COMPLIMENTARY
M O N T G O M E R Y C O U N T Y
VOL I ISSUE III
local ironman
raises money for
smile train
bustin clays
for our
heroes
the woodlands
development
corporation
supports habitat
for humanity
sundays
the farmhouse
a matter of trust
don hutson's
"the cowboy solution"
celebrating 80 years
greater conroe/lake conroe
area chamber of commerce
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 1
1/28/2014 1:22:43 PM
11154-H
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Guy M. Lewis, DDS is an accredited and founding member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
and has been practicing for over 29 years. Dr. Lewis has developed G. Lewis veneers, a non-prep ultra-thin
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OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 2
1/28/2014 1:22:44 PM
11154-H&G SpringWoodlands'14_OnTheTown_FullpgAd_Layout 1 1/16/14 10:05 AM Page 1
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OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 3
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PUBLISHER'S LETTER
It's hard to fathom that 2013 has ended and that 2014 is already here...Before
we get into all of the exciting things ahead for onthetown, I'd like to personally
thank our talented production team, gifted contributors and honored advertisers
for a successful 2013. It truly does take a community effort; and to what a great
community we belong. We are grateful.
Bringing each issue to life is a labor of love and it has been our pleasure to
become a small part of a thriving community that operates with such intensity,
heart, compassion and charity. We are honored to have the privilege of sharing
a few great local stories that your business friends, colleagues and peers have
shared with us.
Montgomery county is an inspiring place to live and work and as we meet
more of the community we are reminded of how spiritually rich the area is. You
don't have to go far up here to see great things, meet great people and witness
great acts of kindness and generosity.
In 2014 we will be bringing you exciting news about Montgomery county's
business development, key players and game changers. We will also introduce
you to movers and shakers of all kinds. Do you have a story to share, special
event, do you know someone who deserves recognition? Are you celebrating
business growth, successes, anniversaries? Call us, email us or text us, onthetown
wants to know.
Kindest Regards,
Cathy
13921 Highway 105, #279
Conroe, Texas 77304
Volume i Issue iII
Published by:
Global Network Publishers LLC
Publisher: Kimberly Gray
associate publisher: Cathy Mogler
Editor: Jake Buckler
Director: Michelle Blaisdell
Office Manager: Laura Ulman
Sales Associate: Amanda Hensley
Contributing Writers:
Tina Clarke
Dr. Mark Denison
Amanda Hensley
Traci M. Huhn
Bob Keplinger
Mariann Seigert
Adam Simmons
Designed by: Allymac Concepts
Photography:
Allymac Concept
Nathan Lindstrom/Wonderful Machine
Mission Statement
"onthetown" Magazine captures the positive
way our community lives and breathes.
Dynamic in scope and editorially eclectic,
it reflects the people, community and
lifestyle of Montgomery County and its'
surrounding areas on a grand scale. All
right(s) reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced without expressed
written consent of the publisher.
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For advertising
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Cathy Mogler
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onthetowntexas@gmail.com
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Call (936) 239-5067 or email info@allymacconcepts.com
4 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 4
1/28/2014 1:22:50 PM
06
10 18
Feature Stories
06
10
18
19
20
24
19 20 24
don hutson's "cowboy solution"
greater conroe/lake conroe area chamber of
commerce celebrates 80 years
something to smile about: ironman
competition supports smile train
coat of many colors ministry making a
difference in montgomery county
kidville of the woodlands
project safe id
around town
09
14
16
17
21
31
40
41
42
48
united way receives gold marcom award
bustin' clays for our heros
the friendship center meals on wheels
cosbar to donate sales to md anderson
twdc supports habitat for humanity
astros raise a flag in conroe
the woodlands home & garden show
hospital helps parents capture baby's 1st days
black tie & boots chairman's ball
the woodlands crawphish festival
business articles
dave ramsey says...
exxonmobil to give keynote at economic
outlook conference
qualified mortgages start in 2014
2014 housing trends
how do you view your marketing budget
2014 Career workout and resume makeover
weathering the test of time: fairweather group
your success coach: action coach of n. houston
crystal clear mortgage
skelton business equipment
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A STORY FOR onthetown? Do you know a local hero that deserves some recognition? Maybe
a heavy hitter or visionary game changer that has impacted the business community with its products and services?
Would you like some help spreading the word about a charity event or business networking event? Share it with us for
future editorial consideration. Send to: Cathy Mogler cathy@onthetowntexas.com
All materials become the property of onthetown Magazine and cannot be returned. Submissions may also be edited for
length or clarity and may be used without compensation and acknowledgement. Please include a daytime telephone
number for verification and contact purposes.
08
12
22
25
26
29
30
32
34
36
in every issue
28
33
35
37
38
39
46
on the grid: customer driven online marketing
gadgets for geeks
hello my name is
book review: ingrediEnts of outliers
pay it forward event calendar
sundays: fARMHOUSE
ladders
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 5
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 5
1/28/2014 1:22:58 PM
A team at the end of the day
A MATTER OF TRUST
DON HUTSON'S "THE COWBOY SOLUTION"
BY JAKE BUCKLER
By allowing area executives to interact with his gentle
yet majestic horses, Don Hutson has been helping
these business people become trusted leaders among their
colleagues. This is the essence of The Cowboy Solution, Don’s
Montgomery-based corporate team-building experience that
continues to transform hearts and minds. While he has much
to be proud of, Don is often quick to credit his horses, not
himself, for the life-changing experiences that they’re able to
transcend. This down-home humility and love for his animals
cannot hide the contribution he provides in helping others
find their inner leader.
Texas native, orchestra conductor and horse trainer Don
Hutson has found the solution to help anyone become an
effective leader, and he calls it “The Cowboy Solution.”
Though his Stetson hat, denim clothes and soft,
Texas drawl practically scream “cowboy,” Don Hutson is a
renaissance man of sorts. He holds a doctorate in music and
has taught the subject at the collegiate and high school
levels, and he’s also been a successful corporate mogul.
These days, Don continues to do his best life’s work with
his latest venture, The Cowboy Solution. It’s an experiential
leadership development training company that uses horses
to teach ways to build powerful partnerships based upon
trust. It’s already touched and transformed the lives of many,
and the program’s emotional depth is the result of Don’s own
search for himself … a search that began on a small ranch
home in Eastern Texas and has taken him the better part of
a lifetime to master.
A Solid Foundation
Born December 5, 1949, Don was the oldest of Robert
and Lois Hutson’s four children. Like most people in Lufkin
at that time, his family had some horses and Don grew up
riding and handling the animals and learning about life
through his parents’ guidance. Little did he know it then, but
the foundation for The Cowboy Solution was already being
formed. “Whenever I had a problem,” said Don, “I would go to
my father and he would say, ‘What’s it supposed to look like?’
By forcing me to imagine what things were supposed to be
and placing that mental picture over my problem I was able
to see what was wrong and fix it.” He describes both of his
parents as caring, loving and willing to do anything to help
their children succeed.
From his upbringing, Don took many things forward into
life including his love for music. It started when he was a
young man attending church services and eventually inspired
him to earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music
education in 1971 from Stephen F. Austin State University.
“Once I discovered great classical works,” he said, “I wanted
to become a conductor so I could recreate them and share
it with people. I always loved it when people would hear
great music and it made a difference in their lives if only for
a brief moment. To me it was all about the experience.” After
graduating from college, he returned to Lufkin and taught
music for three years. This passion inspired him to earn a
Doctorate in music from the University of Oklahoma in 1979,
before going on to conduct orchestras and teach music at
Phillips University and the University of Southwest Louisiana.
6 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 6
1/28/2014 1:23:02 PM
Life’s Changes
After many years of teaching music, Don realized that
he needed to do something different with his life. That
“something” ended up being one of the owners of a large
textile corporation that specialized in the production of
baseball and golf hats. For all intents and purposes, it
was a successful venture that kept Don very busy, but the
proverbial tower that he had constructed for himself would
one day come crashing down upon him. “I lost my son Cody
Ryan Hutson to an asthma attack when he was just 12 years
old,” Don said. “We had always known he had asthma but we
weren’t aware of the severity of it until one day he had an
attack and he died in my arms on the way to the hospital.
The reality of losing my son knocked me into the dirt, and
I just walked away from everything that I had with nothing
more than my pickup truck and a few pieces of furniture.”
Starting his life over from scratch at age of 52 seemed
daunting, but Don eventually found himself once again by
returning to his roots. “I went back to training horses,” he said,
“mostly because it was what I knew how to do. Even so, I was
never comfortable with the way in which the animals were
trained or ‘broken’ because that’s exactly what was being
done to them. I started to wonder if there wasn’t a better way
to do things.” If there was one thing Don understood, it was
the fact that horses won’t do something for a human unless
the animal wants to do it. Knowing this, he developed a way
in which a trainer could earn the horse’s trust more gently,
thus creating a more genuine bond between himself and the
animal without the need of breaking its spirit. “In other words,
I learned to become a leader instead of just a boss,” he added.
A New Beginning!
Don realized the concept of
leadership through trust-building
could be applied to human relationships.
Around this time, he met a woman named
Debra Ford through mutual friends, and the
two began dating and were eventually married on October
15, 2011. He credits her with transforming both his ranch and
his life into what it is today – The Cowboy Solution. Now, the
couple and their trainers transform the lives of others using
their six-hour courses. “I absolutely love when I see people
make a change,” Don commented, “and they suddenly realize
that success is easy to achieve. It’s that ‘aha moment,’ and we
have a lot of those here at the ranch. There’s not a day goes
by when someone doesn’t say, ‘You’ve changed my life.’”
The Cowboy Solution hosts seminars utilizing horses
as powerful training tools. The animals act as a mirror that
reflects people’s ability to communicate, and participants
learn how to partner with the horses to achieve their goals.
This, in turn, helps them build trust and how that can be
applied in their business organizations.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
On this life-changing program, call (281) 732-4963,
or visit www.cowboysolution.com
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 7
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 7
1/28/2014 1:23:08 PM
Dave Ramsey Says...
q
I own a small business,
and I’m having trouble
scaling up while keeping
expenses down. Do you
have any advice for me?
AThere are two types of expenses: fixed and
variable. Variable expenses rise as the volume and
size of your business grows. A good example of
this would be shipping. The more stuff you move,
the higher your shipping bill. Fixed expenses are
there regardless of your income. Rent is a fixed expense.
The amount doesn’t change, and you have to pay it whether
you’re making money or not.
The best advice I can give you in a scenario like this is
to take a deep breath, and accept the fact that you need to
slow down and grow slowly and steadily. If you let expenses
get out of hand you’ll be chasing them and playing catch up
for the life of your business. Overhead kills businesses, Josh.
It’s the death knell.
qI’m thinking about starting
an auto detailing business.
Do you have any advice on
how to start something like
this, and what to consider
first?
AWhen you’re running your own business, you’ll find
out quickly that your boss is a jerk who works you
like an animal. Working for yourself is one of the
toughest things you can do for a career, and you
better make sure you’re doing something you love,
because it’ll take years of blood, sweat and tears
to be successful. If you don’t absolutely love auto detailing,
and if you’re thinking about it simply because it’s plausible or
you think you can make money doing it, I’d advise giving up
on the idea. If that’s your stance, it’s really more of a side job
than a business.
Think about something you’d want to be doing every
day five years from now, and have anywhere from 20 to 200
people doing it with you. You’ll always do a better job and
have more fun when you’re involved with something you
love. And when it comes to running the business, pay cash,
have a written game plan and don’t be afraid to grow slowly.
Lay out a smart business plan ahead of time, and know
everything from your marketing strategies and cost of startup
equipment and supplies to what your projected revenues
are and the per unit charges for all your little widgets. Lay
this all out like you had to prepare a report for a college
class, and that’s what a business plan looks like.
I’m excited for you, Justin, because you have lots of
entrepreneurial spirit. You might not make $100,000 your first
year, but who does? Just take your time. Be patient, be smart,
and give people a quality product and professional service. If
you’ll do those things, chances are you’ll be a success!
ABOUT DAVE:
Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books:
Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard
by more than 6 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and
on the web at daveramsey.com
8 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 8
1/28/2014 1:23:12 PM
united way
receives gold marcom award
Montgomery County United Way’s 2013 campaign video
has received a Gold MarCom award for excellence in the
video/film/nonprofit category. “Be Part of the Solution” was
submitted for competition by Morris Ink Advertising Agency,
LLC, on behalf of United Way and SilverRock Productions.
The Gold Award is presented to those judged to exceed
the high standards of the industry norm. There were over
6,500 entries from multiple countries.
MarCom Awards is an international creative competition
that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and
communication professionals. Entries come from corporate
marketing and communication departments, advertising
agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies,
and freelancers. The competition has grown to perhaps
the largest of its kind in the world. Winners range in size
from individual communicators to media conglomerates and
Fortune 500 companies.
“We are honored, of course,” said Julie Martineau,
President of Montgomery County United Way. “But more
importantly, we appreciate knowing that the group effort
delivered a powerful and compelling message about those
we are privileged to serve.”
Preparation for the DVD begins early in the year,
when advertising and production professionals meet with
United Way staff to prioritize messages and develop the
concept. Jennifer Adams-Burkett, Marketing Manager for
Montgomery County United Way, said that “the collaborative
process is intense because much is riding on the campaign’s
effectiveness in educating potential donors while also
entertaining and expressing gratitude.”
One of the aspects of the MarCom award that
is especially meaningful for United Way is that the
sponsoring organization, the Association of Marketing and
Communication Professionals, provides grants for marketing
materials for homeless shelters, orphanages, day camps,
community theaters, and for programs for seniors and
children.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
About the Montgomery County United Way and to
view the award winning video visit www.MCUW.org
Big or small,
we can help
you...
Make us a part of your business strategy and see how easy it can be!
