2013

YORHealth Testimonials: Polo & Anelís Urdiales, Monterrey, NL Mexico

May 25, 2013 By YORHealth

YORHealth

YORHealth first introduced premium-quality health and wellness products in 2008. The California-based company formulates all products with their uniquely formulated Enzyme Delivery Systems, to maximize effectiveness and absorption of nutrients. After all, the company’s philosophy is “you are what you absorb.” With 30 years of research, YORHealth is equipped to deliver product safety and premium quality.

The YORHealth nutrition line consists of nutritional supplements and meal replacement shakes which are available in vanilla and chocolate. In addition to nutrition products, the company also promotes proper fitness and physical activity. Through YORHealth, customers from around the globe have achieved optimum health. The YORHealth difference is aimed to help customers “reach the next level” of well-being so they are better equipped to achieve all of their personal and life-time goals.

YORHealth made a huge difference in Polo and Anelis Urdiales’s life. Here, they share their story.

We come from very similar and very loving families with strong values. We never lacked anything or had anything to spare. We were taught, “Study hard, work hard, be a good person and you will do well in life”. We had many dreams, we wanted to be important professionals, have a house, cars, to travel, be a good couple and raise a family like the one we had with our parents. We studied at a very good university and we started our working life.

Me (Ane), I started as a trainee at a marketing agency and after working very hard, gradually I ascended the job ladder. However, after 6 years and in spite of having the commitment and the responsibilities of a director, I didn’t have the title or the salary of such position and I felt frustrated because I also had to sacrifice spending time with Polo and my son. I felt sad, trapped in a routine.

Me (Polo) on the other hand, in spite of having a Master’s Degree, having worked for good companies and having good positions, I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. I strived to make ends meet and I lived desperately. I started to neglect my family and putting Ane and Polito to third place because of my job and meeting social commitments that I thought that would bring me better positions. Instead, it actually kept me away from the good man I had always wanted to be. We went through very hard situations and all the dreams we had started to crumble. Our reality was very different from what we had planned and every time we were less hopeful.

One day a very good friend of mine, the manager of a company I had worked for, called me and told me he had left his job and that he was doing very good, bringing to Mexico a health and nutrition company named YORHealth, and that they were looking for very social people who wanted to make good money. In YORHealth I saw a simple and fast business with friends that were going to help me.

Me (Ane), I saw health, we tried the YORHealth products. Polo lost 35 lbs. and I lost 11 lbs. and my digestive problems went away. We felt very good after taking the YORHealth products. Shortly we discovered the great potential of the YORHealth project and we decided to take maximum advantage of the YORHealth opportunity. Our YORHealth business grew thanks to a wonderful team created by friends and family, and what was our Plan B, became our only source of income.

Today we are happy and thankful to YORHealth for having people in our lives who have helped us very much–like Jorge Gonzalez, David Duran and our friend Paco Hernandez; and for YORHealth, a different company, with values where we feel confident and that besides making

a positive impact in our finances and in our health, it has been a fundamental piece in our marriage. Since YORHealth, we are better as individuals, parents of Polito and Rebecca, we have time to be together, to travel, to grow and to love each other more and more every day. We invite you to experience YORHealth and a better way of living, having perfect balance, enjoying good health, and having a bigger income and more time to enjoy what God has given us, with the rest of the YORHealth team who are looking to serve and make a positive impact in other people.

Visit YORHealth online at yorhealth.com.

Filed Under: Health and Beauty, Lifestyle Tagged With: Dennis Wong, YOR Health, Yor Health Products, Yor Health Reviews

Experienced Caver Wesley Upchurch Offers Tips for Newbies to Caving

May 24, 2013 By Wesley Upchurch

Wesley Upchurch

Caving is as much about exploration as it is physical activity, explains Wesley Upchurch. Many up-and-coming potholers, however, fail to prepare for the dangers associated with entering Mother Earth.

