Five dollars
february 2011
Banking in the New Year
Real Estate
Update for Northern Colorado
HighCraft Builders Business Success
STYLE :: february 2011 :: www.stylemagazinecolorado.com :: est 1984
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w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m w w w. m e d i c a l a n d w e l l n e s s . c o m Publisher Lydia Dody | lydia@stylemedia.com Editor Angeline Grenz | angie@stylemedia.com creative director Scott Prosser Senior Designer Lisa Gould digital director Austin Lamb | austin@stylemedia.com Advertising Sales EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Abby Bloedorn (970) 222-8406 Karen Christensen (970) 679-7593 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932 Office Manager/About Town Editor Ina Szwec | ina@stylemedia.com Accounting Manager Karla Vigil Editorial Assistant Audrey Springer Office Assistants Ronda Huser, Trisha Milton Contributing Writers Connie Hein, Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer, Kay Rios, Heather Schichtel, Laura Sebastian Photographer Marcus Edwards Affiliations Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Loveland Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 2011 Style Magazines January-Loveland/Greeley Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directory February-Style March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness April-Style May-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness June-Style July-Fort Collins Medical & Wellness Magazine and Directories August-Style September-Women’s Health & Breast Cancer October-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness November/December-Holiday Style Style Media and Design, Inc. magazines are free monthly publications direct-mailed to homes and businesses in Northern Colorado. Elsewhere, a one year subscription is $25/year and a two year subscription is $45/year. free magazines are available at over 140 locations throughout Northern Colorado. For ad rates, subscription information, change of address, or correspondence, contact: Style Media and Design Inc., 211 W. Myrtle St., Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970) 2266400. Fax (970) 226-6427. E-Mail: ronda@StyleMedia.com ©2011 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media & Design Inc.
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Wonderful Issue Lydia, I sat down to look through the issue I just received, the October Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness issue, and it was terrific. It had so many wonderful things in it about people and their lifestyles and how they go on with life. The hospice article and a variety of others touched my heart deeply. Once again, you always hit it right! And, I want to also let you know that my husband reads the magazine, too, and says he always learns something from each one! ~ Nancy Wojahn, Manager, Advanced Otolaryngology, P.C. Proud to be Featured Dear Angie, We wanted to say what a nice article you wrote about us (“Keeping Active in Your Senior Years,” October Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness magazine). We were both so proud to be featured and we really appreciate the article. ~ Clarence and Thelma Ehlbert, Fort Collins
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Timely Coverage
Silver Tsunami
Angie, I enjoy the Medical & Wellness magazines and have found many valuable articles in them and have actually sought out certain doctors or practices for myself based upon your articles. Your magazine is always very timely in its coverage of important health issues. Sincerely,
Lydia, Thank you for the great Seniors issue (October 2010 Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness). This growing segment of the population is vital and energized. We are preparing for the new kind of Silver Tsunami.
~ Kim Norwood, Business Manager Health Psychology Associates
~ Peggy McGough Fort Collins Senior Center Expansion Initiative
Blackwell Feature
Wonderful Comments on Article
Angie, On behalf of all of us here in the College of Applied Human Sciences, we wanted to express our thanks for the wonderful feature you put together on the Mr. Blackwell Retrospective and the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising for Lydia’s Style (Holiday 2010). We very much appreciate the work you put into writing the article – and the photos look great! I enjoyed meeting you and seeing you at the events! Also, thank you to Ina for including the Mr. Blackwell events in the About Town section. I hope that our paths cross again soon!
Hi Lydia, I have had wonderful comments and am receiving calls on the article (“Seniors Staying Independent,” October 2010 Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness). I have been distributing your magazine, too! If there are any more copies, please let me know and I will pass them on.
~ Gretchen Gerding, Assistant to the Dean for Communications and Programs College of Applied Human Sciences Colorado State University
~ Linda Gabel Seniors Helping Seniors we love to hear from readers. send your comments and suggestions to: angie@stylemedia.com P: 970.226.6400, ext.215 | F: 970.226.6427 www.stylemagazinecolorado.com
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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7 on the cover
Dwight Sailer and Bryan Soth, the duo behind HighCraft Builders, take a moment to reflect on business, the value of having a good team, and keeping clients happy. Photo courtesy of Desiree Suchy, Photography by Desiree.
features
lifestyle
Home Builder Association of Northern Colorado’s Builder of the Year, Remodeler of the Year, 2011 President, and Taylor Award winner . . . . . . . . . . .12
the origin of valentine’s day . . . . . . . . .
47
com•palat•able conversations . . . . . . . . .
48
Northern Colorado Real Estate Today . . . . . . . .
16
Local experts reveal the good and bad of Northern Colorado’s real estate market. Managing your Credit Score . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips to protect and improve your credit.
14 16
HighCraft Builders Business Success . . . . . . .
HighCraft Builders says success comes from happy clients and a great team.
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22
26
Transparency in investing . . . . . . . . . .. . .
28
business profile cornerstone mortgage housing northern colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Cornerstone brokers stay savvy in a changing housing market.
building
34 50
building an arts community: artspace comes to loveland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
spark your romance with arts & culture . . . . . . . . . 52
Explore local art culture with Beet Street.
How to safeguard your investment.
26 30
Food and love explored by Chef Paul Pellegrino.
Art community headed to Loveland.
Changes in banking . . . . .
What you need to be aware of as banking changes in 2011.
The day of love, defined.
family style conference connects with young women . . . . .
50
Young women gain confidence and find role models at local conference.
about town a photo tour of non-profit events . . . . . . 54 Boots n Bling An Elegant Evening with Eleanor Crossroads Anniversary Gala Hoopla for Hope Benefit Respite Care Holiday Ball Nightlights Nature Goes Wild Holiday Open House
northern colorado departments gsi green services . . . . . . . 30
GSI focuses on education and green services to satisfy community.
new lead paint rules . . . . 34
Lead-safe rules may cost you more when you remodel your home.
from the readers . . . . . . . . 6 publisher’s letter . . . . . . 10 Community Innovator . . . 58
Mark Forsyth: The Ultimate Tech Supporter
green services available in northern colorado . . . . 39
52 58 FEBRUARY 2011 :: STYLE
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Special Advertising Section
special building section . . 40
www.stylemagazinecolorado.com Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
"The secret ingredient in our Sunset Stout? The SBA loan that got us started." Colin and Shannon Westcott have introduced something new to
If you'd li ke to sample the incredible fiavor of a fine, small-batch
craft brewing in Fort Col lins. At Equinox Brewing beer lovers
beer, visit Colin and Shannon at Equinox Brewing. But if you're
can sample hand-crafted ales and lagers in a shaded beer garden,
looking for an SBA-backed loan to start or expand your business,
and then go next door to Hops and Berries for the recipe
call t he SBA lending experts. At Home State Bank.
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Or David Besch in Loveland: 970-622-2361
expertise with beer-lovers," says Colin. "T hanks to the SBA loan that Home State Bank provided, our dream has come to life." "We really appreciate the low rate on our SBA loan," says Shannon. "Home State Bank made the whole process easy. And Kathe set up our construction loan so we'd pay low, interest-only payments until we opened for business. That helped a lot!"
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he beginning of the new year is a time when I reflect back over the previous year before writing those New Year’s resolutions. For us at Style, it was an interesting year of challenges, celebrations and change. We were in our 26th year of publishing magazines, but had never experienced the uncertain business climate that continued from 2009. It caused us to work harder to continue our commitment to bring our readers interesting and timely magazines, and we had to find creative ways to partner with our advertisers. During these past two years, some of our advertisers have thrived and others have had significant challenges. It has been a time of many unknowns, but recovery is on the horizon. It may not happen overnight, but our overall attitudes are more positive, and that is where a recovery must begin. It is important that we support our business community in Northern Colorado; remember to shop locally whenever you can. We live in a wonderful area that continues to be nationally recognized for its high quality of life. I feel so fortunate to live here! This year my holidays flew by in a flurry of celebration and excitement. My oldest daughter, Meredith, married a classmate in a small wedding in Mexico. Thirteen of us gathered on the beach to witness and celebrate against the beautiful background of ocean waves and setting sun. Many mothers have shared similar tears to those I shed that day, walking my daughter down the sandy isle to present her to her groom, at their daughters’ weddings. We remember our daughters as little girls and wonder where the time has gone. Fortunately, Joshua is perfect for my Meredith and I think of him as the son I never had. Meeting his family was wonderful; I couldn’t ask for a nicer extended family. Meredith and Joshua will continue on their ambitious path in medical school and someday I hope they will return to Northern Colorado to practice. Now that I have been an empty nester for a while, I have turned my attention to updating my home with thoughts of selling and downsizing. Remodeling has become a thriving business with many families choosing to stay in their homes and update, add on, or simply change the room use or flow of their home. Our cover and feature article is on HighCraft Builders, a leader in the remodeling business in our region. We have watched Dwight and Bryan grow and craft their business over the years with a dedi-
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cated commitment to exceptional customer service and satisfaction. Get to know these two great guys and learn about their business in “HighCraft Builders Building Success.” Congratulations to Dwight for receiving the HBA’s Remodeler Taylor Award for 2010! This issue is full of interesting and timely information about our area and “Northern Colorado Real Estate Today” talks about the current status of buying, selling and borrowing. We interviewed seasoned professionals to discuss their experienced assessments and get some insight for the upcoming year. The many changes in real estate borrowing have created a need for better credit scores. Read “Managing Your Credit Score” to get more details on what affects the score and how to improve yours. Another area experiencing significant change this past year has been the banking business. Banks have had numerous demands and restrictions placed upon them through new regulations. Read what executives from Home State Bank, First National Bank and Public Service Credit Union have to say in “Changes in Banking” to learn how you, as a consumer, might be affected by the changes in store this year. We have two exciting new additions to Style Magazine this year. Welcome Ryan Keiffer, Executive Director of Beet Street, and Paul Pellegrino, owner of All Occasion Catering. These gentlemen will be sharing some exciting information in Style as our new regular contributors. Ryan will be writing about the art events in Fort Collins and Paul will bring you snippets of his life as a local caterer and delicious recipes for you to try. Follow their columns – they are both interesting and informative reading! I had the pleasure of meeting our Community Innovator, Mark Forsyth in January. He is a gentleman with enormous vision and technological creativity. Read about his background, his drive to support local technology start-ups, and the amazing new building his non-profit, Rocky Mountain Innovative Initiative, moved into this year. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and find it informative and interesting. We continue to be committed to being the positive voice of Northern Colorado. Wishing each of you a Happy New Year!
lydia@stylemedia.com
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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2008 Builder of the Year Hartford Homes
Salutes the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado
The following builders have gone above and beyond, garnering the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Northern Colorado’s recognition as the 2010 Builder of the Year, Remodeler of the Year, 2011 President, and Taylor Award recipient.
Builder
Armstead Construction, Inc.
of the year
Jeff Schneider
Armstead Construction, Inc.
This year, Armstead Construction celebrates 20 years of building and remodeling. In addition to this award, Jeff was named the HBA Remodeler of the Year in 2004 and 2005, and has served as HBA president. With dozens of other credentials and recognitions, Armstead Construction can help you “build the home of your dreams.” “I believe I was chosen this year for my professionalism and involvement in the construction industry, as well as being a leader in Northern Colorado. I am someone who loves this profession and tries to edu-
cate myself, other industry members, the public and consumers every chance I get.” Professionalism is what he feels the industry needs to keep in mind as they go forward. “We as industry leaders need to step back and realize what it means to be a true professional. We all need to go back to our roots and remember why we started in this industry and why we love it so much… This is why one of my missions this year is to help bring the professionalism and education back to the industry I truly love and thoroughly enjoy being so involved in.”
Remodeler of the Year Associates In Remodeler of the year
Bob Peterson Associates In Building & Design, Ltd.
ABD is an innovative company that has both building and interior design staff to guide a project from start to finish. In addition to several local and national awards, Bob Peterson, co-founder and president of ABD, was installed as the chairman of the National Association of Home Builder’s Remodelers Council in January. Bob also received the HBA Remodeler of the Year award in 1998. “It is always very special to be given a top award by your peers. I have been very fortunate in award reception in my career, and each time it still means a tremendous amount to me and our
Home Builders Association of
Northern Colorado 2011 President
Michael Doddridge Doddridge Construction
Michael Doddridge has worked in construction since he was 16 years old, founding Doddridge Construction in 1995. “This association (HBA) represents the best builders, remodelers and associates in our area, and it means a lot to me to be their spokesperson. I am optimistic about our industry’s future and am prepared to lead our association and help our members grow in this new environment. Our members are committed to providing the highest levels of customer service and home performance. We believe that is how we move forward in these challenging times.”
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Building & Design, Ltd.
company. To become a two-time winner is extra special, and I am proud to be in this industry and have so many great peers to work with. Great peers only challenge me and make me better. “Today’s market speaks for itself. There are many challenges ranging from tough competition to high pricing that logically should be cheaper, but raw material and manufacturer prices in many cases are still climbing.” He believes that “successful contractors never stop working on educating themselves.”
