Corpus Christi Real Producers - October 2021

CORPUS CHRISTI

C O N N E C T I N G .

&

E L E VAT I N G .

Amy Donnie Strong Individually, Unstoppable Together

I N S P I R I N G .

OUTDOORS SPECIAL EDITION

PREFERRED PARTNER SPOTLIGHT SOUTH TEXAS CURB APPEAL Humble Beginnings LEGENDARY LEADER LORI GARCIA Warrior RISING STAR DONNIE GARCIA COMMUNITY BREAST FRIENDS Women Beating Breast Cancer

Photography by Brianna Cortez Photography

OCTOBER 2021

2 • October 2021

@realproducers

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Fee Attorney for Texas Lone Star Title 5350 South Staples, Suite 407 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 986-1509 realproducersmag.com

Corpus Christi Real Producers • 3

TAB LE OF

CONTENTS 08

10

18

Publisher’s Note: Today is Wild and it’s Yours.

Real Producer and Rising Star: Amy & Donnie Garcia

Community: Breast Friends

20

28

34

Legendary Leader: Lori Garcia

Preferred Partner Spotlight: South Texas Curb Appeal

Outdoors Feature: Spooled Life

If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at amanda.carmichael@realproducersmag.com.

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Corpus Christi Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.

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PREFERRED PARTNERS

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

ADVERTISING Explosive Ads Advertising (361) 489-7441 ExplosiveAd.com ATTORNEY The Law Office of Jacyr Heil, PLLC (361) 986-1509 HeilTexasLaw.com COACHING/CONSULTING Ellison Helmsman Inc (361) 355-4970 EllisonHelmsman.com FINANCIAL ADVISOR Equitable Advisors Ryan Reyna (361) 888-6669 HOME & PROPERTY INSPECTIONS Blue Star Real Estate Inspection Services (361) 462-9018 Blue-StarInspections.com HOME INSPECTION STX Home Inspection (361) 215-0926 southtxhomeinspection.com HOME WARRANTY Fidelity National Home Warranty (800) 308-1422 HomeWarranty.com

6 • October 2021

INSPECTIONS Coastal Bend Home Inspections (801) 834-8709 CoastalBendHome Inspections.com INSURANCE Insure Solutions (361) 239-2464 InsureSolutionsGroup.com State Farm - Jennie Dibala (361) 993-3553 JennieDibala.com Steve Chafin Agency (830) 620-5889 LANDSCAPING & LAWN South Texas Curb Appeal LLC (361) 541-3652 SouthTexasCurbAppeal.com MARKETING AGENCY JBBM Marketing (361) 446-9031 jbbmmarketing.com MORTGAGE / LENDER Alterra Home Loans (361) 492-9353 juang.goalterra.com First Community Bank (361) 888-9310 fcbot.com

Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. Leanna Gonzales (361) 214-5105 Willow Bend Mortgage Jamie Hartley (361) 834-7233 wbm.com MORTGAGE RESIDENTIAL LENDING Sell & Leaseback (361) 371-2239 sellandleasebackyour home.com PHOTOGRAPHY Brianna Cortez Photography (361) 742-0333 Tres Piña Photography (361) 728-1968 TresPinaPhotography.com

ROOFING & RESTORATION Phillips Roofing & Restoration (361) 815-3866 PhillipsRoofingAnd Restoration.com SOLAR SPECIALIST/SOLAR & MORE Solar Power Integrator (361) 360-1800 SolarPowerIntegrator.com TITLE COMPANY Concierge Title of Texas (512) 806-9832 CTOTX.com VIDEOGRAPHER Alpha Film Creative (361) 232-2772 AlphaFilmCreative.com

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MEET THE

CORPUS CHRISTI REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Amanda Carmichael Owner / Publisher

Copy Editor / Writer

Ruth Gnirk

Roland Rodriguez

Dr. Kasia Suarez

amanda.carmichael@

write2rgnirk@gmail.com

rolosport68@hotmail.com

kasiasuarez@kw.com

Melina Gosa

Rhona Piña

Brianna Cortez

Ruth & Martin Ramos

(214) 454-8491

(361) 728-1968

(361) 742-0333

(361) 232-2772

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CorpusChristiRP@theAdJunkies.com

geneva@realproducersmag.com

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If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for stories, please email us at amanda.carmichael@realproducersmag.com

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 7

publisher’s note

WILD

Today is

and it’s Yours.

