SouthEast Texas Commercial Real Estate

Volume 3

Burns Properties Page 12-13

Beyond the Magazine...

Each month, Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estate Magazine brings the latest commercial real estate listings, news, and insights from Commercial Realtors, developers, property managers, general contractors, and commercial service providers.

However, as you know, there is new information flooding the Southeast Texas commercial real estate community available daily.

That’s when it’s time to go “Beyond the magazine.” SoutheastTexasCommercialRealEstate.com is an ideal starting place.

Are you looking to find a Southeast Texas Commercial Realtor, Title Company, commercial landscaper, commercial air conditioning contractor, certified financial planner, or a Golden Triangle general contractor?

SoutheastTexasCommercialRealEstate.com has all of these and more listed on the right hand side of every page with convenient contact links. are highlighted hig ighl g Are you looking for Southeast Texas commercial property listings? Each month, a number are on our website eck forr S o th ou hea Texas commercial that we just couldn’t fit into the monthly magazine. The website is also the place to check Southeast real estate listings that are new or that have undergone a recent price drop. g South he Texass If you are more of a passive content viewer, our social media can be a great tool. Just “like”” the Southeast reccei eive ve Southeast Southe Texas exas commercial com ercial real re eal Commercial Real Estate page for follow @SETXCRE on Twitter and yyou’ll receive SET ETX commercial comme mercia al rreal e l estate community, ea munity, mu ty, and a an S outhea east estate news, interviews with local businesses that serve the SETX Southeast Texas commercial and industrial real estate listings. e us to o share? sha ha are yourr posts post sts w ith u us tto reach our Do you have a property, event, or information that you’d like Tag us or share with followers. grrowi w ng – come grow w with h us. You can be a part of that by The Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estate community is growing following us on social media. #SETX #CRE #SETXCRE. on in the the magazine, azine, e, on n the th he website, and d through throug gh our You can also become an advertiser. Our clients receive promotion social media. ve e included iin ncllude nc de ed very verry specific sp peccific information in nfo Sou u Does it work? Client testimonials have been enthusiastic and have onn how Southeast gro row w their the eirr busin nes ess orr market mar arket their th hei p ropertie ies.

Texas Commercial Real Estate Magazine has helped them grow business properties. websi site te has hass also als lso o been bee een a valuable een va Sea ear arch rcch Engine Eng En ng gine Optimization Optimiza ati (SEO) The SoutheastTexasCommercialRealEstate.com website Search pand d their the eirr influence inf nfluen nfl luence online. onl nlin ine. e. tool for our clients, helping them dramatically expand rcchess for for or kkey terms that at our urr cclients lilien ents ts h ave av e asked as ed ask d us to promote for orr tthem hem Get a feel for how it works by trying Google Searches have including: • Southeast Texas Commercial Closings Tip ips p • Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estatee Tips Title Company Co • Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estatee Title east Texas ea Texx • Green commercial cleaning service Southeast Compa • Southeast Texas Industrial Real Estate Titlee Company ast • Port Arthur Commercial Construction Forecast • Southeast Texas subcontractor • Mass notification systems Southeast Texas icles forr our clients greatly atly lyy enhances enhan nh ncess theirr positioning po As you will see, our dedication to writing unique local articles in online ate to these the organic nic search sea earc rcch results ressultss overr tr searches. In addition, readers and potential clients gravitate traditional ad based results. om mme merc r ia rc iall Real Rea al Estate Est state Magazine M We take great pride in bringing you the Southeast Texas Commercial each month, but when it is w tterr are availab wi time to “beyond the magazine” our website, Facebook, and T Twitter available to you as well – 365 days a year.

www.SoutheastTexasCommercialRealEstate.com

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Thank you for all of the buzz you have provided for the magazine. We’ve enjoyed spectacular growth, and we could not have done it without you -- readers, advisors, and advertisers.

Clearly we’ve been able to make significant progress on our goal for providing a “One Stop” resource for the commercial sector: Developers, Contractors, Property Managers, Realtors, Property Owners, and the Commercial Services Sector - Plumbers, Electricians, A/C Companies, Janitorial, Commercial Landscaping Companies.

Each of you plays a critical role in the ecosystem that is Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estate.

We greatly value all of those who have called, e-mailed, or invited us into your offices to share your ideas on what the magazine can do to make it the best possible resource for you.

Make sure you check out the website SoutheastTexasCommercialRealEstate.com. You’ll find: •Commercial property listings •Bios of local realtors, developers, and property managers •Overviews of local commercial services providers •Tips on maximizing the value of your SETX commercial property.

