Karen & Tom Wright Hearth, Heat & Home p.12
Shawn Robins & Amy McCuin Cold Hands, Hot Profits p.58
The Free Spirit Of Enterprise
Clyde Hollifield THE
Volume V - Edition XII complimentary edition
capitalatplay.com
Playful
s w ee t & savory
201 5
life of a
Puppeteer
p.40
p.74
December 2015
Where there is a will, there is a way. As an Army Ranger, Kevin Dylus has always fought to protect the lives of others. He never imagined that trimming a tree for his in-laws would lead to the battle of his life. A branch broke, twisting downward into Kevin, and crushed his pelvis and leg. When told that walking might be a challenge, Kevin fought on with help from the rehabilitation specialists and Home Health nurses at CarePartners. Not only did Kevin walk – he ran. He climbed, and ultimately he passed the Army physical required to return to active duty. Whether you’re trying to be well, get well or stay well, Mission Health and CarePartners offer you and your family access to the best people, resources and advanced technology to help you achieve and exceed your goals.
To hear more personal stories like Kevin’s, visit: mission-health.org /KevinCAP
Be Well. Get Well. Stay Well. 2
| December 2015
2015
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3
Publisher’s Thoughts
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People who live here know that Henderson County is a blend of great qualities. The care we’re delivering at UNC Health Care is both highly advanced and individually attentive. At Pardee Hospital, we’re part of a statewide system enabling that kind of complete care all over North Carolina…and right here around Henderson County. See how complete care makes a difference. UNCHealthCompleteCare.org
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| December 2015
T
he infamous Holiday Crunch is upon us. Actually, by the time December arrived we were about half way through it, by my best guess. With so many “fun” functions, it’s difficult to have a legitimate complaint, yet many (myself included) can be heard griping about the onslaught of activities. Having too many people who want to share their holiday spirit with you is, after all, what could be called a “first world problem.”
When I was about 13 years old, an older cousin told me that “90% of your time interacting with people will be spent among those with whom you work.” Friends being one of the most important things to the middle school me, that was a frightening prospect. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that we spend more than 54% of our waking hours “working.” The other 45% is expended on various activities like leisure, sports, caring for others, household chores, etc. So perhaps my elucidating cousin was onto something. If this is the case, these may be the people that impact us the most on a daily basis. Maybe these aren’t semi-obligatory events with “workplace proximity associates” (thank you Ron Swanson). Maybe they are something much more. Now, at this point I must admit that we don’t have a holiday party at Capital At Play, mostly because I feel a bit guilty asking people to squeeze yet another celebration onto a calendar page already stained red with festive ink. Rather, we wait until January, when folks can finally take a breath, and bring their whole personality to a simple and casual oyster roast. By no means am I advocating for everyone, or even anyone else to follow suit. What I will ask of you, dear reader, is that during this hectic, fun, and busy time of year (somewhere between your second and third cup of cheer) slow down and have some truly meaningful conversations with these people you choose (perhaps unknowingly) to share so much of your life.
Sincerely,
Oby Morgan
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December2015 | capitalatplay.com
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The Free Spirit Of Enterprise
publisher
Oby Morgan associate publisher
Jeffrey Green managing editor
Amy Cherrix briefs and events editor
Leslee Kulba copy editors
Dasha O. Morgan, Brenda Murphy contributing writers & photogr aphers
Emily Ballard, Kara Candler, Anthony Harden, John Kerr, Roger McCredie, Marla Hardee Milling, Toni Sherwood, Shawndra Russell gr aphic designer
Bonnie Roberson marketing & advertising David Morgan, Katrina Morgan, Pat Starnes
Beretta Shotguns: A na me you trust on the r a nge or in the field. 828-633-1806 w w w.wingsncl ays.com
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Copyright Š 2015, Universal Media Inc. All rights reserved. Capital At Play is a trademark of Universal Media, Inc.
Capital At Play is protec ted through Tr ademar k Regis tr ation in the United States. The content found within this publication does not necessar ily ref lec t the views of Univer sal Media , Inc. and its companies. Univer sal Media , Inc. and its employees are not liable for any adver tising or editor ial content found in Capital At Play. The ar ticles, photogr aphy, and illus tr ations found in Capital at Play may not be reproduced or used in any fashion without express wr it ten consent by Univer sal Media , Inc.
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THE EXPERT IN MEN’S APPAREL:
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ASHEVILLE: Historic Biltmore Village • 9 Kitchin Place • 828-274-2630 STORE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-7pm • Sat. 9:30am-6pm • Sun. 12pm-5pm
December2015 | capitalatplay.com
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| December 2015
this page :
Fire fixture in Wright’s Hearth, Heat & Home. photo by Anthony Harden
F E AT U R E S vol. v ed. xii
12
HEARTH, HEAT & HOME KAREN & TOM WRIGHT
40
THE JOYS OF LIFE AT PLAY CLYDE HOLLIFIELD
58
COLD HANDS, HOT PROFITS
SHAWN ROBINS & AMY MCCUIN
December2015 | capitalatplay.com
9
C ON T EN T S
ODBYE STAFFIN AND HE 24 74 R NEW RT TEA L
d e c e m b e r 2 015
Shoppers out for the holiday season. photo courtesy the Grove Arcade
Open Christmas Eve: 8AM till crazy
Sweet & Savory Burgeoning businesses share their creative wares for your holiday enjoyment
Bella & Oliver Soap Co. Steeplechase Olde English Toffee Venezia Dream Farm Scott’s Knots Beer Ties Good Bros. Ginger Brew
colu m ns
briefs
events
lo c a l i n d u s t r y
Strange stories of the Joyous Season
34 T he St. Nick of Time
Tips from a Personal Concierge for managing holiday madness Written by Kara Candler
52 T he Great Grape Debate:
l e i s u r e & l i b at i o n
36 Carolina in the West 54 The Old North State 70 National & World News
90 The winter solstice takes place on December 22.
It is the shortest day and the longest night of the year.
How to find a premium holiday wine at a not so premium price. Written by John Kerr
on the cover :
Clyde Hollifield playing one of his hand made instruments, photo by Anthony Harden. 10
| December 2015
SAY GOODBYE TO SAY GOODBYE TO E SAY TO GOODBYE TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR STAFFING YOUR STAFFING SAY GOODBYE TO NG YOUR STAFFING YOUR STAFFING WOES AND HELLO YOUR STAFFING WOES AND HELLO ELLO WOES AND HELLO WOES AND HELLO TO YOUR NEW WOES AND HELLO TO YOUR NEW W TO YOUR NEW TO YOUR NEW TO YOUR NEW SUPPORT TEAM. SUPPORT TEAM. SUPPORT TEAM. AM. SUPPORT TEAM. SUPPORT TEAM. (828) 654-8101
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Asheville, NC 28803 28803 Asheville, NC (828) 654-8101 Jobs.AshevilleNC@expresspros.com 1979 Hendersonville Road Jobs.AshevilleNC@expresspros.com Jobs.AshevilleNC@expresspros.com 1979 Suite B Hendersonville Road
December2015 | capitalatplay.com
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Hearth, Heat & Home: Karen & Tom Wright’s Family Business Keeps The Home Fires Burning.
written by shawndr a russell
12
| December 2015
|
photos by anthony harden
clockwise from left :
The Wright family Karen, Levi, and Tom (Josh pictured on p.19).
December2015 | capitalatplay.com
13
O
tom wright operates
a set of vented gas logs.
ne envisions Tom Wright, cofounder of Wright’s Hearth, Heat and Home, reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to his four grandchildren on Christmas Eve in front of a roaring fireplace he installed decades ago.
modern chimney sweeps
use ladders and next gen equipment, like cameras, on the job. 14
| December 2015
The scene would include his wife and long-time business partner, Karen, and their two sons, now the business’s leaders, Josh and Levi. Or perhaps the image should be of Tom’s late father reading to the whole family, as he was a fixture in the business for over 20 years before his passing in 2012, and whom Tom credits as profoundly shaping the personality of the business. “He was always here. Taking out the trash, sweeping, always going, going, going,” says Tom. The elder Wright had worked at the store as recently as the day before he passed away at age 95.
Tom also radiates that same brand of positive energy and work ethic. He and Karen married when they were just 17 years old, and he spent four years serving in the military in Memphis, Tennessee. After they returned to Karen’s hometown of Arden, North Carolina, he began working as a crown and bridge technician for a dentist, “but my arm [was] worn out from tennis elbow. While I was out of work for three or four months recovering, I started going to the library…and came across an article in Mother Earth News about chimney sweeping. I thought, ‘Wow, I can do that.’” So, he reached out to the North Carolina Chimney Sweep Association, and they put him in touch with a local sweeper named Ken Rutter. “Ken’s just a super guy,” Karen says. “Tom asked if he could ride around in his truck and he said, ‘Sure, but I can’t pay you.’ Tom responded, ‘That’s okay. I’m on workman’s comp and can’t take your money anyway!’” After learning the ropes with Ken, Tom started cleaning chimneys on Fridays and Saturdays while still working as a dental technician four days a week. That schedule lasted for about a year while the Wrights worked out of their kitchen and raised their baseball-playing sons. They knew they wanted to carve out more time to support their boys, so they focused on building the business into a full-time endeavor by utilizing Karen’s job delivering newspapers. “That first season, we had some business cards printed up and stuck them in the coin slots [of the newspaper boxes] so that people who got the paper…would see the card,” Karen says. “I’m sure that wasn’t permitted,” she hastens to add. The first season they had about 40 customers, and when October rolled around the following year, the Wrights decided it was time to make a bigger investment—taking out a $100 monthly ad in the telephone book. “It was terrible, waiting for it to come out— but the day it did, we were overwhelmed with calls,” Tom says. All the tools they needed had been purchased on their credit card with a $5,000 limit. “It was a big commitment at the time to take on all that debt. It was not the way you should start a business,” Karen says with a laugh. December2015 | capitalatplay.com
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| December 2015
high powered rotating brush cleans debris.
On the other hand, you could argue that it’s exactly how you should start a small business. They grew slow and steady, making decisions that they hoped would pay off later. Tom credits his father for his own approach to building a business. “He used to say, the loss of one, is the promise of two, and the hope of 10,000. You may lose today, but there is tomorrow, and there is the rest of your life. You can’t sit and cry about the process right now.” Karen adds, “We figured we had
out of the kitchen and into their garage, and had hired their first employee, a secretary. The garage-slash-business wasn’t damaged, but the Wrights had to live at a hotel during their home’s reconstruction. Many irreplaceable items were lost, like Karen’s wedding dress and photo albums, however, they also received a small payout from the insurance company. One night, while swimming at the hotel pool, another revelation hit Tom. “He turns to me and says, ‘Why don’t we start a retail store?’ I was onboard because there was something magical - almost romantic - about leaving the business and driving away at the end of the day to our temporary home at the hotel.” They immediately began looking for a storefront to rent, and the only place they could find in 2002 that came with a long-term lease was their current location on Hendersonville Road. Their biggest concern was entering the retail side of things and not hurting other community businesses. “We’d done business with other retail stores, like The Fire House Casual Living Store, and Dick and Glenn have been wonderful. So, we decided to just not sell things that they sold…and tried to stay true to that,” Karen explains. Tom even talked with Dick before signing the lease to ensure things would stay friendly between them. “We were the only company that sold products and also did installs. So, that was our niche,” Tom adds. Now, 25 years after initially starting their company, they are preparing to buy the building after having leased it for the past
“We figured we had two choices. We could either grow old and say we wished we would have tried, or, look back and think, aren’t we glad we tried that?” two choices. We could either grow old and say we wished we would have tried, or, look back and think, aren’t we glad we tried that?” The Wrights are glad indeed. The business has grown from the small operation in their kitchen to a 19-employee, 10-truck, retail location in Arden with two service arms, Anything Gas and The Wright Chimney Sweep. The retail shop came about, ironically, from a fire at their farmhouse in 2002, where they have lived for 35 years. At the time, they had moved the business
December2015 | capitalatplay.com
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public service announcement
Keep Your
Chimney
S
service and clean your chimney and heating appliance .
A
always check smoke / co detectors and fire extinguishers .
F
fuel supply should be clean and / or seasoned for optimal burn .
E
ensure ‘ peace of mind ’ by having a professional inspect your system .
18
| December 2015
josh wright
wright ’s employee,
Gideon Honeycutt, meets with Karen.
14 years. The same year they opened their retail location, their eldest son, Josh, returned from his first year at college and decided to join the company business full-time. He’d always been his father’s helper—hanging from ropes in chimneys since the age of 12—and Tom soon began shifting his mindset from business owner to a new role as Josh and Levi’s employee. It was important to Tom not to belittle his sons as they took over the family business. He wanted them to take charge and begin to make it their own, so he is happy in a more subordinate role these days. “That’s never, in any scenario, been my style. Even with a new crew manager, I let them take the lead. I always feel like I can do more from an assistant’s position,” Tom explains. During the 2008 recession, Tom and Karen stopped taking salaries so that their employees wouldn’t have to go without.
“They didn’t miss one,” Karen says proudly. Part of the reason they survived the economic downturn was another “ah-ha” moment from Tom. “The advice back then was to cut personnel immediately, since it’s your biggest expense, and then wait it out. It can be good advice, especially for big businesses… But the strength of our little business is that we don’t make decisions based on profit line. We can make decisions based on a human line, and that’s just a great position to be in,” he explains. That “human line” decision was to expand into a second location at the old Biltmore Square Mall, now home to the Asheville Outlets. “I got another one of those Tom phone calls—I love these calls. They’re expensive, but I love them!” Karen jokes, “And he said he was sitting at the mall eating lunch and counting people. ‘There’s activity here. I think we should put a store December2015 | capitalatplay.com 19
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| December 2015
in.’” Karen got onboard once again, and they immediately reached out to their manufacturing contacts, who agreed to give them product for .25 cents on the dollar. They quickly secured a spot for only $700 per month. At the time, they were spending $4,000 per month on print and other advertising, so they shifted some of that budget to paying for the new space. “If we sold just one large job per month, we more than paid for the salaries and everything. Tom was creative, and that’s the key to how we survived,” Karen explains. They stayed in the location for three years, shifting some of their employees from the Hendersonville Road location and maintaining the original store. Many of their employees were against the idea, but the Wrights kept the faith. “On paper and with education, it doesn’t always look like something will work. I think people look at us sometimes and think we’re idiots!” Karen says through laughter. Tom chimes in: “Sometimes 2 + 2 = 4 in math. But with exponential ability and the attitude that no one is going to outwork us, sometimes 2+2 equals 40, 60, or even 120.” Tom often mentions having planted seeds that grew into things that have helped the business 5, 10, and 25 years down the road. Taking a chance on opening a second location was one of those seeds. “We bought this massive fireplace that was the focal point for that store. When the mall got bought, we had a liquidation sale. I was actually at an auction one day during this time, trying to buy a truck for the business that I knew I didn’t have the money for. I get a phone call, and one of our employees said a guy wanted to buy that big fireplace. So, I’m negotiating on the phone while bidding at the same time” he says, chuckling at the memory and animating the situation with an imaginary phone and raised bidding hand. They ended up selling the fireplace for $4,500, and Tom bought the truck that they still use today. “Something we did in 2010 to try and stay alive is still serving us today,” he says.
