What every Savannahian should know about

AskTheExpert
What e ve r y Sav an n ahi an sho u l d k no w a b o ut …
Compiled by Judy Bean
A Special
Advertising
Section of
S P E C IA L A DVE R T ISING SE C T I O N
Index
A Spa’s Perspective on Wellness
Heavenly Spa by Westin..................................................................S11
Cosmetology Schools
Hair Color and Design Center..........................................................S13
Aeronautical Education and Opportunities
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University............................................S10
Creating a Successful Landscape
The Nelson Group...........................................................................S12
Assisted Living for People with Alzheimer’s or Other Dementia
Summer Breeze................................................................................ S6
Auto Collision Repairs
Ward’s Auto Painting and Body Shop.............................................. S8
Cutting-edge XFINITY Entertainment Options
Comcast..........................................................................................S14
Floral and Event Design
John Davis Florist............................................................................. S7
Benefits of Credit Union Membership
Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union . ........................................S19
Going “Green” in Traditional Kitchens and Baths
Sandpiper Supply............................................................................S15
Branding Your Business for Growth and Success
Clark Creative Design....................................................................... S5
Handcrafted Cabinetry and Custom Furniture
Wilmington Cabinet Company....................................................... S23
Building a Website that Sells
United WebWorks Inc.................................................................... S20
High-style Tents for Special Events
Beachview Tent Rentals..................................................................S18
Buying or Selling a Home in a Down Economy
Patricia Bishop and Cora Bett Thomas............................................S17
How to Choose a Christian School
Savannah Christian Preparatory School........................................... S3
Cloud Computing
iTech for Business............................................................................. S9
The Nation’s First “Green” Laundromat
Savannah Soap Company.............................................................. S21
Composite Decking Materials
Guerry Lumber................................................................................. S4
Working with an Independent Financial Advisor
Gary Woelber..................................................................................S16
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
How to choose a private
school
What should a family look for in a private school? Look at each private school’s
unique offerings. Savannah Christian Prep only
offers a college prep academic diploma. Does your
student have dreams of playing sports on the collegiate level? In addition to preparing for the college
classroom, SCPS’s coaches and their top ranked
athletic program can be a game changer. Training
for the rigors of college and life, our staff is readying
their minds to dominate more than just a game.
What’s the best way to compare private
schools? Visiting schools is an effective way
to gain a sense of the school’s culture. Evaluating
the school’s mission and vision statements is an
important step in understanding the driving force
behind the classroom instruction. Does it match
with what you are seeking for your child? At Savannah Christian Prep our mission is “developing
the whole person to the glory of God” which signifies the emphasis we place on educating all aspects
of the student’s life.
Is private education worth the investment? That’s a good question in these hard
times. A quality education requires parents to
invest both their personal time and financial resources. But consider that, as your children grow,
you’ll spend time and money on many necessities
and experiences. You’ll repeatedly buy clothes and
food and probably take dozens of vacations. But
how many educations can you give your child? A
good private education is a wise investment that
lasts an eternity.
Debbie Fairbanks,
Director of Admissions
Accolades: Savannah Christian
Prep was named one of the nation’s top 50 private schools by
the Council for American Private
Education and nominated for the
Blue Ribbon School award by the
U.S. Department of Education.
Qualifications: Savannah
Christian Prep graduate, mother of
two alumni, former middle school
teacher
912.234.1653 ext. 106,
LEARN MORE
1599 Chatham Parkway and 2415 East
Derenne Avenue, www.savcps.com
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Carl Kleinsteuber,
Mike Camacho and
Glenn Butler
What are composite decking materials?
ing combines scratch and stain resistance with
“green” appeal.
Deck construction experts
What is composite like to walk on?
Accolades: Guerry Lumber has
Composite decking materials
Alternative materials for building any exterior
porch or deck. Boards, railing and trim can be
made of reclaimed plastic and wood (often with
natural fibers as bonding agents), solid polyvinylchloride (PVC) or recycled material coated
in PVC.
What are the advantages of composite
decks? All composite decking reduces wood
use. They do not warp, splinter or rot and are
insect resistent. Some have concealed fastening systems for building without visible nails
or screws. Beyond that, advantages depend on
composite type. Recycled composites are least
expensive — some less than wood — and don’t
require annual staining or painting as wood
does. But if they contain natural fibers, they can
stain or mold, so they need annual cleaning.
Solid PVC decking is most scratch- and stainresistant. Finally, PVC-coated recycled deck-
Thanks to modern manufacturing, it’s surprisingly cool as well as splinter and slip-resistant
— important characteristics in our hot, humid
summers.
How do composites look? Almost any
way you want. They come in a wide range of
stained and painted finishes. Some of the latest
PVC and coated decking has incredibly realistic
wood patterns. Tropical wood patterns such as
ipe and massaranduba are especially popular.