Our schedules keep us running from meeting to meeting during the day, and dinner parties at night. With technology, we are constantly plugged in, with our eyes on a screen in some form or another.

When life seems overwhelming with its tasks and responsibilities, sometimes the best antidote is time spent outdoors in nature.

Imagine yourself in your very favorite place deep in nature. Perhaps a cool breeze is shaking aspen leaves as you soak in the mountain views and smell pine on a beautiful hike…or maybe you’re on a white sandy beach, waves crashing in and out and you can feel the warmth of the sun beating down on your body, the smell of sea salt in the air.

I’m a huge proponent of spending time outdoors, and here are a few reasons why it can be beneficial: It is a reminder that you are not infinite. Step outside, and you’ll see

8 • October 2021

that the life cycle is all around you.

Plants and animals live and die to make room for the next generation.

Though humans are a completely different life form, we are no exception to that rule. When we spend time in nature, we are reminded that life is fleeting – and sometimes we need that perspective in order to remember what truly matters. (And to remind us how small we are in the grand scheme of things.) It might be scary to realize that nothing is permanent, but perhaps that’s what makes life so precious.

It teaches us about living in harmony.

Hundreds of species of plants and animals can live amongst each other in one small area. This is the way the ecosystem is meant to work – each fragment contributes to a greater balance as they coexist. Humans could certainly stand to take note.

It is a reminder that everything looks perfect from far away. A wave crashing on the sand might look beautiful to us as we watch it from afar, but

how do you think those little crabs feel when they get stuck in it? Similarly, when we appreciate the beauty of the autumn leaves, we don’t think about the fact that those brilliant colors signify that the leaves are dying. These lessons can be applied to our lives, as well. You never know what kind of pain someone is hiding beneath a seemingly happy smile; you never know about the parts of people’s lives that you can’t see.

It is a reminder that chaos is a part of life. You don’t even need to be outside to understand this one. Just watch a thunderstorm from your window to remember that while nature appears to be so peaceful, there is mayhem brewing at any given moment. Chaos is inevitable, and life is not always going to fall into place seamlessly. While the messy parts of life may not always be resolved positively, there is always a chance you’ll find a rainbow at the end of the storm.

Amanda Carmichael

Publisher

@realproducers

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”

– Rachel Carson

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real producer and rising star Written by Dr. Kasia Suarez Photography by Brianna Cortez Photography

& GARCIA Amy Donnie

DONNIE GARCIA: the recipient of Rising Star Award.

10 • October 2021

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Amy and Donnie Garcia are the true definition of a power couple in the real estate world.

As individuals, they are both strong. Together, this husband and wife team is unstoppable.

Amy Garcia has a background in advertising and public relations, as well as running event facilities and hospitality ranches. She earned her real estate license in 2003 and received numerous awards as a top producer. She joined Hal Jones Development/ McCombs Properties in 2008 and ran their sales and marketing programs.

Donnie Garcia spent his career working with a Fortune 500 company, Philip Morris USA, and then moved into building and conceptualizing Fiesta Ranch. He joined Hal Jones Development/McCombs Properties as a vice president of construction and moved into the position of VP of operations in 2010.

In 2013 the Garcias moved to Rockport and continued their journey with McCombs Properties. Amy continued to pursue her passion as a REALTOR®. Donnie continued to oversee the latest developments for McComb Properties.

After Hurricane Harvey hit, Donnie resigned from McComb properties and the couple opened the new Rockport event venue, La Palma Event Center to give the community a place to celebrate joy together.

Donnie decided to pursue his passion for real estate and obtained his license in 2018.

Donnie joined Amy at Spears & Co. The couple became an unstoppable duo.

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 11

“We are more powerful as a team. I work with the guys and she works with the women and shows them parts of the house they want to see.

We divide and conquer,” said Donnie.