Call or EM any time. We look forward to telling your story!

departments around SETX SETX Spotlight Burns Properties Building Southeast Texas Looking Back & Looking Forward Jim Rich, Beaumont Chamber

trending Employee Services R & P Employee Solutions Community Spotlights NonProfit CASA NonProfit Advocates for Children Inc.

shop talk Commercial Services Spotlight County Sign and Awning SETX Subcontractor Spotlight Benchmark Plumbing

Landscaping Tips Daryl Fant, Publisher Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estate S (512) 567-8068 SETXCommercialRealEstate@gmail.com

Classic Stone Works

3

R & P Employer Solutions, Inc. R&P Employer Solutions Lets You Get Out of the Payroll Business and Back Into Your Business.

R & P Employer Solutions is a Southeast Texas payroll, benefits, and workers comp provider. Southeast Texas businesses that take care of clients and fill the right niche grow quickly. Soon, the demands of the office take time away from the actual business we love.

If you started a cabinet shop because you loved to create with your hands or a landscaping business because you enjoyed being in the outdoors every day, you probably don’t love figuring out the latest workers comp guidelines or making phone calls to check references on a job candidate.

R & P Employer Solutions gets SETX companies out of the payroll and benefits business and back to their business.

Good Southeast Texas business owners are experts in their field. They know their products and services better than anyone. Each Southeast Texas business owner offers a product, service, or skill that is unique and valuable.

Top Golden Triangle commercial insurance agents can anticipate client coverage needs and proactively set them up to be protected from liability as their company evolves. Top commercial general contractors can design and build beautiful buildings that draw a potential customer’s eye and withstand drought, flood, and hurricanes. When you have skills like these, it is probably hard to ramp down to deal with mundane payroll and employment issues. A payroll provider allows you to focus on your passion.

www.SETXPayroll.com Keith Robichaux 409-83801220 - Kent Batman 409-782-5198 3898 Hollywood Street, Beaumont, TX

4

To Advertise Call Daryl Fant 512.567.8068

R&P Employer Solutions Assists their clients with a wide range of services including: • Payroll Administration • Handling Payroll via check or direct deposit +DQGOH : ¿OLQJ DQG PDLO RXWV • Handle employee wage garnishments like child support 3URYLGH FHUWL¿HG SD\UROO • Maintaining job cost spread sheets Workers Comp • With R&P, you do not have the 25% down payments many companies charge.

• No end of year audits • $1,000,000 in coverage per employee • Increased limits available 3URYLGH ZRUNHUV FRPSHQVDWLRQ FHUWL¿FDWHV SHU MRE ± LGHDO IRU FRQWUDFWRUV • Safety consulting and safety handbook updates • No monthly invoicing (pay as you go) Human Resources • R&P Will post and update mandatory state and federal posters • R&P will keep you abreast of any new state and federal laws • R&P will create and update employee handbooks • Drug testing and Pre-Employment screening Group Medical/ Retirement • R&P offers a section 125 cafeteria plan allowing for payment of medical expenses on a pretax basis • Group major medical, dental, vision, supplemental and life insurance • IRA’s and 401K plans • Flex spending accounts R&P Employer Solutions in Beaumont are experts in the areas of your business that you dread, put off, or avoid.

Hand over your HR headaches, pass the buck of Workers Comp, and wash your hands of payroll problems.

Keith Robichau, Kent Batman, and their team at R&P Employer Solutions would love to take these responsibilities off of your plate.

Spend more time growing your business by allowing R&P handle all your group medical, payroll administration, workers compensation, retirement, and human resources responsibilities.

R&P Solutions helps Southeast Texas companies get out of the payroll business and back into their business.

Classic

StoneWorks

Commercial Services Spotlight: County Sign and Awning County Sign and Awning (CSA) is a great example of what can happen in Southeast Texas if you have your priorities in a good place and focus on providing an excellent experience for each and every client.

CSA was founded by Rick Drew in 2002.

Rick had experience in the sign business going back to 1980 and later transitioned into construction management. When his company required that he would need to transfer to New Jersey, he chose to stay in Southeast Texas to provide continuity for his children who were in junior high.

He started his own sign business and worked for and received his Master Electrician’s certification. In time, he was able to integrate his children into the business.

Training his children in the business has paid tremendous dividends; today they are a key part of Rick’s valued team of employees.

Today, County Sign and Awning has a state-of-the-art, three-acre facility on FM 418 between Kountze and Silsbee with an office and shop complex just over 8,000 square feet.

Why all of the space?

CSA is a high-tech sign company for Southeast Texas offering: • High-tech digital signs • Wide format digital printing • Computerize custom routing • Aluminum and steel custom sign manufacturing • Computerized three dimensional formed channel letters • Drilling of piers • Crane rental County Sign and Awning has become in-demand across the commercial spectrum in Southeast Texas. On any given day, their trucks and cranes will be working on restaurants, churches, industrial sites, government buildings, and retail sites.

Good references from the SETX church community have made CSA something of a go-to vendor for that sector. They have done sign work for Crestwood Baptist Church in Lumberton, Cornerstone and First Baptist in Kountze, First Pentecostal Church and New Covenant Assembly of God in Silsbee, and many others.

