Kale Flagg on the Importance of Persistence Against Resistance

Kale Flagg

Kale Flagg

Kale Flagg has found that resistance is at its highest in the early days of a person’s career. Flagg compares it to a boat, sitting motionless in the middle of a lake. When a person pushes the throttle to full bore and it hits its highest speed, Kale Flagg points out that the boat is only at its fastest after it has gained some momentum. At maximum velocity the full weight of the boat is no longer in the water, and as the boat moves and rises out of the water, the resistance drops and the speed increases. Kale Flagg emphasizes that the same is true in a business.

Throughout his career, Kale Flagg has seen many innovators embarking on new careers. During the early days, people tend to offer opinions and resistance—often couching those opinions as being the devil’s advocate or simply wanting to help their friend avoid mistakes. Over time, as a person’s career gains momentum, that resistance begins to decrease. Everyone experiences resistance in the beginning, Kale Flagg points out, and there is no going around it. He advises people to simply push through the resistance, shoving that water away. According to Kale Flagg, people are merely testing you to determine how determined you are to moving that boat.

It is one thing to start your motor—i.e., talking about starting a new business venture. It is quite another to pick up the anchor and move your boat, sticking to it no matter what, Kale Flagg emphasizes. The people who are testing you are watching to see if you are so committed to your goals that you will move your boat even if no one follows.

As Kale Flagg has found, a person’s friends and family will be much more likely to follow if they believe you will pick up your anchor and move that boat whether they follow or not. People hate to be left behind, observes Kale Flagg, because it makes them feel as though they’re missing out on something.

Kale Flagg paints two scenarios. The first is one in which you are invited on a trip with close friends who are waiting to see if you will join them or not. The trip will be canceled if you don’t come along. In the second scenario, those friends are planning a trip but plan to go whether you go or not. You have no doubt that if you don’t go, they’ll still take the trip, Kale Flagg states. Most people would be more likely to go with the friends who plan to go with or without them. As Kale Flagg puts it, if no one is going without you, it’s far easier to cancel than if you know people will have a good time in your absence.

Why is that? Kale Flagg believes that it is because everyone hates to be left out. We all hate to be left behind. It’s this same feeling that has your friends and family going along with you on your business venture, Kale Flagg says. When you pull up that anchor and start up that boat, it’s hard for people to watch you take off without them.  So when you are starting a business that you want to succeed, don’t play at starting it, don’t think about starting it.  Go for it without looking back, and KNOW you will succeed, that there is no option but success.  That will turn the naysayers into believers—or at least leave them behind, eating your wake.

Kale Flagg currently serves as a General Partner in the American Redevelopment Fund, a real estate fund that specializes in redeveloping single family residences in California, Nevada and Arizona. Flagg graduated from Yale University, where he majored in economics.

Says Direct Media Power, Complaints to Better Business Bureau a Good Gauge

Direct Media Power Complaints

Direct Media Power Complaints

According to Direct Media Power, complaints filed with the BBB are a good indicator of how trustworthy a business is. A company with a B rating or better is typically a safe bet. Here, this A rated firm discusses common questions about the Bureau and its rating system and advises consumers to thoroughly investigate any business they intend to patronize. 

How does the BBB complaint system work?

According to Direct Media Power, complaints are sent to the organization by consumers and they contact the firm in question. They are a third party with a neutral stance in all cases.

What disciplinary action does the BBB take when there is a report filed?

The Better Business Bureau does not take any disciplinary action. Says Direct Media Power, complaints are filed and the Bureau acts as a mediator between the two parties.

How much does it cost to open a case file with the BBB?

It is a free service from the non-profit organization. According to Direct Media Power, complaints can be filed free of charge and the Bureau provides their services to the business without costs as well. The only fees the BBB charges are for membership dues.

How does the BBB rate businesses?

There are a number of factors including length of time the business has been in operation and whether or not they provide complete information about themselves. Of course, points out Direct Media Power, complaints against the company are given heavy consideration if they go unresolved. Recommends Direct Media Power, complaints should be handled immediately or they can reflect negatively against the firm’s reputation.

Does the Better Business Bureau handle professional services grievances?

According to Direct Media Power, complaints about professionals such as attorneys and physicians are usually heard by their respective boards.