The Garcias produced $31 million in 2020 and were the number one producers in Rockport. This year, in 2021, they continue to be the top producers. They are in the $24-plus million. “Our goal is to surpass last year,” said Donnie.

12 • October 2021

Why are the Garcias unstoppable and stand out from other agents?

the arts. We show them fresh seafood and the yacht club,” said Amy.

First, they learned from day one that selling real estate is not just about unlocking doors.

“I think we are the only husband and wife team we know of. We have worked together since we have been married and owned our own businesses. We know how to work well together,” said Amy. Donnie agreed, explaining that they learned a lot from working with developers.

“We are selling a lifestyle and we take it to the tenth degree. We show people the town and communities.

Donnie will take the boat out and show them the canals since the street views are different from the sea. I take them downtown and show them

“We learned what it takes to purchase a property, taking it to a subdivision,

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We are selling a LIFESTYLE and we take it to the TENTH DEGREE. We show people the town and communities.

utilities, stress, and all of that. It’s knowledge that REALTORS® don’t get,” Donnie added.

logistics, knowing distances of living rooms, setbacks, septics, etc, I’ve got that,” said Donnie.

The couple shared that most REALTORS® don’t think of the piping and the easements and setback lines involved in a property. Working on the developer side has given them this added knowledge, and helps the Garcias function as well-rounded, informed REALTORS®.

Secondly, they know what it takes to buy a second home for families. They have been coming down to Rockport since the ‘80s and dreamed of owning a home in Rockport. In 2002, Donnie and Amy bought their first vacation home in Rockport.

“Every morning we go into the office and have our morning meetings in our robes and coffee. I always know he has my back if there’s something I can’t do or get to a client,” said Amy. “We capitalize on what she does well and what I do well, and they are completely different. I’m bad at paperwork but when it comes to realproducersmag.com

The Garcias know the memories that a family develops are priceless and are cherished forever. They made so many memories coming to their second home in Rockport for over a decade.

“Those 12 years are unforgettable.

Our daughter was in middle school and brought her friends, went to the beaches, boating, and fun festivals.

She ended up getting her degree at the Corpus Christi Real Producers • 13

University in Texas in marine biology with an emphasis on saltwater. I truly believe it’s because we had those years on the coast,” said Amy. They share with clients how much having a second home has shaped their marriage and their family’s lives.

Their Garcias are grateful for all the lessons they learned from their broker at Spears & Co., and they apply those lessons when working with their clients.

“My biggest teacher is my broker Alyssa.

I learn something from her every day.

There is a reason we are number one and so far ahead,” said Amy. 14 • October 2021

The Garcias learned to treat clients with integrity, honesty, and professionalism. They also admire that their broker is involved in the community like they are themselves. The Garcias continue to be involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Rockport Little Theatre, and the Rockport Cultural Arts District, to name a few.

The Garcias have learned many lessons in all their years in real estate, and they want to pass their knowledge on to other REALTORS®. Donnie expressed the need for agents to learn their

craft and ensure that they are doing things according to law.

“It’s easy to get into the gray area. Stay out of the gray area. It’s really black and white,” said Donnie.

Amy added that agents need to support their clients in disclosing information.

“They need to know their business and craft. Be honest about it and don’t do anything shady. Especially at the coast where everything rusts and deteriorates after a while. You have to disclose that,” said Amy. The Garcias expressed the need for agents to sell homes as if the buyer was @realproducers

someone was in their own family.

“Would you sell your mom that house, in that area? Would you sell your sister that land? When they trust you it makes a difference between a good agent and a licensed agent,” the Garcias added.

What brings them joy most are the clients that come back to them and share their positive experiences.

“We love it when they tell us we sold them their first house and brought them down here and they love it. We want to be remembered, and love to hear that it was the best decision they made,” said Amy. Donnie added that people are coming to Rockport and Corpus Christi from different parts of

Texas or other states because they like how it looks online.

However, they have no idea what goes on here. That is why Donnie focuses on showing clients the entire Coastal Bend.

burn out and they are still overcoming that. They try to unplug and live a worklife balance by enjoying those special moments with their families.