County Sign and Awning has had similar success in the commercial sector. You’ll see their work at the, Cowboy dealerships in Silsbee and Beaumont, at your local Community Bank or Neches Federal Credit Union branch, at the Southeast Texas State Fair, and across the Golden Triangle.

In addition to their high quality sign work, CSA is in demand for their crane rental, which comes with an experienced crew to get your job done efficiently.

County Sign & Awning crews also assist Lamar Outdoor with their heavy construction projects in Southeast Texas.

For many businesses, a professional sign is the first impression you make on a potential customer.

If you’re ready to make a statement, County Sign and Awning would love to help.

2091 Farm to Market Rd 418 between Kountze and Silsbee (409) 246-8448

6

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7

FEATURED | Retail Properties

BEAUMONT

4095 Dowlen Road Beaumont, TX 77706

4095 Dowlen Road Beaumont, TX 77706

• • • •

• • • •

5,000 SF available for lease Divisible to 2,500 SF $24.00 PSF / year NNN Delivery at end of 2015

604 Park Street Beaumont, TX 77701 • • • •

First floor available for lease 5,500 SF / $0.85 /SF/Month Historic Downtown location Lit corner

5,000 SF available for lease Divisible to 2,500 SF $24.00 PSF / year NNN Delivery at end of 2015

4715 Calder Avenue Beaumont, TX 77720 • • • •

Corner Self-Serve Fuel Station 4 $399,000 216 SF Excellent Visibility

LUMBERTON

NEDERLAND

769 South Main Street Lumberton, TX 77657

2415 East Camelback Nederland, TX 77627

• • • •

• • • •

$756,202 17,064 SF High Traffic Counts Redevelopment opportunity

200,000+ SF of anchored retail Corporate Business Park Excellent Highway Visibility Hotel and conference center

Locally owned and operated.

Our professionals are deeply rooted in our community and provide uncommon insight as a result of long standing relationships. Whether you’re an owner, tenant, developer or investor, your local market leader and single point of access to a world of real estate solutions is NAI Wheeler.

8

SELECT RECENT DEALS

Industrial BEAUMONT • • • • • • •

1430 Ashley – For Sale or Lease 3670 Hollywood – For Lease 495 South 4th Street – for Sale 2470 S. 11th Street – For Sale 4385 Cardinal Drive – For Lease 3670 Hollywood - (mixed use) - For Lease 1413 Ashley Street - (mixed use) - For Lease

GROVES • 2501 Main Ave – For Sale

KOUNTZE • 9667 Highway 69 South – For Sale

VIDOR • Former Williams Fire Facility – For Sale or Lease

Land BEAUMONT

WEST ORANGE

• • • • • • • •

College and Major - For Sale 1990 Calder - For Sale I-10 and Laurel - Ground Lease Hwy. 105 and Major - Ground Lease 296 Pearl - For Sale Retail Site next to Target - For Sale 90 I-10 - For Sale Hwy. 124 and 11th Street - For Sale

LUMBERTON • 2952 South Hwy. 69 - For Sale • Hwy. 69 and 421 - For Sale • Hwy. 69 and Wheeler Road - For Sale

ORANGE • 130 Acre Development Site - For Sale

Office BEAUMONT • • • • • • • • • •

470 Orleans – For Lease 1310 Pennsylvania – For Lease 450 Bowie – For Lease Small Office Spaces – For Lease (Multiple Locations) Former Red Cross Building Restored – For Sale Restored Railroad Depot – Under Contract 5220 Eastex Freeway – For Lease The Courtyard – For Lease 3670 Hollywood - (mixed use) - For Lease 1413 Ashley Street - (mixed use) - For Lease

NEDERLAND • 324 US-69 - For Lease

Featured Properties Select Recent Deals 44 Orleans, Recently Sold

naiwheeler.com | 409 899 3300 To Advertise Call Daryl Fant 512.567.8068

Classic

StoneWorks Landscape Tips Classic Stone Works Shares SETX Commercial Landscaping Tips Each month, Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estate Magazine networks with Golden Triangle commercial service providers to assist our readers with some great tips for maximizing the value of their commercial property without breaking the bank.

This issue, we were able to spend some time with Regina Corley who owns Classic Stone Works in Beaumont. If you’ve incorporated mulch, gravel, and stone into your landscaping, Regina has some products she recommends for taking them to the next level. Below we examine several treatment options for stone, mulch, and gravel and explore what makes them valuable to our commercial property owners, landscapers, and property managers.

1. Pathway stabilizer binds your rock into a solid surface. Why is this important? First of all, having your stone stay in place makes your pathways look beautiful day after day. More importantly, dry or wet, rock and stone settle, slide, and slip which can be a liability for your company. A stabilized pathway protects you from liability issues – and keeps your pathways looking amazing year after year.