2010 Remodeler Taylor Award Dwight Sailer HighCraft Builders
Style would also like to extend our congratulations to Dwight Sailer, co-founder of HighCraft Builders, for receiving the 2010 Remodeler Taylor Award. The Remodeler Taylor Award is given to long-time members of the HBA Remodeler’s Council. HighCraft has been a member of the council since 1998, and Dwight has served as council chairman, as well as being actively involved in the Building the Future Foundation, the HBA charity that builds wheelchair ramps for those in need.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
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Business Profile
Cornerstone
The Fort Collins Cornerstone Mortgage team: Dustin Camping, Jason Humphries, Brad Dusek, Sabrina Nowling, Gene Humphries, Diane Murray, Sydney Young, John Bermejo, Penny Kast, Ryan Abrahamson, Shanna Keller, Sara Hart, Andrew Storteboom, Jim Hunter and Justin Smith
M o r t g a g e
Housing Northern Colorado By Connie Hein
It would be stating the obvious to say that the mortgage lender used when buying a home is a key piece in the overall experience. What is less obvious is that often their role can go beyond the purchase of a home, becoming trusted and valued friends and financial mentors for life. 14
G
ene Humphries, the Colorado division president and senior manager of Cornerstone Mortgage, makes every effort to do just that. He says each transaction he and his staff handle at Cornerstone is viewed as an opportunity to develop a financial and personal relationship with the parties involved. “The purchase of a home, whether it is their first or fifth, is a big deal for a family,” Humphries says. “So we make every effort to help our home buyers in purchasing a home they can afford with the right programs and financing to make the experience a positive one.” Jim Hunter, senior vice president at Cornerstone, agrees that it is the relationship with clients that motivates him to stay in the mortgage lending business through all the highs and lows. But both men also attribute their longevity (Hunter over 20 years, and Humphries over 34) and success to working hard to keep up with changes in federal, state and local banking and lending regulations. Because of the changes in the economy, mortgage lenders must be much more knowledgeable about the regulations and programs that are being implemented, says Hunter. “For the most part, the mortgage lenders that have remained in business are those who have
done the hard work, continued to stay educated, are passionate about their customers – and are available any time clients need to discuss residential moves or changes,” he says. Since the peak of the real estate market boom in 2006, Humphries says there has been about a 60 percent reduction in the number of residential mortgage lenders across the country. “The mortgage banking industry was flying under the radar at that time and had few restrictions about education, licensing or regulating lenders. That is no longer the case.” That is why both men made the decision to be part of Cornerstone Mortgage. They believe education, integrity, a positive attitude and strong work ethic are vital qualities that are cultivated at Cornerstone. The 37 Cornerstone mortgage lenders are licensed, which requires at least 20 hours of specialized training and passing state and federal licensing exams. All Cornerstone locations provide comprehensive mortgage lending services including conventional, government and first time homebuyer programs. They have access to dozens of approved investor sources to find the best program and price available for every client. Humphries says he is proud to be part of the
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
company, not only because they are one of the top residential mortgage lenders in the country, serving 41 states, but also because it is a privately owned company with the same values and goals that he has. Marc Laird is Cornerstone’s chairman and CEO and Judith Belanger functions as their president and chief operating officer. The owners are very progressive technologically, adds Humphries, but also very family and relationally oriented. “It is the best of both worlds and is the kind of company I believe in and want to work for, and one that will be around for years to come.” Both Humphries and Hunter believe that Americans are basically strong, proud and hardworking, which means they will always want to own their own homes and have their piece of the American Dream. And there will always be the need for good, honest, knowledgeable mortgage lenders. They believe Northern Colorado is no exception. “Northern Colorado is filled with this kind of honest, hard-working people,” Hunter says. “I love doing business with the people of Fort Collins and the surrounding areas and being part of the growth in the area.” As a manager in the industry, Humphries says when training or coaching new or seasoned loan officers he encourages them to keep their eyes on the prize. “We are in the business of helping to house America.” With that thought in mind, he and his staff are determined to stay focused and educated in the financial workings of the mortgage lending industry. They want to be a guiding light to help lead the people of Northern Colorado through the maze of real estate finance now and in the future and be the professionals that people purchasing or selling a home will come to for financial advice. Humphries believes that for millions of Americans, a home is not just a place to live and raise a family, but is also part of the legacy they leave to future generations. “Did you ever think that the legacy we leave to our families could also include the mortgage lender we trust in financial matters?” Humphries asks. He and the staff at Cornerstone Mortgage hope to be a trusted part of that legacy for this generation and many future generations of American homebuyers. General number for information and office locations in Fort Collins, Greeley and Longmont (970) 206-4663. Connie Hein is a freelance writer living the dream and building the legacy in Windsor.
Gene Humphries and Jim Hunter have a combined 54 years of experience in the mortgage lending business.
Style 2011
15
Northern Colorado
Real Estate
TODAY By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
Given the current economic climate, have you wondered if it’s still possible to buy your dream home? Are you worried about your ability to get a home loan? Do you fret over how much your home is worth? The facts are often different from our fears. A little knowledge can alleviate some of the stress you’ve been experiencing about Northern Colorado real estate. 16
This isn’t to say that the future is entirely rosy for Northern Colorado, but it’s a bit brighter than you might think. Of course, forecasting the future of real estate involves some speculation, but supposition from those in the know is worth consideration.
A look back Even during these economically tough times, the housing market in Colorado has been outperforming other parts of the country. “It is the real estate markets around the country having the most trouble that get the most attention,” says Eric Thompson, president of The Group Real Estate. “That causes people to think real estate everywhere is distressed and that’s not true.” Real estate markets are local, specific to a region, a county, or a neighborhood, and Colorado has much stronger local markets than the rest of the country. This is due in part to the state’s unemployment data. Northern Colorado boasts a highly educated work force and lower unemployment numbers in relation to other areas. Nationally, unemployment hovers near 10 percent, whereas in Larimer County it’s closer to 6.5 percent and in Weld it’s around 8.5 percent. “Jobs drive everything,” says Gene Vaughan, owner of Re/Max Alliance in Fort Collins. “Employment drives housing, the use of the commercial property – we have to get jobs. And the good news is that there is evidence that that is starting to improve.”
A look forward A trusted source relied on by real estate firms like The Group is the Case-Shiller Index. “They track the major metropolitan areas all around the country, and they just came out with a study where they asked, ‘When will prices return to their peak?’” explains Thompson. “Real estate prices peaked a few years ago.” Case-Shiller looks at specific markets and makes predictions for each market. They predict that Las Vegas, one of the hardest hit areas, will not peak again for 15 years. In contrast, Larimer County was predicted to return to its peak in just two years. Of Case-Shiller’s
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
categories, Larimer County was ranked in the highest category in terms of those areas expected to experience a fairly quick return to peak prices. This is good news for potential homebuyers, as well as commercial real estate in 2011. The commercial real estate market has been impacted by a lack of capital and lack of demand. In 2008 and 2009, commercial real estate dropped about 75 percent. In Northern Colorado’s commercial real estate market, there are currently three sellers for every one buyer, and the leasing market is similar. “There is still a demand-side recession going on, and part of that recession in commercial real estate has to do with lack of capital,” says Steve Kawulok, managing director of Sperry Van Ness Commercial Real Estate Advisors in Fort Collins. “Businesses are not expanding because they don’t have capital.” Kawulok points to the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program as the one bright spot in commercial real estate. For qualifying ownerusers there is opportunity in Northern Colorado, and because of the oversupply in properties in the market, prices are good. In fact, prices and lease rates have dropped to where they were in the 1990s. Just as the future of residential real estate is tied to the job market, so is commercial real estate. “We saw the commercial market drop almost off the cliff in 2008 and 2009,” says Kawulok. “While it has not recovered to those previous levels, we are seeing it start to rebound. We do think we hit the bottom, so we saw a slight up tick in 2010 and we expect that to continue in 2011.” Outside capital will be an important component in the future of Northern Colorado’s commercial real estate market in 2011. Colorado’s research universities will play a factor in attracting outside capital to the state. Kawulok notes that a city with a research institution is often seen as a more stable market than those without. These areas have a highly educated workforce, allowing diversity in the employment base. High tech, biosciences, solar, clean energy and natural energy industries have cropped up all over Colorado, and these areas are predicted to grow. As an example, the state’s recent Space Act with NASA is estimated to bring 10,000 jobs into the region. Colorado’s Association for Manufacturing and Technology, in a five-year agreement with NASA, plans to develop an aerospace and clean energy research park somewhere between Loveland and Boulder. Officials want a site close to research facilities, educational institutions and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory located in Golden, Colorado. “We [in the industry] are watching the Space Act very closely,” says Kawulok. “The other [development] is the oil play in Weld County occurring right now. That’s going to be much more evident in the next year or two, but the oil and gas discoveries in northeast Weld have been significant, and a lot of outside money and oil interests are coming into that area and staking their claims.” Although Kawulok predicts that commercial real estate may look more distressed in the year to come, he stresses this will be a result of legacy issues from 2008 and 2009 finally getting resolved in 2011. “These will have nothing to do with the new reality.” This trend will also occur in the residential real estate market as well, with homes still going into foreclosure, although most real estate experts predict foreclosures to be slightly down in 2011.
Style 2011
Selling your home in 2011 Homes are selling, and more homes are expected to sell in 2011, but there are some topics that need to be kept in mind when deciding to sell a home in the current market. “You can’t expect a big turnaround [in 2011, but] maybe modest gains,” says Vaughan. “I suppose the needle will point a little bit in favor of the buyer, but if sellers will properly price, and acknowledge what has gone on in this past four or five years, I’ll tell you what, they can sell their property.” In the current market, pricing a house right is a huge part of getting it sold. Last year was the fourth year in a row with no significant price appreciation in the Northern Colorado market, and this is true for most markets around the country. “That’s never happened before, where you have consecutive years with no price appreciations,” says Thompson. He explains that people can no longer over-price their home in expectation that the market will catch up. The Group tracks a statistic they call “odds of selling.” Typically, the odds are around 50 percent that a home will sell based on how many homes are in the market and how many actually sell. The way to increase your odds, according to Thompson, is to team up with the right real estate company that knows the market, but the most important step is to price the home to sell. “Really, you need to price it ahead of the market.” Jo Campbell, a longtime Northern Colorado real estate appraiser, agrees. She explains that people may be upset when they learn their home is appraising for less today than it was two years ago, but they need to realize the market has changed with the downturn in the economy. However, not all is gloomy on this front. “I see a lot of upper end houses stay on the market forever, and it’s a tough one,” says Campbell. “I think entry-level homes and middle-of-the-road homes are doing wonderful in our market compared to some other places, definitely.” Homes that are priced right are selling. In fact some real estate agents are having difficultly finding enough well priced, well-located, good condition homes to sell. Thompson points to a dual market where homes priced below $300,000 benefit the seller and homes priced above that mark benefit buyers. A seller who is able to sell their home for $250,000 in today’s market, and can then turn around and buy a home for $400,000, has the advantage in all parts of this transaction. Vaughan echoes this sentiment. “In some ways we sometimes find ourselves frustrated because homes that are well priced, well located and in good condition – we don’t have enough to sell. If we talk about median price you’ll find our market is pretty strong under $350,000.”
Gene Vaughan, owner of Re/Max Alliance, says despite a tough economy, “I still think real estate is one of the best investments people can make.”
Mortgage loans in 2011 In the last couple of years, there has been a media-fueled fear of scarce loans; assuming they could not obtain a loan, many people didn’t even try. The reality is that there are still many loan programs out there, and these programs will continue to be available in 2011. There are three main loan options: Conventional, Federal Housing Assistance (FHA), and Veterans Assistance (VA). The VA loan program, available to those who have served in the military, allows for 100 percent of the loan to be financed with no down payment necessary. There is a small fee for this loan and it requires a credit score of 640 or better. The FHA remains the most popular home loan.
Eric Thompson, president of The Group Inc., says industry experts predict that Larimer County prices will return to their peak in approximately two years.
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Serving You with 6 offices in Northern Colorado
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To be eligible in today’s climate, an applicant must have a credit score of 620 or better, and the loan requires a 3.5 percent down payment. The down payment may come from a parent or blood relative of the applicant or an employer. For self-employed people, this can come from their business. A conventional loan requires at least 5 percent down, but sometimes as much as 20 percent. There are other lesser-known loans, such as the USDA Rural Housing program and first time homebuyers programs. The main difference in getting a loan today versus four or five years ago is the level of documentation required. “Where we see the biggest pushback from customers is because it’s different from in years past,” says Gary Voelker, regional manager at First National Bank in Loveland. “Just because we are asking for documentation doesn’t mean it’s that much harder to get a loan approved; we just have to document and do our due diligence.” Voelker explains that today’s approach is more holistic, with mortgage brokers and banks looking at the whole financial picture. Gone are the days in the mid-2000s when a person with great credit could get a loan, no documentation necessary. This can have a tremendous effect on selfemployed people who want to obtain a loan. These borrowers must turn in more than just a pay stub and W2; they must turn over their tax returns. “For self-employed individuals, we look at what they reported as the net income on their business and we utilize that number in order to determine whether they qualify,” explains Gene Humphries, division president of Cornerstone Mortgage in Fort Collins. “The moral of the story is you should prepare your tax returns the way the IRS says that you are suppose to prepare your tax returns,” says Humphries. If a self-employed person has questions, they should meet with a qualified mortgage broker or banker to discuss their situation. With rates low, some homeowners may consider taking out a second mortgage in order to do home improvement. Assuming a homeowner has a low rate on their first mortgage, this may be a great time to take out a second. Homeowners need to decide whether to take out a loan with a variable rate that floats with the prime rate, or to stick with a fixed loan. Homeowners also need to be aware that the return on their investment for a finished basement or an extra bathroom may not be what they anticipate. In the past, people expected to get at least dollar for dollar value for improvements they made on their home, but this is not the case in today’s market. By all accounts, rates will remain at 30 year lows in 2011, although as Voelker pointed out, if you ask twenty economists what the rates will be in 2011, you’ll get twenty different answers. However, the consensus seems to be that rates will stay in the 5 to 6 percent range.
