A Minute with Pete Spittler on the Flats East Bank Project

Pete Spittler

Pete Spittler

Pete Spittler and the team at his design firms, GSI Architect, Forum Architects and Forum Architectural Services created Flats East Bank Project, a mixed-use community in downtown Cleveland. We sat down to ask Pete Spittler what makes this community unique and where its design influences came from.

Gathering of Experts: How did you get chosen to help design the Flats East Bank Project?

Pete Spittler:GSI Architects, Inc., was actually chosen through a design competition. We presented a total of five mockups that met the established goals for the neighborhood.

Gathering of Experts: How did those mockups turn into the finalized plan for the buildings?

Pete Spittler:We merged strongest elements from several design solutions to create the final product.

Gathering of Experts: What principles were those mockups based on?

Pete Spittler:The elements we wanted to work with included a strong urban design, a proven commercial design, a varied architectural flair, and a developer’s intuition for how the project can come to fruition.

Gathering of Experts:Does combining all of those elements help the process?

Pete Spittler:It does. When you bring in multiple elements into the design process, you’re forced to make tough decisions that ultimately make a positive impact.

Gathering of Experts: How does it feel to create a new community from the ground up?

Pete Spittler:It’s a rare experience that architects like me cherish, because you really get to leave your mark on the city. Building a community like this is like putting your signature on an entire city.

Gathering of Experts: How does this project differ from other community planning projects?

Pete Spittler:Many mixed-use communities are built in preexisting areas, whereas Flats East Bank became a clean slate as a result of it being a brownfield remediation site.

Gathering of Experts: What was your inspiration for the visual design of the buildings?

Pete Spittler:We really wanted to incorporate the visual style of the nearby Warehouse District. We wanted the buildings to look iconic and historic, but also visually striking and modern.

Gathering of Experts: How was the overall community aspect taken into account of the design?

Pete Spittler:We created a system of streets, alleys, and passageways to promote foot traffic and pedestrian scaled blocks that encourage a sense of community and a tight-knit feel for the residents.

Gathering of Experts: Did you sample any local neighborhoods for design inspiration?

Pete Spittler:We did! We took a look at some of Cleveland’s iconic neighborhoods, including Little Italy, Shaker Square, and Coventry.

Gathering of Experts: How many residential units are available?

Pete Spittler:There are 245 residential units for rent, and there will be luxury condos that range in size from 1,500 to 2,800 square feet.

Gathering of Experts: What is the ultimate goal of this project?

Pete Spittler: We want to promote it as a destination for young professionals to live, work, eat, and play. We also want it to open up the waterfront area and serve as a gateway to the city.

 

Pete Spittler is a graduate of the architecture program at Kent State University. He has had a varied professional career, and much of his life has been spent in the fields of real estate, architecture, and urban development. Pete Spittler is the president and founder of GSI Architects, Inc.

Delectable Dangers for Dogs and How to Keep Them Safe

Even the most ardent dog lover has to admit that when it comes to our beloved canine companions, they think more with their stomachs than their heads. So if you have guests coming over who don’t know your dog’s routine, it’s vitally important to keep an eye on pups of all ages.

During special dinners, people tend to serve richer foods, and that food may tempt a pet to the point of obsession. It wants to eat that entire ham, turkey or chicken. So, keep main dishes up high where dogs can’t get a hold of them. And inform guests that feeding dogs under the table isn’t a great idea, too. If a dog eats too much fatty food it can get ill. Signs of pancreatitis are vomiting, diarrhea along with abdominal pain.

Also, don’t let anyone give a dog a leftover bone. Bones can splinter and puncture the stomach or intestine because they become brittle when they cook. They also pose a chocking hazard for dogs. The only bones that dogs should be offered as treats are the big and meaty bones from a butcher – not something from the dining room table.

