Exceeding Custom Pool Expectations from Initial Design to First Splash

Transform your backyard into a personal sanctuary. At Sweetgrass Pools, we craft the heart of your summer memories with artisanal precision.

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5-Star Rated

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Lifetime Warranty

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100% American Made

Custom Pool Builder in Spartanburg, SC

There's something magical about summer that draws people to the water. The shimmering surface of a pool promises instant relief from the heat and a place where families and friends can gather, laugh, and unwind together. Whether it's kids playing Marco Polo, adults lounging with a cool drink, or neighbors coming together for a weekend barbecue, the pool quickly becomes the heart of summer memories. It's not just about swimming. It's about connection, relaxation, and creating moments that linger long after the sun goes down.

That's why so many homeowners dream of having their own custom pool. A professionally designed pool isn't just a backyard feature; it's a personal oasis, tailored to fit your lifestyle and aesthetic. Working with an expert ensures you get a pool that's as unique as your family, with every detail thoughtfully crafted for beauty, safety, and year-round enjoyment. If you have a home in South Carolina and are thinking about having a custom pool built, there's only one problem. Who do you choose to get the job done right? If you're like most homeowners, you're looking for a team of dedicated, creative craftsmen who can transform your backyard into a warm-weather sanctuary. That's where Sweetgrass Pools dives in to make your dreams come true.

What Makes Sweetgrass Stand Out from Other Pool Building Companies in Spartanburg, SC?

As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding (or in our case, in the pools we build). Search Google for "custom pool builder near me," and you'll find our listing has 5-star ratings and exemplary reviews. We're proud to serve our clients with excellence and guidance, from the first time we speak to the time we leave your home after crafting your custom pool.

In fact, with years of high-level experience under our collective belts, we can safely say that our team is dedicated to bringing your dream pool to fruition. Unlike some custom pool contractors, we don't offer a wide range of services like pool maintenance or repairs. We focus exclusively on custom pool building, allowing our experts to focus on what matters most - creating a pool for your home that you'll use for years to come.

Luxury Swimming Pool Spartanburg, SC

Our specialties include:

  • Pool Design
  • Pool Planning
  • Custom Fiberglass Pools
  • Custom Gunite Pools
  • Establishing Foundations for Pools
  • Plumbing for Custom Pools
  • Electrical Work for Custom Pools
  • Pool Filling and Testing
American-Made
100% American-Made Custom Pools

When you trust pool building contractors in Spartanburg, SC to create a pool for your home, you expect them to use quality raw materials during construction. When you choose Sweetgrass, you can rest assured that your new pool will be built from top-tier materials, chosen for their durability and beauty. At our advanced facility in the U.S., each pool is skillfully crafted by hand, ensuring exceptional attention to detail from start to finish.

Transforming-Dreams
Transforming Dreams into Reality

At Sweetgrass Pools, we believe that creating a pool is about crafting a personalized oasis that fits your way of life. Whether you dream of a lively backyard for family fun, a peaceful hideaway to unwind, or a stunning space to host friends, your vision is our foundation. Many pool companies offer cookie-cutter solutions, but we spend time getting to know your style and needs, transforming your ideas into a pool that feels like a natural extension of your home.

Family-Owned
Family Owned & Locally Operated

Sweetgrass Pools is a local, family-run business led by a husband and wife who pour their hearts into every project. Turning backyard dreams into reality is our passion, and we're committed to delivering an exceptional pool experience from our first conversation to the day you take your first swim.

Lifetime-Warranty
Lifetime Warranty on Our Custom Pools

At Sweetgrass Pools, we take great pride in building pools that stand the test of time. Your family will create countless memories, season after season, knowing your investment is protected by our lifetime structural in-ground warranty.

Our skilled team uses the latest planning technology, creative design expertise, and years of experience to turn your dream pool into a reality that's as practical as it is beautiful. Let us help you transform your backyard into a place where memories are made all year long.

Some of the biggest custom pool benefits that our clients enjoy include:

  • A safe, comfortable setting in which to enjoy time with family and friends
  • Exercise
  • Stress Relief
  • Ease and Convenience
  • Proven Health Benefits

Custom-Built Fiberglass and Gunite Pools

As the premier custom pool builder in Spartanburg, SC, we specialize in fiberglass and gunite pool construction and installation. We don't consider gunite to be better than fiberglass or vice versa. Instead, it's more about which type of pool best fits your lifestyle, budget, and overall needs. Unsure whether you need a custom concrete pool or fiberglass? Start thinking about how your pool is going to be used. Is it going to be your go-to tanning location? Are you going to host parties? Are you more focused on exercising and staying healthy?