The Supplies

According to Wesley Upchurch, there are three absolute pieces of equipment that are vital to any cave exploration: light, headgear, comfortable shoes. Most sporting gear and hardware stores sell elastic-banded headlamps and hardhats. These do not have to be expensive but Wesley Upchurch emphasizes that they should be durable to provide adequate protection and guidance underground. Ideally, cavers should wear boots with good traction and ankle support.

Many cavers choose to carry a small backpack, bottled water, and snacks. Wesley Upchurch also suggests well-fitting leather gloves and knee and elbow pads. On extended journeys, Wesley Upchurch notes that extra batteries, a first aid kit, and matches are essential. For cavers who are in it for the beauty, a camera that performs well in low light situations is a no-brainer. A change of clothes should be packed and waiting after the trip, notes Wesley Upchurch.

Safety

Caving is dangerous, warns Wesley Upchurch. A cave is an immovable part of Earth and should be respected. Wesley Upchurch suggests caving in groups of four to six people. This keeps things moving at a reasonable pace and also allows for plenty of bodies to go for help in case of an emergency.

Many caves have narrow passageways that are difficult to pass. According to Wesley Upchurch, it is not uncommon to get stuck in a tight crawlspace. He suggests maintaining control over breathing while someone else goes for help. It’s a good idea to let the smallest person in the group enter an unfamiliar passage first; the next-to-smallest should go last in case a larger member gets stuck.

Wesley Upchurch advises beginners and experienced explorers alike to ensure that other people are aware of their plans. Make sure these individuals are aware of the expected return time and the number to the local fire department or cave rescue team. Do not expect cell phones or other wireless devices to work. These should be left outside of the cave to avoid them getting lost, says Wesley Upchurch.

Warnings

While caving is an absolutely enjoyable activity it does come with a long line of possible safety threats. Cavers should pay attention to every step, even in caves they have visited before, notes Wesley Upchurch. Loose rocks and slippery terrain may not be the same each visit. Caves are usually muddy and can pose fall risks. Wounds should be avoided if possible and covered immediately as caves may contain fungi and bacteria.

Wesley Upchurch also notes that animals such as bats, insects, and snakes all thrive on dark and damp spaces.

North America is full of some of the most beautiful caves in the world. Wesley Upchurch notes that commercial caves should be explored prior to embarking on a wild cave adventure to get a feel for the natural terrain.

Based in Columbia, Missouri, Wesley Upchurch is a businessman with a flair for the extreme. He enjoys adrenaline sports and having a good time. He cites caving is one of his favorite pastimes along with riding extreme roller coasters.

Filed Under: Business, Professionals Tagged With: Upchurch, Wesley, Wesley Upchurch, WesleyUpchurch

Financial Q&A: Asset Management Growth

May 22, 2013 By Admin3 Leave a Comment

Q: Why is asset management important?

A: Asset management growth continues to be an essential goal for any business or company. An industry will experience strong results and an improvement on previous years when asset management growth is achieved. It also shows that a company has selected the correct approach, one that promotes compatibility across all departments.

The times of manual work are over. Asset management continues to gain importance as industry moves through the new millennium. The successful administration of assets will include numerous complex and diverse databases, and businesses must rely on timely and accurate information.

Q: What constitutes effective asset management?

A: Asset management is one of the most important strategies used in any industry. The corporate world today leans heavily on data maintenance and technological systems. To ensure that a business is running smoothly, both software and hardware assets should be managed properly. A thorough evaluation of financial statements, the marketing and sales plan, guest satisfaction data and the budget will likely be required. Asset management firms can give strategic advice on tax planning and acquisition services, as well as offering alternatives for the future.

Q: How does asset management affect a company?

A: Overall, asset management makes way for the proper organization of facilities, transportation, production and digital assets. Maintenance, procurement, budgeting and depreciation calculation of fixed assets should be evaluated, too. The value on these fixed assets must be maximized, with a goal toward minimizing all projected costs. A number of organizational modules are now available that assist different industries with managing aspects of day-to-day operations such as assets, materials, human resources and software.