You’ll find many options for building a magnificent focal point in your yard.
won multiple “Best of Savannah” awards and been certified
a “green dealer” by Lumber and
Building Materials magazine.
Member, U.S. Green Building
Council.
Qualifications: Local and family
912-232-3128, 123 W.
44th St. (corner of Barnard and 44th)
LEARN MORE
owned, Guerry Lumber has been
helping customers since 1927.
The sales team has 60 years of
combined industry experience
offering extensive knowledge for
new construction and remodeling
projects.
TUESDAY
MARCH 29
7:30AM - 6PM
GUERRY LUMBER
123 W. 44th Street
Savannah, GA
(912) 232-3128
www.guerrylumber.com
DECK & OUTDOOR
LIVING EXPO
Vendors from all over the Southeast representing
several product lines will be at Guerry Lumber
to exhibit and answer questions on the
latest trends in decking.
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Branding your business for
growth and success
Exactly what is branding? Branding is the
any new company. Established companies can
also benefit from taking a step back to consider
how their market really perceives them and what
adjustments they want to make to improve that
impression. I believe a strategic brand analysis
is an essential part of any business plan.
So branding is more than a logo? A good
OK, how? Of course, I recommend that you
work with a professional! We review your existing presentation and materials, provide feedback
and develop a plan to enhance and strengthen
the business’ presence. Once you have an overall plan in place, you can implement it as your
budget allows.
overall impression a consumer “takes away”
from any interaction with your business — from
viewing your signage to calling customer service. A strong brand establishes trust, recognition and value.
logo is important, but branding is much, much
more. It’s a well-designed website and ads. It’s
attractive printed material. It’s clear, consistent
messaging from your videos to your voice mail
to social media.
Does my company really need branding
services? Branding is the foundation for all
effective marketing and should be a first step for
912.233.1160 or
clarkcreativedesign.com.
LEARN MORE
Cari Clark Phelps
Owner and Creative Director,
Clark Creative Design
Accolades: Recipient of 31 ADDY
awards for creative excellence,
Buy Local’s 2008 Business of
the Year, American Advertising
Federation 2009 Best in Show for
downtown Savannah branding
campaign, recipient of Global
‘green’ design award. Named
one of Savannah’s 40 under 40
in 2006 and Past President of
Savannah Downtown Business
Association.
Business Experience: Since
2004, the Clark Creative team has
worked with many of Savannah’s
most famous brands as well
as regional and international
businesses.
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Assisted living for people with
Alzheimer’s or other dementia
How is assisted living different from
nursing home care? Assisted living is a
supportive, home-like atmosphere in which
residents get help with personal care and other needs but enjoy their own apartments and
some independence. Depending on their overall
health and the severity of their condition, some
dementia patients can live safely and happily in
assisted living when the staff has specialized dementia training.
Describe this specialized setting. At
Summer Breeze on Wilmington Island, our 12
dementia care apartments are on one hallway.
There’s a registered nurse’s desk located on the
Memory Care hallway and our staff conduct
hourly checks on our residents daily. Our staffto-resident ratio is one to eight, much better
than the state requirement of one employee per
15 residents.
Are residents usually alone? Far from it.
Our staff members spend time with them and
encourage them to join community activities.
We have games, singalongs, puzzles and crafts
such as scrapbooking that help with memory.
We also have a community garden that will be
completed this spring and I’m sure our residents will enjoy it.
How much does all of this cost?
It depends on each resident’s needs. But there are
no hidden charges. Care, lodging, food, laundry
and other necessities are all included in monthly costs. Families have enough to deal with without unexpected bills.
Allison Adams
Executive Director,
Summer Breeze
Benefits: “These units … can
greatly increase the comfort and
well-being of residents suffering
from dementia.” Eldernet.com
Specializations: One-to-eight
staff-to-patient ratio. Registered
nurse on hallway. Staff has
specialized training in stages and
symptoms of dementia and how
to work compassionately with
patients.
912-898-8880,
351 Wilmington Island Road,
[email protected]
LEARN MORE
Y OU REMEMBER HER AS SHE WAS
Y OU CARE FOR HER AS SHE IS
When there is so much to handle, we’ll
lend a hand. We offer highly professional
care that feels like family to people with
Alzheimer’s or other memory impairment.
It’s the tireless attention they need and
reassuring comfort for your way forward.
Call us at
912-898-8880
351 Wilmington Island Road
Savannah, GA 31410
www.summerbreezeseniorliving.com
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Floral and event design
Why are flowers, candles, props, etc., so
important to the overall design/look of
an event? Event décor is a personal thing;
some clients want just flowers, some want it all
– flowers, candles, other lighting, etc. Our expertise lies in helping clients turn their dreams
into reality, brining clients’ visions to life! Our
creativity allows clients to get the look they want
within the budget they need.