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Asheville’s Co-Ed, ryan morgan arrives at a customer’s home for their seasonal chimney inspection.
Pre-K/12 Independent Day School December2015 | capitalatplay.com
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Around the same time, they approached Tim Dearman, their longtime friend and residential subcontractor, about working for them full-time. Four years later in 2014, Dearman decided he was ready to take the Wrights up on their offer so he could focus on his craft instead of the business side of things. “He went up and
Karen notes that while they lack an official mission statement, they “have always asked the Lord to send people that we can take care of for a while and provide for, like Tim. That’s how Levi got trained and earned certification as a gas piper; when a retiring plumber wanted to finish his last three career years with us and trained him.” T he Wr i g ht s a r e t he type of people that perhaps could have made any bu si ne s s work. It ’s not necessarily a passion for fireplaces that have kept them in business all these years, but their passion for people. However, wanting the best for your employees can also mean letting them go on to pursue other business opportunities. “When people move on to the next level, it leaves a hole, but it’s still a tremendous success to us,” Tom says. Viewing themselves as a sort of training ground for some employees hasn’t always been easy since they’ve cultivated a
“I think we have another ten-year spot where we can grow through this next stage, but it all depends on our people—both customers and employees,” Tom shares, adding, “Our business is no different than anyone else’s. It’s all about our people; our customers.” down just like we have, and we were turning people down daily who wanted a fireplace, but also needed a room to put it in. It has been a good fit.” They hope that adding remodeling as a featured service can help balance out the slower summer months, since they still do 75% of their business between October and January.
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| December 2015
tight-knit culture—even taking all their employees and their spouses on a five-day cruise a few years back. “We used to be offended when people left. It has been a learning point for us. It’s not personal. At our little family business, you might have a particular skill, but you’re going to wear a lot of other hats too, and some people want to be more specialized than that and get offered wonderful opportunities,” Karen says. One of the ways they’ve helped ease the impact of turnover is by viewing their hiring process differently. “In the past we’ve grown out of need, and I would say we weren’t successful with that,” Karen explains. “Only in the last two to three years, [have] we gotten to the place where if a great person crosses our path, we think, ‘Hey, they’re special, how could we fit them in?’ We’re just now at a place where our growth has a profit…either in people or in monetary value.” Tom nods his head. “Growth in business is the sexy side. But they forget to tell you that it might not be profitable. Growth is very expensive.” After 25 years, they seem to have hit their stride in a lot of ways and feel comfortable with where they are and what the future might bring. “I think we’re in a great place in Western North Carolina, with people still coming to this area to live. I think we have another ten-year spot where we can grow
through this next stage, but it all depends on our people—both customers and employees,” Tom shares, adding, “Our business is no different than anyone else’s. It’s all about our people; our customers.” Maybe Tom’s right—there’s not necessarily a secret sauce in their success. But a strong work ethic and the determination to put respect at the forefront of your relations with your family, employees, and customers, seems to be enough to create a business that can be passed down for generations.
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December2015 | capitalatplay.com 23
local industry
OPEN
Christmas Eve 8 AM Till Crazy Merchants recall strange happenings of the ‘Joyous Season’
written by roger mccredie
24
| December 2015
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 25
local industry
25’ fr a zier fir decked
out for the holidays at historic Biltmore Village, photo courtesy of Biltmore Property Group.
“I
am sure I have always thought of Christmas-time… as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!” - Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol 26
| December 2015
The Ghost of Christmas Past paid me a visit the other night. Only it wasn’t the one from Dickens’ imagination, not the androgynous figure in the luminescent nightgown. It was Max Marks. In my youth, Max was the CEO of Greenwald’s, Spartanburg’s oldest and most upscale men’s store. He looked the same as ever. Not a strand of his iron-gray hair was out of place, and he regarded me through his horn-rims with his usual half-smiling expression of urbane goodwill. Always his own best advertisement, he wore a cashmere sports coat in a muted black and white Glen plaid and a pair of charcoal flannel slacks with a crease that could have cut tungsten. His shirt was a pink oxford cloth button-down, worn with a black and red foulard tie; on his feet were black tassel slip-ons that gleamed like obsidian. “So good to see you.” Max’s standard greeting to one and all. “You too, Max,” I found myself saying, “only not to put too fine a point on it, but haven’t you been dead these many years?” When he shook hands with you, Max had a way of stepping in close, gently laying his other hand on your elbow and lowering his voice, as though you were the most important person in the world and he had something vital to impart
asheville ’s grove arcade
dressed for the holidays, photo courtesy of The Grove Arcade.
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 27
local industry
photo courtesy of The Grove Arcade
to you in confidence. He did that now. “I’ll tell you something” he murmured, “this death thing is highly overrated.” His grip, which was warm and dry and fully corporeal, tightened just a bit, the half smile widened to a full one, and he gave a conspiratorial wink. As he did so there was a faint rushing sound. Things got blurry for just a second and when they refocused Max and I were standing in the sportswear department of Greenwald’s, Inc., Gentlemen’s Clothiers and Tailors, Est’d. 1886. At Christmastime, Greenwald’s had a custom of hiring a select few (usually from among its best customers) of Spartanburg’s young bloods as extra salesmen. These positions were highly sought after, as they offered a guaranteed salary plus commission, a discount on all merchandise, and a great opportunity to meet girls. (True, a girl might be shopping for a present for an existing boyfriend. Making that detail irrelevant was a matter for one’s own skill and initiative.) I was lucky enough, for a couple of my college years, to be an extra salesman at Greenwald’s. It was a formative experience. I looked around the cavernous store with its warm wood paneling, its worn and friendly floor, its enclaves of shelves and polished glass counters, and its magnificent double staircase that led to the stock room and the upstairs domain of Mrs.
Youngblood, head of alterations, and her minions. At the foot of the stairs was an old-fashioned cash stand where purchases were rung up. On a post behind it, a calendar informed me that it was December, 1961. Through the glass storefront a car with tailfins went past on Morgan Square. The sales pad in my hand was spanking new.
It was my earliest personal encounter with a phenomenon I’ve noticed often ever since: That where human nature, retailing, and the holiday season intersect, there is a sort of twilight zone where strange things happen.
28
| December 2015
“Your first day on the job,” Max Marks nodded. “And here comes your very first customer.” The half smile widened to a grin. “You remember Bobby Tatum?” “Aw, Max, not – “ “Got to run,” said Max. “Get back to being dead, you know. Go wait on your customer, Rusty.” He gave me a farewell pat on the back. “So good to see you,” he said again. I turned around and, sure enough, bearing down on me was a rail-thin man in
photo courtesy of The Grove Arcade
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| December 2015
a wheelchair pushed by a rail-thin, anxious-looking woman. I took a deep breath. “Yes sir,” I said. “How can we help you?” “He wants some pants,” the woman said. The man did not speak. In fact there was a disconcerting stillness about him. His wife made up for it; she was downright twitchy. And while I showed him some trousers and pondered how I was going to measure his inseam, she steered me behind a rack of sport coats and whispered urgently, “He don’t want them pants.” “Ma’am?” “He don’t want no pants. I think he’s working up to have a spell. I brought him in here till he’ll settle down. Listen: You know Dr. Kilgore? “You got to call him,” she whispered. “Tell him it’s about Bobby Tatum. Ask him what I need to do. Please,” she murmured urgently. What to do? The senior staff were all busy; I’d have to act on my own initiative. Extra salesmen weren’t allowed to use the courtesy phones up front. Thinking quickly, I ambled up to the front door, opened it, and sprinted three doors down to the drugstore, where I grabbed the phone book, checked the number, thrust a dime into the pay phone, and called Sam Kilgore’s office. They put me straight through to him (that actually happened in those days). As soon as I panted that I was calling about his patient, Bobby Tatum, Dr. Kilgore cut me short. “Is he violent?” he asked Moments later, armed with reassurances for Mrs. Tatum, (“Tell her he’s probably okay and to call me when she gets home.”) I sprinted back to Greenwald’s and slunk in the door just in time to see the Tatums departing. I noticed Bobby had a package in his lap. They were being waved away with a “Merry Christmas!” by Greenwald’s partner Jack Cobb, who was in charge of extra salesmen and who glared at me reprovingly. “Where did you go?” he demanded. “You missed a sale. I sold him a pair of pants. The house gets the sale, so you missed a commission, too. You’ll have to do better than that.”
gingerbre ad house displayed
at the The Omni Grove Park Inn, photo courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn.
It was my earliest personal encounter with a phenomenon I’ve noticed often ever since: That where human nature, retailing, and the holiday season intersect, there is a sort of twilight zone where strange things happen. (My mild-mannered former son-in-law, for instance, told me how he had fended off a savage attack from a female shopper who tried to wrest from his bosom the hunting vest he had just picked out for me.) Avarice, desperation, and aggression all surface in this netherworld. Fortunately, so do patience, generosity, and compassion. Even misplaced compassion. Cut to: present day Asheville, North Carolina. Alicia Rathbone, site manager at a Merrimon Avenue retail store, remembers one Christmas when “a gentleman came in the store and said he had run out of gas in our parking lot, that he didn’t have any money on him, had his children with him, and he had to get them home. “It sounded perfectly plausible,” she says. “To forget that you don’t have much gas; forget that you don’t have any cash, all while December2015 | capitalatplay.com
31
local industry
traveling with kids in the car. It’s hard not to sympathize with that. I was young and hadn’t been here long, and this man seemed believable, so I said, ‘Hang on just a second.’ “I had three twenties in my coat pocket. I was planning to go shopping for my three nephews when I got off work. But I took one twenty dollar bill and gave it to the man. He thanked me and thanked me and said he’d be back as soon as possible to pay me. I never saw him again. But I believed then, and I still believe, that being kind pays off in the long run.” For instance, she says, “There was a man that was in here one Christmas when the store was packed and he got really angry when he was checking out. It had to do with something that was incorrectly marked. It happens. The cashier apologized and I came over and made the adjustment, but he kept on yelling.
Have you ever seen a whole store get completely quiet all of a sudden? Well it did, except for him; everybody was listening, waiting to see how this would turn out, and meanwhile he’s hollering that he’ll never set foot in this store again. “So we decided to kill him with kindness. The clerk at the register never lost her cool, even with a bunch of Christmas shoppers backing up, and finally I offered him twenty percent off of his pick of any item in the store. He acted like he still wasn’t happy, but he picked something and got his discount. And you know what? He came back a couple of months later, all sweetness and light, like it never happened, and was a regular customer for years.” Pharmacist and convict William Sydney Porter, who wrote stuff under the pseudonym “O. Henry” and is a permanent resident of Asheville’s Riverside
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Cemetery, published his most famous short story in 1906. “The Gift of the Magi” tells of a financially strapped young couple, each of whom sells a treasured possession for enough money to buy the other a Christmas present. Seven years after that story was published Harry Finkelstein opened his pawnshop on Pack Square. It’s still in business and Joel Parker, the manager, has been there 28 years. He says business always spikes during ‘The Joyous Season’ because for some it’s far from joyous. “People are particularly worried they won’t have enough money for Santa Claus to pay their kids a proper visit,” he says. “We’ll see folks coming in here looking to pawn things that you know have to be important to them – tools, nice watches, wedding rings, things like that – and you can tell they hate to do it because they don’t know if they’ll be able to get them back later, but they want to give those children a merry Christmas. “I tend to get involved with my customers,” Joel says. “I can usually tell when they need some extra help, so I’ll stretch a point if I have to. I’ll loan money on things that we ordinarily wouldn’t consider valuable enough, or I’ll try to be real easy with payment arrangements, that sort of thing. Actually I think we do that all year long, but during the holidays we try to be extra flexible. “We used to have, every year, what we called ‘The World’s Biggest Christmas Stocking’,” Joel recalls. “It was a big package
of gifts and toys, enough to make a real good Christmas for three or four children. Folks would come in and register for it – no purchase, no business necessary – and we’d hold the drawing a couple of days before Christmas. I’ve seen it won by families I knew really needed it, and it always did my heart good.” Some historians have established that the census/taxpaying time established by Augustus Caesar, as mentioned by St. Luke, took place in the summer, probably in the month we now call July, but that the observance of Jesus’ birth was shifted to December for convenience. It fit nicely within the time frame of the old Roman Feast of Saturnalia, not to mention the winter solstice and Hanukkah. However it got to where it is, there Christmas is. And as Scrooge’s nephew said, along with its companion holidays it’s a time for shared humanity and reflection. The veil between worlds is thin, and it’s easy to slide into a long winter’s nap and find oneself in another holiday-land, maybe of long ago. If that happens to you, don’t fight it. And if you run into the Tatums, tell them Merry Christmas for me.
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column
The St. Nick of Time
Tips from a Personal Concierge for managing holiday madness
I
K
k ar a candler
is the founder and owner of Tick-Tock Concierge in Asheville, North Carolina.
34
WA S A BU DDI NG E N T R E PR E N EU R , E V E N I N high school. I started a small home and pet-sitting business that was very successful. It matured along with me, and as my life changed, my business evolved into a streamlined personal concierge service.
In my line of work, organization and the cultivation of relationships are key, but there are countless tips and tricks of my trade that you can apply to your own life. December is the most wonderful time of the year, but for most of us, it also happens to be the busiest and the most stressful. Between shopping, meal preparation, gift-wrapping, parties, and visiting friends and family, there is hardly a moment to actually enjoy the season. My business begins to spike at the start of November, as clients focus on important holiday preparations. I run around like one of Santa’s elves, doing anything and everything to make their lives easier and less chaotic. I stay busy, so they don’t have to. Because if you are like so many of the guests I work with, you hardly have a moment to go to the grocery store, let alone complete all of those holiday-related tasks. So I’m pulling back the curtain and showing you some of the tricks of the concierge trade to help make this month both memorable and manageable. Take it from someone who has to stay organized in order to make a living. There are loads of ways to streamline your To Do List. Here are some of my favorites:
| December 2015
Kara’s Seven Steps to Streamline the Season
1 Create a technology toolbox.
Technology is both a blessing and a necessary evil, so try making it an asset rather than a liability. I love my Apple Watch. I use its Apple Pay function to expedite my process at checkout.
2 Conquer your calendar.
By automating reminders and to do lists, you free up your brain to concentrate on other things like your family and friends (or maybe a long overdue Netflix binge).
3 Embrace the Internet.
Ordering household expendables online, like cleaning supplies, is another great timesaver. If you order a bit more than you need, you’re less
K
likely to run out when you have a few spare moments to tidy up. And speaking of cleaning...
all or nothing thinking when 4 Eliminate it comes to household chores. Rather than tell yourself that you have to clean the whole house on a single day, schedule those tasks throughout the week. For example, I choose to clean one room per day. That way, by week’s end, the whole place is in good order, and I’m ready for those unexpected seasonal drop-ins.
5 Stay healthy.
I try to keep my exercise routine consistent: cardio for the heart; yoga for the mind and spirit. Exercise moderates my stress level and helps me stay focused. I take lots of vitamin C, zinc, and drink hot tea, too.
6 Create a support network.
I couldn’t get through my company’s busiest time of year without my family. They pitch in by walking my dog, running errands, and even assist with my grocery shopping. Believe it or not, even a professional concierge can’t do it alone, so don’t be a hero, ask for help!