The Garcias work extremely hard together. Amy pointed out that it’s important to be able to turn it off and relax.

“We want to be remembered for helping people make a great investment,” said Donnie. “We show them the investment side and the family impact that can come from that investment. We want to keep our clients informed about everything that is going on so they can tell us that helping them make that investment is the best thing we have done for them.”

“Some people think being a REALTOR® so easy and you earn lots of money. But they don’t realize that at midnight we are on our phones and checking our emails,” said Donnie.

The Garcias shared that it is important to not let yourself

We want to be remembered for helping people make a GREAT INVESTMENT. We show them the INVESTMENT SIDE and the FAMILY IMPACT that can come from that investment. realproducersmag.com

Corpus Christi Real Producers • 15

16 • October 2021

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 17

Breast Friends Eight years ago, a breast cancer survivor came to the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation (CBWF) seeking help in obtaining a prosthetic and specialized bra. The recovering woman had bravely survived one of the scariest things in her life, and wanted to get back to “normal,” but didn’t have the resources to drive six

hours round trip and purchase a $400 prosthetic. Like hundreds of other local women, she was just stuffing her old bra with a bean bag and struggling to get back to her life.

Stories like this cut to the heart of the administration at CBWF including Amy Goldson, a CBWF employee and

active community volunteer. After investigating resources, it was determined that there were no Federal grants available for women who need prosthetics. It was also surprising to find out there were no local charity funds directed toward prostheses for breast cancer survivors.

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18 • October 2021

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CBWF recognized the great need and knew they needed to help. The CBWF sent Amy to NY for training in 2014, and CBWF’s Breast Friends program was created. Through the program, women are fitted on the spot with the right prosthetics for their body and lifestyle, as well as a specialized bra of their choice, at no cost to them. On each annual fitting anniversary, women can choose a new bra, and every two years women are fitted for a new prosthetic.

Because of financial donations received, the initial products, yearly bras, and bi-yearly prosthetics are given at no cost to the women who need them. When gently used prosthetics and specialty bras are donated to Breast Friends, the still-useful products are sent to those in other countries who have contacted Beast Friends to ask for help.

Amy has worked with Breast Friends since day one and has had the honor

of personally fitting over 900 women, many for the first time. Because of her duties for other CBWF programs, she is only able to perform fittings one day a week. Amy is hoping and believing for women to volunteer to become trained in fitting and serving women in this unique way.

“There are so many different women, different stories, and different situations,” reflected Amy, “but they all have one thing in common. They have all traded at least one breast for their life. This program does so much more than offer something to fill in a bra. It offers HOPE!

If you know a woman who needs this free community resource, or a woman who wants to volunteer with Breast Friends, you can contact Amy at amyg@cbwellness.org or (361) 814-2001. If you would like to make a financial contribution at any time, Breast Friends is a 501c3 and all proceeds go directly into products that are freely given to women in need.

Don’t forget that on the Day of Giving this November, any donation you contribute to Breast Friends will be DOUBLED!

“We provide resources for healing women,” continued Amy. “This program changes posture and changes mindsets. I feel so grateful that the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation provided this opportunity to help people through Breast Friends!”

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 19

Written By Ruth Gnirk Photography By TresPiña Photography

20 • October 2021

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legendary leader

Lori Garcia’s motto in life is “Be Better.” She strives to be better today than she was yesterday, and she will work hard tomorrow to be better than she was today. Lori wants to be better than her past, better than her fears, and better than the labels that others have given her. Lori also wants to inspire others to be better.

Lori was raised by a single mom in a one-bedroom apartment in McAllen, TX before McAllen was a thriving city.

Growing up as a minority in the community, Lori quickly learned how to diffuse tense situations, and how to help people in opposition find common ground.

When she was eleven, Lori’s mother told her that if she wanted school supplies, Lori needed to earn her own money, so she began babysitting.

Young Lori embraced a healthy work ethic and learned the value of money.

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“Every ‘difficult’ thing I experienced made me more well-rounded than I otherwise would have been,” Lori reflected wisely. “I determined at a young age that I would never think or speak like a victim, or a survivor, but like a warrior. No matter what happened in the past, warriors know that we choose our story, and we work out own destiny.”

