Long-Standing Local Business Owners Honor Milestone Anniversary and Community Commitment
FLORENCE, S.C. – Spherion Staffing and Recruiting (Spherion) in Florence is proudly celebrating 35 years of connecting talented individuals with meaningful employment opportunities across the Pee Dee region. Formerly known as AccuStaff of Florence, the office has been a cornerstone in the local business community, thanks to the leadership of co-owners Doris Brown Lockhart and her husband, Nathaniel Lockhart.

Since opening its doors in 1989, Spherion Florence has remained dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening businesses, and supporting economic growth throughout the region. That commitment has extended far beyond staffing services, rooted deeply in community involvement, mentorship, advocacy for small and minority-owned businesses, and a constant desire to make the Florence area a better place for everyone.
“Reaching 35 years in business is more than a milestone. It’s a reflection of the relationships we’ve built, the purpose we serve, and the communities we support,” said Doris. “We’re proud to have helped so many individuals find career success, supported local businesses in their growth, and made a positive impact on our community. I’m also incredibly grateful for the dedication of my colleagues, whose commitment makes all of this possible. We look forward to continuing to serve Florence with the same integrity and passion that have guided us from the very beginning.”
A trailblazer in both business and civic leadership, Doris has spent decades giving back to her community. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Florence School District One, including two terms as Chair, and as Vice Chair of the Small & Minority Business Division of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, where she championed initiatives like the Building Bridges Project and the Chamber’s membership in the Carolina Minority Business Development Corporation.

Her influence also includes founding the Coalition of Black Networking, Inc., mentoring youth through the Housing Authority and Boys & Girls Club, coordinating UNCF Telethons, and advocating for workforce development through speaking engagements about career readiness, self-esteem, and entrepreneurship. She currently serves on the Florence Planning Commission and Board of Resurrection Restoration Homeless Shelter, among other civic and faith-based organizations.
Over the years, Doris’s impact has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2004 South Carolina Women in Business Advocate of the Year by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Small Business Administration, and the 2003 Small Business Person of the Year from the Florence Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to helping individuals build fulfilling careers and supporting local businesses, the Lockharts have also built a lasting partnership, both in business and in life.
“Working alongside Doris all these years has been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” said Nathaniel. “Her vision, drive, and compassion inspire me every single day. We’ve faced challenges together, celebrated victories, and stayed grounded in our shared belief that business should always be about people. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s still to come.”
As the office reflects on this milestone, the Lockharts remain focused on their mission: to serve as an example of compassionate leadership and uplift those around them. As Doris shares, “If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living shall not be in vain.”
Spherion brandishes the power of local through a network of independent and empowered franchisees like the Lockharts. Each Spherion franchisee enriches their community through connecting and facilitating employment opportunities every day—and when they’re successful together, their investments flow back into the neighborhoods where they live and work. The power of Spherion is in its local roots.
To learn more about your local Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, visit www.spherion.com/florence or reach out to the Market Development Manager, Garrett Fuller, at garrettfuller@spherion.com or the Business Development Manager Shamara Feggins at shamarafeggins@spherion.com.
About Spherion Staffing & Recruiting
Transform your workforce with Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, where local expertise meets national connections. For more than 75 years, we've been strategically helping businesses and jobseekers thrive across America. Backed by the world’s most equitable and specialized talent company, our network of independent franchisees brings personalized service to 200+ communities, connecting more than 4,000 businesses with exceptional candidates through temporary, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and on-site hiring solutions. Our commitment to being a premier staffing partner shows through results: Our 4.8/5 national Google review rating and recognition as a Top 10 Staffing Company to Work for by World Staffing Awards, plus inclusion on Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises and a #68 ranking on Entrepreneur magazine's 2025 Franchise 500 list. Partner with Spherion to strengthen your business or transform your career.