Ballantyne developer Smoky Bissell's firm marks 50 years in business

The firm that brought you Ballantyne took a pause Monday to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Employees of the Bissell Cos. marked the milestone by giving founder H.C. "Smoky" Bissell a sequoia sapling. Bissell spokeswoman Christina Thigpen explained: "We chose the world's largest tree as a gift, as it reflects Smoky Bissell's inspirational leadership while representing that we are only just beginning." She added that it also gives a nod to the firm's efforts toward sustainable development.

Left to right: Ned Curran, president & CEO; Clifton Coble, president, Bissell Development; Smoky Bissell, chairman; and Margaret Gragg Bissell

The Bissell organization cranked up as H.C. Bissell & Associates on Aug. 3, 1964. It's been a busy 50 years for the firm, which has developed Ballantyne Corporate Park. With office towers and other development still going up in the 535-acre park, and with Ballantyne enjoying explosive residential growth, it looks like the next 50 could be just as busy.

Ballantyne developer Smoky Bissell rocks a mean miniskirt

H.C. "Smoky" Bissell is best known as the driving force behind the company that developed Ballantyne. But who knew the man also had great legs? That's what folks here in the newsroom were saying after someone noticed that Edwin Peacock, former City Council member turned mayoral candidate, had on Monday tweeted a picture of himself and Smoky, both all dolled up in dresses and high heels, for last weekend's Stiletto Sprint benefitting the Carolinas Ovarian Cancer Fund at Levine Cancer Institute.

Bissell, who in 2004 served as chair of the Dare to Dream campaign to build Levine Children's Hospital, apparently is a man who really gets into his charitable work. In the photo, he's wearing not just a dress, but a miniskirt, accented by what looks to be red stockings reaching nearly to his knees. A blonde wig tops off the ensemble nicely. Peacock sports a slightly longer dress (and paler legs) along with some seriously avant-garde sunglasses.

The Bissell Cos. was the presenting sponsor of the event. Bissell's wife, Sara, died in 2009 after a long battle with cancer. Can imagine she got a good chuckle from the Hereafter at the sight of her beloved.

No word on whether he actually won the race, a 60-70 yard dash in heels.