To Lori, pity is a four-letter word. She never wanted others to look down on, feel sorry for, or pity her. Lori Garcia chose to be better than some of the things she had experienced in life. She determined to use her past as a stepping-stone, not a stumbling block.

Although she did not have a father figure, Lori learned about healthy relationships by watching

WARRIOR

GARCIA

Corpus Christi Real Producers • 21

her friends’ parents interact. She didn’t go through a “bad choices” phase in her teens because she learned from the lives of others. Lori Garcia learned the value of family, friendships, forgiveness, and positive communication.

She met her late husband, a Green Beret, and they started a wonderful life together. He was a good husband, and a great father to their daughter Sabrina. Their life wasn’t perfect, but much of it was the fulfillment of Lori’s childhood dreams.

Then, suddenly, he was gone. He passed away right in front of Lori and their 6-year-old daughter. It was unexpected and devastating, but Lori was a warrior.

At age 32, Lori became a single mom.

She taught young Sabrina, through word and example, that warriors earn what they want by working for it.

Warriors do not get things through the pity of others.

“The first funeral I ever attended was my husband’s,” said Lori. “I kept reminding myself I was a warrior. I had to be strong, pick up the pieces of my broken heart, and carry on for our daughter.

Sometimes I

22 • October 2021

remind myself I got through that; I can get through anything.”

Lori made Sabrina’s mental and emotional health a top priority, enrolling her in counseling so she could process loss and change. Lori realized that she could not work a traditional nine-to-five job and have the flexibility she needed for counseling appointments and spending time with her daughter when Sabrina needed it.

Lori knew that the best way to start a new chapter in her life was to close the current one. She decided to sell the home in which her late husband had died. She was debating about making a career change.

Lori felt that real estate could give her the flexibility she needed to spend time with her daughter while making a life, not just making a living. Her daughter’s response surprised her.

“You need to feed your soul and do something God would be proud of,” encouraged 9-year-old Sabrina. “Pay it forward.”

So Lori started working for Keller-Williams in McAllen. She discovered she had a talent for helping clients and coworkers be better. Lori also started teaching women’s boxing. Lori found it empowering to feel strong in her body and her mind and to share that empowerment with others.

Lori had learned compassion and gratitude from her difficult past.

She passed that lesson on to her daughter. For years, Sabrina has chosen to spend half of her Christmas money on gifts for others in need.

Lori’s fears of her daughter growing up fatherless were put to rest as her father-in-law stepped up for his eleventh grandchild. He made extra time for Sabrina, and they were very close until he passed away.

During the market crash, Lori honed her skills and became a foreclosure expert.

After learning to be a better REALTOR®, Lori stepped into a servant-leader position as a team leader and designated supervisor in McAllen.

@realproducers

I determined at a yo u n g ag e t h a t I would never t h i n k o r s p ea k like a victim, or a s u r v ivo r, bu t l i k e a w a r r i o r.

Lori Garcia learned to get out of her comfort zone to be better. She built up the McAllen Keller Williams market center team for seven years. Lori’s excellence of character and her ability to inspire others led to an opportunity to move to Corpus Christi to build up a team. Lori has been here for the past seven years as a team leader and CEO of Keller Williams Coastal Bend.

“The move to Corpus was effortless on every level. The first year was the toughest, but I love a good challenge,” laughed Lori. “I know I’m in the right place at the right time. It’s God’s plan and I don’t question it.”

Lori is responsible for 355 agents right now, and every day she focuses on being better. She shows up, ready to encourage and support her Keller Williams Coastal Bend family, no matter what. Sometimes Lori serves as a leader and mentor, and other times she wears the hat of a therapist, counselor, or confidant. Garcia loves to encourage others, but she is not afraid to instruct when needed. Lori’s protective instincts kick in when people criticize her agents.

Lori is not a competing broker. She connects people and creates relationships that create inventory. Garcia says Corpus Christi is the gem of this state and she is very excited about things happening in Corpus right now. Lori can’t

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 23

wait to see this city reach its potential, and said she is thrilled that REALTORS® get to play a part in this.