2. Bark binder gives you a bonded mulch bed that keeps everything in place and further prohibits weed growth. Lawnmowers and leaf blowers can also blow around your mulch, taking away from the beauty of your flower beds and opening up spaces where weeds can grow. After applying bark binder you can blow leaves, bark, and lawn clippings away without disturbing your mulch. Think of it as mousse for your mulch.

Bark binder also protects you from water and wind erosion and does not hurt plants, animals, or the environment.

3. NanoPave is a 2 in 1 joint stabilizer and sealer that allows your commercial landscaper to bond your pavers, natural stone, and flagstone in common sand or crushed stone. NanoPave provides long lasting protection by sealing in the natural beauty of many hardscape products used for walkways, patios, and driveways. You’ve probably seen stone that has become faded, dirty, or discolored. NanoPave can protect your stone and keep it beautiful for a greatly extended period of time.

4. Paver Enhancer gives your stone an “always wet” look. Paver enhancer provides long-term durability and shine for your pavers while protecting them from alkali at the same time.

Classic Stone Works in Beaumont would be happy to discuss any of these items or to assist you with any of your other landscape supply needs.

Visit them Today!

8105 Eastex Fwy Beaumont, TX 77708 Phone:409-924-9400 10

To Advertise Call Daryl Fant 512.567.8068 To Advertise Call Daryl Fant 512.567.8068

Whatever you need, we’ll handle it from here.™ Keeping your space clean is a priority. We can help with simple, UHOLDEOH VHUYLFHV WKDW EHQHȴW \RX DQG RXU SODQHW

For more information, call 409-721-2371 6425 Hwy. 347 Beaumont TX 77705 RepublicServices.com

R &P

EMPLOYER SOLUTIONS

Payroll Administration Workers Compensation Group Medical and Retirement Human Resources

Take Control. oup dical

R &P

Payroll Administration

Workers Compensat

Too many Southeast Texas businesses are getting bogged down with payroll and HR issues.

Let R&P Employer Solutions get you out of the payroll business and back into your business.

3898 Hollywood St, Beaumont, TX 77701 (409) 838-1220 SETXPayroll.com

Replacing business problems with profits!

R&P Employer Solutions is a locally owned payroll and workers comp expert.

Burns Properties, Inc. Burns Properties has been active in Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estate for four decades.

Their focus is on commercial property sales, leasing, and management for their clients.

We sat down with Andrew Burns, who runs the company today, and talked about the factors that have made such longevity possible in what is widely accepted as a volatile industry.

Andrew credits his father Robert S. Burns for laying the foundation for the company.

Under his father’s tenure, the company was originally founded as Burns Real Estate & Property Management.

Robert developed an interest in commercial real estate when he was in the family grocery business, Maes Discount Center. Robert was involved with both site selection and store management. He stayed with the grocery company until they were purchased by Weingarten. Many people today know Weingarten as Weingarten Realty for the large retail strip malls they own, develop, and manage, but at the time they were in the grocery business. Following the sale to Weingarten, Robert and Thomas M. Maes II, Burns’ father-in-law, were partners in developing convenient stores in the area before selling them to focus on commercial real estate.

In 1976 Robert S. Burns founded Burns Real Estate & Property Management in Beaumont with a simple guiding mantra for himself and his employees, “Represent your client’s best interest”.

While Andrew and Robert changed the name to Burns Properties, Inc. in 1992, he has never lost touch with his father’s guiding principal.

For that reason, Burns Properties has been able to develop long relationships with clients.

Andrew expressed a feeling that many of the other long-time commercial real estate and property management firms have shared similar philosophies, “Beaumont is a relatively small market. It is in our best interest to establish and maintain strong relationships. In Southeast Texas, repeat customers are the key to longevity.”

Andrew was very complimentary of other Commercial Realtors® and commercial property management firms in the community and their professionalism. He indicated that they operate with a mutual respect as competitors, and are often ready to assist each other when needed.

Why are some people drawn to commercial real estate?

For Andrew, the explanation was easy, “Every transaction feels like a great experience- from the first call to the final signing.” It is easy to see his excitement and how it keeps him focused and engaged. You never know who is on the other side of the call that will make your year complete.

Burns Properties, Inc. has a strong focus on commercial real estate brokerage and third party property management, assisting commercial property owners with sales, leasing, and promoting their properties.

Over forty years, Burns Properties, Inc. has found property management ideally complementary to the commercial sales and lease side of the business.

As you would imagine, in forty years Andrew and his team have seen a lot of changes in way the business of Southeast Texas commercial real estate sales, leasing, and property management is done.

Andrew cites technology as the biggest change for Commercial Realtors®, “We used to spend a lot of time at the court house looking up information, taking photographs and mapping competition for clients- an unbelievable amount of time. Today we have a lot of freedom to move around instantly calling up the information we need on cell phones, tablets, and laptops.”