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281.856.5391(Ask for Chris) | FCCU.org
The Woodlands Branch (Inside HEB)
3601 FM 1488 The Woodlands, TX 77384
FCCU invites businesses of Harris, Fort Bend or Montgomery County to grow with us.
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 9
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 9
1/28/2014 1:23:13 PM
Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
CELEBRATING 80 YEARS
IN BUSINESS FOR BUSINESS SINCE 1934
BY AMANDA HENSLEY
This year’s Chairman’s Ball, hosted by the Greater
Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce (GCLCCOC),
served not only in the usual manner to honor outgoing
Chairman Tamara Trow and welcome incoming Chairman
Danielle Schneider, but also marked the celebration of 80
years of service to the business community of Montgomery
County.
The GCLCCOC first started in 1934 as the Montgomery
County Chamber of Commerce with only three charter
members known today as Consolidated Communications,
Entergy Texas, Inc. and HCN, The Courier. Today with over
1,000 members, they continue to make a huge impact on the
economic quality of life in Montgomery County.
Chamber Past Chair Larry Foerster (1991), can attest to
the instrumental role that the GCLCCOC has played in the
small business community. “In my experience, the Chamber
serves as both a vocal advocate and an important resource
for small businesses in the greater Conroe area. It partners
with city and county governments in their ongoing efforts to
stimulate the local economy and improve the quality of life
for everyone in the area.
Chamber member and diplomat Ron Saikowski, with
Quest Engineering, also describes the Chamber as an
organization that works for the improvement of the local
business economy and helps link members with each other
in their business endeavors. He draws value from their
networking opportunities, free business seminars, marketing
opportunities, interesting business luncheons, communal
legislative activities, free use of Chamber facilities, and
community recognition. “My Chamber membership works
for me,” he says, “since I invest my time and attention into
the Chamber and the numerous opportunities to help my
business and enhance my community.”
Ross and Diana Silva of Minuteman Press Conroe have
been members for three years and equate their experience
with starting a family. “When you join the Chamber, it’s like
you’re joining a family,” Diana said. “There’s somewhere there
for you, whether you have business or personal needs.” They
made joining a top priority when buying the store and can
attest that their involvement with the Chamber has helped
their business grow.
The Chamber’s contribution to the community over
the past eighty years is evident throughout the county. In
the 1950’s, The Montgomery County Fair, an annual event
anticipated by all, was started by a small agricultural
committee of the Chamber of Commerce. In the 1980’s
10 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 10
1/28/2014 1:23:20 PM
The Information Depot (a hub of the Convention & Visitors
Bureau) was formed to help provide visitors to the area more
information on what to see and do while in town. Also during
this decade, the prestigious Leadership Montgomery County
program was formed, with the goal of enhancing business
leaders to help them emerge in this area.
The Greater Conroe / Lake Conroe Area Chamber of
Commerce pays tribute to the men and women who have
served to make this Chamber as successful as it is today.
Reflecting on this history with respect, current Chamber
President Scott Harper embraces the future with inspired
vision to lead the Chamber to even bigger heights, focusing
on three key areas: membership, governance of operations
and workforce issues.
“Our focus for 2014 and beyond is the same as what we
began 2013 with; developing a strategic plan for membership
retention and sales and
up with the pace of
AT
A
ROE
RO
ER CONRO
Chamber of Commerce
LAKE
/
CONROE
CONROE AREA
GREATER
GREAT
THE
/
keeping
LAKE CONRO
RO
R
“We are looking to bridge the gap of communication,”
Harper says, “so we can assist people with landing nice,
solid jobs with benefits and options for reimbursement for
education right here in their own community.”
Scott recognizes that over the last 80 years, and
specifically the last ten years, the Chamber could have done
a better job and that some members have chosen not to
renew as a result. Nevertheless, he hopes that people will
respect the unique history of the past but join him in looking
forward and embracing the future. The Chamber wants local
businesses to succeed and would like a chance to be a part
of their success by serving them with their needs.
When asked what legacy he would like to leave for the
Chamber to look back on another 80 years, Harper stated
that the legacy of the President should play a minimal role,
but that of the organization should be celebrated.
When people look back 160 years from now, he would
like them to remember a Chamber that set the standards on
how to operate during a time of transition and growth. “I was
E AREA
who is
coming into
the area. We
are lucky to be
where we are, so
close to Houston and
1934 2014
with Exxon-Mobile going in just a
few miles down the road.”
Harper and his staff, along with the Chamber Board of
Directors, have spent some time analyzing the shift in the
way the community draws value from the organization. With
local area information readily available on the internet, the
Chamber of Commerce is seen less as a local information
center and is now used more for small business networking,
continuing education and a portal for communication within
the community. Not only can local businessmen and women
benefit from a variety of seminars in a one-on-one classroom
and the Chambers various networking events, but they can
also use the Chamber as a springboard for their career with
services geared toward job readiness. One particular area
Harper hopes to impact is the communication between
school districts, the Lone Star College system and business
in the new Deison Technology Park.
Entergy 1947 Line Crew
chosen to be President during one of the most explosive times
of the area since the oil boom,” he said. “We are strategically
located between Houston and Dallas and in easy proximity
to the capitol. Investors are coming and we want to be ready
to respond and help stimulate the economic growth.”
The role of the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber
of Commerce extends beyond their mission to strengthen
the economic environment and quality of life in Montgomery
County. The organization truly embraces their vision to be
known as a dynamic organization that generates awareness,
creates partnerships, and provides leadership for progressive
development and growth while enhancing the quality of life
in Montgomery County.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
About the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area
Chamber of Commerce and how to become
involved call (936) 756+6644.
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 11
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 11
1/28/2014 1:23:33 PM
ExxonMobil to give keynote at 28th
annual Economic Outlook Conference
ExxonMobil is the hottest topic north of
Beltway 8, with cranes, construction and
home values all going up in anticipation of
the opening of the company’s north Houston
campus just south of The Woodlands in 2014.
ExxonMobil Senior Advisor Bob Davis will give the
lunch keynote speech at The Woodlands Area Chamber of
Commerce's 28th annual Economic Outlook Conference on
February 14, 2014 to an audience that is eager to learn details
of its new, top-tier corporate partner.
"I have been up to the campus several times, and it’s
fantastic," Davis says. "This represents the very first time
that ExxonMobil is bringing together individuals from all of
our different U.S.-based companies. The move will promote
collaboration and help us operate more efficiently. You will
be able to walk to a particular building, just like on a college
campus, to have a meeting to discuss projects or issues.
That's the really exciting aspect."
ExxonMobil currently has more than 10 separate entities
scattered around the Houston area in locations such as
Greenspoint, Katy, on Buffalo Speedway off Highway 59 and
in downtown Houston. These groups, and its operations from
Fairfax, Virginia, will be united at the new campus, eliminating
the frequent driving and flying that was part of ExxonMobil's
daily routine to bring employees together from the different
business units.
What a campus it will be. ExxonMobil's facilities will feature
its showcase "Energy Center," with movies and interactive
displays, as well as restaurants, shops, an auditorium and
executive offices. More than 20 buildings are being built,
including a day care center and a 100,000 square-foot
wellness center. Davis will provide attendees with a historical
perspective on what this innovation means to a company
that was founded over 130 years ago from the Pennsylvania
oil fields, growing and changing with the major milestones
of the 20th century into an international corporate and
technological leader today. Leslie Hushka, Communications
Manager for the ExxonMobil Houston Campus Project, will
also speak at the conference about further details on the
buildings and amenities in the ExxonMobil campus.
"We are so pleased to have Mr. Davis' prospective on the
oil industry and energy giant ExxonMobil's rise to be the most
influential oil company in the world," says Karen Hoylman,
President and CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of
Commerce. "It is so important that our community understand
this industry, which is an ever-growing part of our business
community."
More than 500 business and local leaders are expected
to attend the Economic Outlook Conference at The
Woodlands Waterway Marriott to address the local, national
and global economic trends that effect businesses in The
Woodlands and beyond. In addition to Davis and Hushka,
speakers include Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Tex); Ramón Hernán,
Executive Vice President, North America & Brazil at Repsol;
Gary Schlossberg, Vice President & Senior Economist at
Wells Capital Management; Ron Corn, Senior Vice President
of Specialties, Aromatics and Styrenics at Chevron Phillips
Chemical Co.; Woody Pace, Vice President of exploration
at Talisman Energy; Frank J. LaRosa, Senior Vice President
and Chief Administrative Officer at Layne Christensen; Alex
Sutton, Co-President at The Woodlands Development Co.;
Bruce Tough, Chairman for The Woodlands Township; and Gil
Staley, CEO at The Woodlands Area Economic Development
Partnership.
ExxonMobil's Davis is no stranger to The Woodlands,
having lived there since 1991, commuting to downtown
Houston. "We have seen The Woodlands grow from George
Mitchell's great vision, to create a hometown where people
could live and work," Davis says. "That vision has been fulfilled.
What has happened in The Woodlands in the last few years
is nothing short of extraordinary.”
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
On The Woodlands Area Economic Development
Partnership, visit www.edpartnership.net or call
281-363-8130.
12 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 12
1/28/2014 1:23:34 PM
U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady
8th District of Texas
ENERGY to GROW
FEBRUARY 14, 2014
THE WOODLANDS WATERWAY MARRIOTT
HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER
LUNCHEON KEYNOTE
Bob Davis
Senior Advisor
Exxon Mobil
Corporation
Alex G. Sutton, P.E.
Co-President
The Woodlands Development
Company, A Division of The
Howard Hughes Corporation
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Bruce Tough
Chairman
The Woodlands Township
CONFERENCE AGENDA
7:30 a.m. Registration Begins
8:00 a.m. Welcome: Steve Pate – Chief Executive Officer
Strike, LLC - Presenting Sponsor
Overview/Emcees:
Linda Head, Lone Star College – Conference Chair
Nelda Luce Blair, Blair Law Firm
8:10 a.m. U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, 8th District of Texas
8:40 a.m. Community Update
Alex G. Sutton, P.E. – Co-President
The Woodlands Development Company
A Division of The Howard Hughes Corporation
Bruce Tough – Chairman, The Woodlands Township
Gil Staley – Chief Executive Officer, The Woodlands Area
Economic Development Partnership
Leslie Hushka – Communications Manager
Houston Campus Project, Exxon Mobil Corporation
9:40 a.m. Gary Schlossberg – Vice President & Senior Economist
Wells Capital Management
10:25 a.m. Business Connections & Booth Visitations
10:40 a.m. Ron Corn – Senior V ice President of Specialties,
Aromatics & Styrenics, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
11:25 a.m. Group Panel
Woody Pace – Vice President of Exploration Technical
Excellence & President, Talisman Energy Services Inc.
Ramón Hernán – Executive Vice President
North America & Brazil, Repsol
Frank J. LaRosa – Senior Vice President
Chief Administrative Officer, Layne Christensen
12:10 p.m. Conference Concludes
Business Connections & Booth Visitations
12:40 p.m. Luncheon Keynote Speaker
Bob Davis – Senior Advisor, Exxon Mobil Corporation
Local energy industry companies providing
the fuel to grow the ecomomy.
Leslie Hushka
Communications
Manager–
Houston Campus Project
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Ron Corn
Senior Vice President of
Specialties, Aromatics
and Styrenics
Chevron Phillips
Chemical Company LP
Ramón Hernán
Executive Vice
President
North America & Brazil
Repsol
Gil Staley
Chief Executive Officer
The Woodlands Area
The
Economic
Woodlands
Development
Area Economic
Partnership
Gary Schlossberg
Vice
Vice
President
President
&
&
Senior Economist
Wells
Wells
Capital
Capital
Management
Management
Woody Pace
Vice President of of Exploration
Technical Excellence & &
President
Talisman Energy Services Inc. Inc.
Frank J. LaRosa
Senior Vice President Chief
Administrative Officer
Layne Christensen
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 13
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 13
1/28/2014 1:23:36 PM
Josh Urban, Linda Freede, Mike Karlins and David Sharpe
bustin' clays for our heros
new shooting tournament aims to meet needs
All branches of the United States military work together
to protect the place we call home from all enemies - foreign
and domestic. Many individual service men and women do
so while enduring great personal sacrifice because of the
devotion they have to our country.
Local professional Ricky Castillo served in the Marine
Corps for four years, participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom
a total of three times. Castillo is currently employed as a tax
senior at Karlins, Ramey & Tompkins, LLC. After Mike Karlins
had several conversations with Castillo about his time
selflessly serving our nation, he decided he wanted to help
heroes like his employees.
We have all heard news reports about the lack of
government support and funding cuts for veterans, stories
about the high costs of prosthetics and many reports of the
plague of post-traumatic stress disorder. Karlins’ daughter
actually studies mechanical engineering at the University of
Texas at Austin and has a prosthetics interest, which gave him
an understanding of how expensive functioning prosthetics
can be. There are many needs to be filled for our veterans;
so many that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cannot
always keep up with the demand.
With this knowledge, Karlins began to search for an
avenue to assist the local heroes who have served tirelessly.
He got in touch with TIRR Memorial Hermann and worked to
set up an event to fund the needs of area veterans.
The first annual event, Bustin’ Clays for Our Heroes, will
be held on Thursday, April 17, 2014. “We are proud to host this
event and partner with TIRR to raise funds for rehabilitation
for our military veterans,” said Karlins. Proceeds raised from
the event will support expenses associated with returning to
civilian life, such as prosthetics, counseling, rehab, etc.
The event is open to sportsmen, gun enthusiasts and novices
alike. Bustin’ Clays for Our Heroes will be held at the Conroe
Shooting Center on FM 2854.
“We have had a tremendous response to this event
already and are so grateful to our veterans that this is a small
way we can give back and have some fun in the process,” said
Karlins.