Fiberglass Pool Installation Spartanburg, SC

Use this brief buyer's guide to help you make a decision:

  • Who will keep your pool sparkling and swim-ready? If you plan to handle the upkeep yourself, how much time can you realistically set aside each week? If you'd rather leave it to the pros, what kind of annual budget fits your plans for easy living?
  • What does your dream pool look like? Picture the size, shape, and special features that would make every swim unforgettable. Do you crave extra space for laps, or perhaps a unique design that stands out?
  • How much outdoor living space do you envision around your pool? Think about the decking, lush landscaping, and relaxing areas that will turn your backyard into a true retreat.
  • Who will be making a splash in your new pool? Will it be a haven for energetic kids, a paradise for pets, or a tranquil spot just for you and your guests?
  • Can your pool building contractors offer peace of mind throughout the construction process? Look for a proven track record and a solid warranty so you can dive in with confidence, knowing your investment is well protected.

Now that you have a better idea of what type of custom pool to invest in, let's take a closer look at two of Sweetgrass Pools' specialties: custom fiberglass pools and custom gunite pools.

Backyard Pool Oasis Spartanburg, SC

Custom Fiberglass Pools 101

Fiberglass pools arrive as ready-to-install shells, designed in our state-of-the-art facility for quick placement into your yard. Choosing fiberglass means selecting from a set range of shapes and styles, each crafted for efficiency and durability.

One of the biggest advantages of fiberglass pools is how quickly they can be installed. Each shell is carefully crafted in a high-tech facility and delivered straight to your doorstep, cutting down the time it takes to go from digging the hole to swimming your first lap. In many cases, you could relax in your new pool just days after it arrives. By comparison, concrete pools require more time and patience before you can dive in.

Inground Pool Construction Spartanburg, SC

Custom Fiberglass Pool Size & Customization

Most fiberglass pools max out at 16 feet wide, 40 feet long, and 8.5 feet deep. So, if you're imagining a backyard oasis that's extra large or especially deep, you might want to consider other options. But if these dimensions fit your plans, fiberglass still offers plenty of ways to make your pool unique. You can personalize it with elegant tiles, vibrant lighting, and a spectrum of colorful finishes. With so many creative choices, you're bound to find a look that matches your vision.

Pool Builder Services Spartanburg, SC

Custom Fiberglass Pool Maintenance

Fiberglass pools are known for being refreshingly low-maintenance, making them a popular choice for busy homeowners. The surface is exceptionally smooth and tough, which means you'll spend less time scrubbing and worrying about stubborn algae or unsightly stains. Because the material itself stands up well to chemicals and everyday wear, you can count on your pool to look inviting year after year. For anyone dreaming of more swimming time and less work, fiberglass offers a hassle-free path to backyard enjoyment.

If you're thinking about buying a fiberglass pool for your backyard, your custom pool building company should provide you with a tailored construction timeline. At Sweetgrass Pools, those steps include:

Week 1

Excavation

Week 2

Delivery of Fiberglass Pool Shell

Week 3

Set Fiberglass Pool Shell

Week 4

Complete Plumbing & Electrical. Fill Your New Pool with Water

Week 5

Complete Pool Inspection. Pour Bond Beam Around Your New Pool.

Week 6

Complete Bond Beam if Needed.

Week 7

Start Waterline Tile & Travertine Coping

Week 8

Begin Travertine Decking, Broom-Finished Concrete, or Stamped and Stained Concrete

Week 9

Tie Up All Loose Ends. Your Decking is Completed, Your Pool is Cleaned, and Your Water is Chemically Balanced. Time to Dive In!

Outdoor Living Space Spartanburg, SC Modern Pool Features Spartanburg, SC
Residential Pool Project Spartanburg, SC

Custom Gunite Pools 101

Imagine an in-ground pool crafted specifically for your backyard, with every curve and contour shaped to your wishes. That's what you get with a gunite - or concrete - swimming pool. Bour pool building experts spray a mixture of sand and cement onto a sturdy steel frame, then add water right at the nozzle, creating a solid concrete basin that's built to last.