In addition to the significant convenience factor, Andrew noted that technology increases the ability of today’s Southeast Texas Commercial Realtors® to expand their territories and even to assist their local clients in distant markets.

What makes some Southeast Texas Commercial Realtors® and management companies succeed where so many don’t last?

Burns Properties, Inc. Management Properties include •The Lumberton Plaza Shopping Center adjacent to Wal-Mart •The HEB Pad Site next to the Twin City Highway HEB location •The Beaumont Centre in front of Home Depot •The Beaumont HEB Plus Shopping Center

12

To Advertise Call Daryl Fant 512.567.8068

BurnsPropertiesInc.com It’s hard to create a foolproof formula, but for Andrew some of the key ingredients are: •Spend less than you make. This is an up and down business. Having plenty of cash in reserves will be a blessing when the market dips. This is advice echoed in earlier articles we’ve done with the Masons and the Phelans.

•We never compete with our clients. We represent them 100%.

•Represent your client’s interests as if they were your own. At every step of the deal, we ask ourselves, “If this was our business, would we make the same decision?”

•Get out from behind the desk. Technology is great, but Beaumont is still a face to face market. People need to see you showing their property, at the closings, and interfacing with their tenants. No matter how great your team is; if you’re the face of the firm, people expect to see you.

Andrew notes that another legacy his father left him was a desire to empower and show appreciation for employees. That has resulted in low turnover with some employees being with Burns Properties, Inc. for over twenty-five years.

He knows the company has benefitted not only from their hard work, but also from the relationships and goodwill they’ve built and maintained for the company.

Burns is excited for the future of the commercial real estate market in Beaumont. He sees the profile of Southeast Texas elevating with regional and national players, citing HEB’s new store on 11th Street as an example.

He indicated that a number of nationally recognized companies are keeping a close eye on Beaumont traffic, population density, and rooftop figures in preparation to make transitions and to jump into the market.

Andrew finds himself in a similar position to many of our local multi-generational Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estate firms, wondering whether there will be another generation of the Burns family at the helm of the company he and his father built over forty years. He loves the business and is open to either one of his children taking over the firm, but he absolutely is not pushing them towards it. His son Drew, 14, has been involved in junior high school sports but has recently determined to narrow his focus to baseball as he enters high school. Andrew’s daughter Ellie is 11 and currently has a passion for ballet, tap, jazz, and acrobat with Marsha Woody Academy of Dance. Both children have a great deal of time to determine and pursue their own passion in life. He and his wife, Mitzi, want them to follow their own hopes and dreams and will do whatever is necessary to help them achieve their goals.

Over the years, Andrew has noticed a cycle in the kinds of community involvement that receive his attention.

Before he had kids, Andrew shared his time with The Rotary Club of Beaumont, The American Red Cross, the Apartment of Association of Southeast Texas, the Texas Apartment Association, and served as the Vice Chairman of the BBB. Today Andrew is drawn to service opportunities that are related to his children, formerly a coach and member of the West End Little League Board, former member of the School Board of St. Anne Catholic School, and currently serves as the Sports Booster Club President for St. Anne Catholic School.

After his kids are out of high school, Andrew looks forward to a return to some of the other civic organizations that were close to his heart, particularly Rotary and their mission, “Service Above Self”.

The Southeast Texas commercial real estate market can be a tremendous challenge, but companies like Burns Properties, Inc. show that with a strong foundation and well defined guiding principles, long-term prosperity can be achieved. We wish them a great next forty years.

6845 Phelan Blvd. in Beaumont - Phone (409) 866-2398

Burns Properties, Inc. works with •Commercial property owners interested in bringing on a professional management company •Business owners looking for an ideal property to lease or buy •Families looking to rent a home or apartment

13

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路 Two Locations to Serve You 路 Experienced Commercial Team 路 Locally Owned and Operated 3195 Dowlen Rd # 108 Beaumont, TX 77706

Ken Whitlow, President & Legal Counsel 409.861.7300 KenWhitlow@TexasRegional.com Molly Mallet, Executive Vice President 409.861.7333 MollyMallet@TexasRegional.com

79 7980 Anchor Dr. Bldg. 300A Port Arthur, TX 77642

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The Hebert/Jones Team www.fa.ml.com/hebert_jones

Joan Hebert, CFP®, CRPC® Wealth Management Advisor

Merrill Lynch 4350 Dowlen Road Beaumont, TX 77706 409.899.0123

Scott Jones, CFP®, CRPC® Wealth Management Advisor Melanie Wheeler, CFP®, CRPC® Financial Advisor

Life’s better when we’re connected® CFP® is a certification mark owned by the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards, Inc., and is awarded to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. CRPC® is a registered service mark of the College for Financial Planning.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”), a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).

Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value The Bull Symbol, Merrill Lynch and Life’s better when we’re connected are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. © 2015 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

ARTRNKJD | AD-03-15-0746 | 470944PM-0314 | 03/2015

Keeping your commercial AC in good working order will save you a tremendous amount over the lifetime of your building. From installing more efficient filters and thermostats to preventing or repairing air conditioning leaks, we can help save you money.

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(409) 233-7776 www.I-AirSolutions.com

Goss Building is a leading design build firm in Southeast Texas.

We take pride in bringing in commercial construction on budget - and on time.

Visit some of our projects across Southeast Texas to get a feel for the quality of our craftsmanship: The Port of Beaumont, Vidor High School Gymnasium, American Valve Offices and Conference Center, St. Elizabeth Hospital Pediatrics Wing.

Visit our website for more information and inspiration: GossBuilding.com

GOSS

Building Incorporated 2455 West Cardinal Drive Beaumont Tx 77705 Offices: (409) 842-4988 (800) 458-0648

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15

Southeast Texas NonProfit Spotlight:

CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a tremendous asset for the youth of Southeast Texas.

Abuse in all forms is an epidemic in Southeast Texas: emotional, physical, sexual, and neglect. CASA’s mission statement is simple, “I am for the child”. The goal is to give all children in Southeast Texas a voice so they can move towards the goal of living in a safe, permanent home.

In 2014, CASA served 341 children in Southeast Texas through the commitment of 100 dedicated volunteer child advocates. Thirty-one new advocates were trained in 2014. There is a strong demand for new advocates- over sixty children are currently awaiting advocates in The Golden Triangle.

CASA is the name of the organization, and it is also the term used to describe the individual volunteers, each “Court Appointed Special Advocate”. Volunteers make a formal application, and upon acceptance go through training in Beaumont. Each CASA volunteer will be assigned a child, or children, to assist in having their best interests met. CASA volunteers are educated in how to determine a child’s needs and how to have those needs met within the system. Often, abused children do not perceive their own value.

Part of a CASA volunteer’s mission is to help each child understand that they have a right to believe in themselves and to move towards a safe and happy life.

CASA Southeast Texas is also heavily involved with national adoption day. While all resolutions are actively considered and pursued, there are times when adoption is in the best interests of a child (frequently other family members step forward and adopt the child to ensure they are raised in a forever home that is loving and nurturing). In 2014, 51 Southeast Texas children were adopted into forever homes.

CASA volunteers are adults, 21 years old or older, who are dedicated to standing up for abused or neglected children. They are appointed by a judge to provide factual information on the behalf of a child.

This information will assist the judge in making sure the child’s needs are addressed. A CASA volunteer is in a unique position to greatly improve the life of a child right here in the Golden Triangle.

If you feel called to speaking for children in need, visit CASASetx.org for more information or to apply.

If your current schedule does not allow for you to become a CASA volunteer, but you’d still like to help, there are a number of ways you can be involved. CASA understands that not everyone is able to make the time commitment to becoming a child advocate.

To Advertise Call Daryl Fant 512.567.8068

CASA of Southeast Texas receives 29% of its annual funding through special, local events it hosts during the year. Getting involved with one or more of these events can be an ideal way to assist CASA. You can help out by buying a ticket to their annual gala, getting together a foursome for their March golf tournament, volunteering to man an activity at their annual carnival, picking up raffle tickets for one of their children’s playhouses, running in their CASA Superhero 5K (in September), sponsoring a runner, or by just making a donation.

One of CASA’s popular fundraising events each year is their “Justice is Served” dinner in April. The opportunity is a great chance to enjoy a nice meal, entertainment, and to recognize those making an impact on children’s lives in Southeast Texas. You can make it a date night, an opportunity to get together with some friends from church, or sponsor a table through your company.

Another great CASA Southeast Texas fundraiser is “Casas for CASA”. Elaborate playhouses are constructed and raffled off. Winning a playhouse for your child or grandchild is almost as wonderful as knowing you played a part in assisting our local child advocacy program. Mark your calendars for September so you don’t miss this annual event.

The Tom Mulvaney Memorial Golf Tournament is also a valuable fundraising event for CASA of Southeast Texas. In 2014, twenty-two teams enjoyed a day of golf and raised much needed funds for the children Judge Mulvaney cared for so deeply. If you love golf, helping CASA can be as easy as putting together a team with members from your company, church, or your family to play in this year’s tournament.

Each year there is also a CASA Carnival, giving Southeast Texas children in need a day of carefree fun, something they often lack in their daily lives. There are games, food, and activities for CASA kids and volunteers to enjoy together. This can be a great one day fun volunteer opportunity.

Did you know you can purchase CASA license plates through the State of Texas? Each carries the tag “Big Voices for Little Texans”. The CASA logo is featured. These license plates commemorate the role CASA volunteers play in the lives of abused and neglected children in our Texas communities. Ordering these license plates is a great way to show your support for all that CASA does for the children of Southeast Texas. CASA license plates can be customized. If you have questions about how to order these special plates, contact CASA of Southeast Texas Inc. (409) 832-2272.