“In rehabilitation medicine, it is so important that we
support our injured veterans who have sacrificed so much for
us all. Through their rehab comes an advance in technology,
such as prostheses and improvements in functional
outcomes, which ultimately translates to improved patient
care for all including our civilian patients. We all benefit from
events like Bustin’ Clays which raise awareness by supporting
our disabled veterans. I am so glad to be lend my support
to this worthy cause,” said Danielle H. Melton, MD of TIRR
Memorial Hermann.
Teams of four participants will participate in a shotgun
start tournament followed by dinner. Registration is $850 per
team or $250 for individual. Sponsorships are still available.
TIRR Memorial Hermann specializes in physical therapy,
occupational therapy and speech therapy for inpatients
and outpatients affected by spinal cord injury, traumatic
brain injury, stroke, amputation, multiple trauma and
neuromuscular disorders.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
On Bustin' Clays contact Veronica at (281) 364-0245
or Cathleen at (713) 242-4450. For more information
on TIRR please visit www.tirrmemorialhermann.org
14 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 14
1/28/2014 1:23:38 PM
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Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 15
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 15
1/28/2014 1:23:39 PM
the friendship center
meals on wheels
BY AMANDA HENSLEY
Ms. Ethel & Kris Dimlich
Senior citizens, although one of the most-loved and
well-respected groups in society, are often forgotten
or unintentionally neglected in the hustle and bustle of life’s
daily grind. Many find themselves homebound, unable to do
things they did before and often alone because their spouse
has passed away.
For homebound seniors in Montgomery County, there is
hope. The Friendship Center, founded in 1973, is a non-profit
organization dedicated to enriching the lives of the senior
citizen community in Montgomery County by meeting social,
physical and emotional needs of anyone over the age of 60
in need of help. One of the most impactful programs offered
by the organization is the Meals on Wheels program, through
which volunteers bring warm meals to seniors in their homes
each week.
Kris Dimlich has played an active role in the Meals on
Wheels program for over six years now, delivering meals to
recipients who have come to think of her as family. Knowing
of the large waiting list for the Meals on Wheels service,
Kris took it upon herself to lead a new campaign to raise
funds for resources specifically to expand the impact of
the program in Montgomery County. The annual campaign
began three years ago and has achieved incredible results,
including a 65% increase in funds raised for this year alone.
Kris is excited about the awareness the campaign brings to
the program and looks forward to the 2014 campaign which
will run from the first of March through the end of June
The one-on-one time spent with Meals on Wheels
recipients has given Kris insight to the needs of homebound
seniors and the state of the Meals on Wheels program. This
has proven invaluable as she also serves on The Friendship
Center’s Board of Directors, striving daily to change the
statistics for many homebound seniors. “My experience with
my own grandparents and great-grandparents who lived
into their 90’s is what first made me aware of the care that
seniors require,” says Dimlich. “Age does not discriminate and
if we all live long enough, we’ll be seniors one day too. Some
people shy away from helping the elderly because it’s not
cancer, or a disability, but rather a phase of life, but this is a
societal issue that will never go away.”
When community members call and ask for an
opportunity to experience a Meals on Wheels route, Kris is
never hesitant to host someone in her passenger seat to
help them understand the need for the program. There are
currently 500 clients on service, with 105 on a waiting list
through The Friendship Center. That’s typically 10,000 meals
served each month, which equates to over 120,000 meals
served each year. Dimlich comments, “It’s always been my
pleasure to give true insight into what we do and how great
the need is here.”
For the seniors served, simple tasks such as running to
the store for milk or going outside to cover your pipes is not
an option. Furthermore, the visits they get from volunteers
are often the only social interactions they have all week. “It’s
hard to see this need, but it’s a rewarding experience,” says
Dimlich. “The elderly can’t just decide one day to put on a
smile and make that day the day to change their lives. It’s
just not that simple for them. That’s where we can provide
assistance; where we can give them hope.”
Directing an organization such as this takes time, talent,
skilled direction and plenty of volunteers. There are daily
opportunities to be the hands and feet of The Friendship
Center, as well as an ongoing need for funding and donations.
The Friendship Center has been “Enriching the Lives of Senior
Adults” for 40 years now, and will continue to do so for years
to come thanks to those who give and are committed to their
cause, but not without community involvement.
The Friendship Center has a perpetual waiting list
for seniors who need care, but many are not able to be
supported by the center due to limited funds. With the Baby
Boomer generation approaching their 60’s and 70’s, the
current challenge will grow rapidly with an expected 65,000
adults over the age of 65 right here in Montgomery County
by the year 2015. The Friendship Center, however, is ready
and willing to take it on with your help.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
On The Friendship Center, how to volunteer or to
locate a community center, visit
www.tfcseniorservices.org
16 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 16
1/28/2014 1:23:43 PM
cos bar AT MARKET STREET WILL DONATE 5% OF SALES TO MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
In support of MD Anderson Cancer Center and to
celebrate its fifth anniversary in The Woodlands, Cos
Bar at Market Street will donate five percent of sales during
the months of January and February to the Center.
Cos Bar offers the most exclusive line of designer
cosmetics, luxury skin care, and elegant fragrances, many of
which are only available in Houston’s Galleria area. The store
is located at 9595 Six Pines Drive, between Uni Sushi and
SOHO, near Cinemark Theaters.
The funds are given to the MD Anderson Regional Care
Center - The Woodlands located on the St. Luke’s The
Woodlands Hospital campus to help offset the expenses
of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Dr. Pamela
Schlembach, Associate Professor at the University of Texas
MD Anderson and member of the department of Radiation
Oncologist with MD Anderson Care Center - The Woodlands,
will work directly with the social service department to help
identify which patients that would benefit from these funds
to offset the expenses they incur such as gas, hotel costs,
caregiver and childcare services, and prescriptions.
“Cos Bar’s founder, Lily Garfield, serves on the Board
of Visitors for MD Anderson Cancer Center, which is an
appointive board of volunteers dedicated to advancing the
Center’s initiatives, so this organization is very near and
dear to our hearts,” said Colleen Clooney, Manager of Cos
Bar at Market Street - The Woodlands. “We encourage the
community to shop with us throughout January and February
to discover the new colors and products for 2014 while at the
same time help us support a great cause.”
Cos Bar at Market Street - The Woodlands is open Monday
through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from
noon to 6 p.m. The assistant store manager, Emma Brooks, is
fluent in both Spanish and English. Make-up lessons, private
parties, facial services, special event makeovers, and speaking
engagements are also available.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
About Cos Bar at Market Street - The Woodlands,
please call (281) 419-2269 or visit www.CosBar.com
edible
arr. ad
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 17
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 17
1/28/2014 1:23:47 PM
Ricardo Trevino crossing
the finish line
something to smile about
local athlete rasies money for smile train
BY AMANDA HENSLEY
A 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride and a
26.2-mile run would be hard on anyone, but even more so
for someone with a torn meniscus. Despite recovering from
surgery to repair this injury, Ricardo Trevino recently competed
in a Half Ironman endurance competition to benefit a worthy
cause.
Trevino and other members of “Team Empower” competed
in the Tempe Ironman to raise a minimum of $5,000 for Smile
Train. Founded in 1999, the charitable organization provides
surgical correction for cleft lips and palates in the United
States and underdeveloped countries. With a staff of just 63
people, the organization has trained doctors in more than 80
countries and has completed nearly one million successful
surgeries. Having been exposed to Smile Train when training
for the Ironman began, Trevino researched the organization
and was impressed with its global presence and nearly one
million successful operations completed during the past 14
years.
“The cost for one surgery is $250,” said Trevino. “When
I would share that with people, it was easy for them to
understand. For the cost of what many of us spend in
one shopping trip, the life of someone can be changed so
dramatically for the better. Trevino ended up raising almost
$16,000 on his own, and as Team Empower raised more
$415,000. “That’s a lot of surgeries!” he added.
An IT Director at Medco, a family owned medical supply
company based in Houston, Trevino trained an average of 15-
20 hours per week to prepare for the competition. His goal:
simply to finish. In the end, he exceeded those expectations
and finished the entire competition with a time of 13:57.
“That’s exceptional in my mind,” he commented. “This was my
first Ironman so I really didn’t want to set a specific time goal,
especially just having surgery a few months ago. I’ll definitely
be doing another in two years.”
With a slight tear to his meniscus, Trevino still competed
in a May 2013 Half Ironman competition in Galveston. Before
he could take his efforts to the next level, however, he knew
this would have to be repaired before taking his efforts to the
next level as the injury become worse. After undergoing knee
surgery on July 17, 2013, he was determined to continue life
as normal and adapted his training and prepared to compete
in his first full Ironman competition in Tempe. To train for
the grueling competition, he took full advantage of the many
activities available in The Woodlands for outdoor training
and exercise.
“Dana Lyons has a team that he trains,” Trevino said,
“and he allowed me to go out and swim with them once
a week for practice. Bike Lane in The Woodlands were a
great support too in providing me with sound advice when
I started that phase of training.” Trevino’s wife, children and
five grandchildren supported him at every leg of the journey.
An Ironman competition in and of itself is not for the
faint of heart and Trevino recommends talking to those
who’ve competed. “The execution of training and diet is key
to succeeding,” he said. “This isn’t a marathon or 5k, it’s an
endurance race and that takes a plan. Whatever your reason,
just keep that in mind with every step you take, mile you bike
or stroke you swim.”
The adrenaline rush, sense of accomplishment of
completing something one never thought they could are all
reasons why athletes train and compete each day. Trevino
and the rest of Team Empower had more on the line than just
bragging rights – they competed with 74 other team members
to benefit Smile Train. And that gives you something to smile
about.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
On this humanitarian organization visit
www.smiletrain.org
18 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 18
1/28/2014 1:23:49 PM
changing lives IN
montgomery county
coat of many colors ministries
By Amanda Hensley
While serving as a pastor in the small community
of Dobbin, TX in 1995, Dr. Michael Hayes realized
a burning desire to broaden his impact on the community.
As he visited with volunteers and program participants at
the church’s food pantry, he encountered an overwhelming
common sentiment to also provide education and
employment assistance. In 2001, with much hard work and
thorough planning, Coat of Many Colors Ministries was
founded.
For the next nine years, Coat of Many Colors Ministries
operated out of the church. As the ministry grew, so did
Dr. Hayes’ desire to help more people. Making the difficult
decision to step down from his position as pastor, he began
to focus solely on Coat of Many Colors Ministries and in 2011,
they were blessed with an opportunity to move into their
current location in the Lonestar Community Building.
Today, the Coat of Many Colors Ministries supports the
community in numerous areas. On the second and fourth
Wednesday of each month, January through October, their
food bank is open from 10am-5pm to serve those in need. In
November and December, they operate only on the second
Wednesday of the month. They have steadily seen an increase
in response and served 73 families this past November, which
equates to over 410 people who were helped.
“I’m a firm believer that you have a passion in life, and my
passion is helping people. When I can see the impact I’ve been
able to make in people’s lives through services we provide, it’s
the motivation that keeps me going.”
-Dr. Micheal Hayes
Working with the Montgomery County Homeless
Coalition, Coat of Many Color Ministries works to reduce
homelessness in our community. “One of the most
memorable clients I’ve worked with was a gentleman two
years ago who came to us homeless,” says Hayes. “After
going through our program, we were able to help him gain
employment through the City of Conroe Parks Department,
and he is no longer homeless.”
The Coat of Many Colors Ministries strives to help people
gain independence by reducing or eliminating their need for
government assistance while empowering them to become
productive citizens in the community once again. “We try to
route people in a direction where they have a passion and
interest,”
commented
Hayes. “For
example, the
gentleman I
mentioned
before had
experience in
the trucking industry, but he expressed that he wanted to do
something where he could be outside, so we started training
in that direction.”
Along with assistance in searching for employment, the
ministry offers vocational training, business, employment and
computer basics workshops, resume and interviewing skills
and even personalized business counseling to help some of
their clients start businesses of their own. They have helped
50-60 people in each class to date. Chase bank has even
begun providing financial training and assistance for those
who have developed poor financial habits in the past; a way
to help get people reestablished with a bank account and
begin building credit once again.
Hayes commented, “I’m a firm believer that you have
a passion in life, and my passion is helping people. When
I can see the impact I’ve been able to make in people’s lives
through services we provide, it’s the motivation that keeps
me going.”
While the Coat of Many Colors Ministries is growing,
with growth comes needs. Hayes mentioned that their needs
are mostly with funding and non-perishable food donations
for their pantry. There are even volunteer opportunities
for anyone willing to donate their time or services to help
their neighbors in Montgomery County. April Sound Church
and Lonestar Cowboy Church have been key proponents in
donating funds, food items and sending volunteers, but there
are always new needs to be met. “We hope to have land
and a free standing building of our own one day, and would
love to be able to compensate some of our full-time service
people for their time and talents,” says Hayes. “These are all
the visions we see for the future so we can do more for those
in need.”
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
On the Coat of Many Colors Ministries and how to
donate and volunteer visit www.cmcmi.org
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 19
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 19
1/28/2014 1:23:50 PM
kidville
offers genius in training program
Kidville The Woodlands offers 'Genius in Training'
program, working with kids outside the box
The play-centric learning center for young children is
embracing imagination and make-believe in its new Creative
Drama classes for 3 to 6 year olds. Debuting in the upcoming
semester that begins January 13, the class will run Tuesday
mid-morning, as well as Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in
the afternoon.
Participating students will spend 45 minutes letting
their imaginations soar as they explore familiar stories
through pantomime, games, creative movement, imagery
and improvisation. Taught by Kidville owner and theaterarts
educated Karen Roberts, the class will encourage
independent thought, cooperation between students, and
problem solving.