Gene Humphries, president of Cornerstone Mortgage Fort Collins, says qualified buyers can get mortgage loans, but they will have to be prepared to present additional paperwork, especially tax returns.
Changes in store for 2011 New legislation could have a tremendous impact on the mortgage industry. The Dodd-Frank Act requires regulators to define the Quality Residential Mortgage (QRM). A bureau whose members have not yet been appointed will define the QRM. This bureau must be created by July 21, 2011. The act will require lenders who originate mortgage loans that do not fit within the definition to retain a 5 percent ownership in that mortgage. FHA and VA loans will be exempt. The rationale behind the Dodd-Frank Act is to
The expectation among local real estate professionals is that until the unemployment rate drops and new employers come to the region, new construction will remain slow.
continued on page 21
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Credit Score
managing your
and they recommend monitoring all accounts and bank statements frequently and checking your credit report using AnnualCreditReport.com.
The Rule of 30% The credit bureaus rate your credit score by looking at your credit, and they can’t rate you if you have no credit. For every liability, Charpentier recommends having three revolving accounts. An example of a liability is a vehicle, and a revolving account is a credit card. When managing your credit score, it’s smart to follow what mortgage brokers call “the rule of 30 percent.” This means keeping the balances on your credit cards at 30 percent of the allowable balance. If the card has a limit of $1,000, you want to keep a balance of $300 or less. “If people have credit cards that have a high balance versus their credit line, it’s killing them – up to 20 to 30 points worth,” says Charpentier.
By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
Whether it was ten years ago, five years ago or three days ago, credit scores have been crucially important when it comes to qualifying for a loan. Having a better than average score has always been advantageous, but now it’s a necessity. Today you will need a score of at least 620 to qualify. It’s essential to manage and monitor your score, and this means having a clear understanding of what will negatively affect that score. What Negatively Affects My Score? There are obvious things that will affect your score. A bankruptcy or foreclosure will send your number tumbling 100 or more points. However, the average person needs to be aware of the small actions that can have a harmful influence on a credit score. Late payments can result in serious dings to your credit. A late mortgage payment will have the worst affect, although Scott Charpentier, owner of Fort Collins Mortgage, points to a misperception about being late on payments. “You get a late penalty at 15 days, but you don’t get a late mark until you are 30 days out.” Any missed payment, whether it’s a mortgage payment, auto payment or credit card payment, will damage your credit score. Numerous late payments or successive late payments will hurt even more. The number of inquiries on your credit will also affect the score. This is because the credit bureaus interpret these inquires as the applicant attempting to obtain more credit that will potentially lead them into more debt.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to have any inaccurate or incomplete information taken off your credit report. If you spot an inaccuracy, contact the credit bureau in writing and ask them to remove the specific information. You must provide documents supporting your claim. The bureaus have 30 days to respond unless they believe the claim to be frivolous. The Federal Trade Commission’s website has a comprehensive section on this subject, including a sample dispute letter. To learn more, visit www.ftc.gov and type “credit scores” into the search bar. Keeping tabs on your credit report is also a way to catch any fraudulent activity, such as a stolen credit card number or identify theft. The Federal Trade Commission’s website educates the public about identify theft,
How Does Your Score Rate?
Credit Monitoring
You have likely seen or heard ads from companies promising to “fix” your credit score. Gene Humphries, division president at Cornerstone Mortgage Company, advises people to be wary. “No one is going to be able to completely undo something that really happened. If it really happened, it really happened, and it’s going to affect your score and you can’t undo that.” To raise your credit score, Humphries advises paying or settling old collections and having patience. You can’t erase the truth; however, you can slowly raise your score by correcting the financial behaviors that got it there in the first place. It takes time to undo bad credit depending on what was responsible for the low score. For instance, if you’ve had a bankruptcy or foreclosure it can take years for your credit score to gain points. The fact is, practicing patience and financial responsibility will result in better credit scores. There are reputable companies that help people clean up their credit, and Charpentier recommends asking your mortgage broker if there’s a company that he or she recommends and trusts. “There are lots of shady businesses out there, so be careful. Beware of companies asking for money up front.” Meeting with a mortgage broker may be the best way to clear up any questions you may have regarding your credit score and ability to obtain a loan.
According to The Homebuying Institue website, a score of 720 or higher is needed to be eligible for the best mortgage rates available. A score of 750 or higher is considered excellent.
FICO ® Score Distribution April 2008
April 2009
April 2010
25% 20% 15% Percent of population
Keeping an eye on your credit score will help you avoid any nasty surprises when you decide to apply for a loan. Companies such as FreeCreditReport.com or TruCredit.com will check your credit without knocking points off your score. Mortgage brokers and lenders recommend checking your score twice a year. The three main credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. These bureaus collect information on consumers and then sell access to that information to anyone with a legal reason, like credit card companies or mortgage companies. Today, you can access your credit report for free on an annual basis from each credit bureau at www. annualcreditreport.com. This is the only official site for accessing your free credit report. On the website you can fill out the Annual Credit Report Request Form and send it in the mail. It will take about 15 days to get your report. You can also call (877) 322-8228 and order your report through an automatic phone service. This is a much faster way to order and receive your report.
Credit Repair
19.6
10% 16
5% 7.2
8.7
7.4
9.6
9
8.2
8.7
9.1
12 12 9.6
19.4 15.9
19.5 18.7
18.2 17.9
15.7
11.9
9.5 9.5
6.9
0% 300-499
500-549
550-599
600-649
650-699
700-749
750-799 800-850
*All columns may not add up to a 100.0% due to rounding. Data courtesy of Tom Quinn, FICO® Score product manager.
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
continued from page 19
hold lenders more accountable for the loans they approve. Humphries explains that if the definition of the QRM is broad, it won’t have much of an impact. However, if the definition is narrow, there will be fewer players offering mortgages. In the meantime, the mortgage industry waits on the bureau to define the QRM; only then will they know how much this will affect their field and consumers.
Home appraisals One recent change to the real estate market is how homes are appraised. In the past, appraisers worked for various loan officers, but now an appraiser must sign up for an Appraisal Management Company (AMC). Once the appraiser is approved, he or she is assigned work through the AMC. The appraiser continues to get assigned jobs if he or she performs quick, quality work. The new system was put in place to protect homeowners. In the past, a few shady loan officers were asking appraisers to push values. Today, the appraiser works for an AMC, so there’s no pressure to push values, and therefore their numbers are true and accurate estimates of what homes are worth. One benefit of this new system is that the appraisers get paid quickly; in the past, they had to wait until loan closing. The downside of the new system is lower pay. In fact, appraisers get paid nearly half of what they used to be paid for a home appraisal.
The wrap up Ultimately, Northern Colorado is a good bet when it comes to real estate. The economic forecast for the region is much better than other places around the country; and in general, the mood within the real estate and mortgage community is optimistic. It’s a great time for homebuyers and investors to buy. Northern Colorado’s two major universities also make this a strong rental market, another incentive for investors. The Group recently hosted Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors. Dr. Yun is recognized as one of the top 10 economists in the country, and he pointed out that Colorado has always led the country when it comes to job creation. And Northern Colorado is a region that draws, and retains, people. At a recent meeting of the Northern Colorado Human Resource Association (NCHRA), the topic of jobs was at the top of people’s mind. Thompson was in attendance, and he asked if the NCHRA was witnessing an increase in people who are willing to move for a job. It turns out, many people are willing to move to Colorado for a job, but Coloradoans are much less willing to leave their state to obtain employment. Coloradoans enjoy a high quality of life and this, coupled with new industries coming to the state, bodes well for the future real estate market in Northern Colorado and Rocky Mountain region. “I still think real estate is one of the best investments people can make,” says Humphries. “It still is the American Dream, even though it’s gotten a little tougher. It’s still a worthy goal for people to have.”
Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a journalist and freelance writer from Northern Colorado. She is also the MayorofHeidiTown.com, a blog about Colorado events and festivals.
Style 2011
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Photo courtesy of Photography By Desiree
business
s u c c e s s
By Angeline Grenz
When Dwight Sailer and Bryan Soth started their remodel business, they didn’t do it the “normal” way. Business experts would tell you to map out your business plan painstakingly and to choose your partner carefully. But Sailer and Soth, strangers until they met on a job, had a feeling they would be good together – and HighCraft Builders was born. 22
The two met on a jobsite for a commercial contractor in 1998. They commuted to a project together in Glacier View for roughly three months. “We had an hour each way and got to talking,” recalls Sailer. Quickly they realized they had a like mindset. Though working for a commercial contractor, both Sailer and Soth had a drive for residential remodel work and similar philosophies on the treatment of the client and the quality of the work they wanted to do. Soth, a Minnesota native, had entered the business world after earning his MBA, but burned out after several years. “I was inside all the time and had nothing tangible to show at the end of the day,” says Soth, “At the same time, my wife, Elisabeth, and I had bought our first home and started to fix it up.” After a few fix and flips with his wife, Soth fell in love with the process, and they began to do the work full time. After a few years, they relocated to the Fort Collins area. They have raised two daughters here, Chiara, 13, and Lilia, 11. Sailer hales from Monterey Bay, California. He took to the construction field right out of high
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Photo courtesy of Lou Costy Photography
school and quickly received what he calls a “steroid shot of experience” in home remodels, working for a company that repaired earthquake damaged homes, sometimes even tackling homes that had been virtually split in two. He moved to Fort Collins in 1996. Sailer is married to wife, Dana, and has three children: Morgan, 10, Hayden, 6, and Jordyn, 4. The partners have a shared affinity for their adopted hometown. “Both Bryan and I chose Northern Colorado as the place we wanted to raise our families,“ says Sailer. “We are here for the long term. This is home, and the people we work with and for are our families.” During those long rides to and from work, the duo outlined their business plan, and they began working together that same year. Their similar building backgrounds (both having experience remodeling older style homes) and similar desires – “Neither of us wanted to be part of the spec home market,” says Sailer – made their working relationship an instant success. In 1999, as their business began to take off, few in the industry focused on remodel work. “It
Style 2011
This remodel/addition project, referred to as the Vine Drive Project, is just the type of project that appeals to both Soth and Sailer. The old farmhouse and its exposed brick addition marry old and new to create functional new space for the homeowners.
was so easy to sell a home and buy a newer, bigger home at the time,” says Sailer. But as the market began to change, more and more people began to hold on to their homes. HighCraft’s focus shifted from small remodels and exterior facelifts to the larger additions and remodel projects that have become their hallmark today. That first year, Sailer and Soth worked their business diligently and began to create some buzz. Referral business started to skyrocket. Their success, however, did not come without some growing pains. “We grew significantly the first three or four years,” Soth recalls. “We didn’t have the systems and controls in place to handle that kind of growth, and we saw our client satisfaction slipping.” “It came down to one day,” adds Sailer. “We said ‘No more.’ We refused to have even one client who was not a raving fan of HighCraft at the end of their remodel.” Sailer and Soth regrouped and asked their employees to embrace their philosophy. Two key HighCraft employees from those early years remain today: project managers Scott Fetters and Gordon Winner. “They were the only two who
really got it, who understood that when you do a project the client must be thrilled throughout the process,” says Sailer. Today, HighCraft runs their operations out of a remodeled home in Old Town Fort Collins. Their team of thirteen employees is dedicated, and the office runs on a mixture of creative energy and good old-fashioned camaraderie. While Soth oversees most of the creative process, from initial client interest up to the start of construction, Dwight manages the process from construction to completion. But the two consult nonstop with each other and with their highly trained staff – including Kira Koldeway, who is an Allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers. The team enjoys cultivating each other’s creative side. “Our real strength is in the collaborative effort that we bring to a project,” says Sailer. “Not just Dwight and me – it is the entire team that comes up with great ideas and determines how we execute them. It is phenomenal.” Often, a design meeting will result in several options for the client – a careful mixture of the clients’ needs, and some fresh ideas that the team
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Photo courtesy of Harper Point Photography | Architectural Design by Bob Sutter
THE
VINE DRIVE P R O J E C T
B
ryan Soth and Dwight Sailer bring their creative passion to every project HighCraft Builders takes on, but occasionally one project stands out from the crowd. Such was the case with Jane Basile’s aging farmhouse on Vine Drive in Fort Collins. Jane purchased the 1946 home from the original owners in 2001. Though she made many cosmetic changes and a few upgrades, the farmhouse had not been properly updated in quite some time. The home was functional for one, but Jane was also about to make an important addition: marrying her fiancé, Franco. “We both loved the home and the land, but the kitchen was the size of a postage stamp,” she says. “We enjoy cooking and wanted a bigger kitchen, but that meant we had to build out from the house.” Additionally, the attic was wasted space, large and open, with no tresses. Jane called HighCraft and the rest is a merry piece of history. “Energy-wise this was a case study,” says Soth. Little insulation, poor energy efficiency and old windows meant the home was difficult to heat. The interior space was cramped and dark inside, not the sunny space that should match its artistic owner. HighCraft remodeled 75 percent of the home, including a new roof, updated electric, interior and exterior paint, new windows, new pavers at the rear of the home, and the attic space was remodeled to accommodate a new bedroom, bath and sitting room. But it is the kitchen addition and the rooftop entertainment space that continue to delight the homeowners. As HighCraft worked with the Basiles on their vision, difficulties with the roofline made a traditional gable roof impossible. The design process evolved, and one of the Basiles’ favorite features came about – a flat roof on the addition that became a much-loved patio. “The flat roof above the kitchen is amazing. We spent all summer and fall out there,” says Jane. The rooftop
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patio is waterproof to allow for the later addition of a hot tub and currently features a fire pit and hammock. “It is the place to be.” The gourmet kitchen reflects the creativity of its owner, featuring a one-of-a-kind brilliant blue custom island – a color chosen from one of Jane’s paintings that hangs on the wall. The new space is perfect for entertaining guests, with multiple workspaces, high-end appliances and pockets of exposed brick that match the addition’s exterior. The addition itself is unusual. The attractive exterior brick stands in stark contrast to the rest of the home, but the effect is entirely intentional. “Because of the roof, it was impossible to make the addition look like part of the original house,” says Jane. “Rather than force it, we decided to make it look like a design feature.” “The vast majority of our clients want us to blend their additions in with the remainder of the house,” says Sailer. “This was an intentional departure from that. And in this case it worked.” The addition also features an architectural curved wall, designed to preserve a large tree in the backyard, giving a whimsical, playful look to the largely traditional farmhouse. The project, completed last summer, was an enjoyable one for both Soth and Sailer. “I loved the out-of-the-box element of this project,” says Soth. “It wasn’t predictable and the clients were willing to take chances and came with their own creativity.” Sailer concurs: “It was urban loft meets farmhouse and it worked. The result went well beyond what I had envisioned.” For Jane and her husband, they have a new version of their beloved home, comfortable and functional. “I really can’t say enough about HighCraft,” says Jane. “They were outstanding. They gave the home a makeover that still managed to keep some of the original character of the home. And it was so much fun.”
