step forward as a leader as well.

“He needs to get stronger in the weight room, get a little bit more committed nutritionally,” Swinney said. “Technically, he was a pretty advanced kid coming in here, but really polishing up on some things from a technical standpoint. And then starting to become a little bit of a leader. That’s a position that he thrived in. He came in, he ended up winning the job, but just taking that next step to being a dominant player day in and day out, and just physically and mentally maturing a little bit. I think you’ll see that in him. I’ve already seen that in him as well. But just being a little bit more of a leader as well.”

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Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes.

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Join the Tiger Club or Lady Tiger Club to help these great student-athletes and help the Tigers compete at the highest level!

What playing for the Buffalo Bills would mean to 2023 NFL Draft prospects

Monday officially wraps up the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Over 300 of the top prospects gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium to showcase their skills, meet with coaches and general managers of NFL teams, as well as speak to the media about their talents on the field and what they hope the future holds for their NFL careers.When asked about the Buffalo Bills, prospects commented on playing with star QB Josh Allen, learning from veterans like WR Stefon Diggs, and being a part of the culture that GM Brandon Beane and head coach ...

Monday officially wraps up the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Over 300 of the top prospects gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium to showcase their skills, meet with coaches and general managers of NFL teams, as well as speak to the media about their talents on the field and what they hope the future holds for their NFL careers.

When asked about the Buffalo Bills, prospects commented on playing with star QB Josh Allen, learning from veterans like WR Stefon Diggs, and being a part of the culture that GM Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have built in Buffalo over the past six years.

Here's a look at what prospects at various positions had to say about what it would mean to become a Buffalo Bill.

Offensive prospects

Jalin Hyatt Hyatt's explosiveness came out during his third season at Tennessee. The wide receiver broke UT records during the 2022 season with 5 TD receptions in a single game and 15 receiving touchdowns in a single-season. The 2022 Biletnikoff Award Winner attended the same high school as Bills kicker Tyler Bass, Dutch Fork HS in Irmo, SC.

"Josh Allen, he has weapons. He has Stefon Diggs. He has Gabe Davis. If I ever had the chance to go there and be in that slot role or do something for them, for me (we would) wear it out for sure. Seeing what he can do in games, seeing what he can do on film with his throwing ability, I'll open it up for him if that's what he wants me to do. If I got to move safeties for Diggs or Davis, I'll do that for sure, whatever they want me to do. But, Josh Allen, obviously, is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. If I ever experienced that, it would be fun." — Hyatt

During his time as an Ohio State Buckeye, Jaxon Smith-Njigba led OSU with school-record totals of 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards in 2021 and earned the Rose Bowl Game MVP the same year.

"Playing with an elite quarterback like that definitely would be awesome. Especially if I'm lined up next to Stefon Diggs. Just learning from him, I think it would be a big key for me to expand my game and help that team, definitely." — Njigba

As a redshirt junior, Justin Shorter recorded a career-high 577 receiving yards on 29 receptions, two touchdowns, and a season-high 155 reception yards against Tennessee during the 2022 season.

"If I have the opportunity to go out there and learn from (Stefon) Diggs and just be able to go out there and just catch footballs from that quarterback, that would just be a blessing." — Shorter

Michigan St. WR Jayden Reed has met with the #Bills and smiled when asked about his potential fit in offense with Stefon Diggs. pic.twitter.com/JGkg5GEde6

— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) March 3, 2023

Zay Flowers' senior year at Boston College was one for the record books. The All-ACC First Team wide receiver set the BC single-season record for receiving touchdowns (12), tied for the most receptions in a season (78), and recorded the third most receiving yards (1,077) in Eagles history. Flowers grew up less than an hour away from RB Devin Singletary (Deerfield Beach, FL) and James Cook's (Miami, FL) hometowns in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

"I dream of something like that. So just being able to play with those guys, those vets, I'll something from them. Coming into the league, I'd love to have Stefon Diggs as a mentor. So just being able to step in and be with them would be like a dream come true." — Flowers

In the 2022 season, Notre Dame's Michael Mayer tallied 809 receiving yards on 67 receptions and set a single-season high for Fighting Irish tight ends with nine touchdown catches. Mayer's 71 catches and 840 yards he recorded during his sophomore year marked the most ever by a Notre Dame TE.