"The movers and shakers of this world are the creative
thinkers," Roberts says. "They're the problem solvers, the
ones who come up with the new ideas. This is why I refer to
this class as our 'Genius in Training' program because children
are learning at a very young age to think outside the box."
While the rigors of elementary education and increased
testing in education have forced children to exhibit proficiency
at reading and writing at younger ages, imagination and
creativity serve vital roles in child development and
intellectual advancement.
"Experiences in problem solving help children develop
curiosity and patience, along with thinking skills such as
flexibility, and understanding of cause and effect. They learn
to work toward achieving a goal, and gain confidence in their
ability to reach a solution," according to research from the
National Association for the Education of Young Children.
"Parents who have tired of the current trend of helicoptering
over their children will be relieved to let them use their
imaginations and learn valuable lessons that will serve them
well into adulthood."
The Creative Drama class is all about guided discovery.
Roberts will take a familiar poem like Little Miss Muffet
and ask the children to play the role of spiders and share
their opinions on the taste of her porridge or the comfort
of her tuffet. The Three Little Pigs will afford children the
opportunity to demonstrate their own version of a wolf in
a safe, nurturing environment where they can explore with
gentle guidance.
"Three plus three equals six, but how your pig talks is up
to you. We look at problems and find different ways to solve
them," Roberts explains. "We are not looking for an answer,
we are looking at the possibilities."
Kidville The Woodlands is located at
4747 Research Forest Drive and can be reached by calling
281.651.5403 or by going to www.kidville.com/thewoodlands.
20 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 20
1/28/2014 1:23:51 PM
twdc supports
habitat for
humanity
The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Howard Hughes
Corporation recently presented a $12,200 donation to
Habitat for Humanity-Montgomery County, one of the
beneficiaries of the Company’s 2012 Holiday Countdown
promotion. The promotion involved new home buyers who
signed contracts between November 1 and December 31, 2012.
A total of 122 new home sales closed during 2013 as a result
of the promotion. TWDC donated $100 for each sale in The
Woodlands to Habitat for Humanity-Montgomery County.
Bridgeland, another top-selling master planned
community developed by The Howard Hughes Corporation,
also participated in the promotion and donated $5,600 to
Habitat for Humanity – Northwest Harris County, bringing the
total donation by TWDC to $17,800.
Pictured Left to Right: Jeanne Toth, Eric Hird, Patricia Brown,
Kimberly Lacayo, Larry Abston, Ron Brandt, Tim Welbes,
Barbara Smith, Russ Palmore, Calleen McFerren,
Susan Vreeland-Wendt, & Lorrie Parise.
“Habitat for Humanity is one of the most respected nonprofit
organizations in the country, and we are happy to help
hard-working families in need make their dream of home
ownership a reality,” said Tim Welbes, Co-President of TWDC.
Habitat’s mission is to eliminate poverty housing by
building decent, affordable homes in partnership with hardworking
local families in need. Since its inception in 1989,
Habitat for Humanity Montgomery County has built more
than 90 homes, including more than 30 homes in the 37-acre
Cedar Creek neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity Northwest
Harris County has built more than 160 homes, providing
housing for more than 700 people.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Susan Vreeland-Wendt at the TWDC by
calling (281) 719-6174.
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onthetown 21
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 21
1/28/2014 1:23:54 PM
qualified mortgages start in 2014!
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act was signed in to law on July 21, 2010. Part
of the Dodd-Frank Act is called the Ability-to-Repay (ATR)
requirements for Qualified Mortgage (QM) loans. These
requirements go in to effect on January 10, 2014. Lenders
will now have to make sure the loans they lend adhere to the
QM rules as well as the ATP requirements of the Dodd-Frank
Act. Lenders are motivated to lend “qualified mortgages” to
consumers to gain safe harbor from potential future lawsuits
when a borrower’s ability to repay their loan may change
So, what does this mean for real estate professionals
and current/future homeowners? The bottom-line is that
underwriting standards and loan structures will get a little
more restrictive.
Lenders must make a reasonable, good-faith
determination before a consumer closes on a new mortgage
that the consumer has a reasonable ability to repay the
loan. In total, there are 8 underwriting factors that must be
considered when determining a consumer’s ability to repay
their loan. A few examples of these underwriting factors are
the following: 1) Current or reasonably expected income
or assets that the consumer will have to repay the loan 2)
Current employment status 3) Fully amortized mortgage
payment for the consumer’s potential mortgage including
taxes, insurance, HOA dues, etc. 4) Credit history and 5) All
other monthly debts, alimony, child-support, etc. (It is my
opinion that our industry has been analyzing these factors
for years so it doesn’t change the “normal” underwriting
process in most cases).
An example of a situation that might limit a consumer’s
ability to get qualified is when the consumer wants to take
advantage of an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). The new
ATR rule will require that the lender qualify the consumer
on the highest possible rate within the first 5 years of the
mortgage. In some cases this could potentially be 4-6%
higher than the initial start rate and the consumer would not
qualify for their desired loan amount.
One of the most concerning requirements of QM loans
to most is a total debt-ratio limit of 43% for the consumer.
This includes all of their debts, including the new housing
obligation. It is important to note that this is for private QM
loans. If the loan the consumer is getting qualified for is an
agency loan (Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac), VA, FHA or USDA
22 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
that debt ratio limit can be exceeded with an automated
approval from the agency’s automated underwriting system.
This leaves MANY of the “normal” loan solutions open to the
same pool of consumers that were available before this rule
went in to affect.
For a loan to be a qualified mortgage, it cannot typically
contain any features that are considered risky in nature. This
means that loans with interest-only payments or negative
amortization will not be readily available after this rule goes
in to affect. If a lender were to extend one of these types
of loans to a consumer, they would have no safe harbor
protection. QM loans may also not be considered “high
priced” to have safe harbor and comply with the ATP rule.
For example, for a first-lien mortgage, the consumer’s annual
percentage rate (APR) cannot be more than 1.5% over the
Average Prime Offer Rate (APOR) on the day their loan was
locked.
One final aspect of the Ability-To-Repay rule and
qualified mortgages are the lender fee caps that have
been put in place. These fee caps were designed to limit
the amount of fees that a consumer can pay for their new
mortgage. For loan amounts above $100,000, the total loan
fees are capped at 3% of the loan amount. For loan amounts
below $100,000 the fee caps are on a sliding scale relative
to the loan amount.
In 2014 it will continue to be important for realtors
and consumers to work with a residential mortgage loan
originator they can trust. It will also be interesting to see
what loan products evolve later in the year for the “non-
QM” mortgages. Many in the industry feel this may prompt a
new beginning for private, alternative lending solutions. We
at Crystal Clear Mortgage are personally going to remain
optimistic and adjust to the ever-changing regulations in
our industry as everyone has had to do over the last decade.
We will continue to offer the best mortgage solutions and
customer service to our customers within the new regulations!
Brian Ward
Crystal Clear Mortgage
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bryan has been in the mortgage industry since
2002. He co-founded Crystal Clear Mortgage, LLC
with Adam Simmons in 2008. Crystal Clear Mortgage
is a mortgage brokerage company offering
Conventional / FHA / VA / USDA loan solutions
throughout the State of Texas. Bryan currently lives
in Montgomery, TX with his wife of 9 years and his
two children.
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 22
1/28/2014 1:23:57 PM
“We are here to help.”
MAKING YOUR OPTIONS
in HOME FINANCING CRYSTAL CLEAR
Our goal at Crystal Clear Mortgage
is to make the loan process as simple and worry-free as possible.
We pride ourselves in offering the highest level of customer service, and appreciate the opportunity
to earn your business. Whether you want to purchase a new home or refinance an existing mortgage,
Crystal Clear Mortgage is here to help every step of the way. Whether you live in The Woodlands,
Lake Conroe, or anywhere in Texas, by putting you first, we assure you a pleasurable transaction.
“Why choose Crystal Clear Mortgage?”
1 We have and always will be PURCHASE
LOAN specialists. 80% of our business over
the last 5 years has been dedicated towards
financing home buyers. This is extremely
important as rising rates are pushing refinance
specialists into the purchase loan arena. Not
doing business with a proven purchase loan
specialist could result in delayed closings.
2 You get to do business with the owners.
That means we truly have a vested interest in
seeing your loan close on time and the terms
exactly as promised.
We specialize in:
Conventional loans (did you know you can
do a conventional loan with a 3% down
payment?)
100% USDA loans
100% VA loans
FHA/Home Path/Foreclosures & Short Sales
3 AMAZING RATES! Doing business directly with
the owners means you get the best rates available.
Unlike most companies, we do not have commissions
for loan officers, branch managers, or processors
built into our rates to drive them higher. The rate you
get is the rate you get!
4 We are both broker and a banker. This means
we have twice the number of loan products and
solutions as other lenders.
If you are already working with a lender you were
referred to, let us keep them honest. We don’t
even need to see their Good Faith Estimate.
We will just send you ours. You will be impressed!
15320 Hwy 105 West, Suite 206 • Montgomery, TX 77356
Office: 936.447.5626 • Fax: 936.588.5002
Toll Free: 888-634-6911
www.CrystalClearMortgage.com
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 23
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 23
1/28/2014 1:23:58 PM
project: safe id
Reuniting lost children & Protecting our nation's elderly
BY AMANDA HENSLEY
When Brad Schlerf, CEO and creator of Verify ID,
decided to retire from law enforcement after
more than twenty years of service, he wanted to continue
to benefit the community in some way. He spent his time as
an officer on the forefront of computer forensics, evidence
pertaining to technology and gang intelligence, and even
helped to develop the program we now know as D.A.R.E.
(Drug Abuse Resistance Education).
After gaining much experience and expertise in computers,
he created Verify ID, a product that’s now widely used by
small businesses for customer service. The concept takes
the age old idea of a medical bracelet and upgrades it for the
future, which is now. For small business use in any industry
that requires technicians, servicemen or employees to visit a
client’s home or place of business, these revolutionary ID’s
can be used to establish a client-business relationship and
factor of trust from the very first scheduled appointment.
Say an air conditioning company had Verify IDs
made for every technician employed. When a client
calls to schedule an appointment, they receive an
email containing their technician’s name, photo and
information that the company has disclosed on
their profile ahead of time (certifications,
hobbies, etc.)
The client can then verify the
technician’s ID when they arrive at their
home with the badge, which contains
the technician’s photo, name and a QR
code that can be scanned. In an office
environment, VerifyID bracelets, another tag
option, can be used for employee identification
by connecting pertinent emergency contact
or medical information supplied with their
personalized QR code. Some companies have
chosen to list biographies, licenses, social media and
website links, contact information and even videos or images,
all at your fingertips by simply scanning their ID. The beauty
of this product is that it’s all completely customizable. “You
tell us what you want included and I’ll tell you, ‘Sure!’ says
Schlerf.
While Schlerf was excited about the Verify ID project,
there was still something more he felt like he could be doing.
Giving back to the community he served for so long, even if
he wasn’t in law enforcement any longer, has always been
his main focus. Schlerf said, “There are over 800,000 children
reported missing every year, and of those over 85% are just
kids who are lost, non-criminal in nature. Those are the ones
we’re focusing on.”
In January, he and his company decided to take the ID
concept to the next level and launched Project Safe ID, a
revolutionary concept that merges the Verify ID product with
the situation that every parent dreads; your child missing. For
a mere $20 a year, you can enroll your child in this program
and receive three tags, choosing from five different styles,
with your child’s picture, first name only and a personalized
QR code.
When their code is scanned, there’s an option to direct
dial Mom and/or Dad, other emergency contacts, emergency
medical information, such as food allergies, and more. Just
like the Verify ID’s, these are 100% customizable for your child,
and are ideal for situations where your special-needs child is
lost, an emergency occurs and they’re unresponsive, or
just too scared to articulate answers to questions
being asked of them.
With the age of smart-phones and other
mobile devices, almost anyone within walking
distance of your child can be of assistance
in the event that they’re separated from
you, emergency respondents included.
There’s even a way for parents to access
their account and flag their child as a
documented missing child, ensuring that if
their ID is scanned, it will pop up with an
extra alert.
It’s important to note that a child’s
information will never be listed in their
database until a personalized ID number
has been created.
Even more, there’s a line of Project
Safe ID for seniors and pets. “We’ve spent
thousands [of dollars] working on this project, but
that’s not the point. Every child, senior citizen and pet that’s
returned home safely, or gets medical attention they need
quickly is what makes it all worth it,” says Schlerf. “That’s why
this is a completely not-for-profit project.” These are perfect
for medical institutions, veterinary offices, or even entire
school districts to use as their campus ID’s. It’s just about
getting the word out there now.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Project Safe ID by visiting
www.verify-id.com
24 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 24
1/28/2014 1:24:00 PM
2014 housing trends
corporate
housing
Good News! According to the
Urban Land Institute, Houston has been
ranked #2 as the real estate market
to watch in 2014. So what is driving
this and what can we expect for real
estate trends in 2014 in Houston and
surrounding areas?
One of the biggest markets that
real estate investors watch is where
the Millennial Generation is moving.
They are expected to continue heading
to second-tier cities such as Austin,
Portland & Dallas over traditional cities
like New York City and San Francisco.
These second-tier cities tend to have
more housing deals making prospects
for real estate investors more attracted
to cities such as San Jose, Miami and
Houston. The real estate recovery
always hinges on job growth. Texas
continues to have consistent growth
while other states face continuing
challenges.
During the recent recession
there were noticeable demands
for apartments, this was due to
homeowners who turned renters.
This created a surge in multi-family
developments, perhaps maybe even
some over building occurred, which
would lead to a slow-down of new
multi-family construction.
Another area of housing that is
expected to be slower than normal is
condo development. With the recovery
of the condominium market and the
over development of apartments,
we may see some rental apartment
properties switching to condos in the
next 12-16 months. These properties
also accommodate the continued
demand for urban development.