Operational management systems provide necessary tools for improvement on these assets, decreasing the cost of ownership while developing their return. Additionally, the systems offer assistance with tasks such as license compliance and encourage heightened security for internal operations. This factor is especially important for companies with several branches in different locations. Now, management has a better, more efficient way to track both intangible and physical assets.

Filed Under: Business

Margaret Suanne Bone Says Music Awakens Emotions and Memories

May 21, 2013 By Margaret Suanne Bone Leave a Comment

Margaret Suanne Bone

Music provides an inexhaustible wealth of nonverbal expressive possibilities with different instruments, sounds and rhythms. Playing with sounds and rhythms, biological, psychological and social feelings can become immediately accessible.

Margaret Suanne Bone began playing the piano as a second grader in Lebanon, Tenn. Music can be a valuable tool for a child’s brain development, says Margaret Suanne Bone. Music provides the ability to concentrate and learn better, but also general peace and well-being. Possibly while still in the mother’s womb, babies respond to music and other sounds, which can improve infant brain development.

In young children, music can stimulate emotional development and general intelligence. Music can help in the development of brain nerves and in the development of language and social skills for autistic children and children with cognitive problems. Music can help a child focus in other areas, including reading comprehension and written expression. While in middle and high school, Margaret Suanne Bone performed in numerous church and school talent shows where she won several awards.

After a 20 year absence from playing, Margaret Suanne Bone agreed to play the Easter Cantata on Easter Sunday. Margaret Suanne Bone loves music and finds joy and relaxation in playing the piano. According to a recent study, classical music in particular can be soothing and stimulating. The study found that classical music before a medical procedure may influence the patient’s anxiety level. In addition, music can help with depression, as well as stress diminishment after a heart surgery. However, the study concluded that heavy metal and techno music can lead to stress and an irregular heart rhythm.

Miraculously, music calms people down after a day full of stress, says Margaret Suanne Bone. Music describes the world without words. Sound, says Margaret Suanne Bone, can be used as medicine. According to Margaret Suanne Bone, music is the description of the world without words and terms.

Ways to incorporate music into a busy life include playing CDs in the car, or listening to the radio while bathing or showering, says Margaret Suanne Bone. Or better yet, one can incorporate music into a daily exercise routine, suggests Margaret Suanne Bone. Singing along to songs is also a great release of tension, and karaoke can be very enjoyable for some. Calm music before bedtime promotes relaxation and peace and helps to induce sleep.

Filed Under: Legal Tagged With: Bone, Margaret, Margaret Bone, Margaret Suanne Bone, Suanne, Suanne Bone

Pretty Pedicures to Pair with JustFab.com’s Hottest Spring Shoes

May 17, 2013 By JustFab Leave a Comment

JustFab.com

The onset of warm weather not only gives us an excuse to wear sandals and open toe JustFab.com shoes, but it also gives us a great reason to go get a pedicure. While the pampering is a treat, the best part is selecting a polish color to coordinate with our favorite JustFab.com shoes. From neons to pastels, we’ve selected some of our top shades for pairing with our must-have JustFab.com spring styles.

Topanga is a colorful, printed JustFab.com wedge. Made of supple materials with a zip-up back, JustFab.com captures the global traveler trend to a t with this ikat inspired look. Available in turquoise or orange, the turquoise would pair well with a pedicure in one of the shoe’s cool accent colors: deep plum or shimmering peach. The orange JustFab.com style would be complemented by a pedicure in dazzling sea blue.

JustFab.com’s Copacabana is a sleek, classic heeled sandal. With a trendy neutral ankle strap and pastel hues of coral or mint, JustFab.com has reinterpreted a traditional look for spring. The mint shade would look smashing with a bubble gum pink or mauve pedicure, and the coral JustFab.com color would be a perfect match for fuchsia or hot pink toes.