What about complaints that have been settled in court?

No, Direct Media Power notes complaints which have already been resolved through legal or other venues are considered closed cases. The customer may file a report with the BBB only if a new situation arises.

Are there good businesses with low BBB ratings?

Yes there are. As with all classification processes, a low rating does not necessarily mean bad service. For Instance, Direct Media Power says complaints about the Ritz Carlton Hotel are handled without BBB mediation and the Luxury Hotel chain has been known to get an F grade. Chef Wolfgang Puck has also bore the brunt of a bad BBB rating despite his well-known reputation for superior service, says Direct Media Power. Complaints over the years have cited the BBB as playing favoritism to its members in regards to its grading scale.

Does the BBB monitor for fraudulent companies?

No, says Direct Media Power. Complaints, however, may be a good indication of possible negative activity. If there are a number of unresolved complaints it could be advised to look elsewhere. According to Direct Media Power, complaints may lead to an investigation which could expose fraudulent activity.

Is the Better Business Bureau a government entity?

No, they are a private group with corporate offices in DC.

Does the BBB handle accredited member disputes differently than non-members?

The Bureau claims the only difference between paying and nonpaying members is the level of standards they are held to, says Direct Media Power. Complaints are handled in the same way regardless.

According to Direct Media Power, complaints are not the only factor that the BBB takes into consideration. The group also reminds consumers to expand their search and consider other sources of information if they are truly interested in becoming a customer of a firm with a low rating.

Direct Media Power is a pay-per-call radio advertising provider and is not affiliated with the Better Business Bureau. The information provided above is for education purposes only. For more information, contact Direct Media Power at 888.302.5557

Joanna A. van der Vant on How to Design an Audit of Documents and Records

 

Joanna A. van der Vant

Joanna A. van der Vant

Joanna A. van der Vant is currently pursuing a Masters of accounting and finance with an emphasis on CPA studies. With an MBA and certification as a bookkeeper, Joanna A. van der Vant already knows the importance of regular auditing of a business’s financial processes. Below, Joanna A. van der Vant discusses how to audit documents and records.

Q: The first step to designing an audit process is understanding how it works. What documents and records do most businesses have?

Joanna A. van der Vant: Eight functions have been identified within the typical business cycle. Those are: processing customer orders, granting credit, shipping goods, billing customers and recording sales, processing and recording cash receipts, processing and recording sales returns, writing off uncollectible accounts, and providing for bad debts.

Q: What is the auditor looking for in customer billing and recording?

Joanna A. van der Vant: Each transaction should have billing for shipment, with amounts on the invoices accurate and no double billing.

Q: What about companies that do business overseas?

Joanna A. van der Vant: More companies are now doing business internationally. These transactions can often undergo more severe scrutiny than domestic transactions.

Q: Are cash receipts transaction logs and journals helpful?

Joanna A. van der Vant: For auditors, written transaction documentation of any kind can be very helpful. These logs tend to be increasingly more electronic these days.

Q: What methodology will an auditor use to audit my documents and records?

Joanna A. van der Vant: The auditor will note the internal controls for each item and determine if those controls are adequate to prevent risk.

Q: What are some examples of internal controls that would pass an audit test?

Joanna A. van der Vant: An auditor might look at who reconciles accounts each day. One key measure will be whether or not your business has an independent staff member do the reconciling to protect against internal fraud.

Q: What are auditors searching for when reviewing sales returns?

Joanna A. van der Vant: An auditor will review these similarly to the way he or she audits sales. It’s important to have adequate documentation.

Q: I know that auditors search for completeness in the auditing process. What does this mean?

Joanna A. van der Vant: Completeness refers to a transaction being followed through all the way to the end. If an auditor cannot trace a transaction to the end, it can signal a finding.

Q: What type of paperwork can I expect an auditor to ask for?

Joanna A. van der Vant: Receipts, journals, electronic records…all are compared against each other to find any duplicate entries or misinformation.

Q: How does an auditor search for theft of cash? Isn’t that hard to track?

Joanna A. van der Vant: The hardest cash theft to find actually happens before the transaction would have been recorded. Much of this theft has to be found by management watching the employee or having more than one person handle each transaction. For instance, one person could open the mail while the other recorded the cash.

Joanna A. van der Vant is responsible for SOL Property Management’s accounting department, where she handles accounts receivable and payable, among many other activities. A member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, Joanna A. van der Vant is also a licensed managing broker.

Phil Melugin Discusses Phoenix Home Care

 Phil Melugin


Phil Melugin

Through the years, Phil Melugin has received countless letter and emails with questions about Phoenix Home Care’s lineup of services. Here, he speaks to some of the most common inquiries about the group’s mission, leadership, and beginnings.

What is Phoenix Home Care’s mission?

Phil Melugin says that Phoenix Home Care was developed as a means to help aging or disabled Americans improve their quality of life. Simply put, Phil Melugin believes that these challenges should be met with grace, dignity, and assistance. He has acquired a caring staff of passionate and capable individuals who take pride in caring for those who cannot care for themselves.

Why is the company called Phoenix Home Care when it is not located in Arizona?

According to Phil Melugin, Phoenix Home Care is the namesake of the mythical bird known as the Phoenix. Historically, this bird represents rebirth and celebrates endings as new beginnings.

Aside from Private Duty Nursing, what other services does Phoenix Home Care offer?

There are many, explains Phil Melugin. PHC offers a vast array of services for most any situation. Phil Melugin says that PHC provides occupational therapy, IV infusion treatments, and wound care. In addition to these medical care options, Phoenix Home Care is also available to perform in-home safety evaluations and has a dedicated Medical Social Work team.

Does PHC offer services to children?

Absolutely, says Phil Melugin.  He believes that children deserve extra special care. Melugin and the leadership team at PHC take great care to extensively select and train only the most qualified and compassionate PDNs for their pediatric division. Phil Melugin explains that PHC has the capability to care for children with special needs from infancy into adulthood.

What is the New Beginnings Package?

Phil Melugin has seen first-hand the physical and mental challenges that bringing a new life into the world can have on both new and experienced mothers. With the help of the moms in his life, he has crafted five different plans specifically for mother and child. These plans are the perfect gift for any woman and child, says Phil Melugin.

Does PHC offer emergency care services?

According to Phil Melugin, PHC does offer respite care to families in their service area. Emergency relief services may be utilized when regular care is absent for any reason. Phil Melugin also explains that regular visits may be scheduled to offer time off for a regular caregiver.

Is Phoenix Home Care available to help with self-directed services?

Currently, PHC is able to assist Missouri residents find suitable personal care attendants. PHC acts in an administrative only capacity and the caregiver is the employee of the recipient, says Phil Melugin.

About Phil Melugin

Phil Melugin is the President of Phoenix Home Care. He founded the company after personal experiences led him to believe that more effective PDN care was needed in his home state. Melugin believes that exceeding expectations is the only way to serve his clients and is proud to provide services to patients in both Kansas and Missouri. Phil Melugin holds a Masters of Education and operates his firm with strict core values and Christian principals.

 

 

O2 Media™ Stands Head and Shoulders above the Competition

As a pioneer in branded entertainment, Pompano Beach, Florida, production company O2 Media™ is an industry leader. They offer a number of branded entertainment platforms, all with proven track records. Lifetime’s The Balancing Act®, Designing Spaces™, and Incredible Discoveries®. In addition to broadcast television, O2 Media™ also provides hands-on opportunities via the Balance Your Life Road Tour™ and print advertisements through their quarterly women’s magazine, Balance Your Life™. Through the years the team has earned the respect of countless clients who share their experiences here.

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Great return on investment! The exposure and prominence that Lifetime and this show, The Balancing Act®, have amongst our target audience is dollar for dollar more potent than really any print ad we can run. It definitely resonates better with that target market.

Anthony Lucchetto, Owner, 180BodyClinic.com

We are pleased to hear that your appearance has caused such an impact. Thank you.
Doug Campbell, The Balancing Act®
3850 N. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33073
954-691-1102

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When you have a new product you’ve got to get it out there. It’s important that you spend the time on the marketing and the effort and the money on the marketing so that people can see it’s out there and you can test the market more quickly and see how it’s going to do.

David Gonzalos II, Founder & CEO, Impact Advanced Can

Thank you for taking the time to say these kind words. We appreciate you and hope that you will return again in the near future.
Doug Campbell, O2 Media

3850 N. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33073
954-691-1102

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To team up with The Balancing Act® in this entire production is amazing to me because they totally understand the power of the tube as well as social media. So to team up and having both companies understand the power of that, I mean, I think we could break records.

Robert Ferguson, Nutrition/Author/Endorser, Proclaim Nutrition

We certainly hope that you do break records, and lots of them. The segment was both fun and educational and I think our viewers have taken notice.
Doug Campbell, The Balancing Act®
3850 N. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33073
954-691-1102

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It’s hard to communicate [our] type of information. We felt this was the best format to do that.

Sonia Thomasino, Marketing Manager, Pilot Corp. of America

The issues that you spoke about, specifically arthritis, affects so many people and many of those have lost their ability to communicate the way there are accustomed to, by writing. The thought that Pilot has put into the new pens is amazing and I am proud that we were able to share that with the women in our viewership.
Doug Campbell, O2 Media

3850 N. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33073
954-691-1102

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The large viewership—I mean, once I had a chance to work with some of the folks here at The Balancing Act® I got an idea of just how broad the viewership was here. Again, it gave us kind of that immediate plug-in or connection to that audience.

Michael Sullivan, VP Sales & Marketing, Avlon Pharmaceuticals

Michael, we have worked so hard for over a decade to build our viewer base. We take pride in only presenting them with products that they can use. We are so glad to have been able to bring Avlon onto the show.
Doug Campbell, The Balancing Act®
3850 N. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33073
954-691-1102

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We just felt that we needed to start reaching out to different avenues where, because our roots are in car audio, so for 30 years we’ve been in car audio. It’s been a very male dominant group of followers. Again, just getting out to that new demographic. This is a great vehicle to do that.

Rick Wenner, Manager—Health & Fitness Products, Scosche Industries

We are so glad that Scosche Industries has expanded their outreach to women. For you, this untapped market may offer the boost you need to become a household name and we sincerely hope that The Balancing Act® helps you achieve that.
Doug Campbell, The Balancing Act
®
3850 N. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33073
954-691-1102

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I would come back…it’s been a fantastic experience. I feel that I’ve been supported throughout the entire process. I have every confidence that it’s going to work out really well so, I would guess yes!

Erika Bird, Director, The Reading Game

We will welcome you with open arms – and an open mic! Please do contact us when you are ready to talk about another appearance.
Doug Campbell, O2 Media

3850 N. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33073
954-691-1102

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I had a very good time. Everybody here has been fantastic.

Dr. Kevin T. Brady, President & CEO, Amer. Inst. For History Education

Our parent/teacher corner is one of the most important segments on our show since it directly impacts children and parents. We were so pleased to be able to help you get your point out and remind our viewers that it takes history to make history.
Doug Campbell, The Balancing Act
®
3850 N. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33073
954-691-1102

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Yes, I would definitely recommend The Balancing Act® to customers because it gives them a platform of education. Being in the health industry I know the importance of educating your audience. This is a great platform to do it.

David Hawk, Marketing Consultant, Team Angel Barn Dad Nutrition

Thank you for so many warm words regarding our show, The Balancing Act®. From all of use at O2 Media, we wish you the best.
Doug Campbell, The Balancing Act®
3850 N. Powerline Road, Deerfield Beach, FL 33073
954-691-1102

Brenda Lee Reed Explains Vitamin D Deficiency in America

Brenda Lee Reed

Brenda Lee Reed

Health and wellness expert Brenda Lee Reed explains the health benefits of this essential vitamin.

A Gathering of Experts: Good morning, Brenda Lee Reed. We appreciate you being with us today. Can you tell our readers, just how serious is the lack of Vitamin D among children in the United States?

Brenda Lee Reed: An estimated 70% of American children have low levels of Vitamin D.

A Gathering of Experts: Wow! What happens of the body is low on Vitamin D?

Brenda Lee Reed: It has long been known that Vitamin D insufficiency is linked to the disease rickets, which is the softening of the bones.

A Gathering of Experts: Why is Vitamin D so important to our health?

Brenda Lee Reed: It is not just a vitamin.  Calcitriol, which is its metabolic product, is a secosteroid hormone that impacts more than 2,000 genes in the body.

A Gathering of Experts: What are some other diseases and illnesses that may be caused by Vitamin D deficiency?

Brenda Lee Reed: According to recent research, a deficiency in Vitamin D plays a major role in the pathology of roughly 17 varieties of cancer.  It is also implicated as a factor in heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, depression, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, periodontal, and birth defects, to name a few.

A Gathering of Experts: Are there any other health issues associated with Vitamin D deficiency?

Brenda Lee Reed: There is evidence that people who are deficient in Vitamin D are more likely to become infected with the flu, colds, and other respiratory tract infections.

A Gathering of Experts: Very interesting…

Brenda Lee Reed: It is…in fact, the Public Health Agency of Canada is investigating the role Vitamin D plays in protection against certain illnesses.  The influence of Vitamin D on health and overall well-being can no longer be ignored.

A Gathering of Experts: Why are so many children in the United States Vitamin D deficient?

Brenda Lee Reed: Our skin makes Vitamin D from sun exposure.  Children and adults today do not spend much time outdoors and when they do they are usually wearing sunscreen which blocks Vitamin D production.

A Gathering of Experts: How much sun exposure do we need?

Brenda Lee Reed: Everyone needs at least 15 minutes of sun exposure at least 3 times a week, and dark pigmented skin requires more to produce enough Vitamin D.  Twenty minutes of sun exposure allows the skin to produce 10,000 IU Vitamin D, which is 50 times more than is recommended by the U.S. government.

Vitamin D can be found in milk, orange juice, salmon, mushrooms, egg yolks, and organ meats.  However, it is difficult to acquire enough Vitamin D from foods alone.  So if you do not get adequate sun exposure, it is recommended that you take at least 5,000 IU supplement for adults and adolescents, and 400 IU per day for infants and children.

A Gathering of Experts: Are all supplements the same?

Brenda Lee Reed: No, it is important to use a vitamin labeled “D3” as that is the same as natural Vitamin D. D2 is synthetic and less effective.

A Gathering of Experts: How do I know if I am Vitamin D deficient?

Brenda Lee Reed: A blood test can determine if your Vitamin D levels are sufficient.  According to the Vitamin D Council, your blood levels should be between 50-80 ng/mL.

A Gathering of Experts: Do you have any final thoughts or advice on this topic?

Brenda Lee Reed: I want to point out that breastfeeding mothers should make certain their levels are adequate; otherwise they may need to supplement their baby’s diet with Vitamin D.

A Gathering of Experts: Well, thank you for this information. This is not something that should be ignored.

Brenda Lee Reed: The pleasure is mine; thank you for the opportunity.

 

Brenda Lee Reed is the founder and managing director of Middle Tennessee’s Genesis Healing Center. She is certified in a number of holistic treatment therapies and has dedicated the past 30 years of her life to teaching others how to get healthy and stay that way. Through Genesis Healing Center, Brenda Lee Reed offers 7 to 30 day detox programs – for more information, visit www.GenesisHealingCenter.com

Jeffrey Kale Flagg | Unlocking the Key to Success

Jeffrey Kale Flagg

Jeffrey Kale Flagg

As co-founder, COO and/or CEO of three distinct $100 million enterprises, Jeffrey Kale Flagg has overseen more than one hundred thousand sales people; and Flagg has spoken to and motivated more then 15,000 individuals at single venues . A skilled communicator, Jeffrey Kale Flagg shares some of his secrets to success in this brief article.

According to Jeffrey Kale Flagg, it can be quite frustrating and disappointing to spend time with people that constantly complain about their lives but never do anything to remedy an unwanted situation.  The amazing thing, says Jeffrey Kale Flagg, is that even though everyone can fix their problems, very few people try.  They prefer to sit, do nothing and complain. Why don’t people choose the mountain peak that they want to climb and just do it?  “There is no simple answer,” says Flagg.  “All I can tell you is that no matter how good any opportunity is, some people simply aren’t willing to put in effort.  They aren’t willing to change.”

We all know people who constantly complain, points out Jeffrey Kale Flagg. They complain about their job, complain about their relationships, or complain about no money or their weight. They may complain about their boss, or the weather or just about life in general. They keep doing the same thing day in and day out, adds Flagg, and are shocked when nothing changes. Why would people rather moan and groan than take action?  The answer to their problem, according to Jeffrey Kale Flagg, is really so simple.  All they have to do is to stop doing the things that are creating the wrong results.  They simply have to change their approach, says Flagg.

Jeffrey Kale Flagg suggests a simple formula for success.  Step one, says Flagg, is to find someone that has accomplished what you want, someone who has achieved the result that you want to achieve.  Then, says Jeffrey Kale Flagg, copy their formula–do what they did to get their result.  Lastly, concludes Flagg, is to stay persistent and never quit.  It sounds too simple, acknowledges Jeffrey Kale Flagg. Like many others, he says he was brought up to believe that to become successful, the formula had to be complex, difficult or unique.  But according to Flagg, “that is pure hogwash!”

According to Jeffrey Kale Flagg, to be successful all you have to do is find the vehicle that has taken another person up success-mountain. And then, concludes Jeffrey Kale Flagg, use the identical vehicle and drive on the same road.

 

Donald Leon Farrow Discusses his Observations of Relaxing With Animals

Donald Leon FarrowDonald Leon Farrow began helping animals in 2006 when he joined local dog rescue organizations in Michigan and Chicago. He noticed that regardless of the level of urgency in assisting the animals, the volunteers were very organized in their work, and tending to what needed to be done by observation and with little or no conversation. Although the work was at times exhausting says Donald Leon Farrow, the volunteers left for home with a sense of calm and humanitarian accomplishment. This says Donald, is comparable to the calm and often voiceless acceptance and companionship that we receive from our animal friends.

Below, Donald Leon Farrow, continuing his volunteer efforts, answers questions about work with animals that enriches the lives of volunteers as they improve the lives of the animals.

Q: What led to your thoughts on this?

Donald Leon Farrow: You would think that I would leave and arrive home miserable given some of the situations that I and the other volunteers encounter. At least for my group – that’s not the case. We have a true sense of accomplishment and its relaxing. Sometimes we go to dinner as a group, and no one is complaining about life. We are talking about the wonderful animals and everyone is relaxed. Then I return home to my family and dogs, and the dogs are just there to be with you as you sit and read. Its truly relaxing.

Q: But life is full of stress isn’t it?

Donald Leon Farrow: Of course, it is – but our mental state is an influence. Our volunteering efforts with these animals is a quiet activity where at least for part of the day, we are focused on helping animals in trouble who cannot fend for themselves. It really takes you away from concerns of yourself for awhile – I think it’s healthy.

Q: And at home?

Donald Leon Farrow: You get home and you’re a bit tired sometimes, and other times exhausted. You’re aware that you made a difference, and there are your animals looking for you which is even more relaxing. I imagine the process is easier when you’re helping animals. They are more predictable or less complex in their behavior than people – and they don’t talk.

Q: What was the most difficult part of helping these animals?

Donald Leon Farrow: You’re up close dealing with the fallout of indifferent, ignorant and cruel people – it’s just bottomless. You get a better understanding of the inhumanity in the world. Neglect and cruelty to animals are a small microcosm of the evil in this world across all socio-economic levels.

Q: How did you put your creativity to work in helping the animals?

Donald Leon Farrow: The shelters that I work with partner with local veterinarians who volunteer services. We also for example accept reject blankets from charity donation centers and other sources. We clean these and make dog beds. So, most of our creativity is in getting our communities involved in donating items that we can use for the animals.

Q: Are the communities responsive?

Donald Leon Farrow: Most certainly. People want to help the animals and thank us for asking. They are glad that the rescue exists. Many people see stray animals but don’t believe they have room in their lives to help. We give them the opportunity.

Q: How do you handle aggressive animals?

Donald Leon Farrow: I must first state that the animals are made aggressive by their experience with irresponsible people. We have people in our volunteer network who specialize in working these situations. Sometimes we are able to save these types of animal and adopt them out, and sadly sometimes not. But we are still able to shelter and care for them. We also have volunteers – animal whisperers if you will – who visit and care for these animals.

Q: You have animals at home?

