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Culpeper Times • March 24-30, 2016 ➤ Mowers, from Page 10 attitude that Manny and Gail want to promote not only in terms of education but to ensure the future of the American alpacas. Customer service is an oft touted phrase that many companies claim. For Manny and Gail, keeping it passionate and personal is a hallmark of how they do business. Keeping their operation tractable, enables Manny and Gail to provide superior customer care to their existing and new clients. As an agritourism draw, Platinum Alpacas has been on Culpeper’s Harvest and Farm Tour in the past and will be on this year’s tour. The alpacas at Platinum come from a long line of industry-recognized bloodlines originating from Peru, Chile and Bolivia. Wonderfully soft and luminous yarns are made from their fur as well as a host of products from stuffed animals to scarfs, blankets and coats. The farm sits on 14 acres divided into fenced areas for the alpacas but with plenty of open area as well. Those grassy knolls are beautifully cut and, as with a lawn and yard of any size, require regular maintenance and conscientious care. “I’m retired but want to stay busy,” says Manny Jaume who decided to launch another expansion of Platinum Alpacas. During the past
years, they also started a business importing products from Peru. Platinum Lawn Services, LLC has its debut this month. “We’re primarily focused on serving Culpeper, Fauquier and Rappahannock,” says Jaume who has invested in mowing equipment and necessary vehicles. “We’re ready,” smiles Jaume, “bring on the work.” As they have partnered with Platinum Alpacas, the two will tag team the management of their lawn care service with Manny as the contact point handling marketing and staff while Gail takes care of the accounting and books. While corn mazes generally make their appearance in the fall, Platinum Lawn Services has a rather unique twist that they plan to offer if you have the space and inclination to have your lawn be more than a carpet of green. Labyrinth lawns, with the grass cut at different heights, can turn your lawn into pristine paths aside from the overall design that is created. “I’m thinking that churches might find this attractive on their grounds...providing walking paths for quiet meditation,” says Manny. As with the mission of their alpaca business, they are initially keeping it small and manageable with a focus on customer service and satisfaction. Lawn care services are competitive. Theirs is a philosophy that if
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The alpacas at Platinum Alpacas are a favorite during the annual Culpeper Harvest and Farm Tour. you provide good service at reasonable rates, you’ll build lasting and loyal customers as they have with their alpaca business. Manny’s professional background includes years in banking. Gail has worked as a government contractor. Together, they have started businesses and seen them succeed. They are optimistic that as another spring begins that their new business will grow and flourish. Outside the window, their alpacas graze peacefully. Inside, Manny and
Gail look at each other and smile. “We’re ready to get started and we’re excited.” Hopefully winter has had its last blast for the year and the season for mowing and mulching moves into prime time. The folks at Platinum Lawn Services would like to be your yard and lawn’s best friend. To schedule an estimate, learn about rates or get more information, give Manny Jaume a call at 703969-9079.
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DIGGING INTO With over 7,000 miles of underground power lines, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative asks that you have all utility lines marked before you start to dig. Dial 811 at least three business days before you begin your weekend project.