Istanbul is an exotic, global JustFab.com shoe. Inspired by the city, this rich yet casual beaded sandal features a velvety textured fabric, a crisscross design and double ankle straps. Available in purple and black, both colorways feature metallic beading in periwinkle, pink and gold. Either shade of this JustFab.com shoe would go well with a butter yellow or shiny gunmetal colored pedicure.

JustFab.com’s Cancun is a resort wedge that will leave you feeling like you’re on vacation south of the border. Featuring a stylish t-strap with stacked buckles at the ankle, this JustFab.com beauty is available in black or cognac, and both include a summery tropical geometric weave on the wedge. This JustFab.com summer shoe would look fabulous with a pedicure in pastel pink, neutral nude, or a light olive.

Berne is a sporty peep-toe sandal from JustFab.com. This shaped JustFab.com platform with a tall stiletto heel boasts a modern cutout design and bold neon highlights. Pair this edgy JustFab.com style with a neon pink pedicure to pick up the accent color of the shoe.

JustFab.com is the web’s top subscription-based fashion site, offering members the opportunity to have fashionable styles of shoes, handbags, denim and other accessories handpicked for them by in-the-know style experts.

Filed Under: Business, Lifestyle Tagged With: Business, Just Fab, JustFab, justfab.com

Scott Safadi: An American Success Story

May 16, 2013 By Scott Safadi

Scott Safadi

Scott Safadi was born in Damascus, Syria. When he was 2 years old, Scott Safadi and his family moved to the United States. Scott Safadi worked hard to achieve the American dream. Scott shares about his story with A Gathering of Experts.

A Gathering of Experts: Thank you for meeting with us today, Scott. I’d like to hear about your achievements firsthand. It sounds like a very interesting story.

Scott Safadi: It’s nice to meet you. Thanks to my father, I’ve been very fortunate to have the opportunities I’ve been granted.

A Gathering of Experts: I think you’re being modest. You have achieved much and I’m sure your father is very proud of you.

Scott Safadi: My father was tireless and resolute about my education. He didn’t make a lot of money, but he was determined that I attend good schools. I attended a private school until second grade and it gave me a good foundation upon which to build.

A Gathering of Experts: You didn’t attend private school after the second grade?

Scott Safadi: No. My father couldn’t afford the private school, so I had to change to a public school in the third grade.

A Gathering of Experts: How was that—the public school?

Scott Safadi: The private school had been so stimulating, and it provided me with such a good foundation, so I was bored in public school. I didn’t learn much in school for the next couple of years.

A Gathering of Experts: What happened to change that?

Scott Safadi: When I finally told my father about the situation, he decided to do whatever he could to get me into a better public school system.

A Gathering of Experts: Was he able to do that?

Scott Safadi: Yes. At the end of my fifth grade year, we relocated from San Jose to Los Gatos and rented a very modest apartment in a good school district.

A Gathering of Experts: It sounds as if your father is very resourceful. Did your mother have a problem with moving to a different city?

Scott Safadi: My parents were separated when I was very young and my father had custody of me. My grandmother came to the U.S. to help my dad raise me.

A Gathering of Experts: That must have been very difficult for her. Does your grandmother speak English?

Scott Safadi: Yes it was difficult, but she had nothing left for her back in Syria. All of her children were in the States. Neither she nor my parents spoke English so I suppose Arabic would be considered my first language. I am fluent in Arabic, but it’s certainly not as good as my English. By the way, I learned to speak English while watching Sesame Street.

A Gathering of Experts: Sesame Street? I suppose that means you were truly “Americanized” by the time you started kindergarten.

Scott Safadi: I believe I was—up to a point. One stumbling block was my first name. It is “Ghais.” Americans had a great deal of difficulty with that pronunciation. The summer before sixth grade I asked my dad if I could have a middle name to go by instead my unpronounceable first name. He said yes. I chose the name “Scott” and the name stuck. Now everyone knows me as Scott Safadi.