Pool Landscaping Design Spartanburg, SC

Custom Gunite Pool Size & Customization

Gunite pools are beloved for their strength and timeless appeal, but their real magic lies in flexibility. Unlike factory-molded shells, each gunite pool is custom-built on-site. You can dream big with the design, whether you want a classic rectangle, a freeform lagoon, or something entirely unique. When you choose gunite, you're opening the door to a pool that's as original as you are, tailored to fit your space and your lifestyle.

Custom Pool Design Spartanburg, SC

Custom Gunite Pool Maintenance

Gunite pools allow owners to truly customize their pool and pool experience. These pools are typically finished with plaster, which is typically porous. This makes custom concrete pools more susceptible to algae and chemical damage. Different finishes may combat these issues, but generally, a concrete pool requires more maintenance, like water rebalancing. Most gunite pool owners are fine with that tradeoff and actually enjoy the maintenance process as part of their monthly or quarterly routine.

If you're thinking about buying a concrete pool for your backyard, your custom pool builder in Spartanburg, SC should provide you with a tailored construction timeline. At Sweetgrass Pools, those steps include:

Week 1

Excavation

Week 2

Set Rebar and Call for Grounding Inspections

Week 3

Shooting Gunite and Removing Wooden Forms

Week 4

Installation of Plumbing and Electrical. Waterline Coping Begins

Week 5

Waterline Tile is Completed. Your Final Electrical Inspection Takes Place Along with Final Decking. From There, We Apply Travertine Decking, Broom-Finished Concrete, or Stamped and Stained Concrete

Week 6

Tie Up All Loose Ends. Your Decking is Completed, Your Pool is Cleaned, and Your Water is Chemically Balanced. Time to Dive In!

Luxury Swimming Pool Spartanburg, SC Fiberglass Pool Installation Spartanburg, SC

Top 3 Features Your Pool Building Company in Spartanburg, SC Can Add to Your Custom Pool

A custom pool opens the door to a world of possibilities, letting you shape your backyard retreat exactly how you imagine it. Picture the soothing sound of waterfalls, the glow of a fire pit at sunset, or a sun shelf perfect for lounging on lazy afternoons. With endless options like built-in seating, playful fountains, and elegant lighting, your pool can become a one-of-a-kind escape that fits your style and brings your vision to life.

Backyard Pool Oasis Spartanburg, SC

100% American-Made Custom Pools

Water features instantly elevate any custom pool, adding both beauty and tranquility. Choose graceful fountains for a touch of elegance or opt for natural stone waterfalls to create your own private hideaway. Line your pool with playful jets or delicate fountains for subtle charm, or go bold with a show-stopping waterfall or a soaring fountain as your centerpiece. Every feature adds its own splash of personality.

Inground Pool Construction Spartanburg, SC

Spa Features for Custom Pools

An in-ground spa turns your backyard into a personal retreat, which is perfect for unwinding after a swim. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern design or a spa nestled among natural stone, you can create a relaxing spot that suits your style.

Pool Builder Services Spartanburg, SC

Benches & Tanning Ledges for Custom Pools

Shallow zones let you unwind, soak up the sun, or ease into the water at your own pace. Add benches for built-in comfort, swim-outs for extra lounging, or a tanning ledge where you can kick back or just let the kids splash safely.

If you have another pool feature in mind, like an infinite edge or firepit, contact Sweetgrass Pools today. Let's talk about your dreams, your budget, and your custom pool needs.

What Our Customers Are Saying!

Outdoor Living Space Spartanburg, SC Modern Pool Features Spartanburg, SC

Sweetgrass Pools: The Local Custom Pool Builder in Spartanburg, SC You Can Trust

When you choose our custom pool company to help create an unforgettable backyard oasis, you're choosing a local, family-owned company that prioritizes quality and craftsmanship over cookie-cutter designs and subpar customer service.

We believe your pool should be as unique as you are. Every project is a fresh canvas, designed with your personal style and vision in mind, rather than taking a cookie-cutter approach. Our passion is crafting stunning pools and outdoor spaces that bring your dreams to life, while building lasting connections along the way.

Our experienced team partners with top-tier custom pool artisans who care about quality as much as you do. We're dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship, and our work is backed by a warranty you can trust. Let us transform your backyard into something extraordinary - one that exceeds your expectations from the first design to the final splash.