Donald Leon Farrow: Yes, two dogs. This I have found to be particularly relaxing from the simple routine of caring for them, to the quiet nature of our relationships – we don’t need to say much if anything – it’s enough to just be genuine friends with each other. It gives me good comfort to know that I am able to give them wonderful lives.

Q: Any recommendations for keeping animals healthy?

Donald Leon Farrow: Definitely spay and neuter your dogs. Definitely have their teeth professionally cleaned at least once per year. No bones or rawhide, and purchase the best food. Science Diet is good, Blue Wellness and Natural Balance are top-of-the-line brands. Always read the label of any food and the primary contents should be meat.

Q: Your final comments on relaxing with Animals?

Donald Leon Farrow: We will have a truly humane society, when we value the quality of life for the most discarded, helpless and unprotected creatures walking among us – these are animals. Once we heed the call of humanity at this level – we will care for each other.

Donald Leon Farrow has worked with animal rescue for many years. As a leader in the architectural profession, Donald Leon Farrow believes that professional success should be balanced with community involvement. For many years, Donald Leon Farrow has served as an animal rescue volunteer and fundraiser for local and national animal welfare Societies respectively.

Arthur van der Vant Explains Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors

Arthur van der Vant

Arthur van der Vant

Illinois Receiver Arthur van der Vant has helped countless corporations, LLC, and partnerships avoid bankruptcy through a process known as Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors, most commonly referred to as “ABC.” Arthur van der Vant is an expert in corporate turnaround and commercial real estate as well an adept and experienced business executive. Here, van der Vant offers information about the ABC process and what it means to everyone concerned.

Illinois Common Law

Arthur van der Vant explains that the Illinois ABC process is a contractual general assignment based on Illinois common law. Through an assignment, debtors release their assets to the control of a trustee. This trustee, or assignee, is responsible for the physical state of the assets in questions, says Arthur van der Vant. These assets may be sold to generate fund to settle outstanding debts or the assignee can essentially take over day to day operations of the debtor entity to generate additional profits and to enhance the estate. According to Arthur van der Vant, an ABC is a voluntary process and the assignee is chosen by the debtor.

ABC Versus Chapter 7 and Chapter 11

Bankruptcies are a matter of the public record, ABCs are not.  The biggest benefit of an assignment is that it is cost effective and can be completed more efficiently than Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 proceedings, notes Arthur van der Vant. Also, since the Illinois ABC process is non-judicial, it can be quicker, and it can be done with less notoriety for the debtor. Unlike a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, an ABC allows for the business to operate under the assignee’s control to generate additional income to be used to repay its debts.

Benefits to the Debtor

Arthur van der Vant explains that an ABC does not mar a debtor’s credit score. Additionally, once the assets are liquidated and all creditors are paid in full, Arthur van der Vant says that excess funds, if any, are returned to the debtor.

Creditor Benefits

The ABC process is less complicated, says Arthur van der Vant. This translates into less wait time for creditors to receive more of their funds. According to Arthur van der Vant, an ABC may be completed in months whereas a federal bankruptcy case may extend debt settlement by years. Arthur van der Vant also notes that the general assignment process typically generates a larger income in which to repay creditors. This can help the creditor regain a larger portion of owed funds and decrease the likelihood of having to write off large amounts, reports Arthur van der Vant.

Assignee Duties

The assignee is in a position to gain a clear understanding of how a business was functioning that made it fail in the first place, says Arthur van der Vant. The assignee will have access to all documentation and financial records, and would investigate the debtor’s true and honest value. Arthur van der Vant notes that one of the most important roles the assignee plays is investigating the debtor’s financial habits in the time before the ABC to determine if there was any possible attempt to defraud creditors by hiding assets, or payouts made based on preference versus priority.

 

Question: Can an Assignee such as Arthur van der Vant act on behalf of the debtor to collect debts owed to them?

Answer: A debtor in the assignment (ABC) may also be a creditor to whom monies are owed.  For example; imagine a Widget Corporation that sold goods or services but did not receive a payment from its costumes and as a consequence of its financial difficulties elected to do an ABC.   Upon assignment the assignee (Arthur van der Vant) would own any and all rights to and interest in all assets including Widget’s account receivables.  Therefore, after the assignment the assignee (Arthur van der Vant) could take legal action to collect and recover debts owed to Widget Corporation who is now debtor in ABC.