A Gathering of Experts: That’s a great story, Scott. Was that school a good fit for you?

Scott Safadi: Yes, things were better after that. My dad definitely made the right decision as far as my education was concerned. Once again, school was a challenge and I truly enjoyed it. My senior year in high school, I learned I had been admitted to Dartmouth College—my first choice school. I was thrilled! Then a problem came up and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to attend after all.

A Gathering of Experts: What happened?

Scott Safadi: My father suffered a major back injury and had to have several surgeries. After that, it was very difficult for him to work and he was forced into bankruptcy my senior year of high school. Living in an expensive town to put me in a good school helped me greatly, but it put my father in an impossible position.

A Gathering of Experts: You obviously made it to Dartmouth. How were you able to do that?

Scott Safadi: Because of our financial situation, Dartmouth stepped in to assist with my educational expenses. I thank my lucky stars every day. If not for my father’s determination and belief in me, along with Dartmouth’s assistance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am forever indebted to both of them.

A Gathering of Experts: You made it to Dartmouth—then what?

Scott Safadi: I graduated Dartmouth in 2003 and then returned to the Bay Area. I moved to Saratoga, Calif., and began working in property management. Three years later, I had my own property management company, Cal Bay Property Management. Now 10 years later, I have a beautiful wife and daughter and a thriving business. My dreams have come true.

Scott Safadi holds a CCRM (California Certified Resident Manager) designation and is the president of Cal Bay Property Management located in Palo Alto, Calif. Scott Safadi and his wife, Rachel, have a 1-year-old daughter named Sophia. Rachel, Sophia and Scott Safadi live in Saratoga, Calif.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Cal Bay Property Management, Scott Safadi

Travis Jones of Rush Properties on Why Johnson County Is a Great Place to Live

May 14, 2013 By Travis Jones Rush Properties Leave a Comment

Travis Jones Rush Properties

Travis Jones, Rush Properties founder, says residents in this Kansas County enjoy remarkable education, access to major highways, and a location central to the entire U.S.

According to Travis Jones, founder of Rush Properties, the Kansas City area is unlike any other. He is specifically fond of Johnson County and resides in Stilwell with his family. Travis Jones of Rush Properties reports that the entire county has an exceptional school system, many beautiful and easily accessible parks and museums, and plenty of activities for both families and singles alike. Travis Jones of Rush Properties notes that the real estate market for JoCo, as locals refer to it, is one of the strongest in the Midwest.

Golf and recreation

Travis Jones of Rush Properties notes that Johnson County is home to the Heritage Park golf course and Tomahawk Hills golf course. Heritage Park, explains Travis Jones of Rush Properties, is a par-71 championship course that utilizes the natural beauty of the area in its design. Eleven of its 18 holes are built around three lakes and/or the picturesque Coffee Creek. According to Travis Jones of Rush Properties, the fairways of the course are lined with zoysia grass with the greens being bentgrass. Tomahawk Hills is ranked as one of the best public golf courses in the area. According to Travis Jones of Rush Properties, Tomahawk is also the most challenging.

There are ample opportunities for hikers and bikers in JoCo, says Travis Jones. The Rush Properties founder explains that there are miles and miles of paved shared-use trails, paved walking trails, hiking trails, and mountain biking trails throughout the county’s four regions.

Accessibility

Travis Jones of Rush Properties reports that Johnson County is one of the most easily accessable locations in the U.S. Major highways include I-35 and I-435. Linking Johnson County with neighboring Douglas County is K-10 and US-56. According to Travis Jones, Rush Properties founder, Johnson County also boasts the historic Shawnee Mission Parkway, which passes through Shawnee, Marion, Oakland Park, Mission, Fairway, Westwood and Mission Woods as well as Kansas City, Mo.