at HighCraft brings to the table. “Bryan is not afraid to step outside of the box,” says Sailer. “He introduces new ideas to clients, carefully listens to what is not working for them in their current space, and helps them to expand upon their original vision.” “We encourage the sharing of ideas and often offer personal opinions,” says Soth . But they are careful not to do this at the sake of the client’s budget. “The budget is always monitored closely,” says Sailer, and its occasional constraints only push the creative process that much farther. To tow the line, they rely heavily on the abilities of Steve Suchy, their project coordinator. Suchy carefully manages the initial design, working closely with HighCraft’s estimator, Michelle Stalker, to establish the project budget. HighCraft has incorporated its dedication to customer satisfaction into an impressive warranty program for their clients: they guarantee a fixed-price contract and completion date, and offer an unheard-of five year warranty on their work. Projects range from traditional designs to whimsical, one-of-a-kind creations, such as the Vine Drive remodel/addition featured on this page. “Every project is not only a reflection of the client’s needs, desires and tastes, but also their individual personalities,” says Soth. Details such as 3-D architectural design imaging and personalized project websites provide a greater connection to the process for their clients. Design imaging in a computerized 3-D format helps the concept come alive. The website contains all the details of a project in one location – including budget tracking and the ability to follow the project step-by-step as it is completed, even from out-of-state, as one client did. For many of HighCraft’s clients, it is not just the project completion that brings satisfaction. “It is not just a focus on the end product, but the process itself that our clients get involved in and enjoy,” says Luke Syres, HighCraft’s marketing coordinator. Considering that much of their business comes from the referrals of past clients, the process is working well. Of course, both Soth and Sailer have their favorite types of projects. Soth has affection for Old Town homes. “There is such a difference between how we live today versus how we lived years ago. These older homes can lack functionality and present day conveniences.” He enjoys the challenge of retaining the home’s original charm while making it functional for the modern family. Sailer, on the other hand, says, “One of my favorite types of projects is the remodel of a 1950s or 1960s home.” His fascination lies in taking these retro era homes and completely renovating the inside, “modernizing the entire interior design and space plan.” HighCraft was fortunate not to experience the distress of 2009’s recession as much as others in the construction industry. A few large projects and some ingenuity carried them through successfully. During those leaner times, they carefully examined their processes, ensuring customer satisfaction remained their top priority and consistently strived for opportunities to offer their clients more than their competitors. At the same time, HighCraft decided to answer another need their clients continually expressed to them with a new offering: HighCraft Home Services. “The idea came from the request of past clients,” according to Soth. “We had developed
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Photo courtesy of Harper Point Photography
Scott Fetters, Dave Oswandel and Gordon Winners, project managers for HighCraft Builders, are a priceless part of the HighCraft team. It is their job to move projects along schedule smoothly and seamlessly.
On their Website w w w. h i g h c r a f t . n e t such a great relationoffer on their large • Take advantage of regular, ship with them that they construction projects. would call us requestFor more information free seminars sponsored by ing references for small on the Home Services HighCraft at their office. These home repairs jobs that division and what it we just weren’t set offers, see page 42. seminars provide valuable up to do.” Effectively HighCraft is excited professional information on handling these projabout the future of a variety of building topics, ects requires a different their business and business model, adds the community they serving as an educational outlet Soth, “one in which love. Soth, who used to the community and ongoing the response can be to enjoy the creativity education for the HighCraft very quick, having the of fix and flip projects necessary tools in hand, for his own benefit, Builders team. and the right team and now revels in watching processes in place.” satisfied clients delight • Access their free Consumer The Home Services over their new spaces. division, which began in “I love knowing that Awareness Guide to Home early 2010, offers simple our clients feel comRemodeling. This guide is solutions to handyman pletely taken care of designed to help people better and small-scale remodel and are thrilled with projects such as window the outcome of their understand the remodeling replacements and cosremodel,” he says. process, including valuable metic upgrades – projSailer continues to information on how to select a ects that do not require share that same drive an architectural designer, that brought the two quality remodeling contractor. but still may require an together more than interior designer. They a decade ago. “We have two Home Services vans equipped to respond genuinely want every process to be a great one quickly to requests and have completed projects for our clients. Our door is always open. At ranging in cost from a few hundred dollars to tens HighCraft, our team is dedicated to ensuring 100 of thousands of dollars. percent satisfaction and a life-long relationship Home Services is available for almost any quick with the client.” turn around home improvement project and comes with the same signature HighCraft guarantee they Angeline Grenz is editor for Style Magazine.
Style 2011
25
changes in
Banking By Kay Rios
Based on new regulations and tighter scrutiny, banking in 2011 may look different than in years past. Consumers can expect more transparency, but they may also find fewer services and more fees. 26
“The last two years, regulation has been increasing,” says Georgia Zastrow, vice president and compliance division manager for Home State Bank. “It’s become quite involved. We used to see one or two regulation changes a year, and now I have an ongoing log just to try and keep up to speed. We even subscribe to an outside company to create a calendar for us.” The driver in all of the changes is the financial reform law, titled the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, a federal statute signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010. The Act affects almost every aspect of the nation’s financial services industry; but, since various regulatory agencies will be writing the rules to implement sections of the act over the year, its full significance won’t be known for some time. “The Dodd-Frank reform bill is extremely complicated,” says Mark Driscoll, president of First National Bank. “It is a 2,300 page bill and there will be a very large number of regulations that come from that.” It’s a mixed bag, he says. “There are some good things in it and some terrible things for banks.
It creates a consumer finance protection agency with guaranteed funding from the treasury and far reaching power. But we don’t really know what that means yet. It will mean that our industry will see more regulation, and it’s already heavily regulated. Consumers will probably find it more difficult to get credit.” The changes were inspired by the Wall Street collapse and the housing market problems that became so noticeable in the fall of 2007, Driscoll says. “The credit losses started in housing. We, as a society, thought everyone should own their own home, and there was a push to get people into home ownership. So we saw easy credit and a large period of low interest, and people who should not have gotten credit did.” With the financial crisis freshly in mind, the move was on to put safeguards in place and protect the consumer. “That’s the intent of the Dodd-Frank Act,” Driscoll says. How that all plays out is still up in the air, he reaffirms. Many aspects are unclear. The Durbin Amendment, for example, will put caps and price
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
controls on what banks charge rates. PSCU, in business since 1938, to use debit cards. “It’s an interboasts over $1 billion in assets and change fee,” Driscoll says. “These more than 137,000 members. It’s are sources of revenue for banks a full-service financial institution, and have subsidized other services Patton says. “We offer a wide range that we’ve been able to provide for of financial products and services free. The alternative is that banks including savings and checking will have to charge somewhere else accounts, loans, mortgages and with that loss in revenues. In this Internet home banking. Our meminstance, the consumer may not bers can access their accounts at 30 be better off.” branches, as well as at over 175 CU Community banks are also conService Centers throughout Colocerned about the interchange fee. rado. We have a partnership with “Banks with less than 10 billion in the CO-OP ATM network so members have surcharge-free access to assets may not be affected, but we over 28,000 ATMs throughout the don’t know how it will be worked out for the merchants,” says Joyce country.” Spight, senior vice president and The largest locally owned bank in retail banking manager at Home Larimer County, Home State Bank’s Mark Driscoll, president of First National Bank, says the ramifications of the passage State Bank. Even though smaller motto is “Think Big. Bank Small.” of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act on the banking banks are exempt from the interMary McCambridge, vice presiindustry have yet to be completely defined for the consumer. change fee limitations, they may still dent of marketing, says, “We’re have to lower their rate to stay in big enough to offer world class competition with big banks when banking services, but we’re still very working with retailers. much a community bank.” Some financial practices have Home State began in 1950 already changed with other recent with seven employees and seven legislation. For example, the Secure directors at the corner of Lincoln and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Avenue and 4th Street in downMortgage Licensing Act, effective town Loveland. The goal was to October 1, 2010, requires a fedhave a locally owned, indepeneral registration system for people dent bank that would serve the engaged in residential mortgage community and surrounding area. loan origination. “If you work at a Bank assets totaled $478,807, all bank, you have to be registered,” accounts were posted manually, Zastrow says. “If you don’t work and the FDIC insured deposits up through a bank, you have to be to $5,000. Today, Home State Bank licensed.” That process establishes has over $545 million in assets and a unique identifier consumers can approximately 200 employees, with use to see if any complaints have branches and ATMs throughout been registered, she says. Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud Regulation E is another move and Windsor. Nancy Patton and Jane Willard, both with Public Service Credit Union, says the credit designed to protect the consumer. First National Bank has been union is making a special effort to reach out to the public and help them improve It outlines the rules and procedures meeting customers’ financial needs their financial literacy. for electronic funds transfers (EFTs) since 1881. It is the 12th largest and provides guidelines for those credit card issuer through its Omaha who issue debit cards. The final ruling as of July is available, so they would get dinged a fee. The office and does business in all 50 states, Driscoll says. 2010 limits a financial institution’s ability to assess regulation says this is a product the consumers have “We’ve been under the same owners since 1993, an overdraft for ATM and one-time debit card transto know they have. This was the first change and it when it was sold to First National of Nebraska Inc., actions that overdraw a consumer’s account unless was also a big source of income for banks.” which is the largest privately owned bank in the the consumer has consented. As regulation changes loom in the years ahead, U.S.” It may be large, but it’s personal, Driscoll says. It’s put an opt-in/opt-out requirement in place, financial institutions are working hard to stay ahead “We believe the important thing is relationships. We Spight says. “You opt in if, when you are overdrawn, of the game. But that’s not an easy task, Spight says. form those relationships to help them through the you want the item paid and you accept that an “Every time a regulation change comes down, we maze and make things as convenient as possible.” First National’s “Circle One” brand has operations overdraft fee will be paid.” have to figure out if the system will support it, what “Essentially, it told financial institutions to call training we will need on the front line and how we in 16 Colorado communities through more than 25 your members and explain your process for them,” can do it with the least amount of disturbance to offices with combined assets of $2.5 billion, serving adds Jane Willard, assistant vice president of public our customer.” more than 90,000 households. relations for Public Service Credit Union (PSCU). The way that is integrated may differ in some Regardless of size or make-up, one thing is stan“Banks need to explain that you will be charged respects; but, Spight says, regulation puts everyone dard through any financial institution. “Banks and and when you will be charged.” on the same page. “All the banks were trying to do credit unions are businesses,” Driscoll says. They will “This way, individual account owners can make their own thing, but now we’ve been told we will all struggle with recent and upcoming regulations, informed decisions,” says Nancy Patton, PSCU public all march to the same drummer. We’re not quite and they will all look for ways to make the business relations representative. “Do you want the purchases there yet.” work. “So we will probably see more relationship to go through and be charged or not?” It can be a While the marching orders will require some pricing, and the industry will find more ways to stay pricey decision, she says. “You buy a cup of coffee standardization, each of these banks will maintain in business.” for $3, but an overdraft makes it a $40 cup of coffee. their own character, they say. Willard agrees. “We have to keep our doors open So it’s also a consumer responsibility to be aware of PSCU is a not-for-profit, state-chartered, memberand the lights on. So we have fees.” what that means.” owned financial cooperative. Its members are its For the consumer, that’s not all bad news. “The “It really became a problem when consumers owners, who elect the volunteer Board of Directors consumer will see more meaningful disclosures,” says shifted from checks to debit cards,” Driscoll says. and determine how the credit union is operated. Spight. Those disclosures will come before a customer “In many cases, people who use debit cards may Credit union earnings are returned to members becomes obligated to pay them, and fees will be not balance checkbooks and know exactly what in the form of higher savings rates and lower loan labeled so there shouldn’t be any mystery involved.
Style 2011
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Transparency in
Investing By Kay Rios
If the word investment brings thoughts of uncertainty, you’re not alone.