The increased interest in urban over
suburban developments are expected
to continue in most cities where
amenities and public transportation are
available.
It is predicted that 2014 will be the
last year that low inventory will aid
sellers and allow for increased pricing to
slow down. Within some hot real estate
markets like Houston, the distressed
property inventory has been drying
up allowing sellers to squeeze eager
investors and buyers for better profits.
In 2013 there was a sense of urgency
from buyers and investors trying to
take advantage of low mortgage rates
and affordable housing. With the
limited housing availability, many areas
experienced double-digit increases in
home prices, however this is expected
to correct itself in 2014 with most
markets only rising 3-6 percent in 2014.
service solutions
relocation
services
housing
solutions
temporary
furnished
lodging
Tina Clarke
CHSRS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tina Clarke is the Global Mobility Director with
CHSRS corporate housing solutions. With over
20 years of sales leadership, customer service
and marketing experience she is focused
on strengthening hte CHSRS brand both domestically
and globally by insuring the success
and satisfaction of her clients. She can be
reached at (713) 204-2300 or tina@chsrs.com
Be seen. Be heard.
713-204-2300
www.CHSRS.com
onthetown 25
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 25
1/28/2014 1:24:02 PM
HOW DO
YOU VIEW
YOUR
MARKETING
BUDGET...
As an Expen$e
or an Investment?
Your answer to this question could very
well be the key to your business growth or
the reason for your revenue decline.
In my previous 2 articles I have discussed the importance
of possessing the correct mindset and being intentional with
our decisions. The development of these characteristics is
the foundation to creating systems in your business that
make your marketing dollars work for you.
If you view marketing for your business as an expense,
think about your expectation of the results. You are telling
yourself that you are spending money, not investing it. On
the other hand, if you truly believe that every $1 you invest
in a marketing vehicle will return more than that original
$1 invested then you understand what marketing truly is. A
business investment!
So how do you create a marketing plan that turns the
dollars you spend into an investment?
Set a marketing budget!
How much would you be willing to invest if you knew
that every $1 spent on marketing would provide $5 back to
your business? Most of you would invest every available
dollar! You do not have to have $5,000 to invest in marketing.
26 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 26
1/28/2014 1:24:03 PM
I know of several marketing vehicles that are less than $100
per month that have high returns. What I also know is that
when I ask business owners to show me how much they
have planned to invest in marketing this month, the answer
is ZERO! If you invest Zero then you should expect to get
that back. Decide how much you can invest and then create
your plan.
Identify your target market!
Who are your best clients? Write down what qualities
they have and why they are your best clients. What service or
product appeals the most to them? What demographics or
industries are they in? Get specific. Once you figure out who
(customer) you specifically want, it is much easier to create
marketing pieces, letters, emails or any type of advertising
that speaks directly to your target market.
Create a powerful offer
Why should someone buy your product or services? Any
business that lives on price will end up dying on price. Create
marketing that communicates what makes your business
unique. At ActionCOACH we call it a U.S.P. (unique selling
proposition). Add a valuable guarantee and now you have an
offer that will get your TARGET MARKET’S attention.
Test and Measure your marketing
If you were asked to invest dollars on a company’s stock
but would not be provided with any information on how the
investment was performing, would you do it? Obviously not!
You are investing marketing dollars so you must train your
team to ask about each new inquiry/sale and record that
information. Track this data weekly so you can calculate
the ROI (return on investment). This applies to your website
traffic as well!
As a business owner coach I take the mystery out of
business processes that include how to grow your business
through marketing. I am an educational resource and
accountability partner that stretches you and your team to
achieve results you have not been able to by doing it on your
own. Reach out to us if you would like for us to critique your
current marketing plan.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bob Keplinger
Action Coach
Bob Keplinger is a people, sales and operations specialist.
He is consistently asked to lead businesses
that are in need of a positive change. He has a fantastic
record of creating an energized, engaged
environment in which his divisions produced record
revenues while simultaneously improving bottom
line profits to the organization.
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 27
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 27
1/28/2014 1:24:05 PM
on the grid
CUSTOMER-DRIVEN
ONLINE MARKETING
6 HOT TIPS FOR 2014
Content marketing, a buzz word heard in seminar after seminar, seen across internet sources and
saturating the news and social media channels, was a big deal in 2013. In 2014, it is no surprise that
it will be even bigger.
“Content marketing is a marketing technique of creating
and distributing relevant and valuable content to attract, acquire,
and engage a clearly defined and understood target
audience – with the objective of driving profitable customer
action” (contentmarketinginstitute.com.)
To put it in terms we understand well as consumers ourselves:
We WILL ignore advertisement that is not relevant.
We WILL fast forward through commercials on previously
recorded tv shows. We WILL NOT click on links unless accompanied
by information that attracts and engages our attention.
Sounds scary for advertisers, right? Maybe not and
here’s why. If you are in business, you have a product or service
that is relevant, interesting and desirable to consumers
and clients. Your goal IS to drive profitable customer action
– getting your customers to find value in your product or
services and to make an investment profitable for you both.
Content marketing brings customer interaction online, potentially
reaching more of your target audience in less time.
Now, THAT can become very profitable!
6 HOT TIPS for online marketing in 2014:
1. Effective content marketing will be more consumer-focused.
Find out who your niche audience is and cater your
content to that specific group.
2. Social Media will become less about popularity and more
about attracting the right people and providing them with the
experience they are seeking. You do have to join every social
network, not even all of the major ones. Find out where your
audience “hangs out” and invest your time there.
3. HYPE is OUT. Instead, use simple and genuine messages.
Search engines are making a huge effort to produce relevant
results, weeding out anything that sounds like SPAM. Why?
Because that is what the CONSUMER wants. If they find what
they are looking for on your site, they are more likely to con
vert, which in the long run is what will make you profitable.
SPAM is a waste of time, money and reputation.
4. Mobile devices are on the rise. Effective content marketing
will be mobile-device friendly, yet still preserve the full-site
user experience. If users cannot access your content from
their mobile device, they will quickly move on to something
more accessible.
5. Be visually stimulating. Images, info graphics and videos
are not just for YouTube and Pinterest and go a long way in
attracting attention quickly. Use these things to pique interest
and then drive the traffic to a source of more information
such as a website or blog.
6. Speaking of blogs, they can be one of your very best tools
for conversion. When you write a blog entry that is relevant
and interesting, include an image and post it to your social
media page, the intrigued user clicks on the link to view the
entry – leading them to your website instead of just being a
page that someone liked because “they might find it valuable
one day.” No matter how big your fan club grows, if they are
not paying attention and engaging with you, they do nothing
for your business. A blog is also a great way to keep your
content fresh and new, which plays a part in boosting your
website’s ranking in search engines.
You already know that your business must be driven by
customer’s needs. Extend your customer service strategy to
include an online marketing plan that is consumer-focused
and begin to attract a loyal and relevant fan club. that continue
to come back and refer others, giving the term “word of
mouth” a powerful new meaning.
Whether you are just starting with a website or social
media or have been wandering through platforms trying to
make sense of them for some time, we can help. Consider
one of our free consultations, where we will assess your
needs and make recommendations tailored toward your specific
customer base.
Traci M. Huhn
Allymac Concepts
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Traci Huhn is the owner and Creative Director of
Allymac Concepts, a local copywriting and design
company. With over 7 years of experience in web
design, marketing and graphic design, Traci and the
Allymac Concepts team is available to answer questions
pertaining to your business needs. Call
(936) 756-3201 or email info@allymacconcepts.com
28 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 28
1/28/2014 1:24:07 PM
2014
CAREER WORKOUT
AND RÉSUMÉ MAKEOVER
Happy 2014! Now that Auld Lang Syne has once more
been sung and an estimated 1 billion have watched the
Waterford Chrystal ball drop in New York’s Times Square,
many reflect nostalgically on the past and make personal
resolutions for the future. Most merely focus their New Year
resolutions towards physical improvement such as nutrition,
diet and exercise. Because of this, you can get a leg up by
concentrating on your career by giving your résumé a little
“lift and tuck” or perhaps a total body makeover by capturing
your success stories and accomplishments of the last 12
months while they are still fresh in your mind. Let's get your
résumé in shape with a few exercises.
BEGINNING YOUR WORKOUT
• Begin by updating your personal information:
• Delete physical addresses as they are no longer used
as a way of communication while job searching and may
lead to identity theft from jobs posted on the internet.
• Remove any work or fax numbers. Check your cell
number to be sure it is current and accurate.
• Use a professional email address (i.e. annemariepark@
gmail.com not hottyhotstuff@hotpeople.com).
STRETCHING YOUR MEMORY
Ask yourself these questions:
• Have you attended any classes, workshops, or
professional training courses? Won any awards or
received certifications?
• During the last year, how did you save or make the
company money? Improve efficiency?
• What new software applications or programs did you
use?
• Have you worked on any new projects?
• Did you receive a promotion or other commendation?
Now add these things to your résumé.
GAINING MUSCLE USING PAR STATEMENTS
PAR stands for Problem-Action-Result. PAR statements
take advantage of using numbers, dollar figures and
percentages to tell a business story – in this case YOUR story.
It’s a known fact that using PAR statements to illustrate the
impact you have made in your career will yield a greater
impression by proving what you have accomplished in the
past therefore signifying what you can bring to the table in
the future.
Here’s how it works:
Problem: What problem have you solved this year?
Action: What action did you take to resolve the problem?
Result: What was the result of your action?
Now create a sentence that quantifies your statements
with percentages, money saved or time saved. Example PAR
statement used by a Website Designer:
“Designed new Flash web site based on competitive
market evaluations and client needs, resulting in a 70%
increase in web site traffic and 55% profit margin for the
client.”
Anyone can take advantage of PAR statements… from a
position in the mailroom to the CEO of the company!
BODY BUILDING – CREATING A QUALIFICATION
SUMMARY
Revamp your résumé by replacing the outdated Objective
Statement at the top of your résumé with a Qualifications
Summary. A well-written Qualifications Summary should
showcase and highlight your top accomplishments and
achievements. To do this, ask yourself what have you done
career-wise that you are most proud of. Add the top 4 – 6 of
these things to your Qualifications Summary in bullet form
directly under your name and contact information using PAR
statements.
WORKING OUT USING 2014 TECHNOLOGY
1. Create a hyperlink in your electronic résumé to your
email address in your contact information.
2. Create live links to your professional websites, online
resumes and career profiles such as LinkedIn.
3. Speaking of which, don’t forget to update all other
career tools such as LinkedIn and any online resumes or
professional websites you’ve created with your new résumé
updates.
Even if you own your own business or are not presently
looking for employment, keeping this information up-to-date
will make sure you are at your professional best at all times.
Mariann Seigert Levin
Omega Enterprises
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mariann Siegert Levin is President of Omega Enterprises
specializing in helping non-profits and businesses
succeed through educational seminars, consulting
and marketing services. She is a Local Area
Expert for Constant Contact in Social Media Marketing
and Email Marketing. She is also the author
of Hired! eWorkshop (available through Amazon).
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 29
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 29
1/28/2014 1:24:08 PM
Russell Miller
weathering the test of time
fairweather group
BY AMANDA HENSLEY
Experience, quality and honesty empower the Fairweather
Group to excel at building what its clients desire.
Beginning as a company that conducted only repairs on
service stations, Fairweather Group grew into an all-inclusive
construction firm specializing in building and repairing service
stations. In an effort to streamline the company, owner
Russell Miller sold the service repair side of the business in
1985 and to focus solely upon construction. After completing
the Dobbin Community Center, the company found greater
exposure resulting in more opportunities and contracts. It
was during this time Fairweather Group began doing work
for Montgomery County and expanding to other projects and
organizations seeking quality construction services.
" I enjoy driving by a project 10 to 15 years later and see it's
still there and still looks good."
-Russell Miller
Fairweather Group prides itself upon providing quality
work within a client’s budget, and delivering it within a
reasonable time-frame. “The market in Montgomery County
has diminished in terms of profitability,” commented Russell
Miller. “A client’s choice is no longer always based on
craftsmanship or character anymore, but rather who has the
lowest number. That’s a reality in today’s market, but not what
we stand for.” The group’s almost 30 years of experience
allows it to take on a diverse selection of project types with
confidence and skill.
Transforming an old mechanic’s shop into a first class
facility for the Montgomery County Forensics Center and
morgue is one of the Fairweather Group’s latest projects.
“It was a challenge for us to be out of our comfort zone,”
Miller said, “but we gladly learned as much as we could about
the forensics industry so that anyone could walk into that
building after we were done and feel like it was built just for
them. Since 1996, the company has played an integral role
in revitalizing the dilapidated buildings of Historic Downtown
Conroe. “I enjoy driving by a project 10 to 15 years later and
see it’s still there and still looks good,” Miller added.
Watching his father run a successful business, Miller
says, is what laid the foundation for him to be effective in
establishing Fairweather Group and maintaining its success.
“Some of the greatest modern day businesses are those that
embrace a family tradition and continue it for generations
to come,” Miller said. “My wife, family, great employees and
great customers are what make my job enjoyable every day
and I’m very thankful.”
For a project that will stand the test of time, the
Fairweather Group can help.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Or a project bid visit www.fairweathergrp.com
or call 936-756-6446.
30 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 30
1/28/2014 1:24:13 PM
Mayor Pro Tem Guy Martin, Pitcher Mike Foltynewicz , Outfielder Robby Grossman,
Outfielder L.J. Hoes, Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Elias & Radio Broadcaster
Robert Ford.
astros raise a
flag in conroe
It was a chilly morning, but not cold enough to keep
Montgomery County Astros fans away from seeing a few of
the 2014 players up close and personal.