7 Try not to sweat the small stuff.
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If all goes according to plan, my clients’ holidays will be stressfree and meticulously organized, thanks to my careful planning and execution. But my own Christmas tree will probably look more like Charlie Brown’s than George Vanderbilt’s. There really are only so many hours in the day after all. Some of my shopping will be last minute, more than a few of my gifts will be in bags, and many a hurried meal will be catered rather than home cooked. Who has time to plan a menu when I’m dashing to the post office to overnight a last minute gift? I’m okay with it. I love what I do for my clients - and welcome the opportunity to bring peace of mind to the people who allow me to live out my dream of being a small business owner in the city I have known and loved for so long.
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CAROLINA in the
WEST [
]
news briefs
Angel’s Spirits haywood county
As the craft brewing scene in Western North Carolina grows, more news stories include distillery start-ups. Elevated Mountain Distilling Company would like to set up shop in the former Carolina Nights dinner theater in the heart of downtown Maggie Valley. But doing so would require approval of the town aldermen. Although the distillery will have retail space and a tasting room, the town’s ordinance classifies the operation as a small industry. Owner Dave Angel will have to obtain a special exemption, also known as a conditional use permit in Maggie Valley. It’s a way of more carefully supervising projects that may raise concerns. Angel believes there are misconceptions about his business that merely manufactures a product and offers tours. Elevated
Mountain will make moonshine, craft vodkas, and flavored whiskeys. Angel is considering partnering with local brewers to create hop-infused whiskeys, or “beerskeys.” Elevated Mountain received a $10,000 cash start-up award from the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce because of the project’s potential to attract tourists. Angel estimates he will welcome 16,000 visitors in his first year of operation. The distillery is slated to open in summer 2016.
facility’s vision for integrated healthcare. Services will be expanded to offer, among other things, expanded radiology with MRI and CT machines, specialized surgical dental programs like endodontics, eye care, hospice, physical therapy, outpatient endoscopy, and a drive-thru pharmacy. Patients will be assigned to one of the hospital’s six medical teams, which consist of a doctor, nurse, dietitian, psychologist, and pharmacist. Leaders wants to replicate the Nuka system of care, which integrates medicine, tradition, infrastructure, and organization. Several representatives traveled to Alaska to study the program; in addition to offering Western medicine, leadership wants the hospital to become a center for Cherokee culture and holistic healing.
Power Struggle buncombe county
The Healing Art cherokee county
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Cherokee Indian Hospital was accompanied by traditional music, dancing, and prayers. It was a sign of things to come for the 150,000 sq-ft., $82 million
Duke Energy has been in the news almost daily. Citizens have tried countless strategies to stop the utility’s plans to construct 45 miles of transmission lines between a substation in Campobello, South Carolina, and the main plant in Skyland, North Carolina. The line was suggested following citizen rejection of Duke’s plans to build another power plant
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Asheville
in the Asheville area. Duke has to expand because, since 1970, power demand in Western North Carolina has tripled, and state law requires that Duke be able to meet peak demand. Citizens resisted plans for the transmission line, arguing it would lower real estate values and damage farmland and wildlife habitats. After receiving over 9,000 negative public comments, Duke complied. Whereas the 376Mw coal-burning plant in Skyland was going to be replaced by a 650Mw natural gas unit by 2020, it will now be replaced by two smaller units generating 280Mw each. A utility-scale solar farm would be installed at the facility, and a third, smaller natural gas unit would come online in 2023.
Not in My Tax Exemption haywood county
Ken Allison is seeking approval for a European-style trash mining facility for Haywood County. It consists of the automatic sorting of truckloads of trash to reclaim recyclables. Allison said it was not his intent to deal with household trash so much as industrial waste from throughout the region. The Haywood County
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the old north state
national & world
Commissioners were interested in the concept’s economic development potential. They offered Allison 55 acres at the Beaverdam Industrial Park for $450,000, well below the asking price of $780,000. In return Allison promised to create 30 jobs paying an average $30,000 salary, and 70 jobs at full build-out seven years from now. The commissioners were also told they could expect $50,000 to $100,000 a year in property taxes from the facility. Residents were opposed. Two hundred citizens appeared at a public hearing, and 100 showed up at the continued meeting. Most harbored the usual concerns: heavier traffic and obstructed views. Others were concerned that Allison had recently failed to set up recycling facilities in three neighboring counties, even though he runs a successful operation in Virginia. What set the commissioners aback, though, was discovering that a state statute grants tax exemption to recycling facilities. Negotiations are ongoing.
Home Turf jackson county
Jackson County Schools will be getting artificial turf for its football field, and the
carolina in the west
Carolina Panthers are going to help pay for it. The grant comes by way of the Panthers, the NFL Foundation, and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. The $200,000 grant will support a project estimated at just over $500,000. Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva competed for a portion of $2.5 million awarded by grantors this year. Funding could go toward any field refurbishment, ranging from artificial turf and irrigation systems, to new lights, bleachers, or goal posts. Since 1988, the NFL Foundation/LISC Grassroots Program has promised $40 million for work on 306 fields. Funds are deliverable when matching requirements are met. Jackson County Schools’ bid was only one of seventeen winners this year. The success of Smoky Mountain’s campaign was attributed to the robust advocacy provided by Cindi Simmons, who now serves as the county’s director of healthful living, safety, and athletics. Babe Howell Field in Carr Hooper Stadium is the only football field in the district. It is used not only by the Mustangs, but by about twenty teams, marching bands, and youth programs. Play is often interrupted while field crews repair mud damage. The artificial turf is expected to last about ten years and save the school approximately $25,000 a year on maintenance.
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EILEEN FISHER
carolina in the west
Parsec Prize Honors Nonprofits buncombe county
2onCrescent
828.274.1276 • 2oncrescent.com Mon-Sat 10-5:30; Sunday 10-4 4 All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village
Parsec Financial in Asheville, North Carolina, continues its dedication to giving back to local nonprofit organizations in the communities they serve. This year, seven organizations will share a total of $110,000, the most that Parsec has ever given for the Parsec Prize. The recipients have shown a desire and ability to improve the quality of life and create meaningful opportunities for the people these programs and organizations serve. The 2015 Parsec Prize recipients are: Pisgah Legal Services, Arc of Buncombe County, Urban Ministry Center, The Cindy Platt Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County, Open Doors of Asheville, Augustine Literary Project, and Green Opportunities. Parsec Financial founded the Parsec Prize in 2005. Since that time, Parsec has given over $700,000 in prizes to 51 local charities and nonprofits serving Western North Carolina and Charlotte. The Parsec Prize represents one half of Parsec’s annual giving. A reception was held in November to honor the winners.
Light Makes Right haywood county
Haywood Electrical Membership Corporation (EMC) is changing its outdoor lighting in public places. Two of the eight counties that the utility serves, Buncombe and Jackson, have enacted ordinances rendering existing fixtures obsolete. Lights in Buncombe County must be fitted with light-emitting diode (LED) lamps by January 1, 2017. Haywood has strived to embrace environmentally-friendly practices, replacing all of its mercury vapor lights (MVL) with high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps in the 1990s. LEDs have high efficiency ratings, and their small size accommodates tasteful installation designs that manage light trespass. To 38
| December 2015
comply with the new codes, Haywood EMC will begin immediately up-fitting all of its outdoor lights in Buncombe County with LEDs. The deadline for compliance is January 1, 2017. Elsewhere, the existing HPS and MVL lamps will be up-fitted as they reach the end of their useful lives. All new lights installed in any of the eight counties will be controlled-trespass LEDs. Haywood EMC is one of 750 local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives delivering electricity to rural America under the Touchstone Energy brand.
French Broad Food Co-op Plans Expansion buncombe county
The French Broad Food Co-op (FBFC) wants to undertake a huge expansion project. The little natural grocery store in downtown Asheville has been marketing natural foods at discounts to members since 1975. The plan is to expand from 3,800 sq-ft. to 10,00014,000 sq-ft. Since the FBFC wants to be community-conscious, they’re hosting input sessions and working with the city’s planning department to identify needs. Shoppers have indicated they want more fresh, dry, and grab-and-go food; whereas citizens and city leaders have need for an affordable housing component, public space, and perhaps a new parking garage. It is also important to citizens that the new construction be sustainable. Those at the co-op driving the expansion admit the ideas they’re getting are grandiose, so their main concern is for the co-op owners (members). Providing a full shopping experience while remaining financially solid must come before any extravagant investment. The long-term plan is to grow sales to $10 million, create more jobs, support more farmers, keep prices low, and operate at a healthy profit margin. Partnerships would be needed for larger projects.
World Class Moves in The High Country avery county
Premier Sotheby’s International Realty announced major acquisitions in Banner Elk. Emily Bish will be serving as managing broker for the former Sterling Company at Banner Elk, and Don Blair will function in the same role at the former Blowing Rock Gallery of Homes and Land, LLC. Premier Sotheby’s, headquartered in Naples, Florida, boasts over 900 associates and employees in 31 locations along the Florida coast and into North and South Carolina. In 2014 the company transacted $3.4 billion in dollars, earning, among other awards, the rank of 31st among Real Trends’ top 500 residential brokers in the United States. Premier Sotheby established a presence in Banner Elk earlier this year, having expanded from Linville Ridge. Currently, Premier Sotheby’s operates two other North Carolina offices, one in Charlotte and the other in Lake Norman. The real estate company is affiliated with Sotheby’s auction house, the world’s largest art business. Established in 1744 in London, the auction house is the world’s fourth oldest.
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clyde hollifield standing
in the door of the gypsy bardo wagon, that he hand built.
40
| December 2015
Puppets, Clyde Hollifield:
Fly Pigs
THE
& Joys
OF
Life Play AT
written by toni sherwood
|
photos by anthony harden
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 41
CLYDE’S alter ego, the sassy Scotsman, Big Malcolm McFee.
P
a musical squeezebox
handcrafted by Clyde.
uppeteer Clyde Hollifield and his wife, Adrienne,
traveled the country with their Appalachian Puppet Theatre for 22 years. A master craftsman, Clyde can build just about anything, from marionettes to rod puppets, stages, background scenery, musical instruments, and even a life-sized gypsy wagon called a ‘vardo’ to travel around in. For her part, Adrienne sings, writes scripts, and gradually grew into the role of marketing guru.
Making Magic “Something happens when a puppet is on a roll and he starts saying things before you’ve even had time to think of them,” Clyde says. He introduces me to Big Malcolm B. McFee, a rod 42
| December 2015
puppet about six inches tall wearing a kilt and wielding a sword. “Don’t make me lift up this kilt!” McFee warns, as he dresses ‘regimental’... meaning no puppet underwear. “Some say all my puppets have the same personality,” Clyde admits. “They’re sassy, naughty, smart alecs that like to tease people, or goof on them as I call it.” Clyde grabs what resembles a wooden handbag. Once opened, it transforms into a painted stage and background for Monkey Man, a wood-carved rod puppet. According to Clyde, puppetry has always been the art of the people; the puppets traveled with them, as impromptu entertainment, and they seemed to have a life of their own. Clyde’s puppets are expressive and detailed; some have multiple jointed limbs that can imitate human movements, some
have hands that can grab things, but according to Clyde that’s just icing on the cake. “A good puppeteer doesn’t need a fancy puppet,” he explains, “a piece of cloth and a candle and you’re in business.”
Life Partners in Puppetry When Adrienne first met Clyde, he had an engineering degree from Western Carolina University and was making dulcimers and crafts. “He had both a background in science and the resourcefulness and common sense that comes from growing up in poverty in Appalachia,” Adrienne says, “so making things came naturally to him. He was also the most creative and playful person I’d ever met, or have met since.” The puppetry began when someone gave Clyde a book of patterns for making carved, wooden circus marionettes. He started creating them one by one, with no purpose in mind. Soon they had a whole roomful, so the couple decided to collaborate with friends and create a puppet show. “Clyde took the lead,” Adrienne recalls. “He had no fear of doing new things and seemed to have an innate ability to figure out what was necessary to make something work.” Clyde plunged in headfirst working on a script and scenery. Adrienne says she was a shy young woman, but Clyde’s approach to learning gave her confidence. “Clyde taught me that learning was a process that needed persistence and dedication,” Adrienne says, “but it could be done by anyone with a little pluck.” Working with another couple, they created a puppet show. Along with another couple, they worked out the show. For their very first performance, they strung a sheet between the living room and kitchen, and invited friends to a potluck supper and puppet show. The script was a simple story outline. They improvised all of the dialogue. Six months later, another couple hired them to work with them on a show in Georgia. Lacking both a telephone and promotional materials, their puppet theater began humbly as occasional events. The seed was planted, however, and Clyde began fashioning a performance they could do themselves. “We decided that we couldn’t do marionettes if we were going to make enough money to live on,” Adrienne explains, “so Clyde built the stage and puppets for a rod puppet show where each of us could work more than one puppet at a time.” Local musician Billy Edd Wheeler, who lived in Montreat, North Carolina, and wrote songs for Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers, inspired their first show, “The Coming of the Roads.” They continued their successful formula of using a loose script and improvising the lines, and Adrienne sang the song during the performance. The Appalachian Puppet Theatre was born.
AN INTRICATE handmade clock marks time in Clyde’s workshop.
CLYDE restores vintage puppet wine stoppers.
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 43
making te acup automatons is one of Clyde’s many imaginative pastimes.
44
| December 2015
Fateful Meeting: Hobey Ford
clyde ’s squeezebox
Hobey Ford was a young man, single, headed to San Francisco from Connecticut for college. He had read the book, Rolling Thunder, by American journalist Doug Boyd, about a medicine man named Rolling Thunder who had founded a nonprofit community. “I thought I’d stop and look around,” Hobey says, of the 262 acres in Nevada established in 1975 by Rolling Thunder and his wife, Spotted Fawn. Clyde knew a Cherokee woman who was spending some time at Rolling Thunder’s community. He and Adrienne were there to visit her. “Rolling Thunder was a mixed bag,” Hobey recalls. “He was a rough character who grew up in the migrant work camps. He was a crusty fellow.” Yet the Native American community held him in high regard, as did some of the rising stars at the time such as Bob Dylan and The Grateful Dead. “The Grateful Dead owned the land that the community was on,” Hobey says, “and Rolling Thunder was their Medicine Man.” “I showed up at a camp Hobey was living in,” Clyde recalls. “It was sort of a commune with some Native Americans, some hippies, and some back-to-the-landers.” Clyde had brought along a shaving kit with small puppets and shadow puppets inside. “I would take out a puppet and before you knew it everybody in the camp knew him,” Clyde says. As far as his meeting with Hobey, it was simple. “I pulled out a bag of puppets and started a lifelong relationship,” Clyde says. “He was my first big influence,” Hobey says. “When I met him, Clyde was already very accomplished in rod puppetry.” The two men bonded and Hobey made a life-defining decision to follow Clyde back to North Carolina to study puppetry with him. “I learned as much from Hobey as he did from me,” Clyde says. “Clyde is very humble,” Hobey says “He’s very resourceful and inventive. He’s a Renaissance guy. He knows about engineering, ancient stone tools, and native plants. He’s also one of the most creatively tapped-in people I know.”
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 45
a
“ star” from the Hollifield
family puppet show.