“In this climate, there have been a lot of people out there who have lost confidence in the financial industry,” says Jeffrey Kadavy, vice president and managing director of business development for First National Wealth Management. But to understand what has happened and what is going to happen, he says, “The conversation is really about a suitability standard versus a fiduciary standard.” It’s a conversation/debate that’s been going on for some time, and there may be a definitive ruling on its way via the Dodd-Frank mandated study, with results that Congress will review soon. The mandate directed the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create rules that clearly define separate duties on brokerages who are held to suitability standards and a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) who is held to the higher fiduciary standard. “The SEC could come up with one standard,” Kadavy says. Currently, the fiduciary standard basically says that an advisor will put the client’s best interests first, act with the diligence and good judgment of a professional, not mislead clients, and provide full and fair disclosure of all facts. Brokers, however, operate on the suitability standard and are only required to do what they feel is reasonable for the client. “Suitability is open to interpretation,” says David Isaac Essay, relationship manager for First National Wealth Management. “Along with those standards, you are most likely dealing with a one time transaction.” “Fiduciary implies there will be an ongoing relationship,” Kadavy says, pointing out that First National has operated under the fiduciary standards for more than 25 years. With a fiduciary approach, transparency comes into play, he says. Transparency has been a big issue for consumers. “The average investor in a mutual fund or variable annuity has no idea what the fees are,” Essay says. “It’s not on their statement and never itemized.” “The expense ration that’s involved includes management fees and management charges, and those can vary,” Kadavy says. “They are taken out on a daily basis so the return the investor sees is after the fee has been deducted.” With new rulings, there will be changes handed down. “You will start seeing those fees showing
28
Jeffrey Kadavy, Vice President and Managing Director of Business Development for First National Wealth Management
David Isaac Essay, Relationship Manager for First National Wealth Management
up on statements and I think anybody who is investing is entitled to see that,” Essay says. “If you are going to make an intelligent decision about investing, you need to know what you are going to pay.” Kadavy agrees, but also knows that investing is a complex activity. “It’s a matter of knowing what to ask. It’s their money, so they should not feel stupid about asking questions. Ask what the wrap fee is, the portfolio fee, and ask if there’s anything else that is built in.” Essay cautions that, “Fees should be a consideration, but not the only consideration. The cheapest way is to trade your own stocks. You can do that on E*Trade for $7. But what are you getting for what you are paying?” Kadavy says that professionals can give expert guidance. “At First National, we work with a team. We have a chief investment officer and a number of portfolio managers who are charged financial analysts. These folks do independent in-depth research.” It’s extremely important to know what’s going on behind the scenes, he says. “Ask, ‘Who’s making the decisions? What is the methodology for making those decisions? What strategies are in place?’ Our strategy is growth at a reasonable price. Our team looks at what are the merits of management in any company being considered for investment. We look at the overall debt load of the company and if they have patents that will be expiring. That creates a portfolio. We try to minimize unsystematic risk. If profits and revenues move together for this company, that could be a risk. We want to minimize that correlation.” The bottom line for successful investing is having good information and a personal relationship. “We manage to the objective the client has established,” Kadavy says. “The best way to safeguard your money is to make sure you have someone who knows what your objective is and will talk through your goals and opportunities.” Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer in Fort Collins. She writes for a variety of publications and is at work on a collection of creative non-fiction and a mystery novel.
Georgia Zastrow and Joyce Spight, with Home State Bank, say new banking regulations will
“We’re losing the ‘mouse print,’” McCambridge says. “It’s that fine print people don’t always read. We are increasing the size of the disclosure piece and trying to tailor our ads and promotional materials so everything is very visible.” New products will also come into play, Driscoll says. While the standard free checking account may be a thing of the past, there will be other offerings to offset that. “It may require that you maintain a certain balance but, after that requirement, it will still be free. There will be a number of new products banks will offer. The cost for some of the services may well be higher, but if there is good competition between banks, it will be fine. The free market works well, and while a layer of regulations makes it more difficult to run smoothly, it also creates a level playing field.” But, they all caution, the consumer still needs to be aware and informed. Zastrow says, “Consumers have to read the disclosures and be aware of what they’re agreeing to in any document.” Banks will also try to make that easier, McCambridge says. “What we realized at Home State Bank after the market fell out was that many people didn’t understand many aspects of the financial world. So we put a glossary together and we keep that on our website in the Community Banking Help Center. We also did a lot of due diligence and started talking to legislators to provide current information so they could respond to the community’s questions.” Patton says PSCU is also reaching out. “We do tons of education, and we are thrilled to see people interested in financial literacy. That’s growing.” Bottom line, Spight says, “Every business has to watch their balance sheet; and equally, consumers have to watch their balance sheet.” Even with new regulations, she says, “I feel positive about the direction for the year.” There will be some tough times, Driscoll says. “Regulations have been hard on the banks and the industry. When there are credit losses like we’ve seen, the consumer is impacted. So there may be higher fees, and the availability of credit will be tighter, and certainly mortgages will be tighter. But the qualified borrower can still get a loan.” He does see positives ahead. “As we go into 2011, the consumer who has a good job and credit history will be okay. We’ll probably see more construction.
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ultimately bring banks on the same page with how they operate and interact with their clients.
We’ll be slower to recover because the true measure of recovery is jobs. We’re lucky to be in Northern Colorado because we have lower unemployment, a more educated workforce, and great employers and companies that are strong.”
How Fees Stack Up Between Institutions Here’s a look at how the three banks examined in this article currently handle some of the most common fees banks charge:
Home State Bank •
Debit cards: No fee to user for service
•
Free checking: Currently offer free checking accounts and the free Hometown Rewards, where you can also earn interest if you meet qualifying points
•
Overdraft: $30 fee per instance
First National Bank •
Debit cards: No fee to user for service
•
Free checking: Free checking account available as well as “green checking,” which offers online services and e-statements
•
Overdraft: $36 fee per instance currently; as of March 1, 2011 the fee will be $33 with a maximum of six charged per day
PSCU •
Debit cards: No fee to user for service
•
Free checking: Currently offers free checking accounts
•
Overdraft fees: First occurrence $20, second through fourth is $27, fifth and subsequent is $33
Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer in Fort Collins. She writes for a variety of publications and is at work on a collection of creative non-fiction and a mystery novel.
Style 2011
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Building Northern Colorado
GSI has been providing deconstruction services in some form for the past ten years. Today, they can consult with builders on waste diversion and LEED credits for waste management. Pictured: Dwight Turner, Shawn Weeks, Sid Doering, Norm Riggins, Marcello Rodriguez, David Alvarado
GSI
Green Services
By Kay Rios
For Gallegos Sanitation Incorporated (GSI), business is not just hauling garbage. It’s also about helping customers make wise choices through deconstruction practices and LEED standards. 30
“We approach everything from the standpoint of keeping as much out of the landfill as possible,” says Sid Doering, special projects manager. That effort previously moved GSI into deconstruction practices. “We have to be open to market demands, and a lot of our clients are moving in that direction,” Doering says. “We offer demolition services, and deconstruction helps keep costs down, so we try to find the means to make it work.” Through deconstruction, materials from a demolition project are removed for recycling and reuse rather than tearing down and hauling away. Deconstruction has become a welcome tactic in the construction industry. Industry literature reports that, in some cases, up to 90 percent of materials generated from project activities can be reclaimed through reuse and recycling. It’s a growing career field, if current moves are any indication. Boulder has already instituted a deconstruction mandate, and Cleveland, Ohio, has a deconstruction initiative in place, designating sites where deconstruction will occur. Chicago, California and the Army Corps of Engineers
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all require a 50 percent reuse/recycle rate for projects. Vermont’s Waste Prevention Strategies recommends that waste diversion be specified in bid documents. Atherton, California, requires that every demolition project use deconstruction and salvage prior to demolition. And that’s just the tip of the deconstruction iceberg. GSI has been on the deconstruction track for some time, Doering says. “We’ve often been called because someone wants something torn down, so we tear it down, haul it away and try to get as much of the material reused as possible. We’ve been doing that for the last 10 years.” The deconstruction philosophy and market demand turned GSI staff toward LEED principles. LEED, the acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, provides a range of standards for environmentally sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings and neighborhoods. The LEED certification process provides third-party verification that the design and construction of a building or community used strategies that include improved energy savings, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and effective resource management that takes the environment into consideration and minimizes impacts. “People get accredited and buildings get certified,” says Becca Walkinshaw, GSI’s Sustainability Coordinator. “It’s essentially a matter of taking the test. There are different levels and categories.” There’s a lot involved, she says. “GSI sent three employees to Colorado State University’s Institute for the Built Environment’s Green Building Certificate Program this past spring.” The idea was to educate the staff on LEED specifications, she says. Walkinshaw was one of the three that attended the program. While the company is looking at accreditation, at this point, GSI is considered a “green associate,” Doering says. What they learned in the course reinforced GSI’s philosophy. “We focused on waste diversion,” Walkinshaw says. “With an estimated 40 percent of construction and demolition waste going into the landfill, our focus is to consult with construction projects on reusing and recycling as much building material as possible. We consult with our clients and also help find end markets. We document and calculate all materials and that makes the construction waste management credit easy for our clients.” “We are in the garbage business, and people don’t typically come to garbage men for LEED information,” Doering says. “But they’ve learned that we have the training and can help look for outlets. Because of state regulations and Health Department concerns, a lot of places are limited to what they can take, so we work hard to find places that can take materials. For example, some Eastern states are allowed to use incinerators, and a lot that goes into the landfill here could be used for heat. And there are companies that will grind up shingles, put them into a tar mix and that is then used as a road base. Those are markets we hope to facilitate.” Along with facilitating the search for proper markets, GSI is pushing the educational envelope, Walkinshaw says. “We offer education, but it’s more than just a guide. We can actually go in and help set it up.” GSI, in fact, offers consulting and educational
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GSI provided deconstruction services to the owner of this building on Vine Drive. For the cost of labor, they were able to remove one of the buildings (above) and sell it to be re-erected on
information that helps building owners and businesses extend their recycling collection. Whether a business wants to implement single-stream recycling or take it a step farther by composting and recycling cardboard or electronic waste, GSI offers diversion solutions, she says. GSI currently has a contract to provide “hot composting” and trash services for Poudre School District and Kinard Middle School and is working on the educational awareness of PSD staff and Kinard staff/students. Efforts at Kinard began in October 2009. “We helped facilitate an extended recycling effort but, with any effort like this, you have to make sure the diversion program is maintained. Once the program was started, we went in and could tell them where contamination was occurring,”says Walkinshaw. Once the staff and students were on track, the impact was astonishing. “They decreased their trash by 75 percent. It dropped to 10 pounds per week compared to 500 pounds per week previously,” Walkinshaw says.
32
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
another site. GSI also recycled the asphalt and concrete. The lot is now the new home of the Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative (below), a nonprofit technology incubator.
Both Doering and Walkinshaw are available for consultation with businesses, schools and on construction projects where the object is to decrease materials going to the landfill and increase waste diversion. There is currently no fee for the initial consultation, Walkinshaw says. GSI is very interested in seeing waste diversion increase, and education is the way that will happen. “There are a lot of different levels, so it helps to understand what the options are and how to maintain diversion once the process is started. That’s a very important piece. You have to understand how contamination happens, and it requires the proper signage, often in both English and Spanish.” And as companies see the difference, Walkinshaw adds, “We ask them to pay it forward. We want them to tell their friends and contacts and get them excited about the idea.” Kay Rios, Ph.D., is a freelance writer in Fort Collins.
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Building Northern Colorado built before 1978 are the target because that year lead-based paint was banned for residential use. It is estimated that lead paint was used in 38 million homes prior to the ban.
Why the Change in Law? Up until April 2010, homeowners could opt out of lead-safe practices if no children lived in the home and if there was no one pregnant in the home when work was done. The previous laws, adopted in the mid-90s, were followed when lead-paint hazards were already present within the home or building. The new standards dictate that lead-safe practices are followed on all pre-1978 homes. “The reason the opt-out rule was removed last year is because the EPA felt it was not protective enough of human health,” according to Michelle Reichmuth, lead poisoning prevention coordinator for the region 8 EPA office in Denver. “We are still finding children with elevated lead levels in the blood. Forty percent of lead poisoning cases in children can be traced back to locations where renovations occurred. “It is common, when a home is renovated, for a hazard that wasn’t there before to be created with the dust caused by demolition and debris,” continues Reichmuth. Lead is especially dangerous to children under six years of age and can cause problems with children’s developing brains and nervous systems, leading to reduced IQ, learning disabilities and behavior problems. In adults, low levels of lead can lead to high blood pressure, and pregnant women exposed to lead can transfer it to their fetuses.
Easier Said Than Done
New Lead Paint Rules By Angeline Grenz
Homeowners who are planning a remodel or renovation of an older home take heed: new regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at lead-safe practices will likely affect the cost and time involved in these projects. 34
The regulations took effect last April with the EPA’s new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP). The rule states that renovators must be certified and practice lead-safe procedures when doing work on properties built prior to 1978, including testing for lead paint before any work that could disturb a painted surface. The rule also applies to childcare facilities and schools of the same age. The concern is fueled by the presence of lead dust in some older homes. The dust is created by deteriorating lead-based paint and lead-contaminated soil that gets tracked into homes. The dust accumulates to levels that are dangerous, especially for younger children. The new rules also dictate lead-safe work practices such as containing the dust inside the work area, minimizing the creation of dust during renovations, and carefully monitored clean up practices. Homes
While the rules make sense, and the EPA is providing education and certification to contractors, there is a lot at stake. Contractors may be subject to a fine, up to $37,500 per incident per day, for failure to follow lead-safe practices. And the fact remains that these changes are creating their share of confusion. “Going through the class [provided by EPA certified instructors], we felt it was good information and well thought out, but as we put it into use there is a feeling of being unprepared,” according to Gordon Winner, project manager for Fort Collinsbased HighCraft Builders. “The class did not provide thorough enough preparation to execute the RRP rule in its entirety across the many different projects we encounter.” Winner is referring to the certifications courses required by the EPA to become a lead-safe contractor. Contractors have the responsibility to certify as a firm to work in homes with lead paint and to train and
Lead paint-safe practices are now required on all homes built prior to 1978.