Educational opportunities

Travis Jones of Rush Properties reports that Johnson County has six unified school districts and four universities. Notably, Travis Jones of Rush Properties points out that JoCo and surrounding area residents may enjoy the Johnson County Community College, the Edwards Campus of the University of Kansas, the Olathe Campus of Kansas State University, or Mid-America Nazarene University.

JoCo in pop culture

According to Travis Jones, Rush Properties founder, the popularity of this region is demonstrated by its predominance on the small screen. He notes that Johnson County and its cities have been featured in popular television series like Switched at Birth, High School Confidential, the United States of Tara, and Married to the Kellys.

A haven for history

Travis Jones, Rush Properties founder, says that Johnson County has almost two-dozen properties and/or districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Overland Park is home to Overland Theater and the Broadmoor Ranch House Historic District. And Travis Jones of Rush Properties reports that the small town Olathe offers visitors the chance to step back in time with the Ensor Farm, the Albert Ott House, and the Mahaffie farmstead—a gift shop and museum located on 40 acres of land that commonly hosts Civil War reenactments. Notably, the farmhouse is built of limestone blocks quarried from its land, says Travis Jones of Rush Properties.

About Travis Jones and Rush Properties

Travis Jones, Rush Properties and Cherry Park Properties founder, has had a passion for real estate for more than 15 years. His current focus is revitalizing areas hit with foreclosure in the economic downturn of the mid-2000s. Currently, Travis Jones of Rush Properties works with Homeowner in foreclosure, offering alternative options.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: rush properties, travis jones, travis jones rush properties

RIP Print Media?

May 6, 2013 By Admin3 Leave a Comment

Is print a dead form of media? This question has been asked constantly since the Internet took over the world of marketing. Many companies have migrated their physical advertising efforts to digital because of cost effectiveness and potential exposure. However, printed material lends credence and solidity to a business’s image.

Print is tangible

Printed advertisements, such as posters, mail pieces, and ads in newspapers magazines etc., are real and can be physically seen and touched. Unlike Internet advertisements that are subject to disappear or be replaced with the latest, greatest product without warning, once something is printed it remains a constant reminder of the business’ message. For most consumers, the ability to physically hold information from a business lends credence to the company. After all, Internet advertising is cheap and can be done by anyone, anywhere. Print advertisement costs money which many people equate with a company’s quality and success.

More branding opportunities

There are many different types of print. Print ads can be on paper, cardboard, magazines, T-shirts, and other products and apparel. Companies who utilize print and promotional products in their marketing strategies may keep their brand image in front of clients even when they’re not at their computer. For instance, many companies give away ink pens with their logo clearly displayed in the hopes that customers will use them elsewhere. This essentially creates a tiny billboard anywhere the customer uses that specific promotional product.

Print is taken more seriously

Despite worldwide reliance on the Internet for information, many people tend to trust printed materials over those simply published online.

Print can reach with the Internet cannot

While it may sound completely out-of-line with current beliefs about the widespread availability of the Internet, print advertisement can reach places that even the web can’t. For instance, a large number of senior citizens are wary of the Internet and trust their good old-fashioned printed newspapers for information. Many mountain cabins and chalets rely on print advertisements to let their guests know about local attractions and dining options since Internet connections can be nonexistent away from the city. Business cards, rack cards, and brochures are quick and easy to grab and do not require lengthy downloads and are free of annoying pop-up advertisements.

Bridging the gap

Bridging the gap between print media and online presence isn’t that difficult. The recent invention of the QR (Quick Response) Code allows consumers to simply take a picture of the print ad and bring up additional interactive information on their compatible device.

Most business owners are best served by marketing their business under as many channels as possible. Finding the right balance between print and digital media is different for each business and is based on the demographics of their target customer and budget considerations.