A Life with Strings Attached “I was 18 and Clyde was about 34.” Hobey recalls, “He said, ‘You’ve got to make a living somehow so that you can do puppetry.’” An entrepreneur at heart, Clyde’s strategy was to live cheaply while he built his business. He had rented a cabin he nicknamed ‘Squalor Holler’ for $25 a month. Hobey recalls the carpet-covered holes in the floorboards, an outhouse, and a wood stove. He followed suit and got a similar place just a couple of miles away. To make money, they handcrafted rocking horses and stick horses, and whittled nautical carvings to sell at shops and fairs. Eventually the puppetry outstripped the crafts, and Clyde realized he could do just as well performing with the puppets. But it would take some marketing skill to get the word out. “I grew into my part in this business,” Adrienne admits. “I kept asking questions of other successful performers, most notably musician, storyteller, and entertainer David Holt, who was very generous about giving information about how to market a show.” Adrienne created study guide materials for schools and wrote press releases and grant applications. She learned to book several shows in one area to cut back on travel expenses. She called prospective clients, attended conferences, and mailed out brochures. She also wrote scripts, sang, and even danced in the
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show. Their performances were authentic and educational. To be certain her clogging scarecrow puppet was spot on, Adrienne learned to clog from Phil Jamison of the Green Grass Cloggers. “We would run a show for two to three years,” Clyde says. Some were based on Appalachian tall tales or fairy tales, like Hansel and Gretel. The couple would travel the country with their act, performing at schools, libraries, and festivals.
“We were able to see the remarkable effect that puppetry has on the lives of children,” Adrienne says. “They would talk or react to puppets in a way they never would with people.” As a one-man traveling puppeteer for almost 40 years now, Hobey Ford acknowledges that inventiveness is a prerequisite in his line of work. “Clyde’s shows were ingenious and inexpensive, with clever staging that breaks down to nothing.” “Early on…we had visions of traveling all over the world doing puppetry,” Adrienne says. “It was very exciting, and Clyde was in the lead in everything. I learned a lot about how to be in the world from working with Clyde.”
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an e arly 20th Century
marionette restored by Clyde.
A Surprising Favorite You’d think their very best show might have been performing at the White House for Amy Carter. “That was a pretty stiff show,” Clyde quips, “not a lot of laughter.” His favorite show may surprise you. “We were in a pretty scary town with a lot of drunks fighting. The lady who rented us a hotel room told us to stay in the room for our own safety, so we did,” Clyde says. As he looked out the window over the snowy streets, he spotted some kids playing in the building across the way. Ever the prankster, Clyde hid behind the wall, but let his puppets play on the windowsill. It wasn’t long before the kids noticed them and started yelling and laughing. “They ended up coming down to the street and standing below the window looking up at the puppets, with drunks just pushing through them, not even paying attention to them,” Clyde recalls. To maintain the magic, Clyde never revealed himself to the kids. “It was the most exciting show ever because it was completely unexpected, and there was no admission fee,” Clyde says. “I wonder where those kids are now and if they ever think about what happened that night.”
Priorities and Puppets In 1979 they not only performed at The White House for Amy Carter, but they finally got a telephone. The business began to take off. There was just one little glitch. “In 1980 our son Reuben was born,” Adrienne says, “and being on the road was suddenly much more difficult.” The couple could no longer return from a show and collapse in their hotel room; they had a young child to entertain and care for. Adrienne realized it was time for a change. Near the end of their 22nd year of performing, Adrienne began taking classes at UNC-Asheville to earn a degree in English and education. Between performances she wrote papers and read Shakespeare. Fortunately, by that time they were represented by a talent agent in Chapel Hill. Nelda Davies helped manage their careers and book shows. Adrienne now teaches at Owen High School. Despite the many sacrifices, like having to perform through illnesses, and missing important events like weddings and funerals due to show schedules, Adrienne still cherishes those times on the road. “We were able to see the remarkable effect that puppetry has on the lives of children,” Adrienne says. “They would talk or react to puppets in a way they never would with people.” 48
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a fly pig board game.
pl acing a cricket
into a Fly Pig.
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 49
Reclaiming Mountain Heritage “Clyde makes the most ingenious fun little things just for the sake of whimsy,” Hobey says. He remembers Clyde built a chicken feeder where the chickens could step on a lever and corn would come out, along with a chicken horoscope with advice such as ‘Don’t cross the road.’ But Clyde’s current passion is the fly pig. “They’re an old Appalachian novelty,” Clyde explains. “They’re pre-electric and pre-windup toys. The novelty was the toy moved on its own. It was magic.” A fly pig is made from a pecan, which is hollowed out, and then carved and painted to resemble a cute piglet complete with matchstick legs and whittled wood for ears and tail. Back in the day, the fly pigs were set on a fireplace mantle where they would miraculously wiggle their ears and tails. The secret to how the pigs move is, well… flies. The nose is a tiny plug of wood that can be pulled out to reveal the inner hollow.
“Put three or four flies in there and it’ll really get going,” Hobey says. Ladybugs work well, too. Once the fun is over, just let the bugs go. Fly pigs were likely whittled while sitting by the fire around Christmas time when pecans were plentiful. Clyde’s fly pig
But Clyde’s current passion is the fly pig... “These aspects of Appalachian history are just as important as the stories,” Clyde says. “I want to preserve them.” website has instructions for making one using simple tools. The website assures that no flies were harmed, and encourages a catch and release philosophy. It also pictures a group of fly pigs getting into an old timey car with “PIGS RULE” painted on its side.
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“Clyde never really stopped doing puppetry,” Hobey says. “He’s just not on the school circuit anymore.” These days you can find Clyde at the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering O’ Scottish Clans, which takes place near Linville, North Carolina, in July. It’s a perfect fit for Clyde and his entourage of Scottish inspired puppets; if you’re there and you’re lucky, one might just goof on you.
“These aspects of Appalachian history are just as important as the stories,” Clyde says. “I want to preserve them.” He continues to gather information on the fly pig’s history, though their origin remains unknown. Not only does Clyde still craft fine musical instruments, he also restores vintage wine stoppers that are moveable wooden puppets. He is also restoring some famous 1930s marionettes that Hobey inherited.
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering O’ Scottish Clans www.gmhg.org/homepage.shtml Fly Pigs of the Universe www.flypig.us/about.html Purchase Clyde’s fly pigs and puppet wine stoppers at The Merry Wine Market in Black Mountain. www.themerrywinemarket.com
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column
The Great Grape Debate: How to find a premium holiday wine at a not so premium price.
W
E A R E A L L C R E A T U R E S O F H A B I T, relying on routines to get us through the day. Most of us are showered, dressed, and halfway to work before we’re fully awake. Our habits guide us through the day like an old friend.
J
john kerr
is the co-owner of Metro Wines located on Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville.
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It’s not very different when it comes to wine selection. Once we move beyond the Bartels & Jaymes stage, most of us stick with a small collection of grapes through much of our adult lives. We have a pretty good idea what we’re getting when we stick with what we know. We grab the trusty bottle of cabernet sauvignon from the grocery store aisle that partners easily with a pleasurable (if predictable) Tuesday night dinner. Creatures of habit get bored, however, and despite the staying power of these fan favorites, I’ll bet you’ve changed your go-to grape more than once. Over the years, Americans have moved (largely en masse) among white wines, like pinot grigio and prosecco, to merlots and malbecs, for lovers of reds. At some point we all make changes, but do you ever wonder why so many of us seem to have collectively decided to move to a particular variety, like prosecco, at roughly the same time? You can chalk it up to the multi-million dollar promotional campaigns sponsored by the wine industry.
Trends at Your Table So what’s wrong with the industry letting you know about a great new wine? The paradox is that, inevitably, the wine becomes a victim of its | December 2015
own success and you pay the price. The industry’s advertising campaigns build demand globally. The result is that everyone wants to enjoy what you thought was your new favorite wine simultaneously. To compensate for bigger demand, the industry must increase its output tenfold or more. Unfortunately, there are only so many vineyards in the best locations to grow the grapes. Demand prompts growers to begin planting the grape in less than ideal places, or to simply buy a different one, from somewhere else, to put in your favorite bottle. If your new pinot grigio tastes a bit thinner than the last time you enjoyed it, odds are that it contains a bulk blend of grapes from a region that isn’t ideal for creating that particular wine. Now you’re paying a premium price for a popular wine that doesn’t have the same flavor that made it famous in the first place. Maybe it’s time to buck trends and seek out a few new wines you love that are off the beaten path. Once you leave chardonnay and malbec behind, there’s a world of wine waiting for you. In Italy alone there are over 1,200 official grapes! And France has far more available than you might think. If you love a wine that isn’t the world’s darling, that’s okay. You’re paying for the quality of what’s in the bottle, not the price of its popularity.
J
Inspired yet? If you’re ready to make a change, here are a few safe, but deliciously adventurous departures from the familiar f lavors in your wine rack.
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Pull the pinot noir and instead serve a bottle of mencia. Mencia is a grape from the Bierzo region of Northwest Spain. Without a big marketing push to thrust it into America’s limelight, mencia remains in the shadows of Spain’s two most famous red grapes, tempranillo and garnacha. Mencia is somewhat like a heavy pinot noir, but a bit more rustic and often with notes of smoke. But unlike a fine pinot noir that can cost you $50 or more, the best mencia can be yours for $29 or less. Try Godelia Mencia 2010, at about $26, which was voted #68 in Wine Spectator’s list of top 100 wines. Or, for the more budget conscious, pour the beautiful Luna Beberide 2013, at $18 per bottle. For those who can’t imagine a holiday meal without a lush, monster zinfandel, I say it’s time to broaden your palate with the monastrell grape. If you like Spanish wines, try Juan Gil Monastrell. It has the same opulent fruit you find in the better zinfandels, but unlike a quality zinfandel that can set you back $25 to $50, Juan Gil should be less than $17 at your favorite wine shop. If you prefer the French style, this same monastrell grape can be found in bandol, France’s heaviest wine. Bandol is deep and brooding, making it perfect for a winter stew. But its cult following has driven its cost into the $30 to $50 range. You can skirt the big price tag by asking for Domaine Antiane 2014, which should set you back less than $20. The lower price is due to the fact that the vines are younger than
15 years old, producing a wine that, while less complex, yields 90% of the joy for less than half of the cost.
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Like Champagne, riesling seems to appear only at holiday meals and celebrations. It’s a great holiday white wine because it pairs with just about any dish on the table. Chenin blanc is just as versatile as riesling, but because of its great taste, you’re likely to serve it year-round. Chenin blanc was once California’s most popular white wine, but producers uprooted it in favor of chardonnay as it grew in popularity. Only in the past few years has the public’s palate moved back to chenin blanc. Now winemakers are scrambling to lock in the fruit from the few remaining vineyards. One of my personal favorites is Merriman Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2012, at about $24. If it were a chardonnay, it would sell for around $50 a bottle. A far more economical choice is Man Chenin Blanc 2015, which received 90 points from the critics, yet sells for about $11 a bottle. End the meal with a dessert wine to accompany your pumpkin pies or chocolate truffles. Port seems to be the go-to choice, but prices for a good Port start at $18 a bottle and go as high as $120 or more. You’ll find dessert wines from the world over, but one of my favorites is a sweet wine made from the sherry grape, Pedro Ximenez. El Maestro Sierra, at about $17 for a half bottle, is a good example. This unctuous sweet wine is slowly aged in oak barrels, adding a unique bouquet and elegant style to the last course of your meal.
Now that you’ve survived the gathering of extended family at Thanksgiving, it’s time to plan the rest of the holiday season’s menus. Sure, you have to keep with tradition to a degree. No one is crazy enough to change grandma’s recipe for the holiday feast. Instead, make this year the beginning of your own tradition. Branch out and offer a different wine or two during this season of celebration. You’ll have a built-in panel of taste testers around the table who (I’m sure) will be happy to share their opinions - and a glass.
December2015 | capitalatplay.com
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THE OLD
NORTH
for Dominion North Carolina Power each year, enough to power about 3800 homes. The project is Ecoplexus’ ninth in the state, and when it is completed by year’s end, the company will be generating 53 watts statewide. Only a month ago, the company announced a $42 million investment in five projects that would generate 28 megawatts for Duke Energy Progress and Dominion. The solar farms are located in Thornton, Old Catawba, Bradley, Little River, and Ouchchy. Worldwide, Ecoplexus has begun over fifty projects. Customers include Pacific Gas & Electric, Duke, Xcel Energy, Georgia Power, and fifteen United States municipalities.
STATE [
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Bermuda Triangle raleigh
In a Wake County courtroom, Judge Donald Stephens permanently banned international shipping company, Medrano Express, a.k.a. Diamond Shipping, Incorporated, from doing business in North Carolina. The ruling covers 118 complaints lodged with the attorney general’s office. Problems included failure to deliver packages with prepaid shipping, false estimates for ship dates, fabricated excuses for delays, and bogus insurance charges. The defendant failed to answer the complaints, filed a year ago, or appear in court. So by default he was judged guilty of engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices. Medrano must now pay $135,442.50 in refunds and $660,000 in civil penalties. Owner and manager Jorge Medrano is banned from the state’s shipping trade, and
]
his company is not allowed to collect any payments from North Carolina customers. Medrano, which used to ship items from at least twenty states to Central American countries, has filed for bankruptcy. In 2013 the Federal Maritime Commission revoked the shipper’s ocean transport license.
For the Love of Soccer 11th-Hour Tax Credits
cary
The Carolina RailHawks announced Steve Malik as the Cary soccer team’s new owner. Malik is the executive chairman of Medifusion and owner of Intuit Health. Both are medical software businesses in the Triangle area. Malik was a soccer fan before soccer was all the rage, having started a team at his high school in 1978. A “Triangle guy,” Malik graduated from Kinston High and UNC-Chapel Hill. He wants to make soccer a bigger part of
whitakers
San Francicso-based Ecoplexus, Incorporated closed on financing for a $45 million photovoltaic project in North Carolina. Located north of Rocky Mount, the 25-megawatt installation will make use of 150,000 Solar Frontier modules, which are manufactured by the company’s Tokyo subsidiary. The new plant will generate 40 gigawatt-hours of electricity
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peoples’ lives, and he intends to fund the marketing and payroll needed to make it happen. He plans to invest for the long-term and spend a lot of time and money building a firm foundation, without expecting to net a profit any time soon. A call for new ownership went out two years ago when the previous owner, Florida-based Traffic Sports USA, was tied to the FIFA corruption scandal. The CEO was indicted alongside thirteen other soccer leaders, having been accused of racketeering, conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and more.
Total AIDS Eradication chapel hill
A number of treatments have been found to extend the life of AIDS patients even though none of them eliminate the virus entirely. Instead, the virus integrates its genetic material into the chromosomes of white blood cells and persists in a latent state. New work involving researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill suggests the infected white blood cells could be made to rouse the virus from latency and then attack it for good. In independent studies two research
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teams created artificial antibodies. Normal Y-shaped antibodies wrap their arms around their targets. But the artificial antibodies first attach one arm to a CD3 receptor on an infected white blood cell, forcing it to divide, thus activating the virus. With its other arm, the antibody grabs another CD3laden cell, known as a killer T cell, that destroys the HIV-infected cell. Tests are currently being run on monkeys, and it will be at least a year before the idea can be trusted on humans.