It was hard to celebrate the wins last year amidst the 12 funerals for KW Coastal Bend team members, especially when there were two funerals on the same day. Cancer and covid dealt a low blow, but Garcia said that the good still outweighed the bad.

“Nothing else gives me that high of celebrating personal or business victories with agents. It is a true honor to be invited to share the highs and lows of their lives,” Lori said. “No matter how bad it has been, there are so many blessings! We just have to look for them.”

Real estate allows Lori to create her own worth. She finds her purpose in helping others find and live out their own worth. Lori knows her brokerage isn’t the right match for everyone, but they’re not trying to be!

She keeps the Keller Williams culture first and foremost.

Lori was not afraid to be alone, but she found a soulmate who was equally passionate about being better. Juan and Lori Garcia have been married for eight years. He has two daughters, and the blended family supports and encourages each other as they live out their missions.

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Lori and Juan have a deep respect for what the other does for a job. Their careers are complementary but independent of each other. They both take full responsibility for their own success.

The couple spends much of their limited alone time together.

They help each other be better, and choose to remain each other’s best friends. The Garcias have two dogs that are like their babies.

They work out together and enjoy the release of target practice.

Lori is learning to golf with Juan and is taking drum lessons.

She also enjoys reading.

“As a warrior, I still see my past, but I don’t stay there. I evolved quickly, because of what I went through. I am blessed that God allowed me to become wiser at a younger age, which allowed me to experience greater success,” reflected Lori. “Warriors work hard every day to be better. Succeeding through others is true success.”

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 27

CURB APPEAL Photography by Brianna Cortez Photography | Written by Ruth Gnirk

South Texas Curb Appeal had humble beginnings, but owners Curtis and Marta Smith have set big goals for their business.

They offer tree services, commercial and industrial lawn care services, pressure washing, and soft washing for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. South Texas Curb Appeal’s services are performed with a spirit of excellence, gratitude, and servanthood. This locally-owned small business prides itself on giving back to the community by support other local

Curtis Smith had worked as an industrial and commercial electrician for eight years. Then covid hit, changing how people operate daily, which impacted the economy and shook up local businesses. Curtis and his new bride realized the impact that large corporations and locally owned businesses had on the community. The Smiths decided they wanted to be part of the solution.

“We started doing residential lawn care and pressure washing with a borrowed push mower and dad’s small pressure washer,” recalled Curtis with a smile. “And now we have a high-end Kubota tractor, two zero-turn mowers to meet the needs of our commercial property owners, and a commercial-grade pressure washer.”

businesses and giving all glory to God.

28 • October 2021

@realproducers

preferred partner spotlight

South Texas Curb Appeal has been in business for nearly two years, and in this time, they have been able to create a reputation of integrity and excellence.

This spring, Curtis stayed busy with requests for tree services, including trimming and removal. He genuinely enjoys being a tree artisan. He also finds satisfaction in providing excellent commercial and industrial lawn care.

South Texas Curb Appeal can tailor to the needs of their clients with their soft wash and pressure washing services available for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. South Texas Curb Appeal is also finishing landscaping projects in Palmilla Beach Resort and Cinnamon Shore.

“Our why,” explained Marta, “is to be able to build a sustainable future for our family, and to be a blessing to our community, both through the services we offer and by reinvesting in other locally owned businesses.”

“We strive to be the most genuine people and operate on a code of honesty as we work hard to provide quality service, no matter how small or large our projects may be,” said Curtis. “I envision us growing South Texas Curb Appeal to

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a certain level, and then letting my daughter climb on my shoulders, and passing it on to her, so she can take it to a higher level.”

Curtis tragically lost his mom five years ago.

She was the rock of the Smith family. Her unexpected passing after a stroke when she was 60 years old took a toll on the entire family. He said his mom was his “safe place.”

Curtis is greatly honored to be chosen as a 2021 ambassador for Real Men Wear Pink because breast cancer affects many mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. He plans to raise awareness and over $2,500 to contribute to the cause. For Curtis, this campaign is about saving a safe place.