On January 22, 2014, the Astros Caravan made a stop at
the Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce
for a special flag raising ceremony. Mike Elias, the Director
of Amateur Scouting for the Astros Organization, spoke to
the crowd of what the organziation is doing to improve their
line up. "It's always very encouraging to hear fans that are
following what we're doing as an organization," commented
Elias. Both Robert Ford, Radio Broadcaster for the Astros,
and Elias spoke of the direction the team is headed for 2014.
"We're excited to see the Astros grow and improve with the
new talent that's coming up through the local farm teams
now. We've got great prospects for this next season and
going forward," stated Elias. "That's the whole purpose of our
tour, is to get people excited again about Houston Baseball."
Mayor Pro Tem Guy Martin welcomed the crowd with
excitement as a long Time Colt 45/Astros fan, and with
anticipation for this next season.
The Astros flag was raised by Martin and Chamber
President, Scott Harper. Martin closed with "We're Conroe.
We're 40 miles North [of Houston]. The Astros is our team."
Fairweather Group is an elite general contracting firm that well suits
the needs of your project. Our commitment to the community and its
development is the driving force behind our organization.
The firm is fully bonded and insured, making your project more
worry-free. Our reputation for service is impeccable, and our list of
service capabilities includes:
•Design Build
•Construction Management
•Office/Warehouse Construction
•Historic Preservation
•Municipal Buildings
•Metal Buildings
For over a decade, Fairweather Group has been producing high quality
construction projects throughout Southeast Texas. One reason why our
buildings stand the test of time is because of the Fairweather people
who build them.
www.fairweathergrp.com
936.756.6446
Premium Quality Construction Services
Quality Service, Quality Results
333 N Rivershire Dr., Suite 200
Conroe, TX 77304
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 31
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 31
1/28/2014 1:24:18 PM
Bob Keplinger
yOUR sUCCESS COACH!
The Right Way/ActionCOACH
BY JAKE BUCKLER
Looking to take your business to the next level and beyond? It’s all a matter of
having the right coach, and Bob Keplinger of The Right Way Group knows he is the
man for the job.
A franchise of the world-renowned Australian
entrepreneur Bradley J. Sugars, The Right Way Group LLC
dba/ActionCOACH of N. Houston considers themselves
“business accelerators. Its members educate entrepreneurs
and owners on the fundamentals of operating a business
with the group’s a proprietary “Five Ways” methodology. This
unique approach serves as a platform that allows owners to
transcend their investment from a “job” they’ve created for
themselves into a thriving, successful business that is able
to operate with them, if need be. In the thriving business
community that The Woodlands has become, The Right Way
Group’s services have definitely found a home!
The origins of ActionCOACH are rather humble indeed
– the business started in the back bedroom of a suburban
home owned by Bradley J. Sugars back in 1993. “He started
his business by teaching other business owners how to grow
their sales and marketing results,” explained Bob Keplinger.
“The success of ActionCOACH is attributed to the fact that
Brad applies the strategies each coach uses with business
owners.” Since then, Keplinger says Sugars’ company has
coaches across the globe, and is ranked as one of the Top 25
Fastest Growing Franchises on the planet as well as the No.
1 Business Consulting Franchise.
An ActionCOACH franchise, The Right Way Group
coaches business owners to effectively take control of
their enterprises and turn them into successful, profitable
businesses. This, Keplinger says, can be a tough job at times.
“A coach is also an unreasonable friend,” he added. “Most
business owners do not have a mentor that has their best
interests in mind but who will also be brutally honest. We all
32 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
need accountability and motivation in our lives, which is why
our coaches push their clients to achieve the best possible
results they can deliver. Our coaches have accountability
through the fact that we guarantee our results.”
The Right Way Group teaches business owners how to
set realistic goals and urges them to stay present and achieve
their dreams one day at a time. “Every day I meet people who
are so focused on the future that they cannot see all the
opportunity today brings,” Keplinger said. “We all have the
capability, and responsibility, to provide for our families and
community; but the only way to accomplish that is to take
advantage of the time we have been granted each day. When
we take advantage of each small opportunity, we create a
foundation of learning and team building that is rock solid
and incredibly powerful. As a result of this focus, Most of our
clients experience measureable improvements in the first 30
days after hiring us!”
Like the many businesspeople and organizations its
members coach, The Right Way Group’s long-term vision is
also based upon growth. “Our firm will grow into 15 coaches,”
Keplinger said, “and include service offerings for any size
business. Over the next few years, we believe we can create
more jobs in this area than the largest employer through our
education and motivation of business owners.”
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
About Action Coach of North Houston call at
(281) 602-8030 or visit
www.actioncoachleverage.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 32
1/28/2014 1:24:23 PM
4
GADGETS geeks
Pop Quiz Clock
Show off your love for all things
mathematical. Hang this clock on
your wall and test your ability to
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USB Thermoelectric Warmer
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A retro-stylin’ way to keep your
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Cubelets - Modular Robotics
Construction Kit
Cublets robotic cubes snap together
to build a robot and its behavior!
$159.95 /// scientificsonline.com
The Dipr Cookie Spoon
Enjoy dunking your cookies in milk
at your desk without worrying about
the mess! The dipr spoon holds the
cookie by the cream and prevents
crumbling when dunked.
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Dr. Who Disappearing Tardis Mug
Travel through time and watch the
magic unfold as the TARDIS appear
and disapper when you pour and
drink your morning coffee!
$14.99/// gadgetsandgear.com
Be seen. Be heard.
Star Wars Character Cases
For iPhone 5
Turn your iPhone 5 or 5S into your
favorite Star Wars character!
$24.99 /// thinkgeek.com
onthetown 33
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 33
1/28/2014 1:24:26 PM
Brian Ward & Adam Simmons
crystal clear mortgage
BY JAKE BUCKLER
Experience, communication and customer service,
these qualities and the trust they build is what
Crystal Clear Mortgage continues to offer area residents.
Based in Montgomery, Crystal Clear Mortgage specializes
in residential mortgage services such as home purchase
loans and home refinance loans for primary and secondary
homes as well as investment properties. While everyone on
“Team CCM” are experts at these services, the company prides
itself on the manner in which those services are delivered.
As its name implies, the company’s members strive to be an
open book during the loan process by offering open lines of
communication to all parties involved to keep the process
on track.
“There are no middlemen or multiple layers of management.
Our clients get to do business directly with the owners. This
allows us to provide our clients with the lowest possible
interest rates and fee structures for which they qualify.”
- Adam Simmons
Crystal Clear Mortgage was founded in 2008 when
experienced residential mortgage loan originators Adam
Simmons and Bryan Ward saw a better way to offer their
services. “We both were working for another residential
mortgage company,” said Simmons, “managing different
divisions. Those two divisions merged and Bryan and I
started working together. After a year, we decided we could
do it better from an internal standpoint and give clients a
much better customer service experience.” The two stepped
out on their own with Crystal Clear, which they based in
Montgomery, where the company’s owners have lived for
more than 10 years.
With Simmons and Ward at the helm of Crystal Clear,
clients get the benefit of their combined 22 years’ experience
in home loan origination. As a company, Simmons says
“old school customer service” is what makes Crystal Clear
Mortgage unique. “It’s embarrassing to say, but a lot of
mortgage lenders don’t know how to take care of the people
that take care of them,” he commented. “Our name, Crystal
Clear Mortgage, says it all. Every aspect of the loan process
is communicated so our customers and realtor partners don’t
have to call us for updates.” Simmons says CCM’s greatest
strength, however, is its dedicated staff, which includes
Sandra James and Lorrayne Middleton. “Both of these ladies
have proven themselves invaluable assets to the business,”
he added, “and they do a lot to increase our good reputation
in the community.” Between the two of them, Sandra and
Lorrayne have more than 20 combined years of mortgage
industry experience.
The experience and openness offered at Crystal
Clear benefits local residents in two ways. “There are no
middlemen or multiple layers of management,” Simmons
said, “our clients get to do business directly with the owners.
This allows us to provide our clients with the lowest possible
interest rates and fee structures for which they qualify.”
Because of Crystal Clear’s customer service, local realtors
who refer clients to the company often earn future referrals
from CCM’s customers. “As a realtor, referring a client to us is
an awesome responsibility,” Simmons added, “and we take it
very seriously.”
Looking forward, Crystal Clear Mortgage has a definite
vision for its future. “We are working with investors to deliver
a one-time close construction loan back to the market,”
Simmons explained. “We’re also looking to hire new loan
officers this year so we can expand our brick-and-mortar
presence into different communities.”
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call (936) 447-5626 or visit
www.crystalclearmortgage.com
34 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 34
1/28/2014 1:24:31 PM
Hello
my name is
2nd Annual Energy
Network Expo
April 3, 2014
The Woodlands
Waterway Marriott
Hotel & Convention Center
www.energynetworkexpo.com
Greater Conroe Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce
Business Connect Seminar
February 6, 2014
12:00pm-2:00pm
The Chamber of Commerce
505 W. Davis St. Conroe, TX 77301
For more information contact:
Cassandra Roschen 936.756.6644
cassandrar@conroe.org
Greater Conroe Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce
Lunch & Learn Workshop Seminar - Bruce May of Bizperity
March 20, 2014
11:30am-1:00pm
The Chamber of Commerce
505 W. Davis St. Conroe, TX 77301
For more information contact:
Cassandra Roschen 936.756.6644
cassandrar@conroe.org
MC Pros Montgomery County Professionals
Networking Luncheon every Tuesday
11:30m – 1:00pm
Wild Ginger
3061 I-45 Frontage Rd #100, Conroe, TX 77304
For more information contact:
Richard Martin Integrated Financial Resources: 281.799.1887 or
r-martin@consolidated.net
The Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce
Networking Breakfast
March 11, 2014
7:30am - 9:00am
Eden Cafe
33418 Egypt Ln, Magnolia, TX, 77354
For more information contact: Ashley Thompson 832.934.2300
The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce
Young Professional Networking Breakfast
February 19, 2014
7:00am-8:00am
Brio
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr, Ste 303 The Woodlands, TX 77380
For more information contact: Cyndi Alvarado 281.363.8109 or
Email cyndi.alvarado@woodlandschamber.org
Woodlands Christian Business Network
Networking Breakfast every Wednesday
7:30am
IHOP
25619 I-45, Spring, TX 77380
Free & Open to the public.
WOAMTEC Magnolia
Meeting every 1st & 3rd Thursday
11:30am-1:00pm
Unami Grill
6960 FM 1488 Rd #100 Magnolia, TX 77354
For more information contact: Tanya Lavoie 713.614.7187
WOAMTEC The Woodlands
Meeting every 1st & 3rd Wednesday
11:30am-1:00pm
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
For more information contact: Kiki Koymarianos 727.244.2680
WOAMTEC Conroe
Meeting every 1st and 3rd Tuesday
11:30 am-1:00pm
Chocolate Passion
1520 N. Frazier St., Conroe, TX 77301
For more information contact: Sonja Barnes 281.364.6696
Women & Wine on Wednesday
Meeting every 3rd Wednesday @ various locations throughout
Montgomery County
11:30 am-1:00pm
March - Crescent moon Wine Bar & Restaurant
440 Rayford Rd, #115A, Spring, TX 77386
The Woodlands Chamber Golf Classic
March 24, 2014
10:00am Scramble Shotgun Start
The Woodlands Country Club Palmer Course
For more information contact: Ashley Byers, Director of Special
Events at 281.363.8110 or
ashley.byers@woodlandschamber.org
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 35
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 35
1/28/2014 1:24:33 PM
skeltoN BUSINESS EQUIPMENT
serving customers from galveston to conroe since 1978
BY JAKE BUCKLER
Exceeding the expectations of its customers by
treating them the way everybody expects to be
treated – this is the motto of Skelton Business Equipment.
The company was founded in 1978 by Randy Skelton,
who started the business purely out of necessity. A small
business with a focus on serving customers in the greater
Tomball/Magnolia area, Skelton Business Equipment built a
loyal customer base and enjoyed a solid reputation in the
community. On January 1, 1999, the business was purchased
by Jim Beyer who, with the help of his wife Barbie, has grown
Skelton Business Equipment into the full-service copier,
printer and scanner sales and leasing company it is today.
“Skelton Business Equipment offered the foundation I was
looking for,” said Jim, “and I knew we could grow it into a
multi-million dollar operation. Now, we service customers all
over the greater Houston area, from Galveston to Conroe.”
“We plan on providing the same great service to the greater
Houston area that we have been for the past 35 years...”
-Jim Beyer
Jim says he’s been asked many times why he decided to
keep the name Skelton Business Equipment and he always
gives the same answer. “The company name had a great
reputation,” he said, “so why make a change? Everyone knows
the name and how well we service our clients, including our
competitors. Even today, it’s hard to find someone who’s
unhappy with our services.” Jim added that the past 15 years
have been a rewarding experience for him, his wife and
everyone at Skelton Business Equipment. He’s especially
proud of his staff, most of who have been with the company
for more than ten years. “It’s more of us to keep up with the
continued growth!” Jim added.
While the folks at Skelton Business Equipment sell and
service copiers, printers, scanners and fax machines, they truly
pride themselves on the service they offer. They provide free
same-day or next-day delivery as well as free set-up. They
also offer remote network support for setting up printing/
scanning on new computers and fix connectivity issues. “Most
of us, including sales, service, and administrative employees,
have been here more than 10 years,” said Collin Grimes, IT
Manager/Sales. “You'll get the same name, voice and face
that you’ve always had. The benefits of having a long-term
business relationship speak for themselves.” Grimes added
that most of the company’s customers have been with
Skelton Business Equipment for 10 years or more.
Looking ahead isn’t hard to do for the folks at Skelton
Business Equipment because
the roadmap to their success
has been laid out long ago.