Question: How can I get in touch with Arthur van der Vant about his Assignee services?

Answer: A full description of Arthur van der Vant ’s Assignee services and duties may be found by visiting www.illinoisreceiver.com

Question: As an Assignee, is Arthur van der Vant legally operating as the in-debt business or is he considered a third and neutral party?

Answer: Similarly to a Bankruptcy Trustee, in the Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC), Arthur van der Vant (assignee) becomes a third party who takes the control and management over debtor’s assets, but Arthur van der Vant is not the debtor.  Upon assignment Arthur van der Vant obtains all decision making over debtor’s interests, including over its board of directors, if any, and could continue to operate the business for an undefined period of time, but keep in mind that his purpose is to close the business and to liquidate its assets to pay creditors.

Question: Does the ABC process provide for an automatic stay for the debtor as in the Bankruptcy Code §362?

Answer: No, the Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC) does not provide for an automatic stay and creditors may obtain judgments against the debtor entity(s).  However, before initiating any legal action after the assignment, creditors must also evaluate how much a judgment is worth against a debtor entity that has no assets?

Question: Once Arthur van der Vant has accepted the assignment, could debtor’s creditors force the debtor into a bankruptcy if they feel it would better serves their purposes?

Answer:  It is possible during the first 120 days after the assignment for creditors to force the debtor in ABC into an involuntary bankruptcy.  However, it is also worth noting that the bankruptcy court may reject the involuntary bankruptcy in favor of the ABC, if there is no compelling justification for the involuntary bankruptcy v. ABC.

Question: What are Arthur van der Vant’s fees for ABC services?

Answer: Arthur van der Vant’s fees in ABC very on case by case bases and are usually relative to the difficulty of the assignment.  Arthur van der Vant may charge an upfront flat fee upon assignment, a percentage of value generated, an hourly rate, or a combination of all the above.  Regardless of the fee, Arthur van der Vant will not take an assignment unless a value can be created for the creditors.

 

 

 

Philip Melugin: Safety Tips for Quail Hunting

Philip Melugin

Philip Melugin

Phoenix Home Care founder Philip Melugin owns Pheasant Run Ranch in Kansas. As owner of the 5,000-acre hunting facility, Philip Melugin consistently stresses to other hunters the importance of safe hunting practices. For those who are new to the field, Melugin identifies several must-follow rules. Even for longtime hunters, Philip Melugin suggests that reviewing these suggestions could prove a valuable refresher.

  • Wear blaze orange. This is also known as safety orange and it is easy to spot. As Philip Melugin points out, the more orange you can wear, the better. Hunting clothing available in safety orange includes baseball caps, vests, jackets, pants, and shirts.
  • Follow gun safety rules. While in transit, Philip Melugin emphasizes that a shotgun should remain unloaded with barrels open until arrival at your destination. The safety should be engaged when you are not actively hunting.
  • Safety comes first at all times. As Philip Melugin warns, you should only shoot when you are 100% certain no other hunters are within shooting range. This rule extends to other hunters’ guides and any hunting dogs that may be out on the hunt. You should be aware of your surroundings and the location of every person or dog in the vicinity at all times.
  • Shots toward the ground are strictly forbidden, since these shots could harm the dogs. Philip Melugin quotes a general rule that disallows hunters from shooting at prey at any point that requires the gun to go below a point where it is horizontal with the ground.
  • Wear proper clothing. Thick pants are advisable, especially in cooler temperatures, because they will protect your legs from brush. Philip Melugin also advises wearing comfortable shoes with sturdy soles to prevent slips. Be sure your shoes are broken in prior to going out on your hunt to avoid being slowed down by foot discomfort.
  • Study regulations. According to Philip Melugin, regulations for hunting are available on the Kansas Wildlife website. You should also know basic hunting etiquette and follow it at all times.

Quail hunting can be fun and productive, but Philip Melugin reminds hunters regarding the importance of putting safety first at all times. Most importantly, if you’re a beginner, be sure to let the staff at Pheasant Run Ranch know that when you’re making your reservation so they can ensure you have the best guide to help you as you begin your hunt.