Filed Under: Media

Interview with Charles Brennan, Las Vegas, Nevada based Dollar Loan Center’s CEO

May 3, 2013 By Charles Brennan Leave a Comment

Charles Brennan

Charles Brennan, majority owner, Founder and CEO of Dollar Loan Center, lives with his wife and children in Las Vegas, Nevada, home of the first Dollar Loan Center. Here, Charles Brennan discusses Dollar Loan Center’s contributions to the Las Vegas, Nevada community in an interview with A Gathering of Experts.

A Gathering of Experts: Thanks for joining us! Please tell readers a little bit about yourself.

Charles Brennan: Thanks for asking me to participate. I am a Midwestern boy who grew up with big dreams of being in the Rock and Roll industry! I have always been an entrepreneur.

A Gathering of Experts: That’s quite the combination! How did you end up founding Dollar Loan Center in Las Vegas, Nevada?

Charles Brennan: I was a little precocious as a teenager and went to work for Citibank while I was a junior in high school. These first experiences seeded my interest in lending, collections, finance and eventually led me here.

A Gathering of Experts: What services does your Las Vegas, Nevada based company provide?

Charles Brennan: Dollar Loan Center provides short-term signature loans that help people bridge their financial gaps in life.

A Gathering of Experts: Would this be a payday loan center, then?

Charles Brennan: Dollar Loan Center sets itself apart from typical payday loan centers in Las Vegas, Nevada and elsewhere by not charging upfront fees, requiring collateral or charging interest or fees beyond the length of the loan. We do not even require a checking account.

A Gathering of Experts: What do borrowers typically use the signature loans for?

Charles Brennan: Borrowers can use the loans for anything, but financial emergencies are the biggest reason borrowers come to Dollar Loan Center. They save a LOT by using us instead of paying an overdraft fee or late fee.

A Gathering of Experts: How do borrowers apply for a short-term loan with Dollar Loan Center?

Charles Brennan: Dollar Loan Center makes it really easy to apply. Borrowers can apply online at any time at dontbebroke.com or can visit any one of our 80 stores, located in Nevada, Utah, South Dakota, and California.

A Gathering of Experts: Are there qualification requirements?

Charles Brennan: Certainly. Borrowers must have steady employment and the ability to re-pay the loan. We do run credit checks on our borrowers and report their good credit history also.

A Gathering of Experts: What if someone has bad credit; should they forget about a Dollar Loan Center loan?

Charles Brennan: Absolutely not. Dollar Loan Center prides itself in providing loan products for every credit situation. We try to weed out any fraud of course, but, unlike most banks, it is our goal to get the customer their needed funds.

A Gathering of Experts: How many loans can a borrower receive from Dollar Loan Center?

Charles Brennan: There is no limit; however, Dollar Loan Center encourages borrowers to use signature loans responsibly as to avoid creating insurmountable debt problems.

A Gathering of Experts: Do borrowers need to re-apply for every loan?

Charles Brennan: No, once a borrower establishes a credit line with Dollar Loan Center, their information is kept on file for later, additional loan applications. As a matter of fact, over 1/3^rd of our locations have a drive-thru so the customers can get their funds as quick as a taco.

A Gathering of Experts: Dollar Loan Center calls itself a “community lender”; what does that mean?

Charles Brennan: Dollar Loan Center is committed to giving back to the other communities where our stores are located. We also continue to support nonprofit organizations doing good work for the children of those communities.

Charles Brennan grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and has enjoyed careers in both the music industry and finance. He resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with his family. Charles Brennan encourages readers to find answers to their questions by going to Dollar Loan Center’s website, dontbebroke.com.

Filed Under: Finance Tagged With: Charles Brennan, Charles C. Brennan, Chuck Brennan, Dollar Loan, Dollar Loan Center

Rick Dover Talks about Creating Jobs Through Building Restoration

May 2, 2013 By Rick Dover Leave a Comment

Rick Dover

Rick Dover is the general manager of Family Pride Corporation, a family owned and operated company in Knoxville, Tenn. Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation have been in the building restoration business since 1993.