Electrical Utilities Buy Gas Distributors charlotte
The boards of directors for Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas approved the acquisition of the latter by the former for $4.9 billion in cash. Piedmont is a distributor of shale gas. The move is the latest in a string of purchases of gas distributors by electric utilities. Southern Company, Emera, Black Hills Corporation, and Teco Energy have all purchased billion-dollar companies within the last year. Duke will assume $1.8 billion in Piedmont’s debt and triple its gas customer base. Piedmont’s shareholders will receive
the old north state
$60 per share, a 40% increase over values at the time of the announcement. The acquisition will help Duke transition away from coal power and reduce the company’s dependence on international fuel sources. It also makes Duke a 50% owner of Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The acquisition must still be approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and Piedmont’s shareholders, and satisfy federal Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act timeframes.
Synthetic Oil Saves Sharks greensboro
SynShark has performed a clever problem match. Each year, 3-5 million sharks are harvested for the omega-2 oil in their livers and sent back to sea to a certain death. The oil, known as squalene, is used as a delivery agent for vaccines, a skin moisturizer, and a vector for nutritional supplements. It is also a natural defense against damaging UV radiation. To meet growing demand, it is estimated 30 million sharks would come to a sad end by 2019. Fortunately, entrepreneur Jason Omstein’s company, SynShark, has been able to produce squalene by
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genetically-engineering tobacco plants. Following successful lab tests, SynShark harvested the oil from plants grown on an acre of land. The company is now trying to double yields to make the effort commercially viable for tobacco farmers, who now leave thousands of acres fallow due to decreased interest in smoking. SynShark is now experimenting on a 10-acre plot outside Greensboro with a $250,000 NCBiotech loan, and hoping to raise $500,000 in venture capital by 2016.
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Surprise Ending outer banks
Plaintiffs Melvin and J. Rex Davis sued their own mother in the North Carolina Business Court. They alleged she violated terms of a restricted estate. The brothers’ parents acquired an Outer Banks beach house in 1980 and gifted it exclusively to their three children, including daughter Kaye, through MKR, LLC in 2009. The gift was contingent upon the house being available to the mother and father whenever they wanted to use it, so long as they lived, and it was not to be used by another person or traded for cash. Following the father’s death, the mother, Dorothy, began renting the property, so the sons sued. Judge Gregory McGuire ruled in favor of the mother, though, saying the deed created a disabling restraint on the conveyance of a life estate, which was against public policy. The children claimed that violating a self-imposed restriction did not constitute public policy, but the judge disagreed. The restrictions, but not the entire life estate, were declared void, so the case was dismissed.
If You Survive the Insurance Payments raleigh
The North Carolina Department of Insurance has approved new rates for health insurance coverage under the
Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), and premiums for some customers could increase by over 50%. Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the state’s largest provider, was approved for a 32.5% average increase, almost the full 34.6% requested. Changes will vary among policies, but range between 5% and 42%. UnitedHealthcare was approved for a 20.4% average increase, with actuals ranging between 2.5% and 50.3%. Coventry Health Care of the Carolinas, which is owned by Aetna, will see an average 23.6% increase. Costs could be higher for customers jumping age categories or switching plans. The increases are explained as offsets for spiking hospital utilization and subsidized elderly citizens opting for expensive treatments. Many are expected to drop insurance for inability to pay, in spite of increasing penalties for the uncovered. In 2016 the uninsured will owe the IRS $695 per individual or $2,085 per family, or 2.5% of household income, whichever is greater.
Troubled Assets Still Troubling charlotte
Bank of America has agreed to pay a $335 million settlement in a federal lawsuit. The bank has that much in reserves. Bank of America had a heavy load of subprime mortgages on its books before the housing crash, largely due to its purchase of Countrywide. It was sued by investors who purchased the bank’s mortgage securities without being informed of their exposure to risk. A second complaint pertained to the bank’s reliance on MERS, a private electronic system for registering mortgages. It worked around the bureaucracy involved in recording mortgage transfers with county clerks. Shareholders allege the bank knew record-keeping in MERS was so bad it would prevent foreclosure on thousands of delinquent mortgages. The Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System led the lawsuit. They
charged Bank of America knew it would not be able to repay the $45 billion in TARP funds it received had it been candid with investors about its toxic assets. Since the financial crisis, the bank has spent over $70 billion on legal and regulatory issues.
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wilmington
North Carolina’s 301 miles of coastline is ripe for what some are calling the blue economy. That’s why Wilmington was the first city in the United States to host the sixth annual BioMarine International Business Convention. Five North Carolina entrepreneurs showcased. Niels Lindquist, of Sandbar Oyster Company, told of the company’s biodegradable oyster-attracting substrates. Anthony Dellinger, of Kepley Biosystems, told how OrganoBait, a synthetic crustacean bait, is less hazardous for the ecosystem than dead fish. Gabe Dough, of Shure Foods, claims he can triple the yield of conventional crabmeat processing using enzymatic treatments and water pressure. Lisa Day, at Ocis Biotechnology, is developing an algae-based delivery system for burn treatment. And Jason Caplan, of EnSolve Biosystems, told of plans to scale-up the growth of bacterial cultures that will eat grime off boats. Other developments in the state include collaboration between NCSU and UNC-Chapel Hill to replace daily insulin injections with less-frequent shots of nanoparticle meshes made of shrimp shells and seaweed.
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December2015 | capitalatplay.com 57
trimming ice with a chainsaw.
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| December 2015
Cold HANDS, Hot PROFITS: How one couple went shopping for a new brand new business and found it…on ice. written by emily ball ard
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photos by anthony harden December2015 | capitalatplay.com 59
O
N THE OUTSKIRTS OF
Biltmore Village there is a row of, what appear to be, storage units. As you drive into the gravel parking area, there are a couple of cars and few people to be found. In an alleyway between two of the buildings, perched on a pedestal, there is a block of ice with a detailed waterfall design etched into it. Big blocks of shattered ice lay strewn around this centerpiece, melting into the grass. A small sign on a door indicates that this is the home of Masterpiece Ice Sculptures. Inside, loud machinery and an industrial atmosphere create a stark contrast to the clean lines and precise pieces that are produced within this space. Shawn Robins and Amy McCuin are the owners of Masterpiece Ice Sculptures, partners in business and marriage. It’s not yet been a full year since they acquired the business, and already they have learned and experienced a lot in this challenging industry. For the ten years prior, they owned a homebuilding business in West Asheville specializing in green construction of eco-friendly private residences. They averaged one new home per year, and oversaw all aspects of construction. As the housing and building industry changed over the past decade, they found it harder to produce the types of houses they were interested in building. It was time for a new venture.
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Shopping for a Business The couple began their search with an open mind. They fantasized about owning a bed and breakfast, but quickly realized it was not financially feasible. There were quite a few restaurants available, but the prospect was a risky one. Restaurants are notoriously difficult enterprises. They tinkered with the idea of a sandwich shop, but that didn’t seem like a good fit either. “Just like you search for a job, we searched for a business for sale,” Amy explains. As they were scouring business listings, they stumbled upon one that they recall as “secretive and intriguing.” It didn’t explain exactly what the business was, but it mentioned logistical support for events and hotels. Logistics was something Amy and Shawn knew about and they decided to delve deeper. “We had to contact the broker, and then go through a whole non-disclosure thing before we could even find out what it was,” Amy says. “When we found out, we thought… that’s a weird business.” Amy and Shawn knew nothing about ice sculptures and couldn’t wrap their heads around the unusual enterprise. Masterpiece Ice Sculptures had been in operation for almost 15 years and had changed ownership. It was, and still is, the
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 61
a masterpiece ice
vase on display at a wedding showcase.
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only ice sculpture company in the area. They decided to let the idea simmer and continued their search, but the unusual nature of an ice sculpting business was hard to forget. It appealed to their self-sufficient work style. “One of the things that attracted us was that we could do it ourselves with a minimum amount of help,” Shawn remembers. After much deliberation they decided to take the plunge. They describe the purchasing process as relatively smooth, equating it to a real estate transaction. The previous owner agreed to stay on in the beginning and show them the ropes. It was February and demand for ice sculpture was low, which enabled them to ease into things. But by Easter they were completely on their own, just in time for the busiest season of the year.
An Icy Patch Amy and Shawn weren’t strangers to hard work and long hours, but the pace of the ice sculpture business was different than home construction. “We had multiple customers [at once], whereas for ten years, we had one customer at a time, per year,” Amy says, remembering the early days. “That was a big change…Then there were the questions of how to build it; how to get it there; and how to present it.” The orders were piling up, quickly overwhelming the new owners. Shawn says that he was working 80 hours a week. Amy describes this time period as a “trial by fire…and ice.” They were discouraged and felt in over their heads. Luckily, help soon arrived. The carver who worked for the previous Masterpiece Ice owner signed on to lend a hand. He had left the industry but was willing to return as a consultant. His experience and knowledge helped Shawn and Amy get through the initial chaos of their busiest time of year, as they learned how to run their new company. “You either lose the business or you do anything you possibly can to make it work,” Amy says. And make it work they did. After a few months, Masterpiece Ice had stabilized. Business was heating up after long hours spent in the freezer learning a new trade top to bottom. They sought out industry newsletters and tapped social media resources in search of an experienced carver to join their team. By June they had hired Collin Atkins, a seasoned carver relocating to Western North Carolina from Florida. Collin entered the business almost by accident. His friend owned an ice cream truck, where his earliest experiments with ice and carving began. From there he went on to become the official carver for the Tampa Bay Hockey Team. His experience was a perfect fit and a welcome addition to the small Masterpiece family.
Elemental Design The types of ice sculptures that Masterpiece produces vary and go beyond the ever popular swan or dolphin. Although they can create those designs too, their clients are sometimes individuals commissioning a piece for a special event or wedding. Most are December2015 | capitalatplay.com 63
collin atkins , Masterpiece Ice’s carver extraordinaire is bundled up for a job.
the cold is an
occupational hazard when you work with ice. 64
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shawn robins “cuts loose” in his workshop.
country clubs and establishments like the Omni Grove Park Inn and Harrah’s Casino. They create intricate and custom designs with company logos, as well as basic pieces that can be used as serving trays for hors d’ouevres. Their recent work includes a 3-D helicopter, a six-foot witch, and real grape vines that were frozen inside an ice block with a wine luge carved throughout.
and injure homeowners. “Ice is going to melt. However, you are still building it to last…through the event and look pretty the entire time,” Amy says. Both industries are impacted by the weather. Rain delays derail the builder’s timeline and a hot day can spell disaster when transporting an ice sculpture through heavy traffic in 100-degree heat. As Shawn and Amy reflect on the inherent anxiety of their business, they realize this is also where the two industries differ. The stress of building a house was prolonged, but they worked at their own pace and overcame setbacks and delays. The ice is less forgiving. Time is of the essence. “You are stressed intensely for 15 minutes, as opposed to a little bit of…stress for nine months while building a house,” Amy explains. Shawn agrees, “Sometimes it’s just 30 seconds of stress and then you’re done.” This frenzy of creation is their most critical moment, and once a sculpture is successfully completed, they can stand back, admire their work, and then move on to the next project.
“You either lose the business or you do anything you possibly can to make it work,” Amy says. And make it work they did. After a few months, Masterpiece Ice had stabilized. “We didn’t realize at the time how much it was like carpentry, but it’s very similar. It’s just putting things together,” Shawn explains. “Only it’s ice instead of wood.” In both home construction and ice sculpting, the designs have to be thoughtful and the measurements precise. A 600-pound sculpture must be properly secured so that it won’t topple over and injure a guest, in the same way that a roof can’t collapse
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 65
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Subzero Studio So just how do you make an ice sculpture? The basic elements are ice, sand, and water. Of course, expensive machinery and a willingness to be cold for prolonged periods of time are job requirements, too. The ice needed to produce these elaborate sculptures is not ordinary freezer ice. In their workshop, there are six machines that are able to make two blocks of ice each. This is called harvesting ice. Pumps circulate the water, and this process ensures that the ice is clear and free of blemishes, cracks, or imperfections. The blocks are 40 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 10 inches thick. Each one weighs 300 pounds. Once the client describes their vision of the final product, Collin develops a computer-generated sketch. The drawing is sent to the Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) machine. One of the harvested blocks is moved to the machine and a drill bit cuts out the design or the 3-D shape. The rest is finished by hand using an array of tools like chainsaws, chisels, and even a hot iron. Depending on the design, the carving is filled with snow or colored sand. All of the work is completed in a 20-degree freezer. Work attire consists of heavy jackets, hats, and gloves. “The hardest part is that there are no windows,” Shawn says. “You are just in this box with these machines. That’s worse than the cold.” Shawn is used to working outdoors, and it has still been a huge adjustment spending six to eight hours at a time in a frigid enclosed space. Adding Collin to the team helped balance the production schedule, and now they have a proven process that works.
Slippery Logistics The last piece of the puzzle is delivery. First, they remove the sculpture from the zero-degree storage freezer at their facility and wrap the pieces in furniture blankets and insulated bags.
shawn robins & Amy McCuin owners of Masterpiece Ice.
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 67
Then they gently carry their masterpiece to the delivery vehicle. Surprisingly, Amy and Shawn use a standard-sized van to transport their sculptures. Perhaps what’s most surprising is how they keep the vehicle cool enough to protect their product. Believe
“We have always been really good at sharing duties…we collaborate on just about everything,” Amy says. it or not, their only temperature control device is the van’s onboard air conditioner, set to full blast. Once they have arrived at the client’s event, the sculpture is offloaded. If a piece is particularly large and
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unwieldy, Amy and Shawn may use a small lift to carry their work to its display area where the insulated wrapping is removed. For larger pieces, water may be used to fuse the sculpture together. Initially, the ice is frosted, but as it starts to warm up it becomes clear as glass. For this reason they schedule all set ups an hour in advance of an event’s start time. The sculpture is set on a tray with a drainage hose that discreetly empties the melted ice into a bucket beneath a sturdy table. Once setup is done, their work is complete. “The fun part is setting up, presenting it to people, and them saying ‘That is so cool!’” says Amy.
Breaking the Ice With any new business, there is a period of adjustment filled with trial and error and sometimes frustration. Shawn and Amy took a chance on an unconventional business with a steep learning curve. It hasn’t always been easy. They have experienced their fair share of cold and lonely days, but have hit their stride in a specialty craft industry. The couple has a history of conducting business on their own terms, learning as they go, and growing into new possibilities. Their plan for the future is to network and expand their business
by breaking into Western North Carolina’s burgeoning destination wedding industry. As with any partnership, whether it’s a business or a marriage, Shawn and Amy understand the importance of cooperation. “We have always been really good at sharing duties…we collaborate on just about everything,” Amy says. Working with such an extreme medium has its challenges. There have been moments when the freezer has broken with a large order due, and countless hours have been spent with runny noses and cold hands. But determination and a healthy perspective carries this ambitious couple through the tough times. They find similarities between their work and the sand sculptures of Tibetan Monks. They admit ice may not be as intricate, but the craft of sculpture is about putting energy and focus into the perfection of a single project, and once it’s complete, letting it go and moving on to the next. While Masterpiece Ice sculptures are fleeting, self-destructing from the moment they are realized, their impressions are lasting ones. Onlookers undoubtedly appreciate the irony of something so beautiful being so temporary, but Shawn, Amy, and Masterpiece Ice are here to stay.