Latest News Near Me Spartanburg, SC

Spartanburg Sc motel shooting triggers AMBER Alert as deputies confirm one injured and no custody

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S. C. (Friday, ET) — A shooting at a Spartanburg County motel has escalated from an on-scene response into a broader search effort after authorities issued an AMBER Alert tied to the incident. deputies were sent to the Rodeway Inn on New Cut Road around 11: 36 a. m., where one person was injured. As of the latest official update, no one is in custody, underscoring that the situation remains active as investigators work to develop leads in spartanburg sc.What officials have c...

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S. C. (Friday, ET) — A shooting at a Spartanburg County motel has escalated from an on-scene response into a broader search effort after authorities issued an AMBER Alert tied to the incident. deputies were sent to the Rodeway Inn on New Cut Road around 11: 36 a. m., where one person was injured. As of the latest official update, no one is in custody, underscoring that the situation remains active as investigators work to develop leads in spartanburg sc.

What officials have confirmed so far in Spartanburg Sc

The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office said it is responding to a shooting at a motel on Friday. Deputies said one person was hurt at the Rodeway Inn on New Cut Road around 11: 36 a. m. (ET). Authorities also stated that no one was in custody at the time of the update.

Shortly before 3 p. m. (ET), authorities issued an AMBER Alert connected to the incident. The alert included a vehicle description: they are looking for a white 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander with South Carolina tag 669BMX.

AMBER Alert issuance adds urgency to the investigation

The decision to issue an AMBER Alert several hours after the initial call signals that investigators are treating the incident as more than an isolated shooting scene. While officials have not released additional details in the publicly available update, the alert indicates law enforcement is seeking rapid public awareness around a specific vehicle believed to be relevant.

In practical terms, an AMBER Alert changes the operating tempo of a case: it extends attention beyond the motel property, focuses the public on an actionable identifier, and can widen the search area as tips and sightings are evaluated. At this stage, officials have not announced an arrest, and the lack of a person in custody keeps the outcome uncertain in spartanburg sc.

What remains unknown and what to watch next

Authorities have not publicly provided the condition of the injured person beyond confirming that one individual was hurt. Officials also have not disclosed information on a suspect, a motive, or the circumstances that led to the shooting at the Rodeway Inn. The AMBER Alert announcement did not include additional narrative details in the available statement.

Key developments that would clarify the scope of the event include any official confirmation of who is connected to the white 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander with tag 669BMX, whether investigators have a description of a person of interest, and whether additional safety guidance is issued. For now, the confirmed facts remain limited to the response time, the location, the injury, the absence of custody, and the AMBER Alert vehicle information connected to the case in spartanburg sc.

Obituary For Jaylin Nicole Simpson

Jaylin Nicole Simpson was born February 11, 2018 to Jacosha Simpson and Jamarcus Wade. In her 8 years of life, she found many joys in her family, her friends and her faith. Jaylin loved attending church with her grandmother at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, her great-grandmother at Greater New Hope, and even would join her grandfather at Greater Target AME Church in Hollyhill, SC.Aside from her faith, Jaylin enjoyed all things creative, girly and cats. She drew pictures and made dolls out of everything she could find. Her love f...

Jaylin Nicole Simpson was born February 11, 2018 to Jacosha Simpson and Jamarcus Wade. In her 8 years of life, she found many joys in her family, her friends and her faith. Jaylin loved attending church with her grandmother at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, her great-grandmother at Greater New Hope, and even would join her grandfather at Greater Target AME Church in Hollyhill, SC.

Aside from her faith, Jaylin enjoyed all things creative, girly and cats. She drew pictures and made dolls out of everything she could find. Her love for music was just as strong. She loved to record videos of her and her friends doing day to day things. She spent the most time with her cousins. She was a very bright student as well and although she didn't like school, she excelled. She loved to travel and see new places, on her list of must sees was New York and Paris.

Jaylin knew how to be the boss and even had a couple of babies of her own: Hailey, Bailey, Kaylie, Aylie and Lolie.