In today’s tough economy, how can I create the look I want without going over
budget? Not only do experienced event/floral
designers bring a wealth of knowledge but also
a large inventory of design details such as topiaries, unusual floral containers and glass vases,
urns, etc. And having such props on hand allows the designer/florist lower overhead costs
which benefits the client.
How should I select an event designer?
Big life events can be stressful; make sure you
select an event designer/florist who has the
right personality to handle stressful situations.
Every client has a “first” big event — wedding,
bar mitzvah, etc. — and we can adjust to a variety of styles — from the most laid-back client to
the most high-strung. We have a strong reputation for getting the job done to our customers’ satisfaction. The experienced team at John
Davis Florist brings strong design concepts and
seamless execution to the overall event — no
matter how large or small.
John Davis
Owner, John Davis Florist
Accolades: Voted Best Florist
2010 by the readers of Savannah
magazine and Connect.
Qualifications: 23 years in busi-
ness as a full-time florist despite
a fire in December 2009; member
of Society of American Florists;
native Savannahian.
912.233.6077,
www.johndavisflorist.com
LEARN MORE
happy
wishes
love
mazel tov
2430 Abercorn St. | Savannah, Georgia
912.233.6077 | www.johndavisflorist.com
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Auto collision repairs
What should I look for in collision repair
shop? Reputation is key. Ask your friends.
Then go to the websites of recommended shops
and research their paint, part and body work
guarantees. Look for I-car (Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) and ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) certifications.
How can I tell if a shop will do a good
job? Ask the shop for references. Ask your
insurance carrier. Contact the Better Business
Bureau to see if they have any unresolved complaints against the shop.
How long should my repairs take? The
time needed to repair your particular vehicle
will depend on the complexity of damage, arrival time for new parts and time required for
disassembly, reassembly, painting, detailing
and inspection. Insurance guidelines on the
time required for your type of repair should be
reflected in your estimate. You can check with
your insurance company to be sure.
What if I’m not happy or find a problem after leaving the shop? Notify shop
management immediately. Most collision repair
shops and insurance companies provide lifetime warranties on repairs. If the shop doesn’t
resolve your problem, contact your insurance
company. Your shop should strive for exceptional customer service.
Robbie Ward
Ward’s Auto Painting
& Bodyworks
Accolades: Certified by the
National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence and the InterIndustry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. Owner Robbie Ward
awarded I-car Platinum Individual
recognition.
Qualifications: Founded in
2000. Locations in Eastside and
Southside Savannah and Garden
City. Member of the Automotive
Service Association and the Savannah area Better Business Bureau.
912-966-1028,
www.wardsautopainting.net.
LEARN MORE
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Alastair Fisher
Cloud computing
What is cloud computing? Cloud computing is basically the concept of a company
reducing capital expenditure on hardware and
software licensing, while increasing the availability and flexibility of services. It’s all about
making employees more productive and reducing costs. When you need more IT capabilities,
with Cloud computing, you get them through
subscriptions or on a pay-per-use basis. It’s
easier to afford the latest, most sophisticated
software, and your server doesn’t have to be in
your office anymore.
Where would my server be? Theoretically, it could be in outer space. But seriously, it
should be in a reputable data center, in a secure facility with expert staff, regular maintenance, redundant backup systems and generators that keep a business in business no matter
what happens.
President, iTech for Business
Is our information secure there? It’s prob-
ably 10 times more secure than having it in your
office. It’s particularly advantageous in coastal
regions because of the threat of hurricanes. In
natural disasters — or fires or power outages —
employees can grab their laptops, get safe, then
log on and work elsewhere.
Cloud computing sounds like the next
trend for business. What should a business do to take advantage of it? Talk
to a professional consultant at iTech who knows
the cloud and how it can help your business become more efficient. We can do an assessment
of your current situation. We can then help
you create a solution especially for your unique
IT needs.
Accolades: Recipient of “Up
and Coming Small Business of
the Year” for previous business;
selected “Top 40 under 40”
Qualifications: B.S. Degree in
Electronic Engineering; IT industry
entrepreneur over 25 years, with
15 + years in Savannah; Top level
certifications from major vendors;
continual investment in Research
and Development of new products
and services; Supported by a
Fortune 300 company
Word to the wise: If you really
want it, go get it!
912.239.9909,
107 Southern Blvd., Suite 201, www.itech.biz
LEARN MORE
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Aeronautical education and
opportunities
Why should Savannahians know about
aeronautical education? Because aviation
is a big part of the Savannah economy, thanks to
companies such as Gulfstream and the military
presence of Hunter Army Airfield. There are
many aviation-related job opportunities here,
as well as many aviation professionals who want
to advance their educations and careers. That’s
why Embry-Riddle, the world’s largest aviation
and aerospace university, offers programs here.
What kinds of careers can aeronautical
education lead to? Good careers with good
pay in professional aeronautics (the science of
navigation through air and space), technical
management, aviation maintenance and transportation. Our university offers associate’s and
bachelor’s degrees in all of those fields, along
with master’s degrees in aviation, aeronautical
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science and management-related disciplines.
Some of these degrees are very welcome in nonaviation technical fields, such as accounting,
business, computer science, logistics and project management.
What are your admission requirements?
For undergraduate transfer students, we require at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA).
Graduate students need at least a 2.5 GPA in
a relevant study area. If you’re a non-student,
we look at your resume and experience, which
doesn’t necessarily have to be in aviation. Of
course, we accept military training and experience for transfer credit.
912-450-0073,
www.erau.edu/savannah.
LEARN MORE
Jennifer Furlong
Director of Academic Support
Savannah Area Campus
Accolades: Alumni include six
astronauts. Nation’s largest
engineering program. Major
airlines hire more alumni from
Embry-Riddle than from any other
collegiate aviation program.
Qualifications: Fully accredited
programs available through traditional, online, blended and Eagle
Vision (teleconference) classes.
Founded in 1926. Residential
campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla.
and Prescott, Ariz. 150 locations
worldwide.
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
A spa’s perspective on
wellness
How can a spa help me be well?
Spa
services, including massage, have been proven
to help reduce cortisol, the “stress hormone,” in
our bodies. Excess cortisol can suppress our thyroids, raise our blood pressure and weaken our
immune systems. Also, it can mean increased
stomach fat, which is related to high cholesterol,
strokes and heart attacks.
The best way to reduce cortisol is through relaxation. So a relaxing spa experience can be a
preventative health measure, not a self-indulgence.
So the spa isn’t all about beauty?
No,
we’re not just “fluff and buff.” Our spa’s mission
is to help Savannahians experience relaxation
that leads to well-being. We offer spa services
at community events. We have a team in the
American Diabetes Association “Kiss a Pig”
event. We provide free spa services to breast
cancer patients in October.
Also, the Westin brand has embarked on a wellness program focused on sleep, nutrition and
exercise. That includes serving “super foods,”
the great “Westin Workout” program and corporate-wide training based on positive psychology.
What can I learn from a spa to help myself? Sleep well. Eat tasty “super foods” such
Cindi Moreno
Manager, Heavenly Spa at the
Westin Savannah Harbor
Accolades: Largest full-service
spa in Savannah, named among
“Top 100 Resort Spas in North
America” by Condé Nast Traveler,
“Green Seal” certification for
environmental stewardship.
Qualifications: Background in
fitness, B.S. in Psychology, 12 years
in the spa business, significant
weight loss through adhering to
her own advice.
as walnuts, salmon and blueberries. Exercise
without pain; get up and get your blood flowing.
And spend some time with us!
912.201.2250,
1 Resort Drive on Hutchinson Island,
www.heavenlyspasavannah.com.
LEARN MORE
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Danny Nelson
Creating a successful
landscape
What do you mean by “successful”?
A
landscape should provide day-to-day enjoyment
and a good return on investment. That requires
three key phases. The first is design. The second is construction and installation. The third is
care and maintenance. Short-changing any one
of these phases can really wreck a landscape.
So landscaping is more than gardening?
Absolutely. Plants are, of course, an important
part of landscaping, so horticultural knowledge
is important. But construction knowledge is
just as important, and so are solid design skills.
Define “design.”
It’s more than making
things pretty. Good design considers unity, balance, proportion, rhythm and emphasis. Those
Owner/President,
The Nelson Group
are the five principles of design. When a landscape feels “off,” one of these five principles
probably hasn’t been addressed well.
How should I budget for landscaping?
For the best return on your investment, expect
to spend five to 10 percent of your home’s value.
With a great landscape, you can expect to get
back 100 to 200 percent of your costs when you
sell. As Money magazine says, landscaping “offers the best return on investment of any home
improvement.”
912.355.5881,
www.nelsongroup.us
LEARN MORE
Accolades: Best of Savannah’s
“Best Landscape Company,” 2009
and 2010; featured in Coastal
Living, South and Savannah
magazines; participant in Extreme
Makeover Home Edition/Savannah; earned “Building with Trees”
award from National Arbor Day
Foundation.
Qualifications: BS in Landscape
Architecture (UGA, 1985); 25
years of experience in the design/
build profession, focusing on fine
residential and commercial landscapes; co-founder of LandSouth
Design Studio (land planning
firm).