If your company is interested in becoming an annual donor, CASA of Southeast Texas would love to talk with you about their corporate “I am for the Child” Investor’s Club. On average it costs $1,000 per year to serve each child. Your corporate gift can sponsor one or more abused or neglected children right here in Southeast Texas to be matched with a CASA volunteer. The CASA volunteer will be the child’s voice in court and be a trusted advocate they can truly depend on.

Individual donors often choose the “I am for the Child” Guild that allows payments to be broken out monthly. You may give at your comfort level. A gift of $84 per month covers one child in the CASA program for one year.

CASA is a valuable resource for abused children in Southeast Texas. If you feel called to get involved you can serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or you can help by supporting one of their volunteer or fundraising opportunities throughout the year.

Would you like more information? Whether you are interested in making a onetime donation, adding CASA to your will, or in becoming a child advocate, CASA of Southeast Texas would love to talk with you today.

Phone: (409) 832-2272 - Fax: (409) 832-8260

CASA of Southeast Texas, Inc., 2449 Calder Ave., Beaumont, TX 77702

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S o u t h e a s t

T e xa s

Subcontractor Spotlight Benchmark Plumbing For Southeast Texas property managers, commercial property owners, and general contractors, it is essential to have “go to” subcontractors that you can depend on. Benchmark Plumbing has made a name for providing outstanding service in the plumbing field.

Recently, we were able to catch owner Shuan VonFeldt. Shuan has over fifteen years in the plumbing industry in Southeast Texas, most of that primarily focused on commercial work. His company is dedicated to service work – efficiently solving plumbing problems for his clients.

He has developed Benchmark into the first call when plumbing issues arise for local grocery stores, restaurant chains, retail centers, and other commercial properties.

Shuan takes pride in Benchmark’s customer service and mastery of technology, but he credits their success with one simple philosophy, “We approach each job like we were performing it for a company we owned.

If a client asks us to do something that we can make a lot of money on and we see a much less expensive solution, we educate the client.

Often that means we don’t make nearly as much on that job – but they don’t hesitate to call us next time they need something.”

Benchmark is able to handle service work efficiently in part due to their mastery of technology including valuable tools like high resolution full color video inspection cameras and backflow testing gear.

If you have a problem drain or have been stumped trying to find a damaged pipe, Benchmark can quickly identify the problem and show you exactly where the issue is and what it will take to get you back up and running.

Off site management firms and out of market commercial property owners love the system because Benchmark can email them the video with narration that they can view anywhere in the world on their phone, tablet, or laptop.

Benchmark is also a go to firm for Southeast Texas industrial, agricultural, and commercial companies required by TCEQ (Texas Commercial Environmental Quality) to perform annual backflow testing. Shuan and his team have contracts to test makeup water assemblies, irrigation systems, industrial plants, and more.

Benchmark has also invested in the latest top of the line cabling machines to clear clogged up lines. Not only do they get you up and running faster, they fix the problem rather than giving you a temporary resolution. If you’ve had to call plumbers out multiple times in a few weeks or even a few months, chances are Benchmark can take care of your problem.

In the Southeast Texas commercial real estate market, Benchmark Plumbing has seen a big rise in management companies. Many local building owners are stepping back and turning over day to day operations over to offsite management companies. For commercial service companies like plumbers, electricians, and AC firms, this presents a new set of challenges – and opportunities.

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B E N C H M A R K

PLUMBING

For Shuan, the key to success has been taking communication to the next level with the management companies: • Be specific with diagnosing a client’s service issue.

• Whenever possible, outline the cause of the issue so the management company can address it.

• If there are multiple ways the issue can be resolved, briefly summarize them and make a resolution that is in the best interest of the building and the management company.

Benchmark Plumbing Office Phone: (409) 246-8080 Owner: Shuan VonFeldt Cell: (409) 284-0339 BenchmarkPlumbingInc@yahoo.com

In Southeast Texas, management companies may represent over 100 properties.

Don’t try to maximize your profit on each job. Nurture the relationship for the long term, even if it means you don’t make much on some jobs or even if sometimes you don’t make anything, giving the onsite maintenance guy instructions over the phone on how to address the issue.

When you get a bid request from a property management company, give them the bid they are looking for but don’t hesitate to speak up if there is a better or less expensive way to get the resolution they are seeking.

With a management company, you want to earn their trust so that you’re not handling the occasional job for them; you’re seen as a valuable resource they want on all of their jobs. Many commercial owners and property managers are not plumbing experts. That is okay. Too make sure you’re getting the service you want, Shuan recommends asking questions, “If this was your building how would you address this problem” or “You’ve told me what it would cost to replace this system, what would it cost me to repair it?”.