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303.794.0045
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Mark R. Bush, MD. i=ACOG. i=ACS • MichaelS. Swanson, MD. i=ACOG • Tiffany A. Von Wald. MD. MP~. i=ACOG
Percentage of Homes Likely to Contain Lead
24%
Between 1960 - 1978
69%
Between 1940 - 1960
87%
Before 1940 0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.
certify designated employees as lead-safe renovators who are required to monitor projects to ensure proper RRP procedures are followed. HighCraft is a certified firm and has five certified renovators on staff. As of January of this year, 75,300 firms nationally and 1,300 Colorado firms have been certified. Between 440,000 and 589,000 renovators have been certified nationally, with between 8,900 to 12,000 renovators in Colorado, according to Reichmuth. The certification costs $300 for the firm and approximately $400 for two employees. Part of the difficulty lies in the lead-safe process. When a homeowner hires an outside contractor for renovations or repairs, the contractor must first test the home for lead paint. For instance, if the project is window replacement, the contractor must test each window (inside and out) for lead paint and document with photographs the results of each test. If one window tests positive, it can be assumed lead paint will be present on the others. But if the first window tested is negative, all the others must still be tested. Homeowners who do the work themselves are encouraged, but not required, to follow the leadsafe practices. If lead paint is detected, then the process becomes very involved. The first step is to contain the area, generally with plastic and tape. Floors and furniture that cannot be moved must be covered, and doors and vents must be sealed. Warning signs are also positioned inside and outside the home where the work is to take place, and lead-safe information is made available to neighbors. Contractors are advised to avoid renovation methods that generate large amounts of dust: burning, torching, sanding, grinding, planing or blasting with power tools that are not equipped with a shroud and vacuum. A certified renovator must be present to ensure the clean up process is done according to lead-safe practices, including the use of a HEPA vacuum to clean the dust and debris from all surfaces and wet wiping. After clean up, the area is again tested and documented with photographs. All trash must be bagged in plastic and removed after the project. Along with the time generated by the extra steps, there is the added expense of the extra materials – much of it plastic that finds its way to the landfill after the project concludes. One local contractor estimated that a recent project of modest size required approximately 2,500 square feet of plastic that ended up in the landfill. “This process requires a lot of extra time and
36
materials [when you follow the EPA’s regulations for disposal],” says Jim Kunze, project manager for Kessler Construction Co. in Fort Collins. “And not everything from a construction site easily fits into a plastic bag.” Kessler is a certified firm with five lead-safe certified renovators. Though Reichmuth says the regulations are not as stringent as those in place for asbestos, the process does incur additional time and cost on the part of the remodeler and, ultimately, the homeowner. “It is a slow, tedious, meticulous process,” says Winner. “You don’t realize how time consuming it can be.” Winner says that the expectation is, as contractors become more adept at the lead-safe practices, the process will become easier. The EPA certification process, adds Kunze, instructs mostly on the whys of lead-safe practices and the paperwork involved, focusing little on the practical how-to. “So many challenges present themselves on the project... that may not have been considered when the EPA put out their requirements.” The potential harm to a homeowner’s landscaping when delicate grass and plants are under hot plastic all day is just one problem that he has already encountered. General contractors, residential rental property owners and managers, and special trade contractors (painters, plumbers, carpenters and electricians) must follow the requirements. Work includes remodeling, repair/maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry and window replacement.
Added Expense and Buyer Beware Initial reports from the EPA estimate an average cost increase of approximately $140 per job. However, local contractors say these figures just don’t add up. Mark Smith (name has been changed), a Fort Collins contractor who runs a small business, says he figures with initial certifications and additional materials he was required to purchase to comply with lead-safe practices, he has already invested $1,500 in the process before his first pre-1978 home remodel. Smith’s first project to test positive for lead paint was a window replacement job on a 1940s home in Fort Collins. He charged an additional $150 per window to the homeowner for the lead-safe requirements. At the conclusion of the project, Smith found he had underestimated the additional expense of time and materials and would likely have to charge an average of $200 per window, with up to as much as $300 per window, for any future projects. “For a small guy, this all adds up,” he says. “In all honesty, I am going to avoid these projects as much
as possible. And it will reduce my customer scope significantly. But I am a worrier, and I have lost a phenomenal amount of sleep over these regulations.” Part of Smith’s concern is the fact that fines doled out by the EPA are significant and would put him out of business. His other fear? To his knowledge, contractors cannot insure against any potential lawsuits brought by homeowners if there is lead contamination despite their best efforts to follow lead-safe practices. “For big or small companies, there is no insurance we can buy to cover ourselves.” HighCraft echoes those concerns. “There is absolutely a feeling of risk involved, though I would like to believe that the EPA will help you through the process,” says Winner. Reichmuth acknowledges that the lawsuit potential does exist for contractors. “The fines are extremely steep,” adds Kunze. “Our intent is to go out there and do things right, but they [the EPA] don’t say they are willing to give you much latitude.” Kunze was told in his certification class that whether it is a fine or a warning that is given is completely up to the EPA inspector and “whatever mood they are in that day.” The EPA has not, to Reichmuth’s knowledge, levied any fines against contractors who are in violation of the regulations. “We are still doing a lot of compliance assistance and outreach at this point,” she says. However, she says the EPA’s tip and complaints program has been receiving a lot of calls. “Quite a few contractors call to say they gave a bid, but did not get the job, and later find that the homeowner hired a contractor that is not using lead-safe practices.” Another common complaint Reichmuth has encountered is from homeowners who were charged extra for the lead-safe procedures, only to find that the contractor did not follow through with the regulations. The EPA recommends homeowners verify that contractors are in compliance by asking to see their certification. They also recommend asking contractors to describe their lead-safe methods and request references for recent jobs done on homes built before 1978. The EPA will be conducting a public awareness campaign about lead safety in conjunction with HUD and other organizations in an effort to increase public understanding of lead poisoning and safety practices. “Lead has not been on the public’s radars since it was banned in the 70s,” says Reichmuth. “But it is still on our walls and it is still a hazard.” Local real estate agent Angie McKevitt, part of a Re/Max Advanced team that specializes in Old Town properties, says homeowners would be smart to get educated about the potential implications now. “In my 11 years as a Realtor, I have never had a buyer request a risk assessment for lead paint. But with these new rules in place, that may be something that comes our way.” McKevitt adds that homeowners looking to sell may be forced to tackle potentially expensive remodel efforts to bring their homes into FHA compliance, if they have lead paint that is peeling or deteriorating in their homes prior to placing them on the market. In the meantime, she encourages homeowners to work with reputable local contractors that are certified and educated in lead-safe procedures. For more information on lead-safe practices, the EPA’s Renovate Right pamphlet is available on their website at www.epa.gov/getleadsafe. Angeline Grenz is editor for Style Magazine.
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RE/MAXAlliance I 970-226-3990 4703 A Boardwalk Drive, Fort Collins
REIMAXAction Brokers I 970-229-9200 4102 S. Timberline Rd., Fort Collins
RE/MAXAlliance I 970-482-1781 215 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins
REIMAXAction Brokers I 970-612-9200 1685 Rocky Mountain Avenue, Loveland
RE/MAX Alliance I 970-669-1234 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland
RE/MAXAlliance I 970-330-5000 5586 W. 19th Street Ste. 2000, Greeley
Out tan in www.REMAX.com Each office independently owned & operated
Sharianne Daily Alliance I 215-8844
Dana Goode Advanced I 231-6507
Bruce Hansford Advanced I 215-6428
Fran Hardman Advanced I 227-5486
Jennifer Kelly Alliance I 581-9005
SandfLee Advanced 227-0014
MarnieLong Alliance I 481-8613
Scott Mcintosh Alliance I 218-9707
Angie McKevitt Advanced I 402-6430
Mary Miller Advanced 1391-7513
Tamera Nelson Alliance I 420-0040
RitaOhe Alliance I 215-3068
Mary Ann Ozmina Alliance I 222-9594
Janell Prussman Alliance I 691-1727
Dennis Schick Alliance 1567-3942
Peggy Schram Alliance I 222-4107
Diane Sherry Alliance I 310-8643
Dean Smith Alliance 1215-8177
Jan Thayer I 229-9911 Alliance 38
TrudyTrimbath Action Brokers I 556-7525
Gene Vaughan Alliance I 227-5968
Gwen Wallich Action Brokers I 443-2382
Denny Whitehead JeffWilliams Alliance I 229-9911 I 481-5329 AllianceMagazine Lydiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STYLE
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
bright ideas Green Services
Available in Northern Colorado Looking to become more “green” in the new year? These service companies fill everyday needs in an ecologically conscious, sustainable way:
clean green
n
Cleaning With A Conscience
Clean N’ Green 2015 2nd Avenue, Unit K Greeley, (970) 301-4362 www.CleanNGreenOnline.com
Residential & Commercial Green Cleaning Keith Gregory, president and founder of Clean N’Green, has always believed that business should operate with a conscience; but surprisingly, when he set out looking for eco-friendly cleaning, he found few companies concerned with minimizing their impact on the health of the planet and the clients they served. “Cleaning is an interesting business,” Gregory says. “You have to trust the people doing the cleaning; but furthermore, you have to trust in the products they use. We decided to build a company that our clients can rely on and believe in. Health and quality of life are paramount to us.” So, with a goal of shifting the focus from the use of toxic products and harsh chemicals, Gregory set out to build a cleaning company founded on integrity, honesty and sustainability. Offering traditional home and janitorial services in addition to carpet and window cleaning, Clean N’ Green has built its commercial and residential cleaning business using only eco-friendly cleaning products. Serving all of Northern Colorado, the company works to assist clients in decreasing the environmental impact of their home, office and daily choices. “We hope to help people shift their thinking by making our services affordable, accessible and convenient,” notes Gregory. “We believe that when you choose to hire a cleaning company, you are choosing to enhance your quality of life. To be able to enhance quality of life, we must be committed to respecting our people and our planet by living our mission of providing cleaning with a conscience.”
Green Dry Cleaning
Amy’s Green Dry Cleaning Fort Collins: 1829 E. Harmony Road (970) 226-0453 353 W. Drake Road (970) 226-0720 Loveland: 273 D 29th Street (970) 667-1177 440 N. Jefferson (970) 669-2505
Amy’s Green Dry Cleaning is the only dry cleaner in Northern Colorado using the earth friendly cleaning methods of Green Earth – a pure liquid silicone that leaves no smell on clothing because it isn’t a chemical. Her dry cleaning plant is a bronze environmental achievement recipient from the state of Colorado. “Sometimes, the word ‘green’ can be misleading,” says Amy Erion, owner. “Such is the case with dry cleaning.” Most dry cleaners use perchloroethlyene (perc) or hydrocarbon – petroleum-based solvents. “Perc is classified as a toxic air contaminant and is a carcinogen, and hydrocarbon is classified as a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC). Green Earth Cleaning is safe for the clothes, the customer, and the environment.” The benefits are numerous. “It maintains colors brighter, doesn’t shrink clothes and extends the life of the clothes by 30 percent.” And you don’t have to sacrifice price for green dry cleaning services. Erion’s dry cleaning prices are slightly lower than most area cleaners, due in part to the fact that she does not have to pay for the removal of the toxic byproducts created by other dry cleaners. Amy’s Green Dry Cleaning not only uses the most environmentally safe cleaning methods, the plastic – a special plastic made from cornstarch – used to package the clothing is 100 percent biodegradable. Amy’s has also converted the lighting at her stores to eco-friendly lighting options and reduced energy use by 30 percent. And her processing plant has a closed loop water system with zero water waste. From the cleaning process to the hanger-recycling program, Amy’s is a true green, environmentally friendly cleaner.
www.amysgreendrycleaning.com
Style 2011
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Building Northern Colorado
Special Advertising Section
Year-Round
Outdoor Living
With Colorado’s four distinctly beautiful seasons, why not enjoy each one to the full? Colorado has a substantial number of sunny days and a pleasant climate that allow us to be outdoors much of the year. When the Ward family came to Lindgren, they wanted to capitalize on those fabulous qualities that make Colorado such a wonderful place to live. Their upscale home with picturesque lake views near Windsor had the potential, but the existing landscape was lackluster, lacking charm and a functional use of space. “We had lived there two summers,” recalls homeowner Avis Ward, “and we didn’t spend any time outside.” Despite plenty of space and lots of design possibilities, the Ward’s covered patio was a cramped, plain space of grey concrete patio, almost always fully shaded with very little room for sitting or entertaining. Their 13-year-old son also had some requests: an in ground trampoline and a dog, which would require the addition of a fence around the property. “We started the process in the winter,” says Avis. “Georgia, the landscape designer, was incredible to work with. She listened to our input and suggestions and it just evolved into this incredible outdoor space.” Lindgren consulted with the Wards on their goals and how to create an aesthetic design that incorporated
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Before
Steve Glass Photos
970.226.5677 www.lindgrenlandscape.com
functionality and year-round interest. The resulting design brought in a combination of fire and water elements, with a spectacular central fountain and spa, and nearby fire pit and separate two-sided fireplace. One side features a sumptuous seating area with built-in television in the mantle and on the opposite side sits the spa and fountain. The back patio was demolished and a new patio was constructed of concrete pavers. Within the design, decorative banding and circle patterns were incorporated to add interest, and different colors were used to make areas of the patio feel like separate spaces. “The pavers are beautiful and the design makes it feel like there are several different levels to the design,” adds Avis. Plenty of seating was added so that the Wards and their guests could make full use of the new patio. Lindgren also created a beautiful landscape that was not diminished just because summer’s flowers had discontinued blooming. Other clever details include a sunken trampoline, surrounded by plantings that created interest but did not block lake views or overshadow the other elements, and a fence and dog run were added to corral the newest member of the family. Pockets of shade perennials planted in cutouts in the patio break up the backdrop of stone against the house while annuals add a splash of bright color in the summer and fall. During the fall months, the Wards can roast marshmallows at the fire pit and during the winter they can enjoy the falling snow from the steamy warmth of their spa with the fireplace flickering in the background. Outdoor lighting enhances the warm, ambient atmosphere at night, while outdoor audio sets the tone for a fun party or a romantic evening just enjoying a glass of wine by the fire. The Wards spent last summer reveling in their new landscape, and countless nights entertaining, which was made easy and fun with four separate areas for people to relax and hang out. “The whole unity of the landscape makes it such a comfortable space for entertaining,” says Avis. “When you have something like this, you just want to share it with family and friends.” The Wards have been able to enjoy the outdoor living area into fall and winter as well. “The two-sided fireplace is one of our favorite features, we use it year round.” The experience was so rewarding, the Wards have continued their relationship with the Lindgren family. Avis says, “We spent an incredible amount of time with Lindgren designing our landscape. They really became like family. It was a great experience.”