In addition to her parents, left to cherish fond and loving memories are: maternal grandparents, Rita Simpson and James (Renee) McKissick; paternal grandparents, Jamie Fuller and Marcus Wade; great-grandparents, Deloris and Henry James and Lettie Fuller; aunts, Markesha Fuller, Tynesha (Jaylin) Hynes and Klarke McKissick; brothers, Kace and Koree McCreary; cousins, Angela Wallace and Cameron Fuller; godmothers, Briana McCreary and Mariah Chapel; and a host of cousins and extended family members she also loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by: her aunt, Victoria Fuller and her uncle, Jeremiah Gilliam.

Jaylin lived a wonderful 8 years and was loved by everyone she held dear, and she loved us all as well. Please keep Baby Jaylin ,"Sugar Sugar", our sweet girl in your thoughts and prayers.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be in the Heritage Memorial Gardens, Roebuck, SC.

Public Viewing will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel.

In Honor of Jaylin's love for tea parties, the family kindly requests tea party attire for her homegoing celebration.

South Carolina weather: Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes and hail possible

Severe storms are possible Sunday and Monday across the Upstate of South Carolina, western North Carolina, and northeast Georgia, with threats including damaging straight-line winds, isolated tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rain.Live radar:Severe threat Monday:MONDAY: Impact Day due to severe storm potentialKeep up with what's happening around our area by downloading the WYFF News 4 app on the App Store or Google Play....

Severe storms are possible Sunday and Monday across the Upstate of South Carolina, western North Carolina, and northeast Georgia, with threats including damaging straight-line winds, isolated tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rain.

Live radar:

Severe threat Monday:

MONDAY: Impact Day due to severe storm potential

Keep up with what's happening around our area by downloading the WYFF News 4 app on the App Store or Google Play.

*** A burst of snow is likely in WNC by the afternoon as the front departs. Light accumulation, mainly on elevated surfaces, is possible. ***

The wind will pick up behind Monday's powerful cold front. A Wind Advisory is in place for the highlighted areas above 3500 feet in western North Carolina. Wind gusts of 50-60 mph are expected.

TUESDAY: Impact Day due to frigid temperatures & wind chills

WEDNESDAY: Impact Day due to another cold morning. Lows in the teens & 20s.

The WYFF News 4 weather team has been independently certified for having the most accurate forecast in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson market for the second year in a row.

"Our goal every day, in every forecast is accuracy," said WYFF 4 President and General Manager Blake Bridges. "Our expert weather team is dedicated to giving viewers a forecast they can trust to be right. We are also the only station in the market with our own 24/7 live radar, Live Super Doppler 4. It’s clear that WYFF News 4 is the weather leader in this market."

The certification comes from WeatheRate, an independent research firm that tracks forecasts from every station in multiple markets across the country.

"Everyone knows that forecasting the weather around here is difficult with the Upstate and mountains," said WeatheRate President Bruce Fixman. "The station that gets the forecast right more than anyone else is Chief Meteorologist Chris Justus and the WYFF News 4 weather team."

South Carolina: Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, hail and heavy rain possible

GREENVILLE, S.C. —Severe storms are possible on Monday in the Upstate of South Carolina, western North Carolina and northeast Georgia.Storms may produce damaging, straight-line winds, isolated tornadoes, large hail and heavy rain.Live radar:Severe threat Monday:MONDAY: Impact Day due to severe storm potentialDownload the free WYFF News 4 App to receive weather alerts. Be sure your notifications are turned ON.*** A burst of ...

GREENVILLE, S.C. —

Severe storms are possible on Monday in the Upstate of South Carolina, western North Carolina and northeast Georgia.

Storms may produce damaging, straight-line winds, isolated tornadoes, large hail and heavy rain.

Live radar:

Severe threat Monday:

MONDAY: Impact Day due to severe storm potential

Download the free WYFF News 4 App to receive weather alerts. Be sure your notifications are turned ON.

*** A burst of snow is likely in WNC by the afternoon as the front departs. Light accumulation, mainly on elevated surfaces, is possible. ***

The wind will pick up behind Monday's powerful cold front. A Wind Advisory is in place for the highlighted areas above 3500 feet in western North Carolina. Wind gusts of 50-60 mph are expected.

TUESDAY: Impact Day due to frigid temperatures & wind chills

WEDNESDAY: Impact Day due to another cold morning. Lows in the teens & 20s.

The WYFF News 4 weather team has been independently certified for having the most accurate forecast in the Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville-Anderson market for the second year in a row.