Chocolate also poses a potential health threat for pups. Chocolate toxicity can occur within a day, and it can be very serious. The darker the chocolate, the more danger, especially in relation to the dog’s weight. So, make sure the kids (and adults) consume chocolate away from dogs. It’s not a bad idea to place the leftover wrapper as far down in the trash as possible to keep dogs from smelling the chocolate. Also many chocolates come wrapped in foil, which cannot only be a potential choking hazard – it can also get stuck in a dog’s intestines.

Another thing to watch out for is bread dough. Dough will expand in a dog’s stomach and can make it very ill. Also, the gas that it will produce in the digestive system could even potentially rupture a dog’s stomach or intestines. So when baking, it’s important to keep dough far out of a dog’s reach. Instead of letting it rise on a cutting board, it may not be a bad idea to put it on top of a shelf. (Bonus: it will probably be warmer the higher it is in the kitchen, which will make it rise faster!)

Hosting guests can be a happy and hectic time. But it’s important to keep an eye out for the furry members of the household, so that they stay safe, too.

Carmack Moving and Storage | Properly Planned Moves

Carmack Moving and Storage

Carmack Moving and Storage

Planning – it’s the most time consuming part of a move, says Carmack Moving and Storage.  Whether you are moving a home, apartment, or entire office building, Carmack Moving and Storage explain that a properly planned move will make the entire process easier.

Local Moves

While many people think that moving down the street doesn’t require a great deal of foresight, the team at Carmack Moving and Storage knows otherwise. All moves create some level of stress, says Rob Carmack of Carmack Moving and Storage. He explains that the key to having a worry free experience is all in the preparation. The following are a few things to remember when planning a local move:

  • Pick a reliable moving company. Carmack Moving and Storage says this can eliminate the apprehension of driving a large and unfamiliar truck as well as provides insurance against achy backs later on.
  • Get organized and clear clutter. Basically, if you’ve forgotten about it, donate it to charity. Carmack Moving and Storage points out that there is no reason to pay to move items you don’t need. This way, your new home will start out with less mess.
  • Arrange for a pet sitter. The last thing you need on moving day is for Mittens or Spike to run out the front door and disappear. Carmack Moving and Storage points out that many local veterinary offices offer boarding.
  • Forward your mail. Visit the Post Office to make arrangements to continue receiving mail after your move.
  • Know your new space and have a plan ready. Carmack Moving and Storage says that it won’t help your stress levels if you get your sofa moved into your living room only to find it doesn’t fit. Measure your new space before you get there and have an idea of where you want your furniture. Carmack Moving and Storage warns that excessive time spent rearranging can add up the costs of moving.
  • Take expensive personal belongings out of drawers. Most of the time it’s fine to leave you clothes in the dressers but it’s recommended to transport your jewelry and other small valuables yourself, says Carmack Moving and Storage.

Distance Moves

Carmack Moving and Storage specializes in long distance relocations. There is a lot of similar prep work as with a local move, says Carmack Moving and Storage ’s Rob Carmack. However, he goes on to state that there are some key differences.

According to Carmack Moving and Storage, a long-distance move requires a bit more coordination on your part. For a move of greater than 100 miles, decluttering is especially important. Moves requiring interstate travel are billed per pound, which is why it is best to clear out what you don’t need well before the quote, explains Carmack Moving and Storage. It’s also critical to know your moving company and trust them completely before shipping Grandma’s fine China. Additional extra steps to take are:

  • Contact schools. Carmack Moving and Storage says to contact both school districts (your child’s old one and the new one) to make arrangements.
  • Have your mover’s telephone number. Since you likely won’t be driving right behind the moving truck, Carmack Moving and Storage says it will help to quell fears if you can call for a status update during transit.

