Alexis James

A Responsibility to the Future of Beaufort

story by JENNIFER BROWN-CARPENTER          photos by SUSAN DELOACH

Everyone knows that Beaufort is a beautiful place to settle down, to raise young kids, to retire. For those who have teenagers and young adults, Beaufort can leave them wanting more, but they don’t know where to turn or what to do to help these young people. Too many young people, not having enough activities or plans after high school, turn to crime. That is exactly where Alexis James comes in, to provide Beaufort with something that he thinks they need to continue to grow and succeed.
Alexis was raised in Columbus, Georgia, where he graduated from high school before attending Albany State University. He graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Management, and is currently enrolled in South Carolina State University to receive his master’s degree.

Alexis moved to the Lowcountry after he graduated from college. He saw a unique opportunity in Beaufort and decided to move here. “There are a lot of kids here, and they need opportunities. These kids, once they graduate from high school, don’t have many different avenues to pursue. So that’s one thing that I was immediately drawn to: the opportunity to help women and kids.”

Alexis did not anticipate that after graduating from college, he would be settling down in a small town. “I thought I was going to be an NFL player.” He had received a scholarship to go to college to play football. “One accident killed that dream,” Alexis says. “I had to fall on other things, to be successful in other areas.”

Alexis opened his business, Elite Associates. They have community outreach events for business owners in Beaufort County. They recently had a gala in March 2025. The goal is to have the business owners in Beaufort work together. While one business owner may need help in a specific area, another might need something different. Elite Associates is able to donate money to the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce as well as the Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Elite Associates has presented many concerts, including Adam Sandler, Kevin Gates, and Monica. Moving forward, Alexis says the main focus is giving back to the community. “Upcoming, we are going to have a women’s empowerment conference happening in September.” The conference is taking place in September, and Jasmine Crockett will be there as a keynote speaker. The conversation will focus on women’s health, women’s finances, and there will be a political message.

Along with the women’s conference, Elite Associates will be hosting a Level Up teen summit August 20-22, 2025, at the all-new convention center in Savannah, Georgia, as they partner with the Beaufort County School Board. The event will be for 7th to 12th graders, spanning three days, as they help kids who don’t have plans after they graduate from high school. “We just want to give back to the community and help people.”

When asked why giving back is so important to him, Alexis credits his pastor. “He asked me what I was doing to help the community. He charged me with that. I felt compelled about what I’m doing to give back and help the kids — to help change the direction.” Beaufort County is a small town, but it is not without its flaws.

Alexis is looking to open a skating rink in the area. “After my 501(c)(3) is approved, that is something I want to do. I want it to not only be a skating rink but a community center for the kids to be able to come to after school.” He wants it to be a place where kids can receive tutoring and grow in excellence.

Alexis is trying to shine a light on the youth of Beaufort County. “They are our future. What do people want this town to be like going forward? We have to have some type of community outreach for these kids and their parents.”

Alexis isn’t in this position to make a bunch of money off people. That’s why he’s working to do everything in the nonprofit sector. “I’m just here to help the kids and let the money run the business. I see a space where the community is lacking, and I can help.”

One of the things Alexis hopes that these young people will learn is that there are opportunities for them here in Beaufort without having to leave. “We can teach them how to set up a business. Working with the Black Chamber of Commerce, we want to implement workshops for kids to come to and have something to do that will teach them.” Alexis knows that the best way to get this to happen is to get the parents engaged. “That gives you the keys.”

Along with running his business, Alexis works with the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce as the Event Coordinator. He works to help them raise nonfederal dollars. “That’s what I do, help them do events and fundraisers. I am a guru at putting events together that make sense for the organization and the community.”

Alexis wants to continue to shed light on what the city of Beaufort needs to continue to grow and succeed. He believes that it’s important that people are made aware of areas where growth is needed. “If they don’t know about it, why would they want to help? If you don’t know how to help your community or society, you won’t do it.”

Alexis’ faith is the whole reason behind his mission here in Beaufort. “You can make money and you can be successful, but what are you doing to help others? That is what matters. My faith plays a 100% role in everything I do. I live by principles, and that’s what I teach my kids. Never lie to anyone about anything. Never steal. If you say you’re going to do something, you do it. I live by those laws and the guidance of Christ.”

Alexis has three children, a daughter in the Navy, a son going into the Air Force in June, and another son who is graduating this year. Along with opening the skating rink, Alexis has goals to start a luxury mobile home community in the area. He also plans to run for office at some point, wherever a need presents itself. “I plan on stepping in. I’m very motivated. I’m a competitor, and I want to accomplish the goals and tasks I set for myself. I’ve always wanted to be the best on the football field, on the basketball court, and in the classroom. I’ve been successful because of how hard I’m willing to work.”

Alexis works as a realtor as well. Having always had a fascination with houses, he knew it was the right step when a friend shared with him about taking the classes and passing the exams. “I like doing it, I love showing people a house and knowing that it’s potentially the biggest purchase they’ll ever make in their life. It’s an adrenaline rush, almost, knowing that I’m helping them and making a difference in their lives.”

In his free time, Alexis enjoys watching movies, going out on his boat, and fishing. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his family. “I like having my kids around, all of us watching a movie or playing Monopoly. That’s the stuff that I love.”

“My future didn’t always look promising when I was younger. I was able to put my boots on the ground and change my narrative. I think that if I can just reach the masses in this community, I can change lives. I want to do that because I want to help. I want to help agencies raise their nonfederal dollars. I want to continue to give to this community, to this city.”

(To learn more about Alexis and the work he is doing in our community, you can reach out to him at lexjames0521@gmail.com or by calling the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce).