Women In Business 10.06.17

THE PRESS

OCTOBER 6, 2017

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

We live locally and we work locally!

• Flexible payment options!

• No principal and interest payments required!

• Tax free proceeds!

• Turn equity into cash flow!

* Taxes and insurance paid by owner. Must be primary residence, and normal upkeep required.

At The Reverse Mortgage Group, we only offer reverse mortgages.

Beth Miller-Rowe

We don’t try to be everything to everyone; instead, we specialize in reverse mortgages.

925-969-0380

Call today to find out how we can help you!

REVERSE MORTGAGE SPECIALIST NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 BRE: 00950759/01215943

Beth@YourReverse.com www.YourReverse.com 1320 Willow Pass Road, Ste. 600 • Concord, CA 94520 Licensed by Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act.

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Finding my niche BETH MILLER-ROWE

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ike everyone, I have a story. My story includes a journey from the Midwest

to California, which resulted in a career I love and an opportunity to help people. In 1982, I was 22, and I moved to California after graduating cum laude in economics and business administration from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

I didn’t have a job lined up after graduation, and my sister was going through a tough time. She lived in Novato, and I had been out to visit her a few times and loved it. So I packed up my meager belongings, and I headed to the Bay Area. Once I settled in California, I got a job selling office equipment, and ON THE COVER: Beth Miller-Rowe, reverse mortgage specialist, with her team, from left: Tiffany Clark, executive administrative assistant, and Kristine Lundgren, senior reverse mortgage processor.

Photo courtesy of Beth Miller-Rowe.

one of my first calls was to a mortgage broker who told me I was in the wrong business. He turned out to be right!

Shortly thereafter, I began my career in the mortgage business, and I have stayed in it for over 35 years with the last 10 years spent exclusively offering reverse mortgages to seniors. I have spent my entire career here in the Bay Area.

One of the greatest gifts I was given throughout my life was the time I got to spend with strong, happy, optimistic, smart and funny women. They influenced me and the course of my life. They shaped the person I am today. I always keep the special traits shared with me by these women in my heart and in my mind. I draw on their strength, wisdom and humor often as I continue down this journey called life.

What I love most about my job is the time I get to spend with people who have history and stories and experiences and their willingness to share them. I know that I change people’s lives every single day, and that is very gratifying.

When I come home at night, I know I have enriched someone’s world in a very significant way.

If you are thinking about a reverse mortgage, please give us a call. This is a decision that will affect the rest of your life. It is a big decision. Face-to-

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Beth Miller-Rowe, reverse mortgage specialist, has spent 35 years in the business, the last 10 of which she has worked exclusively offering reverse mortgages to seniors.

Photo courtesy of Beth Miller-Rowe

face education and time to absorb the information is essential to the immediate success of your reverse mortgage but, most importantly, its long-term success.

I am happy to meet with you in the comfort of your own home. We will explore what you hope a reverse mortgage will provide. I will review all the information and then leave it with you to re-review, mull over and decide if it is right for you. If it is, give me a call back, and we will get started.

In the meantime, remember, this is what you worked for your entire life – enjoy every day!

Beth Miller-Rowe is the Branch Manager of The Reverse Mortgage Group.

Office: 925-969-0380 | Beth@ YourReverse.com | YourReverse.com NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 CA BRE: 00950759 Licensed by the Dept. of Business Oversight under the CRMLA

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

OCTOBER 6, 2017

Advocating for women

AMY SCHRADER

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MOM AND DAUGHTER ESTATE PLANNING DUO

by Joan Grimes & Jennifer Wallis

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omen and girls face many hurdles ranging from gender inequality to sexu-

al harassment, women’s health issues and discrimination in the workplace.

These issues only intensify when one is economically disadvantaged.

The Contra Costa Commission for Women (CCCW) was formed in 1984 to tackle issues women and girls in the county face and to educate the community and Board of Supervisors on the changing status of women. The CCCW’s mission is to improve the economic status, social welfare and overall quality of life for local women.

“We advocate for policies that improve the overall quality of life for women and girls,” said local resident Jennifer Cohen, treasurer of the CCCW. According to Cohen, since the commission was founded, the members have tackled a wide range of issues, from girl-on-girl violence in schools to implicit bias – issues that have a far-reaching impact.

“We work by researching issues and then reporting them to the supervisors and the community,” said Cohen.

Besides providing a focal point for issues related to women, the commission

also organizes and co-sponsors conferences, forums and public hearings to address issues related to women and girls.

CCCW Co-chair Beth Mora, local resident and plaintiff employment attorney, finds her role of helping women in the county both empowering and fulfilling.

“The (CCCW) is just one of the many foundational ways we and so many other people in the community can help make change one day and one action at a time for others,” said Mora. “We would like very much to receive fewer calls from women suffering.”

Local residents in need of help can reach out to the CCCW by either attending monthly meetings or visiting the website, which provides a list of referrals to a variety of support organizations. Members of the community can also contact commission members individually with questions or schedule to meet with them in person to discuss issues.

The commission meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Gayle B. Uilkema Memorial Board Room at the County Connection Paratransit Facility, 2477 Arnold Industrial Way, in Concord.

For more information or to take a survey regarding women’s issues, visit www. womenscommission.com or email info@ womenscommission.com.

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For years, I have been writing articles for this paper highlighting current topics and trends in estate planning and bankruptcy.

This month, as this paper highlights “Women in Business”, I want to take this opportunity to introduce my new business partner – my daughter. Her name is Jennifer Wallis and she became an attorney in 2015 after graduating from the University of San Francisco with her law and business degree.

Jennifer began her “career” with me at the ripe age of 10 years old when she began assisting with copying, filing and basic clerical work.

Now she has returned to our family business, but this time as an attorney and my business partner.

At the firm, Jennifer is focusing her efforts on helping our clients who have recently lost a loved one. Jennifer loves helping families through tough times and assisting them with distributing assets whether it be via a trust or probate. Navigating the world after a loved one has passed is often very overwhelming.

“While it is often very difficult to cope with the death of a loved one, I am so honored and humbled by the opportunity our clients give me to help their family during this emotional time. To begin the process, I love learning about their loved one and the life they led. From there, I love walking the family through the process of winding up their loved ones affairs. I feel so lucky and grateful to assist families in such a meaningful way.” – Jennifer Wallis In assisting families with administering

an estate plan after death, Jennifer has also seen first-hand the importance of having a well drafted and crafted estate plan. The ease in which an estate plan can be administered is often dependent on underlying the quality of the estate planning documents.

Unfortunately, if an estate plan is unclear or contradictory in its terms, it can make the process of administering and distributing the assets much more time consuming.

“I am so lucky to be able to work with my mom. She has taught me the ins and outs of crafting a comprehensive and thoughtful estate plan. I have also witnessed first-hand how a thoughtful and thorough estate plan, is really a gift our clients leave their children after they are gone.” – Jennifer Wallis While I began my legal career over 35 years ago, there were very few women practicing law. I am so excited that my daughter has entered the profession and can join me in helping our clients. We see people MondayFriday for a FREE 30 minute consultation in our Walnut Creek and Brentwood offices. To view additional articles about estate planning, visit our website: www.lawofficeofjoangrimes. com.

This article provides only general legal information, and not specific legal advice.

Information contained is not a substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney.

LAW OFFICE OF JOAN M. GRIMES, PHONE (925) 939-1680 - 1600 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA 94596 © 2017 Joan Grimes – Advertisement

My goal is to be “Your REALTOR® For Life.”

My repeat and referral clientele confirm my motto.

People have different opinions on how a real estate salesperson should represent their client, but honesty and integrity should go without saying. I am a firm believer in exceeding expectations and enhancing your quality of life.

To me, being a REALTOR® means more than selling homes. It’s about you, your hopes and your dreams. It’s about a relationship based on trust, knowledge and expertise. You can be sure I will go the extra mile to give you the best possible experience when buying or selling real estate. I love my job and my years of experience and performance reflect that.

I obtained my real estate salesperson license in 1998. By continuing my education, I obtained my Real Estate Broker’s license in 2010.

I am a firm believer in giving back to our community.

• 2017 President, Women’s Council of REALTORS® Delta • President, Liberty Singers Booster Club • Director, Special Kids Foundation • 2017/2018 Chair of the Education Committee for Delta Association of REALTORS® I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you.

Lisa L. Hultz

Broker Associate

Lisa.Hultz@comcast.net 5167 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

(925) 642-3290 2017 President

CalBRE #01242163

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In 2007, Dafne Swisher and Becky Bloomfield partnered to establish Brentwood’s Co. Co. www.cocowineco.com County Wine Company in the heart of downtown Brentwood. This dynamic duo is proud to pour the finest local and regional www.BloomfieldVineyards.com wines California has to Contra Costa County Award Winning Wines offer. Dafne and Becky welcome the opportunity to indulge you as they approach the celebration of their 10th year in business. Visit the tasting room and experience the hospitatlity, fine wines, cold beers, small bites and lively entertainment!

TASTING ROOM:

633 First Street in Downtown Brentwood • 634-9463 \WED-THUR 4-9pm • FRI 4-11pm • SAT 9am-11pm

Family Matters

by Silky Sahnan, esq.

2016

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How to Divorce Proof Your Marriage The beginning of a marriage almost always contains hope for a full, rich lifetime together.

The unfortunate reality, however, is that not every marriage turns into a happily-ever-after storybook ending. Here are a few tips we can offer to help you safeguard your union and positively transform your relationship.

Maintain open, honest, respectful communication. Almost every failing marriage involves a communication breakdown regarding unresolved conflicts, pent-up resentment or keeping secrets. Head off these breakdowns as soon as they arise. Keep communication as honest as possible. If you disagree, do so respectfully and avoid personal insults and attacks.

Agree on your collective financial strategy.

Financial hardships strike even the most prepared couples. A medical crisis, an unanticipated job loss or an investment collapse can stress the relationship and force hard-to-make choices.

Keep the flame alive. Amid the daily struggle of jobs, kids and other responsibilities, married couples often find it difficult to find time and energy for romance. A sultry date or

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a weekend getaway can do wonders for your relationship. Remember that connection with your spouse is key to your marital bond. Take the chance to be a little more spontaneous and remember to prioritize intimacy.

Make an effort to stay present. One of the most overlooked relationship lifelines is also one of the most simple – listening. Take a few moments each day to be present with your spouse and genuinely tune into their moods and headspace. This seemingly insignificant practice can actually keep your connection alive and is the basis of any solid relationship.

Above all, the decision to stay or leave is always a choice. Through good times and bad, maintaining your shared commitment to one another will always be the best ‘divorce proofing’ you can have.

If you or a loved one are in need of a fresh start, our legal team is here for you. We can help you find a solution that serves your family’s best interests. Obtain peace of mind today, so you can move forward. Contact us at 925-276-0789 to schedule a confidential consultation or visit www.legalservicesca.com.

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OCTOBER 6, 2017

With risks come rewards

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AMY SCHRADER n 1996, when Becky Bloomfield, owner and vintner of Bloomfield Vineyards, planted

her first vineyard, she knew she was taking a risk.

“It was a huge risk, truthfully,” said Bloomfield. “This side of the county was never known for grapes.”

While the Bloomfield family members had been farming in Contra Costa County since the 1940s, they were known for growing row crops, walnuts and stone fruits but not grapes. Fortunately, at the time, there was a real need for wine grapes in Northern California. When she harvested her first crop, which was planted on 52 acres, she had no clue just how far her grapes would take her.

“We contracted our first vineyard with Kendall Jackson wines and Mondavi of Woodbridge,” said Bloomfield, who added the first harvest was one she will never forget. “No matter all the hard work you put into growing any crop, to see it mature and change and then become something other than itself is an amazing feeling. Of course, there is pride, but no matter all the dirt and grime, wine is a very romantic thing.”

In 2004, Bloomfield Vineyards was ready to take another risk, producing its own label – something that would prove even more challenging.

“It has actually been more difficult to sell wine with a Contra Costa label than to be respected in the wine industry,” said Bloomfield.

After the first vintage was bottled, Bloomfield Vineyards soon made a name for itself in nationally and internationally acclaimed competitions by beating some of the biggest labels in the wine industry.

The awards for Bloomfield Vineyards have continued year after year and have changed the perception regarding which areas can produce the highest quality of wine.

According to Bloomfield, the most important aspect to winemaking is found in the process itself.

“It begins with the farming aspect of the industry – having sustainable practices, along with knowing the soil and planting the right grapes for the soil,” she said. “If you start off with the wrong variety or bad crop, you are likely to produce bad wine.”

Over the past 13 years, Bloomfield Vineyards has grown to 200 acres and has produced more 57,000 gallons of wine, see Rewards page 5B

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Rewards from page 4B and 99 percent of their grapes are sold to other wineries in Napa, Sonoma and the Central Coast. Bloomfield is proud of each vintage and has a difficult time choosing which one makes her the most proud.

“That’s like asking who’s your favorite child. But besides the amazing chardonnay and cabernet, I would say the viognier,” she said. “It was, at that time, a virtually unknown grape, much less an amazing wine. I feel that I have really opened the wine consumer’s eyes regarding this fabulous grape.”

Bloomfield also added every wine has a great story for consumers to appreciate.

“You need to be open-minded about the wine, love the wine for what it is and respect the soil it came from,” she said. “I have beaten all the best in wine competitions in California. Come try, and be proud to know and appreciate Contra Costa wines.”

In 2007, Bloomfield took another leap and opened Brentwood’s Contra Costa County Wine Co. with her friend Dafne Swisher. The tasting room, better known as Co. Co. Wine, features Bloomfield Vineyards’ wines as well as other local wines and wines from different growing regions, beer and small bites.

“Brentwood’s Co. Co. Wine has been such a great place for our customers to come enjoy a glass of wine and sample some great wines from Contra Costa County and other areas of California,” said Lisa Carson, bartender at Co. Co.

Photo by Tony Kukulich

Becky Bloomfield, co-owner of Contra Costa Wine Company, partnered in 2007 with her friend Dafne Swisher to provide East County with a tasting room for Bloomfield Vineyards wines as well as other local wines.

Wine. “We love discussing the wines with the customer, and Co. Co. even provides tasting notes with flight purchases on request if our customers are interested in learning even more about them.”

Brentwood’s Contra Costa County

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Wine Company is located at 633 First St., in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-634-9463 or visit www. cocowineco.com. For more information about Bloomfield Vineyards, visit www. bloomfieldvineyards.com.

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Gursky Ranch began after the family left the cattle business and moved to Apricot Way in 1979. Marketing 12 acres of walnuts developed into the Country Store, a seasonal business specializing in dried fruits, nuts, gourmet foods and gifts.

After retiring from more than 35 years as an educator, Lynn began a second career in business, when in 2009, the loss of husband, Roy, created the necessity for a steep learning curve in finances, vendor relationships, marketing and a myriad of business practices. Lynn decided to develop the store into a full-time, yearround business.

With the help of son, Steve and daughterin-law, Sarah, Gursky Ranch is now open six days a week throughout the year and daily in December. They take pride in offering quality products and customized service, creating unique gifts, large and small, as well as providing shipping and packaging.

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