Commercial Moves

Carmack Moving and Storage says these can be the most stressful moves as they often involve a disruption to business. There are several steps you can take before the big day to make it a little less nerve-wrecking:

  • Plan your technology migration. Your IT department will be your best friend during a major office move, says the team at Carmack Moving and Storage. Make sure the new location is wired and ready for installation well ahead of the move. If possible, move computer systems overnight to minimize interference with daily operations.
  • Change your marketing materials to reflect your new address. Do this well in advance and don’t forget your website and business cards, reminds Carmack Moving and Storage.
  • Have keys made. Don’t start your first morning off with employees waiting nervously in the parking lot, points out the team at Carmack Moving and Storage. Make sure all key-holding personnel have access to the new building.
  • Assign duties and checklist. According to Carmack Moving and Storage, one of the benefits of moving a business is that there are usually plenty of people around to help micromanage different areas when you cannot.

While the moving process can be daunting, if you allow yourself ample time to prepare, it can also be a positive experience. Don’t go it alone and trust the professionals at Carmack Moving and Storage to get you there and get you ready to go.

Carmack Moving and Storage began in 1985, when Rob Carmack saw a need for reliable movers in his hometown of Centreville, Virginia. Today, the company offers packing, moving, and home staging services as well as climate controlled storage. For more information or to contact Carmack Moving and Storage, dial 703.378.1616 or toll free 866.627.4420.

Q&A with NCAA Official Frankie Bordeaux

Frankie Bordeaux

Frankie Bordeaux

Frankie Bordeaux is an NCAA basketball official with fifteen years of experience and more than 400 games under his belt. Also a businessman and youth advocate, Frankie Bordeaux is proud of the impact that his job has on the lives of young people. Recently, A Gathering of Experts sat down with Frankie Bordeaux to ask him about the life of a referee.

Q: What’s the most challenging part of being a referee?

Frankie Bordeaux: It’s the attention to detail. You have to focus on the game 100% of the time, because if you lose focus for even a split second, you can miss a big call and significantly impact the game.

Q: Is it stressful to know that you have the power to decide the outcome of the game?

Frankie Bordeaux: It is stressful at times, but I’m confident in my ability to make the right calls and enforce the rules of the game of basketball.

Q: Have you ever made any calls that you wish you could take back?

Frankie Bordeaux: I think all referees have experienced that in their careers. We’re human–just like everyone else. When it happens, we go back later, review the call, and learn from it.

Q: Is it difficult to stay neutral in games?

Frankie Bordeaux: No, it’s not difficult to remain neutral in games.  That’s a big part of being a referee—I can’t choose sides! Games can definitely get heated, but it’s a part of my job as a professional to stay completely neutral and call the game as I see it happening in front of me.

Q: How does it feel to make a difficult call?

Frankie Bordeaux: It can be hard. There’s sometimes pressure to take a hands off approach, but as a referee, my job is to make sure everyone plays by the rules—and that can mean making difficult decisions that can influence the game.

Q: Do you feel pressure from the fans, coaches, and players?

Frankie Bordeaux: Of course! They are passionate about their team and they want to win, and if they don’t like a call, I hear about it all night. But at the end of the day, they respect the rules just as much as I do. It’s part of the game.

Q: Do you get to interact with the players during the game?

Frankie Bordeaux: I do. As an advocate for young people, I try to use it as an opportunity to calm them down and get them to refocus on the game. I’m not there to distract them—I want to encourage them to play good basketball and set good examples.

Q: What’s the greatest reward in officiating the games?

Frankie Bordeaux: For me, it’s making a difference in these young people’s lives. I like to know that I was a small part of helping them accomplish their dreams in some way. It’s very rewarding.

Q: When did you become a referee?

Frankie Bordeaux: I officiated my first game in 1988.

Q: How many games have you officiated?

Frankie Bordeaux: I’ve presided over more than 400 games in 27 states since I became a referee.

Frankie Bordeaux is a loving father and husband. Frankie and Faye Bordeaux have five children.  Frankie and Faye, enjoy spending quality time with their family and friends as well as with their church.

