We were lucky to catch up with Kady Jacobs recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kady, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In a small but growing town in Upstate, SC, a small brick-and-mortar business is making a big difference. “Anger Management of the Upstate” housed within the Resolution and Enrichment Center (the R.E.C. for short), isn’t just another community service provider; it’s a beacon of hope, born from my determination to turn personal pain into a legacy of healing.

I never set out to be a business owner. My journey began while I was working at a local non-profit, dedicating my time and energy to helping those in need. But time and time again, I encountered a heartbreaking reality: people calling in desperation, seeking anger management or domestic violence classes to meet court-ordered requirements, only to be turned away. There simply weren’t enough resources in our community to meet this critical need.

I remember those calls vividly. People were desperate, and we had nowhere to send them. It was frustrating and disheartening to say the least.

But what could have been a moment of despair turned into a life-changing realization for me. That’s when I had my lightbulb moment. I decided I would become the answer to a problem. If there wasn’t a place to send them, I would create one. I made an appointment with the local Solicitor’s Office and asked, “what do I need to do to become a qualified provider?” The answer was achievable. I had more than the required educational and experience needed. All I had to do is become certified in those specialty areas, which I did, obtaining national certifications in order to serve anyone, anywhere.

And so, “Anger Management of the Upstate” was born. But this business isn’t just about filling a gap in services; it’s deeply personal. For me, this endeavor is also a continuation of my family’s legacy of service—a legacy that spans generations and continents.

My story begins with my maternal grandmother, who was raised in the British Virgin Islands. Despite never receiving a formal education, my grandmother instilled in her children the importance of learning and perseverance. My mother took this lesson to heart, obtaining her GED in the U.S. Virgin Islands, via correspondence courses, before going on to earn 6 degrees (including two PhDs), a remarkable achievement that set the stage for my own success.

Being the first in my family to open a brick-and-mortar business dedicated to serving others is a continuation of the legacy of those who came before me. But most importantly, it is a tribute to my mother’s memory, honoring her in every step of this journey.

My mother, Dr. Maude T. Jacobs, was a woman of incredible strength and determination and I try to embody the same. Launching the business meanwhile being her caregiver came with its insurmountable challenges. Sadly, she lost her battle and passed away from colon cancer and Alzheimer’s on October 29, 2021. But before she did, I had the chance and privilege to dedicate my new business to her on July 31, 2021.

It was my way of keeping her spirit alive. She taught me that educating, empowering and serving others packaged with love are the greatest gifts we can give.

Today, “Anger Management of the Upstate” stands as a testament to that belief. It’s more than a business; it’s a place where people find the help they need, where they are met with understanding and support, and where my family’s legacy continues to touch lives in ways that my ancestors could only have dreamed of.

In a world that often feels chaotic and unkind, this business/ministry is my reminder that out of heartache can come hope, and from one’s determination, an entire community can find a path to healing.

Kady, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. I relocated to South Carolina, after completing high school, where I completed and Associates in Science at Tri-County Technical College, earned a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Clemson University. I later obtained her Master of Arts in Management and Leadership and Human Resource Management from Webster University. I have over 20 years of instruction and facilitation experience ranging from teaching special education, self-contained classes 4th and 5th graders to facilitating parenting groups for various non-profits in the Greenville, SC area. I have worked for Anderson and Greenville School Districts, the Commission of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Governor’s Office – Continuum of Care, Greenville Technical College, just to name a few. I am the owner and founder of Anger Management of the Upstate located the Resolution and Enrichment Center (The R.E.C.) in Mauldin, SC. I offer classes or individual sessions, that meets court-ordered requirements in anger management, domestic violence and parenting, for adults, in person and virtually. I also create and facilitate curriculums and presentations to address topics addressing emotional health and wellness for groups of any size. I am NAMA certified (CAMS -I and CDVS-I) and is a member of the National Anger Management Association. I am also a qualified trainer in Parenting curriculums (Triple P, Nurturing Parents, 24/7 Dad), Domestic Violence and ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and ACEs Train the Trainer. I also serve on the Advisory Council of Rebuild Upstate and a member of the Mauldin Chamber of Commerce. I dedicate my life to serving and empowering those navigating life’s challenges, finding joy in being a catalyst for transformation. My facilitation style touches the heart, sparks deep reflection, and equips you with the tools to create meaningful change.

Anger Management of the Upstate, LLC, is dedicated to fostering emotional wellness and healing societal challenges through education and proactive intervention. I am committed to providing affordable, high-quality, and supportive services that enhance emotional health, while actively working to remove barriers to access.

I take pride in offering personalized, flexible scheduling that aligns with the needs of those I serve, ensuring that the approach is anything but one-size-fits-all. Additionally, I create, develop, and facilitate tailored presentations for trainings, workshops, seminars, and conferences. Whatever your needs or interests in emotional wellness and health, Anger Management of the Upstate is here to support and uplift you.

I am deeply proud and humbled that so many people have taken the time to share their thoughts on the service they received from the business I built from foundation of faith and trust in God. Knowing that I’ve earned a 5-star Google rating from over 40 people fills me with gratitude and fuels my passion to continue serving with excellence.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I firmly believe that offering a personal touch, removing judgment, and truly listening to others are key to building a positive reputation. Approaching people with a mindset of “How can I serve you?” rather than “What can they do for me?”, helps to create a collaborative, partnership-driven connection. This fosters a stronger, healthier ability to make a real difference in the lives of others.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I am committed to nurturing lasting connections with those I serve. Unlike other agencies, I provide individuals the opportunity to revisit a class or group they’ve participated in at no cost, reinforcing the support they’ve received. I also make it a priority to reach out with a birthday wish, share words of encouragement, or simply check in unexpectedly. These small, heartfelt gestures help build trust and show that my dedication to their well-being continues long after their service is complete, fostering a true sense of care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.angermanagementoftheupstate.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angermanagementof_upstate/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngerManagementoftheUpstate
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kady-jacobs-ma-cams-i-cdvs-i-a433089/