Defining
Spaces Since 1992
P: 912.355.5881
F: 912.355.1200
www.nelsongroup.us
,ANDSCAPE$ESIGNs)MPLEMENTATIONs#ARE
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Cosmetology schools
What can a cosmetology school do for
me? For consumers, the Hair Color and Design Center, provides great cuts, color, highlights, blowouts and other in-demand services
at very affordable rates. For example, a welltrained, supervised student can color your hair
with a formulation created especially for your
hair type and skin tone, then shampoo, condition and style it — for not much more than the
cost of a drugstore box of hair color.
What does your school offer a student?
If you’re looking for a new career, a good cosmetology school can lead to a creative, lucrative
future. Our 10-month diploma program focuses
intensely on cutting and color, following the
curriculum of the American Board of Certified
Haircolorists, which far exceeds the requirements of the State Board of Cosmetology — and
even what most salon stylists have learned.
Can I trust a student with my hair? Ab-
solutely. In fact, students tend to be very cautious because they really want to get things
right. They’re graded on every aspect of your
visit: consultation, formulation, application,
shampoo and finish. They’re likely to ask lots of
questions of you, as the client, and also of their
instructors, who are fully licensed.
Jay Marshlick
Owner, Greener Grass Hair
Color & Designs and Hair
Color & Design Center
Accolades: Hair Color and Design
Center was founded by Jay
Marshlick of Greener Grass Hair
Color and Designs, named one of
the 30 “Hottest Salons in the U.S.”
by Color and Style magazine and
voted “Savannah’s Best Salon” by
readers of Savannah magazine.
Qualifications: The state-licensed
school offers 10-month diplomas
in Hair Design or 12-month diplomas in Master Cosmetology.
912-927-7117,
10010 Abercorn in Picadilly Square,
www.HairColorandDesignCenter.com
LEARN MORE
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Cutting-edge XFINITY
entertainment options
What does XFINITY mean? As of February
6, all Comcast products and services in the Savannah area will be branded as XFINITY. The
company name will still be Comcast, but the
new, all-digital XFINITY platform will bring
you more entertainment choices, wherever and
whenever you want.
Will Comcast offer new products and
services?
Definitely! The state-of-the-art
platform will provide 100 MBPS internet
downloads; 100-plus high-definition (HD)
channels; 5,000-plus HD choices; the best HD
picture quality; approximately 20,000 “On Demand” video choices; XFINITYTV.COM, with
19,000-plus movies, top shows and other content available online, at home or on the go; new
cross-platform and mobile features like Univer-
sal Caller ID; an interactive home telephone;
Blackberry, iPhone and iPad “apps”; an interactive TV feature utilizing your remote controls to
order products while watching TV and access
to 3-D programming, movies and events on air
and On Demand.
How can I make sure I benefit from the
XFINITY upgrade? You’ll need either a full-
featured Digital Set-Top Box or a Digital Adapter for every television you have to continue
viewing channels 18-70. Comcast will provide
up to two digital adapters at no additional cost.
If you already have digital equipment on your
televisions, you don’t have to do anything.
Michael Daves
Comcast Area Vice
President / General
Manager Coastal North
Accolades: 2000 graduate of
Comcast’s Executive Leadership
Forum, graduate of Leadership
Bryan County and Leadership
Southeast Georgia.
Qualfications: 22 years of experience in the cable industry, former
U.S. Air Force avionics specialist,
M.B.A. and B.B.A. from University
of Tennessee.
877-634-4434,
comcast.com/digitalnow
LEARN MORE
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© 2011 Comcast. All rights reserved. XFINITY services not available in all areas.
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What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Going “green” in traditional
kitchens and baths
What do you mean by “green”? Several
things, including low-toxicity materials and
responsible manufacturing and shipping. Of
course, in kitchens and baths, saving water is
the big consideration, especially around here
with recent water restrictions and rate changes.
Luckily, many manufacturers now make lowflow faucets, toilets and showerheads that don’t
sacrifice water pressure. They offer them in all
kinds of styles and all different finishes, too.
So some green fixtures suit traditional
Savannah homes? Absolutely, if you know
where to look. In our showroom you can find a
large variety of traditional-looking “green” options, including pump-style faucets and clawfoot tubs. You can stay true to the spirit of your
home’s architecture and save water, too — as
much as 24,000 gallons per house, per year,
compared to old fixtures.
How can I tell what suits my home’s
style? If you’re unsure what to look for, we
have a wonderful staff to help you. Our certified
National Kitchen and Bath Association designer
is amazing. We are very familiar with Savannah’s various styles — including downtown Victorians, Craftsman bungalows, laid-back beach
cottages, and newly built homes. We can help
you identify fixtures that suit your style, your
budget and your “green” needs.
Christy Ellis
Showroom Manager,
Sandpiper Supply
Accolades: “Best of Savannah
Homes” 2009 award for Bath Supply Showroom; supplier for City of
Savannah’s “Trade in Your Toilet”
program.
Qualifications: Sandpiper Supply has been in business for 34
years and is locally owned and
operated.
912-236-3351, 4101 Bull St.,
www.sandpipersav.com
LEARN MORE
Plumbing Supplies & Showroom
912-236-3351
"ULL3TREETs3AVANNAH'!
WWW3ANDPIPER3AVCOM
,OCALLYOWNEDOPERATEDSINCE
h&ROMOUR&AMILYTO9OURSv
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S P E C IA L A DVE R T ISING SE C T I O N
AskTheExpert
What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Working with an independent
financial advisor
What does independent mean? Many financial advisors represent one bank, insurance
company or brokerage firm. Independent advisors are not affiliates of any financial institution,
largely due to their desire to offer completely
unbiased financial advice. They are essentially
small business owners, with complete control
over the size of their business, the services they
provide and the investment vehicles they use.
How are independent advisors paid?
Advisors (independent or not) are compensated
in the following ways: commissions for products sold, a flat agreed-upon fee, or an annual
percentage fee based on assets. Many, but not
all, independent advisors operate fee-based
businesses to align their interests with that of
their clients.
Is my money safer at a large firm? Most
independent advisors do not custody assets –
they just offer financial advice. You may have
your assets held at a “large” firm, while still receiving advice from an independent advisor. It
is possible to seek advice from an independent
advisor without moving your investment account.
LEARN MORE
Contact Gary Woelber (See
Ad Below). Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Investment,
advice offered through Independent Financial
Partners (IFP), a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.
Gary F. Woelber
Financial Advisor,
Independent Financial
Partners
Background: Gary started his
career at Lehman Brothers in New
York, where he co-managed a
$100 million proprietary merger
arbitrage portfolio. After seven
years, he returned home to Savannah to open his own investment
advisory firm.
Registrations: General Securities
Representative (Series 7), Uniform
Securities Agent State Law (Series
63), Uniform Investment Advisors
(Series 65) held with LPL Financial.
Gary F. Woelber
Financial Advisor
350 Hodgson Court
Savannah, GA 31406
Phone: 912 650 2859
Cell: 912-659-6872
E-mail: [email protected]
S16 savannahmagazine.COM
S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
What s
AskTheExpert ’
What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Buying and selling real
estate in a difficult economy
What are some tips for home owners
wanting to sell in a slow economy?
Choose your realtor wisely — one who can be
your trusted advisor and who can explain the
market and the conditions in terms that are relative and understandable to you. For example, an
asking price of $300,000 for a home that takes a
year to sell at $270,000, actually costs the seller
$576.92 a week. When explained properly by a
knowledgeable realtor, the homeowner is better
equipped to make a wise decision.
What should a buyer and seller look for
when choosing a company to represent
them? Buyers and sellers should be confident
their agent is with a company with an exceptional reputation, that offers continuing education and training and that has ONLY full-time
professional sales associates. Additionally it is
important that the company employs support
staff, requires professional photography and
possesses marketing savvy in tune with today’s
market.
How do we tell if the Savannah real estate market is improving? A major sign
of an improved market is one showing stabilization. Savannah sales in listings over $300k have
shown an increase from 2009 to 2010 of 4%,
thus reducing the inventory on hand. Inventory
reductions are imperative for a stabilizing market, in turn contributing to the Savannah real
estate market improvement.
Patricia Bishop &
Cora Bett Thomas
Cora Bett Thomas Realty
& Associates
Accolades: Voted Best Real Estate
Company by Savannah magazine
readers 2007, 2008 and 2010
Qualifications: Member of the
following: Christie’s International
Real Estate, Mayfair International Realty, Leading Real Estate
Companies of the World (formerly
RELO) and Luxury Portfolio.
Patricia Bishop, Lifetime Achiever & Cora Bett Thomas, CEO & Founder
Patricia Bishop, Lifetime Achiever & Cora Bett Thomas, CEO & Founder
912.233.6000,
24 E. Oglethorpe
Ave, www.corabettthomas.com
Uncertain
times call for an
LEARN MORE
What
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experienced hand. For more than
Uncertain times call for an experienced hand. For more than
16 years, Cora Bett Thomas Realty has successfully navigated the most
16 years, Cora Bett Thomas Realty has successfully navigated the most
challenging real estate environments through its unparalleled market
challenging real estate environments through its unparalleled market
insight and unyielding commitment to client service. By combining its
insight and unyielding commitment to client service. By combining its
depth of professional expertise with cutting-edge technology, Cora Bett
depth of professional expertise with cutting-edge technology, Cora Bett
Thomas Realty has become the luxury market leader in Savannah.
Thomas Realty has become the luxury market leader in Savannah.