A Gathering of Experts: Rick Dover is meeting with us to talk about creating jobs through restoration. Thank you for joining us today, Rick.

Rick Dover: My pleasure. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to talk about Family Pride Corporation and our restoration ventures.

A Gathering of Experts: Tell us why you prefer renovation over new construction.

Rick Dover: Everyone today is worried about the economy and jobs. Renovating a building takes twice the labor and half the material as new construction.

A Gathering of Experts: So you feel renovation is better for the economy?

Rick Dover: It only makes sense that in difficult economic times we need to stop building new structures and utilize what we have available.

A Gathering of Experts: I can see the savings in material, but it seems like it wouldn’t significantly affect the job situation.

Rick Dover: The University of Massachusetts ran the numbers using 2009 national data. The results showed that restoring existing buildings produced about 50 percent more jobs than constructing new ones.

A Gathering of Experts: Those are surprising numbers.

Rick Dover: Not when you take a hard look at the facts. Nationally, approximately 41 percent of the cost of residential renovation goes to labor, but the number drops to 28 percent when you look at figures for new construction.

A Gathering of Experts: Why the disparity?

Rick Dover: Restoration of old buildings is more labor-intensive because much of the cost of new construction is not in labor and jobs; it’s in equipment, material—and freight charges to move the equipment and material.

A Gathering of Experts: Even in a bad economy, some businesses need a new location because they’ve lost their lease or need an extra facility.

Rick Dover: The economy won’t sustain a great deal of new construction these days. If it comes down to an immediate need, a business owner may walk away from new construction because of the cost. A restored property will give them what they need with a much lower outlay.

A Gathering of Experts: But new construction also creates jobs—right?

Rick Dover: True, but not on as large a scale. Also renovation over new construction holds a big advantage for a community because of the type of labor involved. Restoration uses a different type of labor force that is typically made up of local job seekers with more basic skills.

A Gathering of Experts: But new jobs of any type are good for the economy, right?

Rick Dover: For the economy overall, of course; however, the main consideration should be putting money earned doing neighborhood projects back into the local economy. Local workers keep that cash in the community. They spend the money they earn locally and that helps create more jobs in the community.

A Gathering of Experts: How do you find these properties?

Rick Dover: That hasn’t been a problem. There’s hardly a city that doesn’t have housing stock in need of rehabilitation.

A Gathering of Experts: What about the real estate market? Doesn’t it depend largely on new construction?

Rick Dover: Unfortunately, the real estate industry doesn’t often think along the lines of restoration and preservation. They are programed to produce and sell new buildings. Perhaps this would be a good time for the industry to rethink the standard and incorporate a “greener” ideology in their business practices.

A Gathering of Experts: Is that belief a part of your company’s business practice?

Rick Dover: I do think we should leave the smallest footprint possible on the world so future generations don’t pay for our mistakes. Environmentalists are beginning to see that maybe the new, cutting-edge eco buildings aren’t necessarily the best choice for sustainability. They are realizing that rehabilitating old buildings is considerably less wasteful than replacing them.

A Gathering of Experts: So you’re saying city governments should think “greener” when looking for ways to add jobs into their community?

Rick Dover: I suppose adding politicians to the mix wouldn’t be a bad idea, but it isn’t about politics—it’s about jobs and improving communities. Cities trying to incorporate jobs would be smart to take a close look at the housing they already have.

A Gathering of Experts: Do you have any parting comments for us?

Rick Dover: We still have a deeply depressed economy and labor market. Consumers are tapped out. We as employers have a responsibility to do everything we can to help boost the economy and add jobs.

Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation gain satisfaction from the restoration of properties for senior housing and for residential and commercial use. Rick Dover knows that improving communities by restoring existing properties is the best way to revitalize a neighborhood and add jobs. For more information about Rick Dover and Family Pride Corporation, visit familypridecorp.com.

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