The second question can be especially valuable. Shuan acknowledged that in the commercial services industry it is often easier for vendors to replace items than to repair them. You just unbolt one system and drop in a brand new one. However, for the client it is often much less expensive if you ask for the repair. Just make sure you ask for options, and a good plumber, electrician, or AC company will help you get the best resolution for your needs.

We talked with Shuan about current or upcoming technology that would be of interest to the Southeast Texas Commercial Real Estate community. He indicated that the biggest thing right now is moving to tankless water heaters.

Many people know tankless water heaters offer advantages in the residential market, but don’t think of them when it comes to commercial projects.

Who is Shuan VonFeldt?

• VETS (Veteran Empowerment through Salvation) board member

Benchmark Plumbing has had great reviews from commercial clients – retail centers, restaurants, even nursing homes.

• Former 2015 Mr. Habitat contestant

If you’re looking at replacing a water heater, Shuan recommends asking your plumber for an analysis of your projected savings with a tankless system.

• Leadership Beaumont Alumni

It can be a challenge to be successful in the commercial services sector in Southeast Texas. Shuan believes companies will have success if they approach each job like it was for their own business, “If I was fixing this and the money was coming out of my pocket, how would I do it?” If you’re looking for a go-to commercial plumber Shuan and Benchmark Plumbing would love to work with you.

• T-Ball Coach (Kountze Little League) • Shuan’s hobbies include hunting and Bible study

To Advertise Call Daryl Fant 512.567.8068

NAI Wheeler

Retail Services

NAI Wheelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning, proprietary technology lets you manage your retail portfolio in real-time, communicate with your entire project team and streamline the process for maximum efficiency, transparency and results.

With more than 30 years of retail market experience, our retail specialists represent and advise local, national and international retailers and developers throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia Pacific. We provide site selection, market research, leasing, investment sales and land sales services in over 375 markets.

NAI Wheeler 409 899 3300 info@naiwheeler.com naiwheeler.com

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Advocates for Children, Inc. Children in the following areas are served by Advocates for Children, Inc., a CASA Program: Orange County, Jasper County, Newton County, Hardin County, Tyler County Their Mission Statement is â&#x20AC;&#x153;CASA is a non-profit organization that trains and empowers volunteers to be the voice for abused and neglected children in our court system and community to help guide them to a safe and permanent home.

Advocates for Children, Inc. is currently serving 123 children in the above listed counties.

CASA volunteers through Advocates for Children Inc. receive at least 30 hours of intensive training. They will be certified by a judge and will commit to working at least 10-12 hours each month on a child abuse or neglect case for at least one year.

If you are passionate about assisting children in these communities but cannot commit to becoming a child advocate, Advocates for Children would love to help you find other ways to make a contribution.

Each year their primary fundraiser is their â&#x20AC;&#x153;Justice is Servedâ&#x20AC;? Breakfast.

There are also a number of corporate donors who assist Advocates for Children, Inc. including: Â&#x2021; 7RQ\ +RXVHPDQ +RPHV Â&#x2021; $NURWH[ Â&#x2021; 6DELQH 5LYHU )RUG Â&#x2021; &DPSEHOO *OREDO )RUHVW DQG 1DWXUDO 5HVRXUFH ,QYHVWPHQWV Â&#x2021; 6DPVRQ (QHUJ\ Â&#x2021; &RZOLQJ DQG %XUWVILHOG :HDOWK 0DQDJHPHQW Â&#x2021; &KHYURQ 3KLOOLSV ,I \RX¡G OLNH WR ILQG RXW PRUH DERXW EHFRPLQJ D FRUSRUDWH VSRQVRU FDOO RU HPDLO WR VFKHGXOH DQ DSSRLQWPHQW WRGD\ 7KH $GYRFDWHV IRU &KLOGUHQ ,QF &$6$ RIILFH LV ORFDWHG DW *ORULD 'ULYH LQ 2UDQJH 7; 7KHUH LV D VDWHOOLWH office at 210 Premier in Jasper.

The director is Nikki Jones, and she would welcome your visit and would be happy to answer any questions you have about CASA, about becoming a volunteer, about donating, or about ways you can make an impact. You can call (877) 586-6548 for an appointment.

5HSRUW FKLOG DEXVH RU QHJOHFW ² LW¡V WKH ODZ &KLOG $EXVH +RWOLQH ,W LV XS WR \RX DQG PH WR SURWHFW WKH )8785( RXU FKLOGUHQ ZZZ DGYRFDWHV FKLOGUHQ LQF RUJ 25 &$6$2&HQ-RQHV#6EF*OREDO QHW Advocates for Children, Inc. Advocates for Children, Inc. *ORULD 'U 3UHPLHU 2UDQJH 7; -DVSHU 7; (Main Office) (Satellite Office)

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Beaumont Historical Properties Be part of downtown Beaumont's rebirth!

For historic Beaumont properties call Jarrod or Tom: (409) 838-3425 EM Jarrod@JJFProperties.com