"They're a great organization. They've got one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now in Josh Allen. It really goes back to my point in trying to be myself, trying to show these coaches what type of person I am, and does it fit their culture, does it fit their team.

"I've watched him (Dawson Knox) for sure, great player. (He's a) great red zone threat. I think he's a great player, and it would be cool to play with him." — Mayer

Stanford's Team Captain Michael Wilson earned Stanford's Offensive Player of the Game honors twice during the 2022 season. In his fifth year, Wilson notched four receiving touchdowns, 26 receptions for 418 yards, and 47 rushing yards.

"It would be amazing, anytime you get to play with NFL superstars and guys who play at a high level. Stefon Diggs, I know he is one of the leading faces of what needs to be a complete NFL wide receiver. So, to be able to be in the same locker room with him, learn how he works. It's a copycat league and he's the best receiver in the league. I'd be at his hip trying to do everything he's doing – how does he eat, how does he sleep, what's his pre-practice routine like. So I think being able to learn from a receiver like Stefon Diggs, I would only be able to benefit from that so that would be awesome." — Wilson

Defensive prospects

Iowa's Jack Campbell, who is a recipient of the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in the nation, has two connections with two members of the Bills roster. The linebacker played with DE A.J. Epenesa at the University of Iowa in 2019 and attended Cedar Falls High School where fellow Cedar Falls, Iowa native G Ike Boettger went.

"Me and Ike (Boettger) have a really good relationship. He's one of those guys that has always been a great mentor to me. He grew up like right down the street from me, and I've known him for a long, long time. And just all the stories he tells from the Bills are good. It'd be a great organization to go to. All 32 teams would be a great organization to go to, but at the same time going there, if I do go there, just to know a face in there. And then AJ, again, just one of the most talented guys, one of the most talented pass rushers I've ever played with. And you've kind of seen that in the last few years on how his game has progressed. But, again, whatever team I go to, I'm gonna be super blessed. But again, if I do end up there, I'm gonna see some familiar faces." — Campbell

After his standout 2022 season for the Crimson Tide, Brian Branch earned a handful of honors including first-team All-American honors at DB from CBS Sports and ESPN.com, second-team All-American by the Association Press, and the AP also named the Alabama junior a second-team All-SEC honoree. P Sam Martin and Branch are from the same hometown of Fayetteville, GA.

"I feel like the Buffalo Bills DB corps is an exceptional group. Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, I look at those guys too as great safeties. And being able to play in that scheme, I feel like would be able to uplift my game in a way and just make me better playing alongside those guys." — Branch

Pitt DL Calijah Kancey salutes #Bills S Damar Hamlin. “When I first got to Pitt, Damar was one of the guys who took me under their wings.” pic.twitter.com/jwRoOzRLoY

— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) March 1, 2023

In three seasons at Von Miller's alma mater, Texas A&M, Antonino Johnson finished with 164 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception in 28 games.

"They got a great program, they got a great scheme over there. They have a lot of good DBS over there … I feel like I could fit it in very well. I feel like that's one of my strengths in the pass games is just being versatile. So, I feel like I could do that in that system." —Johnson

O'Cyrus Torrence, a former teammate of CB Kaiir Elam at Florida, earned a handful of collegiate honors after his first year as a Gator. In 2022, Torrence was named First Team All-SEC, AP First Team All-America, and was the first offensive guard at Florida to be named a Consensus All-American.

"It'd be a great experience. Josh Allen's a great quarterback. He's one of the most impressive guys to watch and being able to go out there and protect him every Sunday, it would just be fun and just be something I would love doing every week." — Torrence

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