“We plan on providing the
same great service to the
greater Houston area that
we have been for the past 35
years,” Jim said. “We also plan
on expanding our horizons
with our website and online
availability. Our new business
comes mostly from wordof-mouth,
so we’re looking
forward to utilizing the latest
means to reach more clients.”
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
About Skelton Business Equipment call
(281) 351-5128 or visit www.equipmybiz.com
36 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 36
1/28/2014 1:24:42 PM
Ingredients of Outliers
by John Shufeldt
Dr. John Shufeldt is an unusual and productive
professional by any standard. He is a doctor and a lawyer
who has created several remarkably successful health care
companies and he continues to practice medicine, teach law,
and serve as an advisor to numerous organizations. He has
also conducted extensive research and analyzed what he
calls “the outliers” – and defined what makes extraordinary
people achieve their best performance.
His book, Ingredients of Outliers zeroes in what it
takes to make real difference. He has shared what he has
learned about that magical, mysterious, extra something that
unleashes the maximum potential in all of us. And the things
WWAF half pg:Layout 1 1/24/14 12:47 PM Page 1
that you see in the habits of those who produce the most
remarkable and noteworthy achievements may surprise you.
“What separates outliers from others,” he says, “is more
about humility, perseverance and attitude than intellect and
what the world obliges you. Everyone has the capacity for
greatness. You have the capacity to become an outlier by
pursuing your passion thereby achieving your dreams.”
John’s philosophy is captured and exemplified in the
words he uses in his email signature: Gear Up!
“People look at high-achievers and think that it must
have been easy for them,” he says. “What they don’t see are
the numbers of failures, the hours of practice, and the level
of humility it takes to eventually become an outlier.”
Ingredients of Outliers shows that we all have potential
the ingredients to become an outlier, if we emulate some of
those traits which have worked so well for others. The book
offers inspirational stories and techniques that can help an
individual go from average to extraordinary. Each and every
tactic offered is designed to motivate people to step outside
their comfort zone to join the ranks of the outliers. The book
contains sharp, practical ideas to help people find their edge
and break through to new levels of performance success.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
List $19.95 Trade Paperback $9.99 Kindle
edition 200 pages, Published by Outlier
Publishing June 26, 2013
200 Juried
Fine Artists & Craftsmen
APRIL12-13
Saturday10 am -7 pm
Sunday10 am -5pm
Admission $12 / Weekend Pass $15
Children under12 admitted FREE
Ranked #1 arts show
in Texas and
#3 in the nation
~Art Fair SourceBook
Featured
Glass Artists
Paul Willsea &
Carol O’Brien
Proceeds from the festival benefit area non-profit art organizations in Montgomery County.
www.WoodlandsArtsFestival.com
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 37
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 37
1/28/2014 1:24:49 PM
pay it forward calendar
"we make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give."
-winston churchill-
March 1, 2014
Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Marathon
St. Luke's The Woodlands Half Marathon
Fleet Feet Sports 5K, Marathon Relay
Start Times:
Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay @ 7AM
5K @ 7:10AM
For more information visit
TheWoodlandsMarathon.com
february 27-28, 2014
The Woodlands Marathon Health & Fitness Expo
3-7PM Thursday, & 10AM-8PM Friday
@ The Woodlands Waterway Marriott-North Exhibit Hall
1601 Lake Robbins Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
For more information visit
TheWoodlandsMarathon.com
FEBRUARY 28, 2014
Pathfinder Pediatric 2K Fun Run/Walk
Start Time 6:30PM @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
2005 Lake Robbins Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
For more information visit
TheWoodlandsMarathon.com
april 4-5, 2014
Relay For Life
7PM April 4 - 7AM April 5 @ College Park High School Track
All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Come
for food, music, dancing, silent auction, testimonials of cancer
survivors and to support those relay teams walking to raise
awareness.
For more information or to donate visit www.cancer.org
april 7, 2014
5th Annual Texas Mariner Classic Golf Tournament
@ The Woodlands Country Club - Palmer Course
For tournament information or sponsorship inquiries, please
contact: Phone (207) 326-2372
Fax (207) 326-2513
Email: cdagan@mma.edu
april 12-13, 2014
9th Annual Woodlands Waterway Festival
Aprill 11, 10AM-7PM & April 12 10AM-5PM @ The Woodlands
Town Center - Including Town Green Park, along The Waterway
from the Marriott to Grogan's Mill Road.
2099 Lake Robbins Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
For more information visit
WoodlandsArtFestival.com
April 12, 2014
"Betting on Courage-Casino Night"
Dinner & Fundraiser
Live Music by "The Beagles"
Silent Auction
6:30PM @ The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
2301 N. Millbend Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
To purchase tickets or to inquire about sponsor contribution
levels, please visit www.ChildrensSafeHarbor.org and click on
the “Fundraising” tab, or call (936) 756-4644 ext. 235.
may 17, 2014
Memorial Hermann's IRONMAN Texas
The race will start with a 2.4 mile swim in Lake Woodlands,
followed by the 112 mile bike course and ends with a 26.2
mile run. Stop by Waterway Avenue to see the IRONMAN
participants run through the finish line!
For more information visit : http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/
events/americas/ironman/texas.aspx#axzz2mcOqTyoq
38 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 38
1/28/2014 1:24:50 PM
Sundays: The Farmhouse
There was a preacher who saved up enough money to
buy a few inexpensive acres. A run down farmhouse
sat on the property. The land was overrun with old tree
stumps, rusted pieces of machinery, and a fence in disrepair.
The whole scene was a mess. During his spare time the
preacher rolled up his sleeves and went to work. He hauled
off the junk, repaired the fence, pulled away the stumps, and
replanted new trees.
Then he refurbished the old house into a quaint cottage.
It took years to finish, but was certainly worth the effort. One
day, when he was trimming the hedges, a neighbor walked
over and said, “Well, preacher, I have to hand it to you. It looks
like you and the Lord have done a pretty good job with this
place.” The preacher wiped the sweat from his brow and said,
“Yeah, I suppose we have. But you should have seen it when
the Lord had it all to himself.”
John Wesley said, “Pray as though it all depends on God,
then work as though it all depends on you.” The Apostle Paul
was a church planter and missionary. But he was also a tent
maker. He understood work. He said, “We are God’s fellow
workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Whatever your work, make God
your partner. You will be amazed at all you can do . . . together.
Dr. Mark Denison
First Baptist Church of Conroe
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Denison serves as pastor of First Baptist Conroe.
He also serves as a chaplain for the Houston Rockets
and as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Houston
Baptist University. He writes a daily newspaper
column, online devotional, and records a daily radio
devotion. His new book, “The Daily Walk,” has just
been released. Mark and his wife Beth have one
son, David. You may contact him by email:
Mark@fbcconroe.org
Be seen. Be heard.
onthetown 39
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 39
1/28/2014 1:24:55 PM
The Woodlands
Ready to add some updates to your living space?
Need some inspiration for your home? Discover new
home products and resources that will increase the value
and livability of both your indoor and outdoor environments
at the 12th Annual Spring Home & Garden Show in The
Woodlands.
If you’ve attended the Spring Home & Garden Shows
previously, you’ll be excited to know what’s new at the 2014
event, set for Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9 at The
Woodlands Waterway Marriott at 1601 Lake Robbins Drive in
The Woodlands.
Exciting new vendors in 2014 include, Wimberley
Glassworks has been creating hand-blown glass lighting and
art pieces in San Marcos, Texas, for over 20 years. They will
be a featured exhibitor showcasing many of the hand-blown
interior and exterior lighting, which will help homeowners “to
see things in a different light.” Owner Tim deJong relocated
to the Hill Country from Canada in 1991 and has grown
Wimberley Glassworks into the premier art glass and custom
light studio in the Southwest. WGW.com.
Outdoor living spaces offer many options for entertaining
family and friends, or growing business relations. Stewart
Land Designs offers a turnkey service from initial consultation
and design to implementation and development with the
help of a professional staff of degreed horticulturists and
landscape designers. This team of talented professionals
can create unique and functional designs using your natural
environment to create aesthetic appeal. At the show, you
will see examples of their creations of serene and tranquil
outdoor living environments through fountains, pools and
waterfalls. StewartLandDesigns.com.
Buddy Lee is a nationally known plant breeder and
horticulturist who crossbred traditional spring-blooming
azaleas with summer-blooming azaleas to invent the Encore
Azaleas, the only patented brand of azaleas to bloom
through spring, summer and fall. Come to the show to learn
more about this amazing plant. EncoreAzalea.com.
Also new to the Spring Home & Garden Show this year
is Cyclers Brewing Craft Beer. Clay Wicker has created craft
beers distributed through Houston’s Silver Eagle Distributors
and brewed just north of Montgomery. Although the brewery
is not open to the public, Spring Home & Garden Show
attendees can enjoy samples of some local favorites from
noon to 4 p.m. on both days.
Patio1, a name known throughout the greater Houston
area for their full-service patio selections designed and
finished to client specifications, will make their Spring Home
& Garden Show debut this year. Its furniture, accessories
and cushions are “made for life” and can be customized by
choice of fabric color for cushions or material -- teak, cast
aluminum, wicker, or wrought iron. Whether your taste leans
toward traditional, contemporary, casual, or rustic -- there is
something for you at Patio1. Patio1.com.
Back by popular demand from spring 2012 is the
Grogan’s Mill Farmers Market. They will be set up at the
show on Sunday. All vendors are local and offer sustainably
and organically grown grass-fed beef, farm-fresh eggs,
locally roasted coffee, local honey, breads and pastries,
prepared tamales, Indian cuisine and Mediterranean food,
bath products, orchids, olives, jellies, sauces and sweets. With
plenty of variety, there will be something for everyone!
Not to be missed at the show, is the ever-popular The
Dining Diva Molly Fowler! Live on the Whirlpool Cooking
Stage, The Dining Diva will demonstrate fun and unique
recipes using the latest products and designs by Whirlpool
Corp. Families will be wowed with easy and entertaining
recipes such as West Texas Chili, Mediterranean Rice Salad
Go Texan and Blue Magnolia Bread Pudding Mix. To preview
The Dining Diva, visit thediningdiva.com.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
About the show, a downloadable showadmission
discount coupon and special
exhibitor offers visit WoodlandsShows.com
40 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 40
1/28/2014 1:24:56 PM
women's
memorial
hermann
memorial
city medical
center
helps parents capture
baby's first days of life
Women’s Memorial Hermann
Memorial City Medical
Center is the first and only hospital
in Houston to offer new parents the
personal, private opportunity to capture
and preserve their baby’s first moments
of life on video.
With this free electronic service,
courtesy of Memorial Hermann’s
partner, Biovideo®, each family
receives a fully customized video
capturing the highlights of a newborn’s
arrival. A professional team of digital
photographers unobtrusively captures
precious moments and emotions
documenting the mother’s first
minutes with the baby and the baby’s
introduction to the rest of the family.
“We believe this new service is a
great way for parents to relax and focus
on their new baby, and not on their
cameras,” said Keith Alexander, chief
executive officer of Memorial Hermann
Memorial City Medical Center. “Parents
have already told us they are excited
to have such an expert product to
show friends and family; they wish they
had something like this for their older
children.”
As soon as a mom knows she is
pregnant, she can register online with
Biovideo® and start uploading prenatal
photographs such as sonograms to a
personal, password-protected profile.
When the new parents are ready to
leave the hospital, they can preview
the electronic video documenting all
the memories captured in the hospital.
Both the video and still photos can be
accessed by mom or dad on a secure
webpage and shared via email or
social media. If parents are interested
in purchasing a hard copy of the video
or downloading it, they can do so for a
nominal fee.
“We believe this new service is a
great way for parents to relax and
focus on their new baby, and not on
their cameras...”
-Keith Alexander
Becker's Hospital Review recently
included Memorial Hermann Memorial
City Medical Center on its list of
“100 Hospitals with Great Women's
Health Programs,” which recognizes
hospitals with exceptional programs
dedicated to the health and wellbeing
of women. The hospitals on
this list have programs that include a
wide range of health care options for
women including gynecologic care,
reproductive medicine, breast health,
as well as emotional support and
behavioral health care options.
All Memorial Hermann facilities
will offer this free, electronic video
service to new parents by May 1, 2014.
To view one of the first videos filmed at
Women’s Memorial Hermann Memorial
City Medical Center, visit http://vimeo.
com/83699029.
Be seen. Be heard.
1.
LISTEN TO
YOUR HEART
Dr Laura Fernandes M.D., F.A.C.C.
Symptoms of a heart attack in
women are different than men.
70% of women experience extreme
fatigue in the days or even weeks
before a heart attack.
2. Debilitating flu like exhaustion.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Mild pain in the chest, sometimes it’s
not just in the region of the heart.
Pressure or achiness can occur in
the breastbone, upper back, neck
shoulders or jaw.
Nausea, dizziness, indigestion or
even vomiting can often occur prior
to a heart attack.
58% of women report breathlessness
panting or inability to carry on a
conversation.
Sleeplessness, trouble falling asleep
or wake up during the night in the
weeks prior to a heart attack.
Anxiety or a sense of impending
doom or fear before a heart attack.
For the heart
from the heart!
DR Laura Fernandes
Interventional Cardiologist
936.559.7997
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
THE WOODLANDS, CONROE & HUNTSVILLE
600 River Pointe Dr. Ste 101
Conroe, TX 77304
onthetown 41
OTT Texas JanFeb Issue.indd 41
1/28/2014 1:24:58 PM
Black Tie & Boots Chairman's Ball
Christian & Chad
Cheshire
Jim & Helen Thornton
Jennifer & Scott Harper
Chris James &
Cassandra Rochen
Becky & Juan Ramirez
Susan Gramling & Steve
Scott
Tim & Jennifer Steen
Steve & Jodi Wright
Denice Cox & Gary Karm
Bobby Richard &
Jessica Feliz
Beverly & Walter Davis
Ruby & Roy Morton
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Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce Members celebrated the chamber's 80th Anniversary on
Saturday, January 18, 2014 at La Torretta Lakeside Resort. The night celebrated Tamara Trow's service for 2013 and
welcomed the new incoming chair, Danielle Schneider.