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Building Northern Colorado
Special Advertising Section
“HighCraft Home Services recently completed a remodel of my master bath. They were very responsive to my needs, listened to what I wanted, were professional and provided a good turnaround time. My new bathroom turned out beautifully. In fact, I was so pleased with them that they are now remodeling my kitchen!” – Nancy Schwartz
HighCraft Home Services After years of tackling their clients’ large remodel and addition projects, HighCraft Builders began to notice a pattern: clients were continually requesting their services on smaller scale projects – those honey-do list items that never seem to get done. HighCraft decided to do something about it and fill a need in the community by creating a maintenance and home services division that can handle smaller projects quickly; with a name people can trust. HighCraft Home Services will tackle any repairs, maintenance, small-scale remodel projects, and home energy assessments and solutions you might need. From window replacements to a new bathroom, Home Services can complete any project, large or small, that does not require architectural design work. Their interior designer is even available for consultation on smaller remodel work. Two Home Services teams are equipped to take care of projects quickly and resourcefully. The teams are comprised of trained, skilled carpenters who are employees of HighCraft. They offer the same fixed price guarantee, with guaranteed completion times and a 5-year warranty that they offer on their large-scale remodel projects. “We want our Home Services clients to come away with the same experience as any other
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client,” says Dwight Sailer, HighCraft co-founder. The new service offering took off in 2010, its pilot year. “We have exceeded our expectations for success within the first year. We are really thrilled to be able to fulfill such an important need in the community,” says Bryan Soth, Sailer’s partner and co-founder. “Who doesn’t have a list of home projects they need done?” To date, HighCraft Home Services has done simple projects, such as plumbing repairs, up to small kitchen remodels. They can even offer the luxury of custom cabinetry additions, without the project being a full-blown remodel. Their team will tackle projects that range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars with the same professionalism and quality work. They are also responsive and willing to accommodate the needs of any homeowner. HighCraft Home Services provides clients with several payment options. They accept credit cards, allowing accumulation of those precious airline miles, and offer project financing. Whatever your project, HighCraft Home Services can provide the help you need. Call them today at (970) 472-8100.
970.472.8100 www.highcrafthomeservices.net 43
Building Northern Colorado
Special Advertising Section
Schilling Interiors Design Studio is where the lines between expertise, quality and professionalism meet. Specializing in sales and installation of tile, hardwood, carpet and natural stone, they offer inspired designs as well as custom installation by experienced professionals. Schilling Interiors also provides cabinetry by Cloud 9 Kitchen Design and Wellborn Cabinets (see their ad on page 32). Their Design Studio can help you orchestrate your project by using tried and trusted craftsmen to allow your remodel or new build to be painless, with as much or as little assistance as their clients require. They are willing and able to assist with any size job, remodel or new construction. The Studio itself reflects the passion and understanding of current yet timeless designs. Their designers take the Art of Design seriouslyâ&#x20AC;Ś creating a personal identity for their clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homes and businesses. The energy in the Studio is refreshing when compared to your typical showroom. The Studio is an interactive tool equipped with samples, mock-ups, examples and design concept boards created by the Interior Design team to help their clients visualize designs and feel confident with selections being made. The Schilling family has owned and operated small businesses in Fort Collins for over 50 years. The owners are third generation Fort Collins natives, and their love and pride for the Fort Collins community is apparent in everything they do, such as proudly employing CSU interior design graduates to guide you in all interior design needs. They also proudly use local contractors and vendors for products and service. Craftsmanship and integrity have been passed down through three generations and is something they hold in the highest regard. Schilling Interiors continues this legacy by offering professional interior design services to help guide the material selection and installation process. Their team is highly experienced in both residential and commercial construction. The Schilling Interiors Design Studio recently moved locations and can now be found in central Fort Collins at 902 West Drake Road in Market Center. They are proud to be your local one stop shop for all your design and interior needs. They look forward to meeting and welcoming you to the Schilling family.
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902 West Drake Rd., Unit #7 Fort Collins, CO 970.282.1352 www.schillinginteriors.com Joe Kingry Photography at www.joekingry.com
Building Northern Colorado
Special Advertising Section
Lighting transforms a room, sets the moods, and changes the spaces we live and work in every day. At The Light Center, we have bright ideas that can help you create the spaces you desire. Our team of lighting experts can help you navigate the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest selection of lighting to find inspired lighting designs that work for you. Visit The Light Center on South College Avenue in Fort Collins today for all of your lighting needs.
This dramatic wrought iron chandelier accentuates the tall ceilings with its vertical lines and coordinates with the iron stair railing for an overall, cohesive impact. The addition of warm texture and color to the kitchen can be accomplished with pendants made of interesting materials in simple, yet striking lines, such as these Onyx stone pendant lights.
2725 S. College Ave., Fort Collins 970.226.3430 www.lightcenterinc.com
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Building Northern Colorado
Special Advertising Section
c
Artist’s rendering, for promotional purposes only
• A TIMELESS RESIDENCE • www.LifeAtArrowhead.com
Kathy Albertz & Linda Hopkins 970.229.0700 46
Arrowhead brings together the richness of Colorado’s history with the elegance and luxury available only through the skill of today’s custom builders. Situated at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, in the shadows of majestic Longs and Meeker Peaks, is the long ago home of some of Colorado’s first inhabitants. These ancient cultures revered the Great Plains for their abundant quality of life. Today is no different, and the rich history of this land is celebrated by the Everitt family in their newest residential masterpiece – Arrowhead. The development serves as a tribute to the history of our first inhabitants with its classic architecture and timeless interior design. The initial project includes two three-story buildings with 10 units per building. The buildings offer amenities such as drive-in garages at ground level, high-end design finishes, and an on-site interior designer to aid in selections. A third building is planned for a later phase of the project. The condos are all two-bedroom units ranging from 1,341 to 3,792 square feet. Upper units also feature sunrooms and sublime mountain views. The upscale condos will range in price from $385,000 to $1,150,000. The units will carry the theme with a lodge-feel interior. Nearby amenities include dining, shopping, fitness centers and more. In addition to the recognition of Colorado’s first dwellers, the Arrowhead project is designed to celebrate some of our more modern history. It was during the early 1950s that Bob Everitt opened a small lumberyard on North College Avenue in Fort Collins. Bob expanded that into his development business with his first neighborhood, Indian Hills. That classic Fort Collins neighborhood was named in part as a tribute to those first cultures and today the neighborhood still thrives. Today the Everitt family is a fourth generation family business. Arrowhead serves as a legacy to the accomplishments of Bob Everitt and to the abundant quality of life available along the Front Range.
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Building Northern Colorado
Special Advertising Section
creating an
Artful Interior
“I think the best part of working with Hixon Interiors was the professional approach to the project. It was a very seamless experience.” - Homeowner B.K.
Just about everyone has one of those rooms that no one seems to use. Possibly it’s because of poor lighting, uncomfortable furniture or an inconvenient layout. This was one of those rooms. It was the formal living room, just off the entry. Hixon Interiors was challenged with creating a room that would draw guests in and relieve the stiffness of the formal space. The owners wanted to transform the room into an inviting place with a cozy, English library feel to it – a place for entertaining and listening to music. The transformation began with new lighting on dimmers along with glazed walls to give it a subdued, lived in feel. The dated oak fireplace was replaced with a cast stone and marble surround, creating an eye-catching contrast between the light stone and rich alder wood cabinets. A warm conversation area was formed from a compilation of new furniture and reupholstered pieces the clients already owned. New wood floors and a large area rug tied the room together. The final touch was to accessorize the room with the clients’ own artwork and treasures, blending it with the rest of the house so that it felt like the owners had long lovingly used the space. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that this is where drinks are served.
970.484.5192 | www.hixon-interiors.com
the origin
Valentine’s Day of
By Audrey Springer
For this was Saint Valentine’s Day When every bird cometh there to choose his mate. - Geoffrey Chaucer
A priest marries a young couple in secret. No, it’s not Romeo and Juliet, but that story bears similarities to one of the legends of Saint Valentine, patron saint of love. According to the story, the Emperor of Rome had forbidden his soldiers to marry because it distracted them from their work. Saint Valentine married couples against the emperor’s decree, and when it was discovered he was martyred for it. Another popular legend says that a Saint Valentine was jailed and eventually martyred for trying to convert the Emperor to Christianity. While in jail, he fell in love with his jailer’s daughter, and the night before his death, he sent her the first valentine. Whatever Valentine’s Day’s true origins are, it’s likely related to the fertility festival Lupercalia, celebrated between the 13 and 15 of February to cleanse the city of Rome and restore health. This less-than-romantic pagan holiday was abolished by Pope Gelaius I, who established February 14 as Valentine’s Day in 500 AD. Even then, the holiday didn’t feature lovebirds. Not until the 1300s and Geoffrey Chaucer did Valentine’s Day start to be associated with romantic love. On Valentine’s Day in 1400 AD, Paris established a high court of love, where judges – chosen by women based on poetry readings – ruled on love contracts and betrayals. After that, Valentine’s Day becomes more prominent, appearing frequently in literature from Shakespeare to nursery rhymes (where the “Roses are red” poem originates). At the end of the 18th century, Valentine’s cards became widespread in Europe, and the U.S. soon followed. Chocolates, roses, and jewelry gained popularity as gifts in the U.S. in the 20th century. Today, gift ideas abound. However, the best gift is to give and feel love that lasts beyond February 14th. ♥ Audrey Springer is editorial assistant for Style Magazine.
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LifeStyle
Com•palat•able Conversations where hospitality and food come together By Paul Pellegrino
“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink... ” ~ Epicurus
I
n the month of love, what could be better than the combined pleasures of romance and food? All should be so fortunate to pair the two together! It is with this thought that I introduce my food column that will be featured in Style Magazine this year. As I reflect on the many influences throughout my life, none have been stronger than the love of my family and its continued expression in the way we eat. I have been a chef and caterer for 32 years (more than 40 if you count my years growing up in the restaurant business with my dad). Those years are soundly shaped by my Italian upbringing, my beloved father, and my travels. But February’s story is about amore, and my story is a good one. Let me tell you about my little Nenita. Ours is not a traditional love story, but it is one that crosses continents and languages and has resulted in a partnership in love and food that has endured for more than two decades. In 1988 I located to Fort Collins and became a chef at Beaver Meadows Resort in Red Feather Lakes. Each day, I would wake up, start the furnace and prepare a country breakfast for the guests. After breakfast, I worked in the rental shop, and then went back upstairs to start lunch. After dinner I would head to the bar to serve as bartender. Then I would close down the cabin and bank the furnace for the evening. I kept up this schedule six days a week, earning a paltry $200 a week, plus my boarding. It was a hard, lonely way to make a living. One evening I was invited to a gathering at the Red Feathers First Aid Department. As I walked in I noticed a board filled with pictures of people from all over the world. I scanned the photos and focused in on one young lady. She was 19 years old, from the Philippines. Her name was Nenita San Carlos. I was drawn to her photo and mailed her a letter soon after. Months went by and I finally received a response. We began to write frequently, and our letter-writing affair lasted 18 months. Today,
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Paul and Nenita Pellegrino still enjoy working together after 16 years in the catering business.