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I’m Just Sittin’ Here Watching the Wheels Go Round and Round menlo park, ca
Facebook is designing for “emerging markets,” or places with slow Internet connections. An estimated three billion people use the Internet today, and half them actively use the Facebook app. Those numbers are expected to double in the next five years. At a recent corporate event, Facebook employees discussed how the company was going to “connect the next billion.” One strategy, for places like India, where the average connection speed is expected to be 2G, is to replace video ads with slide shows. Photos could be downloaded in low-res formats, and older photos could be retained in lieu of annoying download symbols. The
]
company has developed an open-source Network Connection Class System to assess network speed and adjust content and loading strategies. Next year, Facebook will launch its first solar-powered aircraft to beam the Internet in locations with neither towers nor cables.
technology is capable of naming stores, identifying items on shelves, reading prices, and correctly identifying bank notes. It can identify bus arrivals and direct the wearer to empty seats, as well as guide someone through a train station. Facial recognition software can identify persons, including their job title, and the last date they were encountered by the user. The wearer can also “tag” contacts for the camera by stating their name and adding contact details later. The glasses can even read out loud if someone points to the words. The glasses are expected to be ready for sale in 2016, and would cost around $100 a pair.
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Give Vision is testing the prototype for “the world’s first blind-friendly user interface for smart glasses.” One-thousand users are currently wearing glasses outfitted with tiny cameras, much like those used by Google Glass. An app converts the image into words that are transmitted to an ear piece. Give Vision aims to help the blind live independently. The
The Wayne State University Board of Governors accepted a $40 million gift from Mike and Marian Ilitch, founders of Little Caesars’ Pizza, who also own the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings. The funds will go toward the design and construction of a $50 million school of business, and include a $5 million endowment. The funds were made as part of Wayne State’s $750 million Pivotal Moment fundraising campaign. The Mike
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Ilitch School of Business, slated to open in 2018, will serve about 3000 undergraduate and graduate students. New offerings will include a program in sports business and management. The school will be part of a $200 million urban revitalization effort undertaken by the Ilitch’s company, Olympia Development of Michigan. It surrounds a $450 million Detroit Events Center, which is under construction and expected to open in time for the 2017 National Hockey League season.
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escalating production costs due to power problems. China’s CNMC Baluba copper mine has already closed, partially due to power issues. Zimbabwean leaders are now seeking investment in alternative energy sources, which include a $500 million coal-fired plant. One possible solution under consideration is a doubling of energy import tariffs.
harare, zimbabwe
Low water levels at the Kariba hydroelectric power station, which supplies Zambia and Zimbabwe, are causing power blackouts and even business closures. Drought has caused water levels to drop by half compared to last year’s, and power generation has been reduced 36%. Outages lasting 48 hours at a time are not unusual for industries and households. Medium-sized companies have already cut production, and Zimbabwe’s main export industry, copper mining, is suffering. The Mopani Copper Mine, operated by Canada’s Glencore, has announced its intentions to leave Zimbabwe next year in light of low mineral prices and
in a restructuring that added more medical advisors and a high-profile attorney, David Boies. A partnership with Walgreens is now on hold.
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Theranos, a company offering multiple tests on a single drop of blood without doctors’ orders, is being criticized for trying to do too much too soon. Theranos claimed a faster, cheaper, painless, and less anxiety-inducing test. Unfortunately, a Wall Street Journal expose charged the company was using its own technology on less than 10% of its tests. Before that, notes released by the FDA indicated Theranos was using nanotainers for unapproved applications, and the company was accused of poor recordkeeping and insufficient quality audits. Chair and CEO Elizabeth Holmes countered that attacks from the establishment were to be expected by world-changers. Big names like Henry Kissinger and George Schulz have been kicked off the board
Eric Giler and Tracey Ho are trying to get Internet service providers interested in their company, Speedy Packets. For the last thirty years, the Internet has used the same communication language, TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol). Giler and Ho claim their SpeedyTCP can transfer information packets ten times faster than TCP/ IP, and that it won’t hiccough or stall. If, in TCP/IP, an information packet doesn’t arrive on schedule, the receiving device will request a resend and hold up the show until it arrives. In contrast, SpeedyTCP produces a stream of backup packets. SpeedyTCP is currently set up to run on Amazon servers, but it could be embedded into either apps or hardware. CEO Giler is the startup veteran, and Ho, a Caltech professor, provides research on networks.
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BAE Systems, a leader in defense and aeronautics, has purchased 20% of Reaction Engines, Limited (REL). REL was formed to develop the technology to take a craft from stop on a runway to orbital velocity, or twenty-five times the speed of sound. Standing in the way of progress was around 250 tons of oxygen propellant the vehicle would have to carry. To get around this, REL experimented with SABRE engines. At low velocities, SABREs work like typical air-breathing jet engines, burning atmospheric oxygen instead of payload fuel. At around five times the speed of sound, SABREs switch to rocket thrust. Both the jet and rocket cycles use the same combustion chamber and nozzles. The problem with that was atmospheric oxygen would have to be compressed to 140 atmospheres, making it hot enough to melt all known materials. So, RAL invented a heat exchanger 100 times lighter than conventional ones and capable of cooling airstreams from over 1,000oC to 150oC within 10 milliseconds. BAE will contribute capital and technological and management experience toward bringing the reusable, single-stage technology to demonstration.
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Shift, an on-demand car marketer, is following Munchery, WashUp, Alfred, and Managed by Q in hiring its contract labor. About 100 car enthusiasts, as they are officially called, will be given the option to become employees in December. Currently, the enthusiasts run errands like traditional real estate agents for people wanting to sell a car. They go on-location, give the car a market value, take professional photos, list the car, and coordinate inspections and test drives. They can even help with financing. When a deal is ready to close,
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the car enthusiasts complete the paperwork and file it with the appropriate agencies. Shift has determined short-term savings from working with contract labor will be offset by motivated payroll employees (with benefits like equity in the company) to deliver the premium, white-glove service that should accompany high-dollar, long-term purchases. The service is currently offered in California.
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Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have discovered an inexpensive, albeit tedious, method of 3-D hair printing. The process was inspired by the hairs of gossamer plastic that are generated while using a hot glue gun. The technique is a slight variation on typical 3-D printing operations that fabricate objects layer by layer. Instead, the hair is made one strand at a time as the print head drops a dot of melted plastic then pulls away. Covering a square-centimeter with synthetic hair could take twenty-five minutes. The resulting product may be trimmed with scissors, curled, or braided. An online video shows hair being placed on a toy troll doll, a horse figurine, a fake finger, and a brush. People interested in making things hairy at home can use an ordinary 3-D printer, now available for a couple hundred dollars with a few add-ons, including software developed at Carnegie Mellon. Velcro and magnetic hair are also under development.
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Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC submitted a Supplementary Filing to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Atlantic hopes to construct a 564-mile interstate pipeline to bring natural gas from Harrison County, West Virginia, through Virginia, and into North Carolina. Changes to the original plan include: rerouting through the Monongahela National Forest to reduce potential impact on the habitat of the Cheat Mountain salamander; resorting to horizontal directional drilling in the George Washington National Forest; diverting the proposed route of the Warminster Rural Historic District so as not to disturb wetland mitigation; and rerouting around the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Sunray Historic District. The filing also includes updates on required surveys of archaeological features and rare, threatened, and endangered species. If the FERC and other agencies conclude the pipeline serves sufficient public benefit and need, construction could begin in late 2016.
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& sw ee t
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L leisure & libation
Localism is alive and thriving
in Western North Carolina’s arts & crafts economy this time of year. No one knows that better than the six entrepreneurs profiled here, in our annual “Sweet and Savory” feature. These growing businesses all have one thing in common: They are cottage industries. These folks dare to believe that their passion for innovation and creativity on a small scale could be popular and profitable. The secret to their success is simple: They make great stuff and share it with others, a sentiment at the heart of the holiday season and one we know you’ll want to savor.
Bubbly Bath & Beauty A thoughtful Christmas present from her husband led Stephanie Zara to a whole new career. “My husband knew I was into do-it-yourself stuff and crafty things, so he got me a soap making book.” She didn’t let it sit on a shelf. During time off from her job at the Grey Eagle, she immediately began experimenting with different aromas and varieties and began supplying her home, as well as her family and friends, with her products. As her interest continued to grow, she named her company Bella & Oliver Soap Co., after her two spaniels, and began selling at the Asheville City Market and the River Arts District Market. The soaps are also sold at Duncan & York on Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville, Green 4 Life next to Whole Foods on Tunnel Road, and Edna’s Coffee Shop on Merrimon Avenue. “We’re thinking we want to get more into wholesaling and still do local markets and festivals,” she said. “This past year we were at LEAF [Festival] in Black Mountain, the downtown LEAF festival in Asheville, LAAFF, a vegan festival, Venture Local, and Big Crafty. We’ve gotten great response from the community.” December2015 | capitalatplay.com 75
leisure & libation
stephanie z ar a , slices Soap, photos courtesy of Bella & Oliver.
She produces about 100 bars a week out of a spare room in their house in Swannanoa, but she does increase that number for big events. In the beginning she crafted small batches of soaps using one mold. Now she uses four molds to increase production. She’s also continually experimenting with different aromas and combinations. “Our most popular is rosemary and grapefruit. It has poppy seeds in it,” said Stephanie. “I have eight varieties that I consistently have all the time and I’m adding new things during the season. I just created a cinnamon orange and clove bar for winter and recently finished a chocolate and mint. I’m also sourcing locally. I use cacao shells from French Broad Chocolate Lounge. It’s something they don’t need anymore, that they get rid of, and I source it from them. The cacao shell creates a scrub quality. It has an exfoliant factor. It’s the same thing with coffee. We use Edna’s Estate Light Rose coffee for our coffee soaps. I also have a beer soap, and I use Green Man’s IPA.” Originally from York, South Carolina, Stephanie and her husband, John, moved to Asheville together in 2012 and married in 2013. They moved to Charleston, South Carolina, for a brief time, but missed Western North Carolina so much that they moved to Swannanoa. “We are completely in love with Asheville,” said Stephanie. 76
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She’s comfortable building her business from a spare room at home, but says as her company continues to grow she might begin looking for outside space. “I’m not sure if I’ll just do the festival scene or open up a shop,” she said. “We thought about Black Mountain because it’s closer to us and cheaper. Right now, my real goal is just to get in as many shops as I can. I like the wholesale route.” She’s working 20 hours a week at Grey Eagle in Asheville, but plans in the next six months to run Bella & Oliver full-time. John is a graphic designer and works for a marketing firm in Black Mountain. The one thing Stephanie hopes to educate people about is the benefit of using all-natural soaps. She blends with essential oils instead of fragrance oils. “I have a charcoal soap that’s really good at drawing out toxins. I blend it with tea tree oil, which is an antiseptic. It’s great for things like acne and psoriasis. When I create my soaps, I try to create in a way that’s going to be beneficial and help my customers.” Depending on the variety, soap bars are priced between $6 and $7. Stephanie also sells a line of all-natural lip balms for $3 a tube. All of the soaps are available for order online at www.bellaandoliversoap.com.
L Steeplechase Olde English Toffee: A Family Tradition It’s enough to make your mouth water just reading the description—crunchy, buttery toffee layered with almonds and chocolate. But mere words can’t do justice to this delicious treat that leaves recipients begging for more. Zack Joyce has recently taken over the reins of his mom’s business, Steeplechase Old English Toffee in Waynesville, and says the secret to the decadent goodness is the use of high quality products mixed with loving care. The company, now in its 20th year, evolved organically out of Barbara Joyce’s kitchen. She experimented with different toffee recipes until she hit upon the perfect combination. Her goal at the time was simple—make holiday toffee to give to family, friends, and clients of her husband, Jim. Once people got a taste, they begged for more. Her hobby morphed into a business and to a regular storefront at 235 Pigeon Street in Waynesville. There has been little marketing over the years. Word of mouth has been the best endorsement, but Zack hopes to use his skills in culinary arts, graphic design, and marketing to take the company to the next level. Zack began helping his mom when he was a teenager at Tuscola High School. Even when he was at the University of Alabama, and subsequently in Chicago, he would return to the mountains of Western North Carolina every year to help with the holiday rush. He learned her secret recipe and how to use copper kettles to make the toffee in small batches. “Each batch we make is 18 pounds,” explained Zack. “Other companies make 60 to 100 pounds in a batch. They don’t use care and love—everything is machine made. We are very hands on and use the best ingredients. We don’t use preservatives or additional fillers, and that’s why it’s so good. It’s the real deal.” The company started out with one offering—the traditional Old English Toffee, which remains their best seller. Through the years they’ve added other varieties. They now sell six flavors: Traditional; Plain (no nuts and graham cracker crumbs instead of pecan meal on top); Tropical (buttery cashew and coconut laced toffee, but no chocolate, and dusted with ground pecans); Butter Mint (white chocolate infused with pure peppermint extract; Spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, apple cider, with white chocolate); and the most recent addition, Peanut Butter and Chocolate. Zack is in the process of revamping the company website, steeplechasetoffee.com. Right now, customers can place online orders, but all of the varieties aren’t currently offered in the online store. However, if someone wants a special flavor shipped, they are happy to accommodate that request if they send an December2015 | capitalatplay.com 77
leisure & libation
photos courtesy of Steeplechase Toffee
toffee by the tray full
at Steeplechase.
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new year
Ringing in the
email or call them. Plus, all of the flavors are available for people who visit their store in Waynesville. The company produces 14,000 pounds of toffee each year, but it’s very seasonal at this point. Zack says 95% of their sales hit in November and December as people buy holiday gifts, party treats, and corporate gifts. The toffee is very stable as long as it’s kept cool. Zack says it freezes really well, and will stay fresh in the refrigerator for four weeks before it gradually begins losing its flavor. Even so, they do ship a lot of their confections to warm climates like Florida and Afghanistan for the troops. Zack also notes England, France, and locales across the country as places receiving their toffee. During November and December, family and friends are pressed into action to help fill the onslaught of orders. Zack’s brother Alex, who is a stand-up comedian in Chicago, arrives home each year to run the shipping department. Zack is also quick to recognize the company’s few employees: Ann Raymond, Katie Willis, Tammy Starnes, and Linda Jones. “Without them this place wouldn’t exist as it does today,” he said. While the company has built a solid following, Zack is ready to push the edge of the envelope on what they can do in the future. “I’d like to get in local stores like Ingles and do more wholesaling and eventually franchise. Seriously, I’d like Steeplechase to be a household name.” Right now, they sell online, at their store, and the toffee is also in Sunburst Market at 142 Main Street in Waynesville.