John & Donna Gilbert
Eric & Cheryl Shaffer
Gina Brown &
Tom Walden
Chuck & Darlene Vantine
Rosalia Burke,
Hilton & Alison Yee
Duke & Tamarah Coon
Arnette & Sherry Easley
Lauren Dunnaway, John
Hamati & Jeanene Butler
Chris & Ericka Easley
Tom & Tami Michel
Sarah Phillips &
Dan Taylor
Ross & Diana Silva
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questions
to ask your doctor
5Heart disease – also called cardiovascular disease — is
the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting
75 million Americans. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
estimate that 800,000 Americans die every year from heart
disease. The risks to men are more widely known, which
explains why the public often views heart disease as a greater
threat to men. But heart disease claims women and men in
nearly equal numbers.
• A woman suffers a heart attack every 90 seconds, and heart
attack signs are often different in women.
• Heart disease is the number one cause of death among
women in the U.S., claiming the lives of one in three women.
• Heart disease and stroke claim twice as many women’s lives
as all types of cancer combined.
• Almost half of African American women over age 20 (48.9
percent) have some form of heart disease.
• Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Latinas:
nearly 30 percent of Latinas die of heart disease. ,
While it’s startling that 90 percent of women have one
or more risk factors for developing heart disease, the positive
news is that the vast majority of heart disease is preventable
— as much as 80 percent can be prevented through lifestyle
changes.
Risk factors include smoking, poor diet, high cholesterol,
high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, family
history, and lack of access to preventive health care. The
key is early detection through heart disease screenings and
implementing lifestyle changes to significantly reduce one’s
risk.
All women should be screened for heart disease as part
of their annual doctor’s visit to ensure they know their risk
factors and what they can do to prevent it. Every woman
should ask her primary health care provider the following five
questions; the answers will help assess her risk and guide her
prevention efforts:
1. Based on my family history, what is my risk of heart
disease? Heart disease tends to run in families and is thought
to have some genetic component.
2. What is my Body Mass Index? The risk of heart disease
increases along with one’s BMI; a person with a BMI over 25 is
considered to be “overweight” and at heightened risk.
3. Which cardiovascular screening tests do I need?
Depending on one’s age and overall health, the typical
tests include: blood pressure, HDL (“good” cholesterol), LDL
(“bad” cholesterol), triglycerides, fasting glucose, and waist
circumference.
4. Should I take a daily aspirin? Only your doctor can advise
if you are a good candidate for aspirin therapy to reduce the
clumping action of platelets — possibly lowering your risk of
heart attack or stroke.
5. What can I do to lower my risk? As noted, most heart
disease can be prevented through lifestyle changes. So, if you
smoke, ask your doctor to recommend a smoking cessation
program. Talk honestly about your activity level and ideas for
easy exercises you can do for 30 minutes a day. Discuss your
diet and whether you eat enough fruits and vegetables, and
if your salt consumption can contribute to elevated blood
pressure. If you’re overweight, can your doctor recommend
a successful weight loss program or nutritionist? Would
you benefit from medications to lower cholesterol or high
blood pressure? Finally, ask if you need to begin to see a
cardiologist or other specialist.
No woman should leave her doctor’s office until she
has these answers, knows her risks, and is provided with
a personalized prevention strategy. While physicians are
responsible for ensuring that women receive the proper
medical care, prevention of heart disease is in every woman’s
hands. We must inform and empower ourselves to obtain the
answers about our cardiovascular health and to act upon our
doctors’ recommendations to make the necessary changes
to lower our risk.
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LADDERS
ED ZIEGLER JOINS THE WOODLANDS YOUNG LEARNERS ACADEMY
The Woodlands Young Learners Academy recently welcomes Ed Ziegler to their team as the Assistant
Director. “Ed brings a tremendous skill set to The Woodlands Young Learners Academy,” said Dan Altom,
Director of Operations. “His experience is a welcomed addition.” Ed graduated with a Bachelor of Science
in Agricultural Business from Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the team Ed worked with Trinity
Episcopal Church, University of Houston and Human Resource Connection. Ed is an MS150 Fundraiser
Cycling Tour Team Captain, Dragon Boat Team Captain and Camp Allen Summer Camp Session Director.
Mr. Ziegler resides in The Woodlands with his wife Katy and two children.
For more information about The Woodlands Young Learners Academy, please visit
www.twyounglearners.com or call (832) 257-3563.
ELLIE PFAHL JOINS THE WOODLANDS AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERSHIP TEAM
The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership (EDP) recently hired a new team member.
Ellie Pfahl is new to the EDP and will serve as its administrative and marketing coordinator. In this
capacity she will be responsible for handling the daily administrative needs for the organization and
coordinating its marketing efforts. Ellie will be assisting with the preparation of board meetings and
special events, assisting with various marketing projects, maintaining marketing materials, as well as
assisting clients with requests for information and demographics.
The EDP is a public/private partnership with 62 funding partners active in the organization. For further
information on the EDP, log on to: www.edpartnership.net or call 281 363-8130.
ERIC YOUNT NAMED MANAGER AT HODGES COLLISION CENTER
Steve Guinn, owner of all Hodges Collision Centers, is pleased to announce that Eric Yount is named as
manager at Hodges’ Lane Lane location. Overseeing estimating and production as the facility’s on-site
manager, Eric has more than 20 years of automotive service industry experience, including managing
large collision facilities. “Eric is a great choice to lead our Lane Lane location,” said Steve Guinn, owner
of Hodges Collision Centers. “He brings tremendous industry experience and we look forward to Eric’s’
leadership ensuring Hodges is performing successfully in all key areas. We are happy to have him on
our team.”
For more information visit www.hodgescollisioncenter.com.
MATT ODOM PROMOTED TO SENIOR MANAGER AT KARLINS RAMEY & TOMPKINS
Mike Karlins, CPA of Karlins Ramey & Tompkins, LLC, is pleased to announce that Matt Odom CPA was
recently promoted to Senior Manager in the Audit Department.
Matt has been with Karlins Ramey & Tompkins, LLC for fours years. His expertise includes audits for
clients in the manufacturing, construction and oilfield service industries as well as employee benefit
plans. Matt received his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Southwestern University
and his master’s degree in professional accounting from University of Texas at Austin. He is a Certified
Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas
Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Houston Chapter American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and Leadership Montgomery County Class of 2013.
For more information, please call Karlins Ramey & Tompkins. LLC at (281) 364-0245 or visit
www.krtcpas.com.
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BRIAN ALBERT NAMED ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY AT THE STRONG FIRM
Brian Albert has been named as an associate attorney of The Strong Firm P.C., focusing in corporate, real
estate, oil and gas, and business law. He joined The Strong Firm in 2012 as a law clerk with experience as
a compliance law clerk with Baker Hughes, Inc., and he also served as a law clerk with Hewlett-Packard
in Houston, TX. Having previously worked for multiple Fortune 200 companies in various fields, he
applies this experience in his work with the firm's business clients. An active member of the community,
Albert is a member of The Woodlands Young Lawyers Association and is a member of the Houston Bar
Association and The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Network.
The Strong Firm P.C. is located in The Woodlands Waterway Plaza One building at 10003 Woodloch
Forest Dr. in Suite 210, overlooking The Woodlands Waterway. For more information, call (281) 367-1222
or visit the firm’s web site at www.thestrongfirm.com.
DR. EADS DOUBLE BOARD CERTIFIED OB/GYN AND UROGYNECOLOGY
Gregory L. Eads, MD, FACOG, of The Women’s Centre for Well Being has recently become board certified
Urogynecology, making him double board certified in both Obstetrics/Gynecology and Urogynecology.
Urogynecology, also called Female Pelvic Medicine and Reproductive Surgery (FPMRS), is the subspecialty
of combined gynecology and urology for pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence. Dr.
Eads underwent a committee review of his surgical cases and completed an intensive test for board
certification. He is the only Board Certified Urogynecologist from the area spanning from Houston’s
Texas Medical Center to Dallas.
For more information contact: Dr. Gregory L. Eads, MD, FACOG The Women’s Centre for Well Being
1120 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 200 The Woodlands, TX 77380
WISE POOL COMPANY HONORED ONCE AGAIN WITH THE SILVER AWARD
Wise Pool Company was honored once again at the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals
convention in San Antonio receiving the Silver Award for “Residential Concrete Pools $50,000 and Over
with a Vanishing Edge of 601 Square Feet or Greater”. Wise Pool Company has won more than 100 pool
and spa design awards including the International Best of Show award and the Chairman 's Award. Wise
Pool Company is a local swimming pool and spa design, construction and retail firm serving the entire
Greater Houston area and is located in Conroe. The company has been in business for 43 years and
can be reached by going to www.wisepool.com or calling (936) 321-4242. Shown is Jonathan Carroll,
President of Wise Pool Company.
DR. TALAC VOTED TOP LEADING PHYSICIANS OF THE WORLD
Robert Talac, MD, PhD, of the Advanced Spine Institute, was recently voted Top Leading Physicians of
the World for Top Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in Tennessee and Texas by The International Association
of Orthopedic Surgeons. Dr. Robert Talac grew up in Czechoslovakia, came to the U.S. to study at the
Mayo Clinic, continued at the University of San Diego and the Center for Spine Heath, Cleveland Clinic,
and has focused his considerable intellectual talents and gifted hands on spine related problems. Using
a 7-millimeter-wide endoscope with a camera on its tip, Dr. Talac is able to enter the back through that
tiny 7-millimeter space while a patient is conscious under local anesthesia without cutting muscles or
moving the spinal cord for quick recovery and one-day spine surgery. For more information, call
(832) 742-4303.
Be seen. Be heard.
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Texas Singer, Kyle Park Turns Up the Volume for
The Woodlands CrawPHish Festival
Bringing community, crawfish, and country music
together, the Woodlands CrawPHish Festival will be
Saturday, March 29 from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., at Town Green
Park. Sponsored by many local businesses, this year’s festival
turns up the volume with Texas singer and songwriter, Kyle
Park as the headliner entertainment beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Earlier that Saturday, the performance list includes Jean-
Pierre and the Zydeco Angels, The Woodlands Idol winners,
and a special performance by PH patient, Chloe Temtchine,
singing her new song, “Be Brave”.
This year marks the fifth anniversary for the festival,
however, over the last 15 years; local fundraising for the
Pulmonary Hypertension Association has been growing
strong. Every year, the event has grown in size and attendees,
and that is why the planning team wanted to bring in a known
music artist to give a new tune to the 2014 festival.
All ages are welcome to attend this highly anticipated
event and enjoy crawfish, Raising Cane’s, BBQ, kids’ activities
provided by The Woodlands Young Learners Academy and
Painting with a Twist, live bands, and plenty of family fun and
entertainment.
“YPN chooses to support this great cause by leading
the planning committee and coordinating the hundreds of
volunteers it takes to support an event anticipated to see
5,000 guests,” said Jay Thompkins, co-team leader.
Painting with a Twist has hosted the Festival’s t-shirt
art contests for children ages five through 12. The final
competition was held this month. The winner’s artwork will
appear on the festival’s t-shirt.
The ticketed event is open to the public for sponsorships
and individual admissions. Proceeds benefit the Pulmonary
Hypertension Association – (501©3 - Tax ID 65-0880021).
Adult tickets (ages 13 and up) include one plate of food
and two beverage tickets (alcoholic beverages available for
those 21 and over). Kid tickets (ages 8-12) include one plate
of food and one beverage ticket. Kids ages 7 and under are
free (does not include food or beverage tickets).
Tickets may be purchased in advance for $25 for each
adult and $15 for each kid at The Chamber’s Office (1400
Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 300), Guest Services at The
Woodlands Mall, Concierge’s at Market Street, select area
Woodforest National Banks and Amegy Banks (lobby only),
Stibbs & Co., P.C., or online at www.woodlandscrawfish.com.
There will be a limited number of tickets available day of for
$35 for each adult and $20 for each kid.
Sponsorships ranging from $250 to $10,000 are
available for this very worthwhile cause. For sponsorship
information, contact Matacha Saul at 281-367-2222 or
sponsor woodlandscrawfish.com.
i
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Email info@woodlandscrawfish.com
call (281) 367-2222, or visit
www.woodlandscrawfish.com
48 onthetown onthetowntexas.com
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Saturday, March 29, 2014
11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Town Green Park along The Woodlands Waterway
adjacent to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Bring your family and friends to join us for this
charitable event to raise awareness and to help find
a cure for Pulmonary Hypertension.
TICKETS
Festival Entry Fee is available for purchase the day of the event to access
the park only. The Festival Entry Fee is $20 for Adults and $10 for Kids 10
and under. The Festival Entry Fee only allows you access to the park during
festival hours and does not include any food or beverage tickets.
PRE-PURCHASED
$25 each for ages 13 and up
$15 each for ages 8 to 12
Ages 7 and younger are free
(does not include food or beverage)
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE DAY OF EVENT AT
$35 each for ages 13 and up
$20 each for ages 8 to 12
Adult tickets to include entry to the park, one plate of food and two beverages.
Kids tickets to include entry to the park, participation in kids activities, one plate
of food and one beverage.
Come out to enjoy live music, crawfish & fixins’, BBQ,
Raising Cane’s, kids activities and good times.
To purchase tickets
for more information:
281.367.2222
Corporate tents and other sponsorships available!
A Community Partnership with Cure PH
and the Chamber’s Young
Professionals Network
Printed by:
wrightsprinting.com
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12/20/13 10:52 AM
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