Corpus Christi Real Producers • 29

Long ago, Curtis and Marta learned a lesson that Curtis calls “sowing during famine.” Marta explained, “Sowing during famine is a lesson we have learned as the pandemic has rattled the economy of locally owned businesses.

This lesson has taught us that even when business is slow and it seems like we should throw in the towel, we continue to give and invest into people, even if it doesn’t make sense.”

The Smiths donate their time and money to causes they believe are making an impact on the community. One outreach they actively contribute to and participate in is the children’s and family programs of Captain Rex International Ministries.

When Marta was 17, she was one of the first interns with Captain Rex’s Stateside impact team, traveling around the nation and sharing THE Good News. The Smiths give to this outreach on a regular basis because they know it is changing lives and communities.

In September 2021, Curtis and Marta personally helped with Captain Rex’s Stateside children’s crusades.

Our

Captain Rex and his wife Ladonna also started Treasures of the Amazon River, a non-profit that stops the trafficking of children on the Amazon River. This international non-profit has been assisting small villages to build their economies since 2014. They have helped over 20 villages in the Amazon, and have also served in Brazil, Kenya, Mexico, and India.

is to

be able to build a and to be a both through the services we offer and by reinvesting in other locally owned businesses.

30 • October 2021

Curtis and Marta also invest in their own community by donating their time and services to local non-profit organizations. They are intentional about staying connected with other local small business owners. They attend weekly networking meetings and have donated their time and energy to help other small businesses when the @realproducers

owners were shorthanded. The Smiths also work to utilize the services of other small local businesses, especially the ones with whom they have developed relationships through networking.

The Smiths believe that locally owned businesses give “we the people” more, say, better prices and greater value. They are passionate about empowering people through South Texas Curb Appeal. There are advantages of utilizing their local services to add curb appeal to residential or commercial property. Customers who call or message South Texas Curb Appeal will be communicating directly with the owners, not a middle man, and the owners are the ones doing the work, which customers can observe. That is empowering!

South Texas Curb Appeal is honored to be a Corpus Christi Real Producers Preferred Partner. They enjoy working with both REALTORS® and homeowners. South Texas Curb Appeal is grateful for its humble beginnings, its big dreams, and its supportive community!

You can see some of their work, and contact South Texas Curb Appeal at www.facebook.com/ southtexascurbappeal/. realproducersmag.com

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SPOOLED

LIFE

ello, I’m Ram Garcia, local kayak tournament and talk show host. Honored to write for Real Producers Magazine and hope you enjoy. The temperatures are starting to sizzle while the wind speeds are starting to dwindle. The best time for kayak fishing is getting close but the harsh sun rays are even closer.

Skin protection is my priority at these times. With the latest technology, you don’t necessarily have to be uncomfortable and bulky while on the water. My brand of choice is REEL Sportswear from caps to shorts they got you covered, literally. Check them out for all your sun protection needs. www.reelsportswear.com

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Getting out to find fish has been hit or miss these last couple of weeks due to the high wind speeds. Rising temperatures don’t make it any better. Staying hydrated is very important on the water things can go south really quick when floating under extreme temps. With the recent window of fair winds, the fishing is starting to pick up.

Big bull reds have been spotted from Baffin Bay down to Laguna Salada and they are hungry. The grassy shorelines and amongst the jungles of algae are producing some of the biggest redfish that the locals have seen and caught.

Shrimp under a popping cork and artificial bait has been the bait of choice for these redfish and scattered specks.

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outdoors feature

By Ram Garcia Photography by Danno Wise

The scattered rocks and potholes are holding nice, speckled trout this time of year. Free lined croaker or under a popping cork is to make a great day of fishing for any level of angler. Under the lights is a guaranteed catch for the kayak angler and by the looks of it, almost every house coming up along the shoreline is putting lights on the water. Lighted piers are a go-to of mine for before sunup fishing.

Check out the media pages for some legit fishing content!

Instagram: the_spooled_life Facebook: Ram Garcia Talk show: Spooled Life LIVE on Facebook Groups Email: Ram.garcia1632@gmail.com

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Corpus Christi Real Producers • 35

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