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Venezia Dream Farm: Cozy & Comfortable Alpaca Luxury “Go ahead and touch it,” Starr Cash says as she encourages people to run their fingers over the goods displayed at her booth at the Ooh La La Market in Asheville’s Pritchard Park. She knows when she can get people to feel the socks, scarves, and other products crafted by fibers from her herd of alpacas, there’s a greater chance they’ll make a purchase. “Alpaca hair feels different,” she said. “It has more of a cashmere, silky softness than you feel in your hand with wool. It’s not something you can see, but you can feel it. It’s silkier. It feels softer and has more luster and shine. It’s more of a luxury grade than most wool.” Running an alpaca farm is the second career for Starr and her husband, Joe Jaworski. After retiring from careers in Southern California, they returned to the east coast with the dream of having a little farm. Joe was originally from New York City, while Starr was from Kentucky. When her father recommended they check out Asheville, they fell in love with the area and initially bought a 40-acre farm in Riceville in 2000. In May 2001 they acquired their first herd of three females and two male alpacas. “We had never farmed or raised any form of livestock, so it was important to buy from someone who would be a mentor and educator after we brought the animals home. We found that kind of connection with a woman in Kentucky,” she said. Early on, she started a farm store, which she jokingly referred to as her “store in a box.” It was a small tote in the barn with a few products available for sale. She joined a farmer’s cooperative, called Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America, and currently serves as the group’s business manager. “They collect the annual harvest and make products,” she explained. “The co-op is a good way to have an assortment of products at a low cost instead of having too much cash tied up in inventory.” She sells many items through her booth at festivals and fairs—socks, yarn, hats, gloves, wrist warmers, mittens, blankets, shoe inserts, and dryer balls—but she also crafts her own scarves. “It’s important to try to use every bit of fiber the animal provides to recover your cost. The shoe inserts and dryer balls don’t use the luxurious part of the fiber, but they sell like hot cakes. The biggest seller is the alpaca socks. It’s something everyone can use. It’s a little bit of a luxury item, but something you can afford to indulge in.” The socks range in price from $20 to $28 a pair depending on style, weight, and thickness.
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starr cash
photos by Anthony Harden
spinning a yarn.
one of starr ’s
many alpacas. December2015 | capitalatplay.com
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photos by Sarah Snyder.
“Over the years, I’ve tried to find my niche as a fiber artist,” she continued. “It’s so tempting when you have such wonderful fibers to work with. I’ve taken dozens of classes. Nothing struck a cord until I started weaving. I take yarn from the co-op and add a next layer of value to it by making handmade scarves from the yarn. I now have a larger loom. My ambition is to make throw blankets.” Starr and Joe endured an enormous amount of maintenance on their 40-acre farm and decided three years ago to downsize. They now run Venezia Dream Farm in Candler on a four-acre plot of land. Two acres are devoted to alpaca pastures. There are currently 13 in the herd—six females and seven males. While Starr was an active breeder for a number of years, she has dialed back and now breeds more for the replenishment of her herd. “One of the advantages of the new farm is that I have space defined as my farm store,” Starr said. “It’s by appointment only, but people can come out and visit with the alpacas and do a little shopping.” Starr is quick to point out that farming is something one does out of love, not out of a desire to make a lot of money. “Farming is the day-to-day work of taking care of the property and the animals, and making sure they are healthy and happy. You are never going to make enough money to pay you for being out in the barn at midnight to take care of a sick animal. You farm because you love to do it and market products so you can afford to keep doing it. It’s a lesson I learned from my uncle who said all he has to do is make enough to do it one more year. I’ve had a really good time and I wouldn’t change what we’ve done for the world.” Customers can also shop online at www.veneziadream.com.
knots getting a sprinkle of seasoning.
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Scott’s Knots: Fueling a Pretzel Addiction During a trip to North Carolina, Scott Schneider fell in love with Asheville and enrolled in classes at UNC-A. Only one problem for this Philadelphia native: He needed to find a way to feed his pretzel addiction. Schneider cites a statistic he has seen before that says people in Philadelphia eat about ten times the amount of pretzels than people in other parts of the country consume. He’s not sure of the exact number, but can confirm from personal experience that an abundance of pretzels is enjoyed in the City of Brotherly Love. After moving, he craved Philadelphia pretzels so deeply that he created his own pretzel business and named it Scott’s Knots. “One slogan we have is ‘Philly pretzels with an Asheville twist,’” he said. He moved to Asheville in January 2013 and got settled in. Once he focused on the business idea, it took him about six months to create a great pretzel recipe. The business officially launched just over a year ago offering all-natural, vegan, gluten free pretzels selling via a solar-powered pushcart. The snack quickly won rave reviews and committed fans. Scott had previously worked during high school as the manager of a pretzel bakery in Philadelphia, so he used his baking skills to get the business off the ground with a partner, Kayla Grey. “She’s focusing on school right now, but she’ll return to the company,” he said. “My other partner—Thomas
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December2015 | capitalatplay.com 83
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thomas whisler
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Whisler—is my best friend from Philadelphia. He helps with the day-to-day running of the business. He moved down in April. I needed help because we’re growing so fast.” Keeping things local is very important as they prepare the pretzels. “We use all organic flour that is grown in Graham, North Carolina. I also use coconut oil instead of butter so everyone can enjoy them,” Scott continued. “We get other ingredients through the French Broad Co-op, and we buy our coconut and sugar through Santosha Chocolate, which is a small little chocolate bar company in Asheville.” The company has started simple with one basic dough recipe and three different toppings. They sell traditional salted pretzels, “everything” pretzels that are topped with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic flakes, and salt, and cinnamon sugar pretzels. Schneider is developing new varieties and constantly experimenting. “We’re looking to do stuffed pretzel bites with sweet cream and cheese,” Scott says. “I’m also experimenting with health nut pretzels. We’re taking it one step at a time.” They make the pretzels at the Roots & Branches bakery in Swannanoa, who willingly shares their kitchen space with the new company. Scott currently bakes about 750 pretzels per week, Wednesday through Sunday, and delivers them fresh each day. “We’d like to get more solar powered pushcarts and produce a mobile bakery that’s in a food truck style…and serve pretzel sandwiches and other great food,” Scott said. “I may do a Kickstarter project to get the food truck going.” His business has grown rapidly and, while he still uses the pushcart at special events and festivals, Scott’s Knots has expanded into stores, restaurants, and breweries. He currently has more than 10 accounts. Scott’s Knots can be found around Asheville at French Broad Co-Op, West Village Market, Fresh Quarter Market in the Grove Arcade, Old Europe Café, Sol Bar at New Mountain AVL, Twin Leaf Brewery, One World Brewing, Five Walnut Wine Bar, Bier Garden, and Noble Cider. “We also work with Corner Kitchen Catering on occasion, set up at Black Mountain Farmer’s Market on Saturdays [in season], and we work with Brother Wolf and vend all of their special events for fundraising. It’s a special partnership.” While the business is growing rapidly on its own, there are plans to merge Scott’s Knots with Shade Raised Organics, located in Leicester. The company distributes organic coffee from Costa Rica. They also sell dehydrated fruit dipped in chocolate and dried organic fruits: mango, pineapple, banana, and papaya. “Ric and Liz Goodman started the business 18 years ago,” said Scott. “They converted their basement into
a distribution center. I’d like to have both companies merged by the spring. Our location is unknown until we have those details finalized. We’re looking to establish our center in Leicester, Swannanoa, or Woodfin.” Another dream is to create a community grocery store gathering area where they can offer all types of education classes, everything from health and fitness to education. “We are using the pretzels as a platform to gain a voice in the community. We really try to promote sustainability and renewable energy,” said Schneider. They also believe they have a responsibility to give back to the community and currently donate all leftover pretzels to the American Veterans Restoration Association. “It’s a place on Tunnel Road in Asheville where they shelter and feed homeless veterans,” he said. Scott spent some time getting a company website up and running. Schneider experimented with the best ways to package and seal the pretzels to offer online sales. “We want to start spreading regionally and then nationally when the time is right.” Scotts-Knots.com debuted last month, find out more on their facebook page www.facebook.com/scottsknotsAVL
Go Hands Free and Tie One On You never know where a good idea might come from. That’s why Black Mountain native Reuben Hollifield always has his eyes and ears open. He created his first product after spotting a guy at the Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain wearing the broken arm of a camping chair around his neck secured with a bungee cord. The discarded armrest featured a cup holder, and this guy was using it to “wear” his beer while enjoying the games. It wasn’t the prettiest design, but it definitely served as a conversation starter; even better it spawned the idea for Reuben’s Beer Ties. “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t something like that be perfect for camping and concerts where you can keep your hands free?’” said Reuben. “We worked six to eight months to get the design right. We knew it had to be balanced so it won’t slosh out with you’re walking around, and if you drop your keys or bend down, it won’t pour out.” He gives credit to his wife, Keri Anna, and his parents, Clyde and Adrienne Hollifield, for helping him perfect the design and for supporting him every step of the way in this venture. They assisted him in selecting a waterproof fabric, ultimately settling on neoprene, and using a familiar necktie shape since it is worn around the neck. “We’ve had a lot of fun with it,” said Reuben. “We developed it from July through December 2013 and then began the process of finding someone to make the tie. We first contacted Diamond Brand and some other businesses, but we finally partnered with a North Carolina manufacturer that makes things in Honduras.
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Once we got our samples and all the bugs worked out, we launched on Kickstarter in August 2014. It took over a year to get from concept to reality.” They set an initial Kickstarter goal of $8,000, basing that figure on what they estimated their first minimum order would be from the manufacturer. Within two days of funding, they watched the total climb past their goal. “We set a realistic goal and we achieved it,” said Reuben. “During [our] Kickstarter, we sold ties around the world: Australia, Germany, England, Canada, Sweden, and Norway. One of our biggest supporters is in Australia. He said, ‘After you fund this, we want to sell them.’ He’s started selling them on his website in Australia. He believed in it so much he wanted to get involved.” Beer Ties, in a variety of colors and designs, are offered for sale on the company website: www.beertie.com; as well as on Amazon.com, and through a number of local businesses in Western North Carolina, including L.O.F.T. on Broadway in downtown Asheville, which is known for its fun, funky stock of eclectic merchandise. They also worked with the Asheville Tourists to produce a Thirsty Thursday beer tie. Putting sports logos and college logos on the ties will be their next big expansion. Reuben grew up in Black Mountain and graduated from Owen High School before heading off to Appalachian State University in Boone, where he received degrees in marketing and Spanish. He lived in Arizona for a year with Americorps, but “had to get back to these mountains.” He now works at Home Trust Bank for his nine to five job and spends after hours running his Beer Ties business. “All of my experience in college life and work life and social life are all coming together for this one thing,” he said. “I took drafting classes in high school, and that helped me put together the products and plans for the manufacturer. I learned Photoshop in college. I also took a number of classes in entrepreneurship, and those were probably the most useful. That’s the cool thing about the beer tie—it’s where all roads meet.”
jeff daniels
mixes a Moscow Mule with Good Bros., photos by Anthony Harden.
Reuben says he’s also amazed that the business has grown rapidly due in part to what he calls “some really awesome, random stuff.” Cosmopolitan magazine contacted him out of the blue and asked for permission to grab photos off his website to feature the beer ties in its 2014 gift guide. Then he was contacted by MTV wanting to feature the ties, and the Steve Harvey Show showcased them in a segment about drinkware. “Recently we got a really fun call from Adam Carolla,” said Reuben. “I never thought I’d be sending ties to Adam Carolla. When I was in college I watched him all the time on Comedy Central. “Our overall goal is to bring a smile to somebody’s face,” he continued. “When you wear one of these ties, it’s like you’re a celebrity. You can’t walk five feet down the street without people stopping you to say, ‘Where did you get that? I need that.’ We enjoy seeing people have fun wearing the product.” He hopes the demand for the ties carries on for a long time. He admits, “This can be a flash in the pan type of thing, but we’ll ride it to the end. In the meantime we’ll think of other fun things to make. I know now that it’s possible to take an idea and make it a reality.” Rebuen beer ties sell for $19.99 and are available for online order at http://www.beertie.com/
A Brand New Brew for Anyone Versatility is the name of the game for two Asheville bartenders who have entered the drink market with their own brand of ginger beer. Their hand-crafted drink spans generations since it’s non-alcoholic—it’s great for kids as well as adults who prefer not to drink alcohol. “It’s a stand alone drink that anyone can enjoy as a soda or health tonic,” said Jeff Daniels, co-owner of the company. “But it can be alcoholic when you use it as a mixer for spirits. You can mix with vodka, bourbon, rum, and other spirits. It’s super good.” The idea sparked as Daniels and his business partner, Max Karcheski, fielded bar requests from patrons at the Aloft Hotel on Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. They’ve been working as bartenders there for three years and in February they launched Good Bros. Ginger Brew. “We had been shooting ideas around about a lot of business ventures,” explained Jeff. “One day, it just came to me that we were selling a lot of ginger beer. I thought we could make this ourselves. We love making drinks as bartenders, and we want people to have the best quality drinks.”
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They began making the ginger beer in small batches, less than 50 gallons at a time. “Ours is a fermented beverage so it’s a different flavor than regular ginger beer,” Jeff said. “It has more health benefits, and the flavor has more citrus and more of a fresh ginger punch.” They began selling weekly at the River Arts District Farmer’s Market, festivals, and have also landed accounts with several area restaurants and bars, including Aloft. “Aloft has been a big supporter,” he continued. “Isa’s Bistro also has a few different flavors. They contracted us to do a special watermelon flavor this past summer.” Adding flavors gives the drink even greater appeal. They just created a fall spice flavor, which is an apple spiced ginger beer. It’s been selling well. Their two biggest sellers to date include their original ginger beer and an orange habanero flavor, but they also have Thai basil, pineapple, mixed berry, mango, and peach habanero, and other special seasonal flavors. Originally from Miami, Daniels arrived in Asheville in 1994 to go to college. Karcheski moved to Asheville in 2010. He’s originally from Wisconsin, but was living in Maui, Hawaii, when he felt the pull to the Western North Carolina mountains. “He moved from one paradise to another paradise,” said Jeff.
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L They maintain their bartending jobs at Aloft, but they are busy crafting and selling the ginger beer. They are currently working out of a commercial kitchen in downtown Asheville, but are getting ready to transition to a new production facility in Woodfin. “It’s just the two of us,” Jeff said. “We do all the heavy lifting. We do everything from sourcing of ingredients to brewing to bottling, labeling, distributing, sales, and marketing. Hopefully we’ll be able to hire others at some point, but this is fun for us. We enjoy every level of it. We do have a social media person and a local artist who creates the artwork for our labels.” Most of their sales are local. They haven’t yet ventured into selling online, but that’s definitely a possibility as the company grows. “Most good ginger beer is shipped from overseas. We just want to grow and represent Asheville and Western North Carolina,” said Jeff.
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Right now, Daniels and Karcheski can be reached through their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/goodbrosgingerbrew/ or by email: goodbrosgingerbrew@gmail.com.
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 89
events
december 1-31
december
EVENTS december 1- 30 Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland Dusk-10PM Western NC Agricultural Center 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC Shadrack’s highly-acclaimed drivethru light show continues through this month. The gazillion LEDs in the shape of popular characters are programmed to dance with Christmas tunes and are Shadrack’s attempt to bring joy to the world. The show runs all month, even on Christmas. To avoid long lines, visit Monday-Thursday.
> Admission: Family vehicle $20, Small
bus $40, Limo $40, Tour/School bus $80 > 828-321-7547 > shadrackchristmas.com
The National Gingerbread House Competition 9AM-9PM The Omni Grove Park Inn 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC The amazing gingerbread houses made by serious confectioners, artists, and designers, will be on display throughout the month. The competition is stiff in this event that draws national attention. As a courtesy to hotel guests, the inn requests members of the public not staying at the inn view the displays Sunday through Thursday only and not on holidays.