 

 

 

A Gathering of Experts Suggests Travel as a New Year’s Resolution

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, some people use them as the proverbial stick instead of the carrot. For many, January starts with things like unrealistic weight loss goals, learning a second language by the end of the month or “never eating candy again.” We think there’s a much better way to self-improve in the new year, and that plan comes wrapped in glossy brochure. Why not make traveling the “carrot” to achieve some of your goals?

Being exposed to sights, cultures and new experiences is a fantastic way to shape awareness of the world – and oneself. It’s also a fun way to learn a second language and to work off some holiday calories.

When traveling, it’s a good idea to have at least the basics of the language. Even if it’s only a few phrases, being able to communicate with the local community is a huge advantage when traveling. People tend to be more hospitable to tourists who are respectful enough to try to speak the language, instead of gesturing wildly.

Traveling to a foreign country is also a great way to self-motivate when it comes to working out. Hitting the pool at the gym is much more fun when it’s an incentive to become a stronger swimmer for learning how to surf or go snorkeling.

And traveling is also an incentive to hit the books. Going to Italy? Now’s a great time to read up on wine or to bone up on art history. Traveling to Mexico? Why not learn about the Aztecs before getting there. Traveling is much more rewarding when a visitor knows some of the history of a country or region.

Many airlines offer winter discounts, so traveling outside of the U.S. doesn’t have to be cost prohibitive. There are even websites that send out alerts for last minute travel deals. So, start that passport application and plan to do a little traveling in 2013.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Wealth Management Professional, Explains eMoney

Dennis Dachtler Sacramento

Dennis Dachtler Sacramento

According to Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento area residents need round-the-clock access to real-time financial information. With eMoney, Dachtler Wealth Management provides this, as well as secure document storage as a value added service to clients.

Q. What is eMoney?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento County, CA Lic # 0658362: eMoney is a Personal Wealth Homepage/Management system that Dachtler Wealth Management incorporates as a value added service to clients. Through this software, clients may keep track of their financial state by viewing an overall picture.

Q. What information is available through this software?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento County, CA Lic # 0658362: The client’s investments as well as their goals and other personal information are available in a snapshot view.

Q. How do I know if my personal information is secure?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento County, CA Lic # 0658362: The information is kept on an encrypted server and is monitored by the latest technology available in the industry. Information can be accessed securely from anywhere.

Q. How often does the system update?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento County, CA Lic # 0658362: Every day, once a day, the system is updated with the most current information. The software also flags for any potential signs of trouble or conflict.

Q. Why use eMoney versus traditional wealth tracking methods like bank and investment websites?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento County, CA Lic # 0658362: While banking institutions have reliable and secure information, eMoney goes beyond just data and offers a real money management solution, linked to every available account.

Q. I need help setting goals. Is eMoney right for me?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento County, CA Lic # 0658362: We believe that the software is an excellent avenue to helping each client plan for future expenses.

Q. I don’t have time to sit at my computer and log hours tracking my finances. What does eMoney offer someone with my busy lifestyle?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento County, CA Lic # 0658362: eMoney is available for smart phone users in a user friendly mobile platform.

Q. I’m a physician and I need a financial advisor that understands my specific needs. Is Dachtler Wealth Management right for me?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento County, CA Lic # 0658362: Dachtler Wealth Management has extensive experience helping medical professionals keep track of and manage their growing retirement and investment funds.

Q. Now that I know more about eMoney, how can I get started with Dachtler Wealth Management?

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento County, CA Lic # 0658362: Getting started is easy. Call our office at 800.333.1822 or visit us on the web at www.dachtlerwealth.com

Dennis Dachtler’s Sacramento County office may be contacted at 800.333.1855 or on the web at www.dachtlerwealth.com

Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC). Member FINRA/SIPC. AIC and Dachtler Wealth Management are not affiliated. Additional products and services may be offered through Dennis Dachtler or Dachtler Wealth Management that are not offered through AIC.

