Liz McIntyre Herlong
Marion, SC
Current Career (or past career if retired)
I am a retired educator of thirty years (including five years at Marion High, twenty-three at Lake View High School, and two at Horry-Georgetown Technical College) and am the owner of The Groundout Coffee Bar in Marion.
Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself and/or your personal journey
A. I am a native of Marion and a graduate of Winthrop University, where I played college tennis and graduated with a BA in English and a minor in secondary education. I later attained a Master’s of Library and Information Technology Science from the University of South Carolina.
Most of my adult life has been spent with young adults through teaching, coaching, and working in youth ministry, all experiences that have left indelible memories I will always treasure.
Moreover, I am currently in the seventh year of owning and managing my small business, The Groundout, which came to fruition as a means to “bribe” my daughters into returning to the Pee Dee following their college years, as well as being my contribution to the revitalization efforts occurring in Marion’s historic commercial district.
Q. What is your biggest accomplishment?
A. Without a doubt, that would be raising my three strong, independent children: Taylor, Morgan, and Kason.
Q. Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
A. My husband has influenced my life more than he will ever know. He has taught me how to win and lose in life with grace and dignity and how to pursue perfection without ever losing sight of what is truly important.
Q. What is the best advice you have ever received?
A. Coach Bob Rankin’s wife, June, assured me the week before Kip and I were married that “there’s a special place in Heaven for a coach’s wife.” She followed that with, “Always sit in the outfield!” lol
Q. Hobbies/What you like to do in your spare time
A. I love to exercise, read, visit non-chain coffee bars, attend baseball games, and volunteer with Historic Marion Revitalization Association.
Q. What is the key to success?
A. Always stay positive, never give up, and consistently stay true to yourself and your values in all aspects of life.