> Parking: $10 and up > 800-413-5778 > omnihotels.com december 1
The Nutcracker 7:30PM-9:30PM BAC Theatre Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC Dancers from the Pre-Professional division of the Ballet Conservatory of
Asheville will perform the Christmas classic in a lavish set with 100 other characters.
>Tickets: Reserved $10, Student $5 > 828-227-7206 > wcu.edu december 3
Welcome The Holidays Concert With Fletcher Community Chorus 7-9PM Opportunity House 1411 Asheville Highway Hendersonville, NC The Fletcher Community Chorus is comprised of local talent under the direction of Christine Georger. Their mission is to lift spirits, perfecting their Christmas program weekly, at Calvary Episcopal Church. If you miss the Dec. 3 performance, or wish to see it again, the show will also run on December 10, at the Feed and Seed in Fletcher.
> Donations appreciated > 828-585-5389 > fletchercommunitychorus.com
80 Charlotte Street Asheville, NC 28801 (828)252-1594 CarpetOneAsheville.com
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december 3
Exhibition Celebration 5:30PM-7PM Winter Exhibition Celebration Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 159 Chestnut Street, Blowing Rock, NC Seven new exhibits will share a grand opening that includes free admission to the galleries, refreshments, and live entertainment. Members enjoy special privileges.
> Free > 828-295-9099 > blowingrockmuseum.org
holiday movies, pets, photography, and winter sports. Proceeds will benefit the Western Youth Network, Inc.
> Donations accepted > 828-295-5500 > chetola.com
Festival Of Trees See Website For Schedule Chetola Resort At Blowing Rock 185 Chetola Lake Drive Blowing Rock, NC Chetola Resort will showcase imaginatively-decorated holiday trees, wreaths, and gift baskets in its Appalachian/Blue Ridge Room. Bidding lasts throughout the evening. Items were designed to answer the call to support a good cause this holiday season. Décor themes include
Olde Fashioned Christmas 5-8PM Historic Downtown Hendersonville 145 5th Avenue East, Hendersonville, NC
december 4 - 5
Carolina Concert Choir Winter/Christmas Concert (Fri) 7:30PM, (Sat) 3PM Thomas Auditorium – Blue Ridge Community College 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC
december 3 - 6
december 4
The choir has evolved from a small madrigal group in 1979 to an auditioned act, with focus on excellence and repertoire. The choir is now led by guest conductor and artistic director Lawrence Doebler, who worked 35 years with the Ithaca College School of Music before retiring to Hendersonville. Proceeds from the Winter/ Christmas Concert fund a music scholarship for Blue Ridge Community College.
>Tickets: General Admission $22, Student $5 > 828-216-1753 > carolinaconcertchoir.org
The comfortable, Old-World, turn-of-the century charm of downtown’s brick buildings will be made even warmer with Christmas decorations and lighting. Merchants will keep their doors open late for those who prefer to buy gifts but can’t attend during Main Street hours. Refreshments and live music will be available.
> Free > 828-233-3216 > downtownhendersonville.org december 4 - 6 , 11-13 , 18 - 20
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
(Sun) 2:30PM, (Sat, Sun) 7:30PM Asheville Community Theatre (ACT)– Mainstage 35 East Walnut Street, Asheville, NC The story of six brats who get cast in the roles of herdsmen for the annual
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events
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Christmas pageant. Having never heard the story before, the little darlings interpret their characters liberally, adding deeper meaning to the holiday. The Asheville Community Theatre says this is their most popular holiday show ever, too.
>Tickets: $12-$22 > 828-254-1320 > ashevilletheatre.org december 5 , 12 , 19, Apple Hill Farm Christmas
26
Apple Hill Farm 400 Apple Hill Road, Banner Elk, NC
Consult with us on your marketing & management needs. Please call Kyle Moody at Rent-A-Home today!
(828) 676-6764 rentahomeasheville.com
Every Saturday, mini guided farm tours will showcase the farm’s alpaca, donkeys, and dogs. Children might even be allowed to pet or feed some of them. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, so dress for walking in the weather. Complimentary hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies are included. After the tour visitors are encouraged to visit the gift shop to find the perfect alpaca-wool item for that certain someone. Call first to avoid weather closings.
> Admission: Adult $7, Child (4-10) $5, Toddler (0-3) Free
> 828-963-1662 > applehillfarmnc.com december 5 - 6 , 12 -13 , 19 - 20 , 26 - 27
Children’s Tennis Clinics
Look for us around town
(SAT) 12-3:30PM (SUN) 1-4:30PM The Tennis Professor 854 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC Children aged 5-12 can learn tennis on the in-store court. Racquets will be provided if needed. Space is limited to four per clinic, and clinics last 20-30 minutes. Advanced registration is required to
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> Free > 828-620-8693 > thetennisprofessor.net december 6
10AM-4PM
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assure space. Do these folks love tennis? Check out their website.
Hendersonville Symphony’s Youth Orchestra: Winter Concert 4-6PM Thomas Auditorium – Blue Ridge Community College 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC The Hendersonville Symphony’s Youth Orchestra is an auditioned collection of serious young musicians who rehearse their advanced repertoire at least two hours every week. Performing will be the Youth Symphony, Sinfonietta, and Prelude Ensemble.
>Tickets: Adult $7, Youth (0-18) Free > 828-697-5884 > hendersonvillesymphony.org december 6
Hendersonville Community Band Holiday Concert 3-5PM Blue Ridge Conference Hall 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC The 75-member volunteer band has been practicing for its annual “Tis the Season” concert. Selections range from hymns of praise to spirited works from Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival” and Alfred Reed’s “Russian Christmas Music.” Old standards promise new arrangements. In its 25th year, the band is now conducted by Winford Franklin.
>Tickets: Adult $10, Student Free > 828-692-8801 > hcbmusic.com
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december 9 - 27
All Is Calm
(Sun) 2PM, (Mon-Sat) 7:30PM North Carolina Stage Company 15 Stage Lane, Asheville, NC Readers will relive a peaceful wartime when Allied and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate a Christmas together. Excerpts from actual letters of thirty original participants will be read, interspersed with music by the choral group Cantaria.
Dr. Charles Harpe
Board Certified M.D.
>Tickets: $16-$32 > 828-239-0263 > ncstage.org
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Handel’s “Messiah” Community Sing Along With The Asheville Symphony Chorus
27 Resort Dr, Asheville, NC 28806
828.575.2196
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6:30-8:30PM First Presbyterian Church 40 Church Street, Asheville, NC
Love at first sight. And touch.
Formed in 1991 to work with the Asheville Symphony, the chorus now boasts 108 active, auditioned members. Limited copies of sheet music will be available, so patrons are asked to bring their own when possible. The event will be conducted by Michael Lancaster.
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>Tickets: $15 > 828-254-7046 > ashevillesymphonychorus.com december 10
11AM-12PM Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 159 Chestnut Street, Blowing Rock, NC As part of the Scholars & Scones series, Mark Nystrom will discuss how his art
$419
*
per month / 36 month lease
$419 First month’s payment $3,499 Capital cost reduction $795 Acquisition fee $4,713 Total cash due at signing
* Available only to qualified customers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services at participating dealers through March 31, 2015. Not everyone will qualify. Advertised 36 months lease payment based on MSRP of $44,025 less the suggested dealer contribution resulting in a total gross capitalized cost of $43,027. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual lease payment. Includes Destination Charge and Premium 1 Package. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options. Total monthly payments equal $15,084. Cash due at signing includes $3,499 capitalized cost reduction, $795 acquisition fee and first month’s lease payment of $419. No security deposit required. Total payments equal $19,378. At lease end, lessee pays for any amounts due under the lease, any official fees and taxes related to the scheduled termination, excess wear and use plus $0.25/mile over 30,000 miles, and $595 vehicle turn-in fee. Purchase option at lease end for $27,736 plus taxes (and any other fees and charges due under the applicable lease agreement) in example shown. Subject to credit approval. Specific vehicles are subject to availability and may have to be ordered. See participating dealer for details. Please always wear your seat belt, drive safely and obey speed limits. ©2015 Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers.
Skyland Automotive, Inc.
Mercedes-Benz Anytown 255 Smoky Park Hwy,of Asheville, NC 28806• 828-667-5213
23 Motorway Blvd. Anytown, St 00000-0000 Tel (000) 000-0000 www.mbanytown.com
Mar15
Coded Responses: A Talk With Artist Mark Nystrom
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 93
Solutions Without Limits
events
translates the language of nature into geometric design. Nystrom will discuss the elements and forces underlying some of the patterns he has captured. Hatchett Coffee Company will provide the brew, and local bakers to be announced.
> Admission: Adult $7, Senior $6, Student/Child $4 > 828-295-9099 > blowingrockmuseum.org
december 11
3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-TacYule -Ar 305 A Airport Road, Arden, NC 828.687.8770 | novakitchen.com
7:30-9:30PM BAC Theatre: Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC The WCU website says it best: “Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the trailer . . .Yes, those classically-trained singing angels in the trailer park are packing their festive gear and will be dashing through the snow just in time for some down-home Christmas cheer!”
>Tickets: Adult $21, Student/Child $7 > 828-227-2479 > wcu.edu december 11-13
Asheville Nativity Scene Display Consult Website For Times. First Baptist Church 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC On open display for self-guided tours includes over 150 nativity sets (crèches) from around the world. Friday and Saturday at 7PM, the Rev. Dr. Jerry Beavers will give a guest lecture, “The Nativity Scene as Art.” Last year’s flagship event showcased 128 sets from 53 countries and was attended by over 600.
> Free > ashevillenativity.org 94
| December 2015
december 11
Asheville Symphony: Simply Sinatra Christmas Concert 8PM Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 87 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC The Asheville Symphony will back up Steve Lippia, whom the symphony, and critics, claim is the “world’s best Sinatra interpreter.” Lippia will be singing iconic favorites like “New York, New York,” and “I’ve Got You under My Skin,” as well as casting Old Blue Eyes’ spell with beloved holiday favorites.
>Tickets: Adult $22-$74, Youth $11-$43 > 828-254-7046 > ashevillesymphony.org
december 11 & 18
It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play 7:30PM Smoky Mountain Center For The Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC Isn’t it time to enjoy something with a family-friendly message? In a play by Joe Landry, the heartwarming holiday classic is performed as a 1940s radio broadcast. Like Clarence, a few characters will appear onstage here and there to add their voices to the broadcast.
>Tickets $12 > 828-254-1598 > greatmountainmusic.com december 12
Christmas With Santa
10AM Asheville Community Theatre 35 East Walnut Street, Asheville, NC A 45-minute, fast-paced production by
Bright Star Touring Theatre tells the story of how a couple of elves sort of mess up Christmas. They misplace most all of Santa’s presents, but when Santa arrives, the Jolly Old Elf lets them know they didn’t lose the most important one: The gift of sharing the season with the ones we love.
>Tickets: $5 > 828-254-1320 > ashevilletheatre.org december 12
A Carolina Christmas 3-4:45PM and 7:30-9PM Blue Ridge Community College Auditorium: 180 West Campus Drive, Flat Rock, NC World-renowned pianist Jan Mulder has sold over a million copies of his Christmas album, recorded with tenor Andrea Bocelli and the London Symphony Orchestra. He returns to his hometown to share selections from his most beloved arrangements.
>Tickets: $35 > 828-697-5884 > hendersonvillesymphony.org
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december 16
The Wizards Of Winter 8PM The Orange Peel 101 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC The Wizards of Winter combine classical training with progressive rock. They sound a little bit like the Trans Siberian Orchestra (TSO). In fact this performance will feature original members of the TSO. While not a tribute band, the Wizards will probably play a couple of their hits. The majority of the show will feature material from the Wizards’ own Christmas rock opera album. The band tends to sell out, so get tickets early!
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brunch
Join us for Brunch on
Saturday & Sunday 11am- 2pm
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 95
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The Free Spirit Of Enterprise
>Tickets: Seat $39, Standing $29 > 828-398-1837 > theorangepeel.net
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Breakfast With Mrs. Claus
Don’t Play Away Business Entity Liability Protection p.22
Evaluating Online Marketing Info p.60
Volume V - Edition VIII
August 2015
complimentary edition
capitalatplay.com
colu m
A Steadfast Comm n s unity Commitmen t p.30 Lost and Foun Midnite found d: How Virgil and a home… back to each and a way other p.56 How Wealth Transfers: Calcu lating The Cost Of Impatience p.72
Lexington G lassworks:
Volume V - Edition
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9-11AM Buckeye Recreation Area 1440 Pine Ridge Road, Beech Mountain, NC Those elves! Those elves! They’re driving Mrs. Claus so crazy that Santa’s giving the little lady a mental health day at the height of Christmas season. And where’s she going? Why, to the Buckeye Recreation Center so she can engage in her favorite pastime – making pancakes for you.
> Free > 828-387-3003 > beechrecreation.org december 31
New Year’s Eve Family Fest 6-9PM Buckeye Recreation Area 1440 Pine Ridge Road, Beech Mountain, NC Kids can stay up for this countdown and still be in bed by 9PM. But first, there will be lots of games, a bouncy house, food, and a live DJ.
> Free > 828-387-3003 > beechrecreation.org
CA ITALat LAY the free spirit of enterprise
w e s t e r n n o r t h c a r o l i n a' s
Business Lifestyle MA G A Z I N E L
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If your organization has any local press releases for our briefs section or events that you would like to see here feel free to email us at events@capitalatplay.com. Please submit your event by the first day of the month preceding your event.
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 97
WHERE YOUR SON CAN BECOME... A SCHOLAR
Learn Mandarin or Arabic. Study Biotechnology and Engineering. Get individualized college counseling beginning in the ninth grade.
AN ARTIST
Join the choir. Perform in a play or musical. Become a broadcaster on the Christ School Network. Display his artwork in a digital media gallery.
AN ATHLETE
Find a competitive place on one of our teams. Or try out disc golf, skiing, and fly fishing.
AN OUTDOORSMAN
Kayak the rapids of the Green River Gorge. Bike the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hike the Appalachian Trail.
A MAN
Who puts others before himself; who entertains differences of opinion but stands firm in his convictions; who learns from his challenges and failures, yet still holds himself accountable. Christ School is a place where your son can grow into a dependable, tolerant, and confident adult.
CHRIST SCHOOL Asheville, North Carolina
www.christschool.org 800.422.3212
98
| December 2015
The BMW X5
bmwofasheville.com 828-681-9900
YOU DON’T NEED A CROWD TO STAND OUT. THE BMW X5.
With optional third-row seating, up to seven people can go somewhere they’ve never been before. And with Panoramic Moonroof, BMW Online™ features like Real Time Traffic Information and Internet, and optional Premium Interior, the journey might just outclass the destination.
NO-COST MAINTENANCE
UP TO 4 YRS / 50K MILES1
For special lease and finance offers available through BMW Financial Services, visit bmwusa.com. BMW of Asheville | 649 New Airport Road | Fletcher, NC 28732 | 828-681-9900 | bmwofasheville.com
Experience the Difference. 1For
model year 2015 or later vehicles sold or leased by an authorized BMW center on or after July 1, 2014. BMW Maintenance Program coverage is not transferable to subsequent purchasers, owners or lessees. Please see bmwusa.com/UltimateService or ask your authorized BMW center for details. ©2015 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.
December2015 | capitalatplay.com 99
From Our Family To Yours,
100
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year! | December 2015