This is not an offer of securities in any jurisdiction, nor is it specifically directed to a resident of any jurisdiction. As with any security, request a prospectus from your Registered Representative. Read it carefully before you invest or send money. A Representative from Dachtler Wealth Management will contact you to provide requested information. Representatives of AIC do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your situation. Securities products are currently limited to residents of AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, KS, LA, MN, MO, NC, NE, NM, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT & WA.

 

Marketers LLC – Five Steps to Create a Good Marketing Plan

Marketers LLC specializes in creating effective marketing plans for clients, working carefully with the client to get an in-depth view of business operations. In today’s tough economy, Marketers LLC acknowledges that many businesses are budget-challenged, with marketing budgets cut dramatically. However, Marketers LLC insists that during tough times, it’s more important than ever to craft a plan that will maximize those dollars that are available. To help, Marketers LLC has outlined five phases of a marketing plan in order to help kick your marketing efforts into high-gear.

  1. Planning phase. During this phase, Marketers LLC has found that businesses carefully review their business’s strengths and weaknesses. If possible, Marketers LLC recommends brainstorming with other team members to create a long, detailed list. Next, Marketers LLC recommends outlining business marketing goals in a list. Once you have everything down, Marketers LLC finds it best to bring team members together to prioritize the lists you’ve created and reorder those items to create a list from which you can build your marketing plan.
  2. Obstacle identification phase. In this phase, Marketers LLC says you’ll identify, in writing, any perceived or real obstacles standing in the way to your plan’s success. According to Marketers LLC, this could be the efforts of competitors, lack of funds, or any new trends that may put a kink in your plans. During this phase, Marketers LLC advises you also identify your plan’s core audience and work hard to predict how best to reach those customers. Would your target demographic use social media? Or would they be more likely to turn to a phone book or newspaper to find a product or service?
  3. Strategy development phase. Once all of your lists have been compiled, Marketers LLC states it’s time to pull them together to create your overall marketing strategy. Marketers LLC cautions that you shouldn’t be afraid to eliminate something that doesn’t fit in with your strategic goals. You’ll also need to keep in mind your target market while developing your strategy and eliminate those items that don’t fit in with that particular demographic, Marketers LLC adds.
  4. Analytics phase. As you put your marketing plan into motion, Marketers LLC stresses the importance of setting up a process to measure your success. If your efforts are online, Marketers LLC advises checking into one of many tools available to measure page views and membership numbers.
  5. Review phase. Marketers LLC emphasizes that a marketing plan is never complete. It should be regularly reviewed and revised, Marketers LLC believes, for maximum effectiveness.

Creating a marketing plan can be fun, Marketers LLC has found. As Marketers LLC has also discovered, it can give businesses an in-depth view of operations that can prove helpful in other areas of business development, as well.

 

Q & A with Kavin Austin Blake – Exotic Locales

Kavin Austin Blake

Kavin Austin Blake

Deep-sea fishing enthusiast Kavin Austin Blake has traveled to many exotic and interesting destinations. Today, Kavin Austin Blake answers a few questions about some of his experiences:

Q: I’ve heard it said that there’s great fishing in the Caribbean. Have you traveled there?

Kavin Austin Blake: Yes, I have, many times.

Q: What spots are your favorites?

Kavin Austin Blake: I’ve always been pretty fond of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Q: What makes San Juan so special?

Kavin Austin Blake: There’s so much to do there­–surfing, golf, exploring, and some great hotels and restaurants!

Q: Have you visited Jamaica?

Kavin Austin Blake: Yes, I loved Jamaica. Really friendly, welcoming people and culture, great food, island tours, horseback riding, you name it.

Q: What about Nassau?

Kavin Austin Blake: Nassau is another favorite spot of mine in the Bahamas. Great fishing, and some fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling!

Q: What can you tell me about the Dominican Republic?

Kavin Austin Blake: I’ve only been to Punta Cana, which is far off the beaten track. That’s a good thing, though, in that it’s so peaceful and relaxed, especially in the off season.