"Our goal every day, in every forecast is accuracy," said WYFF 4 President and General Manager Blake Bridges. "Our expert weather team is dedicated to giving viewers a forecast they can trust to be right. We are also the only station in the market with our own 24/7 live radar, Live Super Doppler 4. It’s clear that WYFF News 4 is the weather leader in this market."

The certification comes from WeatheRate, an independent research firm that tracks forecasts from every station in multiple markets across the country.

"Everyone knows that forecasting the weather around here is difficult with the Upstate and mountains," said WeatheRate President Bruce Fixman. "The station that gets the forecast right more than anyone else is Chief Meteorologist Chris Justus and the WYFF News 4 weather team."

BMW discriminated against employee for being American, jury says with $5M verdict

SPARTANBURG — A jury delivered a $5.1 million verdict against BMW last month after determining the Spartanburg plant discriminated against an American employee on the basis of her nationality, in violation of federal Title VII protections.Kelly Dawsey of Greenville left her job in 2021 after learning of a reorganization that replaced her German boss with an American one, according to court records.BMW had a long-standing policy mandating alternate German and domestic positions among senior managers, court records said, wh...

SPARTANBURG — A jury delivered a $5.1 million verdict against BMW last month after determining the Spartanburg plant discriminated against an American employee on the basis of her nationality, in violation of federal Title VII protections.

Kelly Dawsey of Greenville left her job in 2021 after learning of a reorganization that replaced her German boss with an American one, according to court records.

BMW had a long-standing policy mandating alternate German and domestic positions among senior managers, court records said, where no two consecutive managers in the chain of command could be American.

For Dawsey, getting an American boss meant the company would have to replace her with a German. Indeed, the company had made plans to replace Dawsey with a German and transfer her to a new role, court records said.

She left before being offered any alternative position and filed the suit in October 2022. It went to trial this year, where a jury agreed that BMW discriminated against her because she was American.

The jury awarded her $100,000 in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. But since the damages in employment discrimination cases are capped at $300,000, that’s likely all she will receive, plus possible economic damages in the form of lost or future wages.

“We were surprised and disappointed by the outcome,” BMW spokesman Steve Wilson said in an email. “While we disagree, we respect the jury’s decision. We are currently evaluating potential post-trial and appellate options.”

Dawsey’s attorney, Brian Murphy, did not respond to requests for comment.

But Jeremy Summerlin, a Greenville employment attorney who followed the case, said the verdict was a rare occurrence for several reasons.

Nationality-based discrimination claims are less common than sex-based, race-based, age-based or disability-based claims, according to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission statistics. When they do occur, he said, they usually don’t come from Americans. And generally, employment cases are settled before they get to a jury.

“You don’t see a lot of cases like this go to trial,” said Summerlin, who wrote about the case in his own blog. “Something like 97 percent of cases are going to be settled or dismissed at summary judgment before trial.”

Dawsey began working at BMW in 1995 and had worked her way up to department manager for human resources planning and steering, which reports directly to the vice president of human resources.

Before a planned reorganization, the vice president was a German national. When the German left, an American was brought in to fill the role.

Dawsey learned that a reorganization was in the works in the spring of 2021. In early September, before she learned she would be replaced by a German national, she reached out to a recruiter to look for other jobs.

BMW argued in a motion for summary judgment that Dawsey didn’t have a case, in part because she was looking to leave her position before she learned who was replacing her, and that her job transfer would be a lateral move.

In a motion opposing BMW’s request for summary judgment, Dawsey said that she only began looking for other opportunities after communication about the changes became “chaotic” and she wanted “to see if there were alternatives if she was left out.”

Dawsey pointed out that she only accepted employment elsewhere after BMW told her she would be moved to a job that she considered a demotion.

Major questions left up to the jury included whether BMW’s policy of requiring a German in the chain of command violated Title VII and whether moving Dawsey to another role would have been a demotion that could be considered an adverse employment action.

“BMW’s position is that she was being moved laterally, but the testimony, the argument was that position was a lower classification and the plaintiff had worked there for a long, long time,” Summerlin said. “And she was aware that that job was basically a black hole and nobody got promoted out of that position. She knew ‘If they stick me there, that’s basically the end.’ ”

A judge ruled against BMW on its motion for summary judgment, and the case moved forward, eventually ending in a trial.

On Feb. 25, a jury in the Greenville federal courthouse sided with Dawsey.

A hearing on economic damages is scheduled March 13.

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