Patricia Bishop, Lifetime Achiever & Cora Bett Thomas, CEO & Founder
What’s
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its service. By combining its
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S P E C IA L A DVE R T ISING SE C T I O N
AskTheExpert
What every Savannahian needs to know about...
High-style tents for special
events
What do you mean by “high style”? Just
about anything you can imagine for your event,
we can place beautifully in a tent – including
many of the same things you’d find in interior
design. You can have mahogany doors, chandeliers, upholstered and fine wood furniture,
carpeting and fine fabric draping. We always try
to “take it up a notch.” Often guests really think
they’re in a new building.
Why do people want tents? They let you
go beyond buildings’ limitations. You can truly
create fantasies. One bride had us recreate Manhattan’s St. Regis Hotel ballroom! Our trained
event planners and stylists can find the latest
furnishings, fixtures and accessories – beyond
most building décor and far beyond basic rental
companies’ inventories.
Where can we place these tents? Any-
where from the beach to the mountains. We’ve
gone as far north as Delaware and as far west
as Texas. But most of our clients are in Georgia
and Florida, so waterfront and marsh-view settings are very popular. Our tents can be heated
or cooled for any climate.
What kinds of events do you support?
Lots of weddings. Also, fund-raising galas, corporate conventions, client entertainment and
employee events.
Elizabeth Veal
Event Designer / Planner
Accolades: Beachview Tent Rentals is one of 10 finalists for Event
Solutions International’s “Rental
Company of the Year,” chosen
through an “American Idol”
type process that includes public
voting.
Qualifications: Meeting Profess-
sional International CMP (Certified
Meeting Professional), 13 years of
event planning experience.
912.280.9020,
3387 Highway 17 South, Brunswick,
beachviewtentrentals.com
LEARN MORE
Brooke Roberts Photography
Amazing
Event Rentals
S18 savannahmagazine.COM
BeachviewTentRentals.com
912.280.9020
BeachviewTentRentals.com
S P E C IA L A DVE R T ISING SE C T I O N
AskTheExpert
What every Savannahian needs to know about...
The benefits of credit union
membership
What does it mean to be a member of
a credit union? “Not-for-profit, but for ser-
vice” financial cooperatives, credit unions often
collaborate to share expertise and resources for
the betterment of the industry and the members we serve. While banks are owned by their
stockholders, credit unions are owned by their
members.
Don’t credit unions have lower fees and
low loan rates? Yes, we return value to our
members through lower fees, lower loan rates,
higher dividends and accessibility. Banks might
not be lending, but credit unions have never
stopped. We offer online banking, bill payment,
direct deposit, mortgages, home equity loans,
vehicle loans and many other convenient services.
Why is community involvement important to the credit union? Credit unions
believe in the philosophy of “people helping
people,” an accurate reflection of our sense of
volunteerism. We hold fundraisers to benefit
charitable organizations and serve our community. Credit unions abide by charters for
membership. Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Chatham, Effingham
and Bryan counties (and their immediate family members) can open an account. We offer
free educational seminars to the public such as
CARS (Consumer Automotive Resource Seminar) on April 19.
Thor Dolan
President/CEO
Georgia Heritage FCU
Qualifications: Thor Dolan
assumed the role of President/
CEO for Georgia Heritage Federal
Credit Union in July 2009. He has
more than 27 years of financial
service experience including
several senior management positions specializing in consumer
and mortgage lending. Thor has
served the credit union industry
since 1990.
912-236-4400, 1085 W.
Lathrop Ave., Savannah 31415.
LEARN MORE
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AskTheExpert
Andrew T. Reilley
What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Building a website that sells
Do I even want a website? Face it. You
don’t necessarily want a website – what you
want is more sales (or donations, or leads, etc.).
A website that sells constantly attracts visitors
looking for your products/services and turns
them from visitors into customers.
What makes a website sell? Getting lots of
visitors to your website is certainly important,
but not if they aren’t buying once they get there.
A website that sells uses words and graphics
that speak to a visitor’s desire or worry. It builds
trust in your organization and encourages the
visitor to take the next step toward completing
your sales objective.
How do I get an effective website? Every decision you make, starting at your domain
name, will affect your site’s ability to sell. Do
NOT take for granted that a web developer has
all the answers. Most don’t. Whether you are
building it yourself or hiring a professional, you
must be armed with the information to be sure
those decisions are made correctly. You can buy
the information for $20 at www.websitebuildingbook.com. For a free electronic version of
the book, send an email to savannahmag@
websitebuildingbook.com. For guaranteed success, call Connie at (912) 231-0016.
LEARN MORE
www.unitedwebworks.com
Speaking of Experts…
Owner United WebWorks
Author of “Proven Solutions to
Build a Website that Sells”
Accolades: Reilley owns a brick-
and-mortar web development
company at 30 W. Broughton St. in
historic Savannah. He was ahead
of the curve in recognizing the
Internet’s potential for collaboration
and marketing. His greatest passion
is in helping others, especially those
in the throes of developing a small
business.