Q: If you had to pick a favorite, what would it be?

Kavin Austin Blake: That’s a tough call, but I’d probably have to pick Aruba. Great hotels, casinos, rock climbing, four-wheeler trips up and down the coastline, Harley-Davidson excursions.

Q: You seem to derive a lot of satisfaction from travel…

Kavin Austin Blake: Yes, I do. I can’t help but feel a little sorry for people who have no interest in travel. It does so much to open up your worldview to get out and experience other cultures and other ways of life.

Q: What is it that keeps you coming back to the Caribbean?

Kavin Austin Blake: Well, there’s the fishing (laughs), but mainly it’s just a great escape and an affordable destination for honeymooners or vacationers or anyone who just needs a break.

Q: Is it the food, the culture, the people?

Kavin Austin Blake: It’s all those and more.

Q: It sounds like there’s about anything there that you might want to do.

Kavin Austin Blake: Absolutely, there’s a huge, wide range of activities that you can chase there. It’s the perfect spot for an open-minded person who wants to broaden their horizons.

Q: And then there’s the fishing…

Kavin Austin Blake: Well, of course!! (laughs)

Q: What other Caribbean spots are still on your wish list?

Kavin Austin Blake: Well, I haven’t been to Tobago or Guadeloupe yet….

Rich Von Discusses Tough Times in the Housing Market

Rich Von

Rich Von

Rich Von has more than a decade of experience in purchasing and flipping over 1700 distressed properties. During this time, Rich Von has lived through an economic rollercoaster, observing that the economy can have an extremely discernible impact on the real estate industry. Below, Rich Von answers a few questions about the effect of tough economic times on American homeowners.

Q: Why are so many houses remaining on the market for years at a time?

Rich Von: Mostly, it’s the fact that the properties are not priced right—or there is something wrong with them (structurally) that requires significant investment to bring them back to market standard.  Plus, with such a high unemployment rate in our country, many would-be homeowners simply can’t qualify for a mortgage, decreasing the number of potential buyers. This has all contributed to creating a stagnant market.

Q: Many homeowners are now “underwater.” What does that mean?

Rich Von: A homeowner becomes “underwater” when he or she owes more on a home than it is worth. The homeowner can’t sell until home values increase, unless he or she can afford to pay the bank that owns the mortgage the shortfall, or difference between sales price and amount the bank is owed.   In this case, of course, many homeowners negotiate “short sales” with the bank—whereby the bank waives the shortfall and promises not to pursue the owner for the difference.

Q: But isn’t this the best time to buy a new home, with interest rates so low?

Rich Von: The fact that interest rates are at an all time low makes it a great time to buy; but because of the Great Recession of 2008, banks are wary—which makes it very difficult to qualify for a home loan.  Gone are the days of stated income—today, you need a full time job and the ability to document that you can really afford the mortgage before a bank will loan you money to buy a house.  So,  yes, interest rates are low, but it’s tough to qualify for those interest rates—which is why the number of renters in our country has grown, and will continue to grow, so dramatically.  And one more thing—for those that qualify for mortages— many are not buying more expensive properties—but are instead choosing to refinance and make improvements on their existing homes.

Q: Has the increased number of foreclosures have a negative impact on the real estate market?

Rich Von: Yes, these foreclosures have flooded the market with properties for sale. Making matters worse, these properties often sell for low dollar amounts, lowering property values overall in these neighborhoods.

Rich Von points out that the real estate market has always been cyclical, so this downturn is likely to change in the coming years. Meanwhile, renters are in a great position to buy, with interest rates and home costs at all-time lows, concludes Rich Von.

Rich Von is the Operations Manager of Von Vesting, a full-service distressed property business. Along with partners Tiffani Von and Kale Flagg, Rich Von and the team at Von Vesting specialize in sourcing, purchasing, comping, performing title checks, and selling distressed properties. Rich Von and Von Vesting have contributed to the revitalization of areas that were in need of an economic boost.