He wrote “Proven Solutions to Build
a Website That Sells” to provide
business owners practical and concise guides to gain a competitive advantage in the digital marketplace.
For anyone who wants more sales,
more donations, more members or
more of anything else, the book will
prove invaluable.
“What I enjoyed most about working with Andrew
and his group was their ability to capture who Ernest
Homes is on our website. He and his staff conveyed
our messages about the different communities and different home styles we offer, to an online market.
WebWorks did a fantastic job of piquing the interest
of visitors to ernesthomes.com, so that prospective
customers go from one page to the next in our website.
He wanted to earn our business and continues to earn
our business with phenomenal support.”
— Sherry Murat, Marketing Director
Ernest Homes and United WebWorks, Inc. client
www.ernesthomes.com
S20 savannahmagazine.COM
S P E C I A L A DV E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N
AskTheExpert
What every Savannahian needs to know about...
The nation’s first “green”
laundromat
What is a “green” laundromat? Ours is
the first of its kind, a sparkling clean new facility with super-efficient washers, dryers, water
heaters and lighting. We offer wonderful organic soaps, packaged or precisely mixed with your
wash water. It’s beautiful and welcoming, with
white-tile walls and floors, white marble tables,
free wifi and a tea bar.
Tell us more about your washers and
dryers. They’re from Continental-Girbau, a
Spanish company that has perfected utilitysaving technology. Europeans pay exorbitant
utilities, so they demand super efficiency. Our
American made Hamilton Engineering EVO
water heaters are highly efficient and prevent at
least 17 tons of CO2 per year from escaping into
the Earth’s atmosphere.
Does using your machines and organic
products cost a lot? Just the opposite! Our
utility costs are so low; it can actually cost you
less to do laundry here than in older laundromats – or even at home. You save even more if
you use our 100-pound washers, like those used
in hospitals and hotels.
Why here? Why now? We love Savannah.
We want to keep it clean. My wife and I have a
new son, and we want to protect his skin and
lungs from harsh chemicals. Finally, we were inspired by new technology that just recently became available. It all came together at the right
time.
Michael Wine
Owner, The Savannah
Soap Company
Accolades: Flagship store now
planning expansion nationwide.
Soon to be featured in national
magazine articles.
Business Experience: Founder,
Michael Wine, a real estate developer and inventor, “grew up in
the laundry business.” Laundromat offers self-service; wash, dry
and fold services and membership
plans. Largest retailer in Georgia
of natural and organic soaps.
912.335.1538, 12324 Largo
Drive, www.thesavannahsoapco.com.
LEARN MORE
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AskTheExpert
What every Savannahian needs to know about...
Handcrafted cabinetry and
custom furniture
Define “handcrafted” and “custom.”
There’s confusion about the word “custom”
nowadays. Mass-production cabinet companies
call their products “custom” because they can
expand measurements a few centimeters while
still building standard boxes. We say “handcrafted” because we design from the ground up
for our customers’ routines, entertaining and
tastes. And we hand-apply amazing finishes you
can’t get anywhere else.
because they remain the critical areas that provide return on investment for the home, and often offer the greatest impact on the homeowner
or buyers overall satisfaction with the home. But
we’re also designing and building wardrobes,
wine cellars, libraries, media & game rooms, as
well as outdoor entertainment areas for cooking
and serving. Handcrafted cabinetry designed
for these areas enhance people’s lifestyle and
the value of their home.
And you make it all here in Savannah?
Can I afford handcrafted cabinetry?
Yes. We are the only handcrafted cabinet company of this size and scale blending the latest technology with old world artisan practice.
We have 11 skilled craftsmen – artists, really
– working in a 30,000-square-foot facility designed with help from Georgia Tech.
Are your designs just for kitchens and
baths? We do many Kitchen and Bath designs
Come in and see! We design for multi-million
dollar homes from Atlanta to Florida -- but we
can “value engineer” to work within almost any
budget. You’ll be surprised at all we can do.
912.349.2879,
2514 Abercorn, www.wilmingtoncabinet.com
LEARN MORE
Barry Mathis
President, Wilmington Cabinet
Company
Accolades: Voted “Best Cabinet
Maker” by Savannah magazine
readers, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Featured on cover of Better
Homes and Gardens, December
2010. Cover feature upcoming in
another national design magazine.
Qualifications: Savannah-owned
business for more than 50 years.
We have the most professional
team in the region, delivering the
highest level of design knowledge and world-class service.
Our designers are degreed
interior designers with Certified and Associated Kitchen and
Bath designations from NKBA.
In-house engineering and project
management resources insure
attention to detail at every step of
your project.
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