after 21 years of marriage, these letters are kept in a scrapbook, in order and dated to pass on to our children. After a couple of postponed dates to go to the Philippines, I finally booked a trip to meet Nenita in 1990. Our courtship had progressed through our letters, and we expressed the intent to marry as soon as I arrived. When I landed at the airport in Manila, I was greeted by a swarm of people. It was overwhelming; for a moment my vision blurred and I couldn’t even remember what Nenita looked like. Then someone grabbed my arm and pulled me to safety. We jumped into a car and took off with a driver. I finally had the chance to catch my first real glimpse of Nenita. I remember saying to myself, “This is the moment you have been waiting for, what are you going to do?” I took out the modest ring I had with me and formalized our engagement right there in the car. I forget the exact words I said, but it was very traditional and the language barrier made things difficult. In the end, I put the ring on her finger without the question being formally asked – her giggles and smiles told me the answer. Our first stop the next day was town hall to get a marriage license and schedule a ceremony with the judge. The date was February 14, 1990, and we were hopeful that Valentine’s Day would be our wedding day. However, the judge was not available. Though we called throughout the day, we had no luck. The following day we were able to get the judge to marry us. We began thinking creatively, and realized that February 15 was actually February 14 in the U.S. because of the time difference. So we celebrate our wedding on Valentine’s Day every year. With one of Nenita’s relatives standing in as my best man, we were married. Now we had just minutes to plan a reception. We contacted Max’s House of Chicken. Despite its name, the restaurant was very white glove, with a large room upstairs for events. We did not have enough people to call
it a reception, so we invited most of town hall to attend. Despite the rush, that night we ate well, celebrated our wedding and the reception cost us a mere $75 U.S., with a $25 tip, for 50 people. We took our honeymoon on a remote island called Boracay. On the island, there was no fresh water or electric except a generator that ran for four hours per day. We stayed in a tree house, sleeping under mosquito netting. It was so dark at night you could not see your hand in front of your face. The food couldn’t get any fresher. The house girl would literally snap the neck of a chicken and start cleaning our lunch, a dish called Adobo Chicken, or Manok, simmered in lemon juice, onion, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, and black peppercorns served with steamed white rice. It was just one of the many meals made in this rustic setting that continue to haunt me with their delicious flavors. After our honeymoon, Nenita and I lived for some time in New Jersey in a house with my mother and aunt. They took Nenita under their wing and began to induct her into the Italian way of life. She took to their instruction like a natural. During this time our first child was born. For four years, Nenita and I lived in the Cayman Islands, where I worked as an executive chef at a hotel. Then we chose to make Fort Collins our permanent home. For some time I worked at Fort Collins Country Club as a prep cook and later a short order cook at Gazebo Grill. During that time I began to get acquainted with many from the community who would later become some of my best clients. In 1996 I purchased All Occasions Catering from a close friend of my brother’s. It was a very small operation – just one person, me – with a kitchen on Oak Street. At the same time Nenita obtained work at Colorado State University in their catering department. She worked there and helped at All Occasions until we were busy enough for her to leave CSU. I was happy that we were together working again. My little Nenita has a habit of taking something she learns and bringing it to a new level. That skill has
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
helped us build All Occasions into what it is today. Everyone has a recipe for love. Some have many, many ingredients. Some take more adapting to get just right. And sometimes you are lucky, and they just fall together perfectly. Here is a luscious little recipe to share with your sweetheart this month. It is a savory take on the French Napoleon. The colors and flavors are rich and lusty, perfect for this time of year.
Vegetables Napoleon ~ Olive Oil, roughly 2 tbs. ~ 1 Eggplant ~ 1 Onion ~ 1 Red Bell Pepper ~ 1 Yukon Gold Potato ~ 1 Zucchini, sliced lengthwise ~ 2 Roma Tomatoes ~ Kosher Salt ~ Fresh Black Pepper ~ Whole Milk Ricotta, 2 cups ~ Fresh Rosemary Springs, for garnish Slice all vegetables into ½â&#x20AC;? thickness. Spread vegetables out on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh black pepper and kosher salt. Bake in a 425-degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Pull out of oven and set aside to cool. Once vegetables have cooled, layer together into two stacks with a layer of ricotta cheese between each. Spear with a fresh rosemary sprig. Enjoy. Style 2011
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Family Style
Conference Connects with
Young Women By Heather Schichtel
“If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a nation.” – Dr. James Emmanuel KwegyirAggrey, Ghanaian Scholar
A
ll of us search for and desire a sense of community. In this day of Facebook, Twitter, texts and instant messaging, we are connected to the world in a way we have never been before. But do those connections bring us together in a truly meaningful way? Can we know what our friends and family really think and feel through a 100-character text? Can our younger generation develop supportive friendships through a Facebook post? The Journey Conference for Young Women in Fort Collins gives all women, young and old, a sense of true community, a chance to connect with each other and to learn and mentor. For one day in April, women in Fort Collins convene with our future female leaders, girls in 10th- to 12th-grade, to talk about what is important, impactful and possibly life-changing. The mission of the Journey Conference is “to mentor, motivate, and inspire young women in Poudre School District through a dynamic and meaningful intergenerational conference experience that empowers them to change their world.” This year’s conference will be held April 26 at the Marriott Hotel in Fort Collins. “It is difficult for young women to have all of the healthy connections and support they need,” says Kori Wilford, co-chairperson of the Journey Conference. “If you don’t feel like you can reach out to your support group, it’s easy to get a false sense of who you are and your place in this world.” The conference is a chance for young women to find their place. Panels include women from different countries, financial situations and backgrounds to give young women many different points of view. The keynote speaker for the 2011 Journey Conference is Ashley Shuyler, founder of AfricAid, a nonprofit organization that supports girls’ education
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Ashley Shuyler, Journey Conference’s 2011 keynote speaker, started AfricAid at the young age of 16. AfricAid has raised almost $1 million to support students in Tanzania.
in Africa. The goal of AfricAid is to provide young women with the opportunity to transform their own lives and the futures of their communities through education. When Shuyler was 11, she traveled to Tanzania with her family. She was struck by the poverty in the area – especially among children her own age – and became determined to do something about it. In 2001, she formed AfricAid. Shuyler was only 16 years old when she developed this non-profit. In 10 years, AfricAid has raised almost a million dollars and supported over 40,000 Tanzanian students. The results are dramatic: In Tanzania, 95 percent of girls don’t finish a high school education. Yet when girls are educated, they are three times less likely to develop AIDS. Girls who attend school marry later and have fewer, healthier children, and their children have a 40 percent better chance of living to age five. Girls tend to stay within the community, reinforcing what they have learned within their own village. Ashley’s success story tells young women that you don’t need a lot of money to make a difference in this world. You can be a 16-year-old girl with a dream to make an impact. Fort Collins is not Tanzania. But even in the U.S., we can do a better job of raising young women to be strong, empowered leaders. The United States has a teen pregnancy rate that is significantly higher than other industrialized countries. The high school dropout rate in the U.S. is 10 percent. On average, we spend only 40 minutes a week having a meaningful conversation with our children. Everyday demands do not always allow for us to mentor and connect with our teenagers the way we feel we should. It does, after all, take a village to raise a child, and the Journey Conference provides
that village for a day. Previous participants of the Journey Conference are encouraged to sit on the planning committee for the next year, to provide insight on what is important and what young women can benefit from most. Session topics include “Health – For Girls Only!,” which gives girls an opportunity to ask important questions about their own bodies, birth control and how to stay healthy – questions they might be embarrassed to ask anyone else. “Queen Bees and Mean Girls” was a popular session last year focusing on the dark side of female friendship and rivalry, when competition among friends is healthy, and when it isn’t and how to cultivate healthy female relationships. One attendee commented on the Mean Girls session, “Mainly the positive attitude the presenter had struck me. I would really like to be as positive as she is. I have not been hurt like she was, but I’m kind of a floater and don’t quite fit in.” Another session focuses on the important topic of gender issues and sexuality, offering an open and supportive discussion on human sexuality and gender identity. One young woman commented, “I learned that it’s okay to be different.” It’s not all so serious. Women learn Zumba dance, yoga and jewelry making, and the ever-popular, “It’s Your Body, Decorate It (or Not!),” features Ryan Corley talking about ownership and respect of your own body, safe piercing and tattooing protocol, and the all important lesson to never, ever tattoo someone else’s name on your body, no matter how much you like them. The Journey Conference will celebrate its 13th year in 2011. It is free of charge to conference attendees. A majority of funding comes from personal donations within the community. “We are so proud that we can hold this conference
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
without big, corporate sponsorship,” says Wilford. “We never want the girls to feel like we are trying to sell them something or endorse a product. This is a very grassroots organization.” The Journey Conference relys on the efforts of volunteers who plan the entire event. “It is a committed group of busy women,” says Wilford. “We are professionals, we are moms, we are balancing home and work, but we all believe strongly in this cause. Everyone pitches in and every year we have a great conference.” Speakers also volunteer their time to be at the event. “It is so exciting to see the professional women of this area want to come for the day and present at the Journey Conference,” says Wilford. “I think it enforces to the girls how important they are. The conference provides a diverse professional group that all young women can relate to, encouraging them to be exactly who they are.” Journey Conference will be holding a fundraiser at Bas Bleu Theatre on March 1, where they will be screening the film Iron Jawed Angels to honor National Women’s History Month. “We’re encouraging women – girls and mothers and grandmothers – to help us all remember the work our foremothers did to ensure our right to vote, to raise awareness, and to hopefully raise some funds for the conference,” says Wilford. Additional details will be up soon on the Journey website, www.fortcollinsjourneyconference.org. Heather Schichtel is a freelance writer and marketing professional living in Loveland. You can find her at her daily blog: www.samsmom-heathers.blogspot.com
Style 2011
Last year’s conference featured topics from body image to Zumba lessons. Serious topics were intermingled with fun sessions to give young women a sense of community and access to role models from many different walks of life.
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LifeStyle
Building an Arts Community:
Artspace Comes to Loveland By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer Loveland has long been known as an artsy sort of place. Each year the city hosts the largest juried sculpture show in the country, and for years it was home to four large foundries. Despite the closure of several foundries, Loveland still boasts many artists and art galleries. Its status as an “arts town” will soon garner even more validation with a development by Artspace USA. Artspace is a developer of communities dedicated to art. By building from the ground up or renovating an existing building, they create a dedicated arts community. The organization owns and operates the development, keeping it affordable. “In so many markets, artists have been displaced because of high rents,” says Wendy Holmes, senior vice president of consulting and strategic partnerships at Artspace. “That is why we were founded, to stop that cycle of displacement.” Founded in 1979 by the city of Minneapolis, Artspace became an independent, non-profit organization a year later. “Our mission is to create, foster and preserve affordable space for individual artists and art organizations,” explains Holmes. In October of last year, the city of Loveland signed a pre-development agreement with Artspace. While groundbreaking on the planned development is at least two years away, the work has already begun. “Our focus is downtown Loveland,” says Holmes. “Now we are beginning to investigate possible sites and buildings that might serve our purpose.” The goal of the Loveland project is to develop a space that will include 40 to 45 artist apartments, several working studios and an exhibition area, as well as commercial space for creative non-profit or for profit businesses. Typically 10 to 15 percent of the capital costs for Artspace developments come from philanthropic organizations, corporate foundations or individuals, and this will be the case in Loveland. Nearly all of the preliminary money for the first phases of this
project comes from the city of Loveland. “For the city it’s a win-win because we can put the money in on the front end and then take the benefit at the back end and we don’t have the cost of maintaining it into perpetuity,” explains Mike Scholl, senior planner with the city of Loveland. There are two qualifications an artist must meet to be eligible for Artspace housing. First, the artist’s income must be at or below 60 percent of the area median income, because the units are being funded in part by low-income housing tax credits through the federal government. Second, the artist must demonstrate a commitment to a craft or artistic pursuit in visual arts, theater, dance or some other creative genre. Artspace assembles a group of local artists who judge the applicants. “We aren’t judging on quality, but rather on commitment and passion,” explains Holmes. To date, Artspace has 27 completed projects around the United States, and each has evolved in its own way. For example, one community installed a sprung floor because many of the residents are pursuing careers in dance. The Artspace project dovetails with the city of Loveland’s strategy for the long-term revitalization of downtown. “We’ve adopted a plan that is real estate focused and value based,” says Scholl. He stresses that Loveland has a long way to go and Artspace is just one step in laying the foundation for many more revitalization projects in the future. “We are a center for the arts along the Front Range, and in Northern Colorado, and this will only enhance that reputation,” Scholl continues. “I think Artspace elevates what we are trying to do downtown. And I think really, what we are trying to do is make the downtown the center of that universe, more so than it ever has been.”
S p a r k Yo u r R o m a n ce with
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A R T CU LTU RE
Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer, journalist and MayorofHeidiTown.com.
By Ryan Keiffer
F
ebruary is a time to focus on love, and growing up in Fort Collins I have developed a deep love for this community. I graduated from Colorado State University, and after a few years of exploring what the rest of the world had to offer, I came back to the city nestled beside the Rocky Mountains. In the years that I have lived in Fort Collins, I have become involved with many different and diverse arts and cultures organizations. As the current Executive Director of Beet Street, I get to participate in some of the most exciting arts and culture events that this great community has to offer. Beet Street was founded in 2006 as a non-profit organization that works to develop arts and culture as an economic engine and acts
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
as a catalyst to develop Fort Collins into a nationally recognized arts and culture center and destination. Beet Street fosters, celebrates and inspires creativity in Fort Collins through diverse cultural programming and economic development assistance to our arts and culture community. If you are planning a date for you and your loved one to celebrate this romantic month, or if you’re just looking for something engaging to do any time of the year, Beet Street has developed a complete calendar listing of all local arts and culture events. The symphony, local theatre productions and jazz ensembles are among the many featured listings in February. Artists, arts and culture groups, and anyone in the industry are welcome to upload their own events to add to the vast amount of entertainment possibilities in the community. The calendar is also available in a mobile version for people on the run. The calendar can be viewed at www.ArtBeetFC.com. One event you want to be sure to visit this month is Ansel Adams Masterworks. Beet Street is co-presenting this exhibit with the Fort Collins Museum of Art (FCMOA; formerly Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art). This is the first major showing in the Rocky Mountain region of photographs from the Museum Set by legendary photographer Ansel Adams. Long recognized as one of America’s premier landscape photographers, Adams (19021984) hand-selected photographs for the Museum Set, a portfolio collection of his best work. FCMOA will exhibit 48 works from the portfolio. Ansel Adams: Masterworks reveals the importance Adams placed on the visual splendor of such natural environments as the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite Valley and New Mexico. Landmark photographs such as Monolith, The Face of Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, California and Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico are included in the exhibition. It is through Adams’ photographs that many Americans have come to know and love these places. We are very excited to collaborate with FCMOA and co-present this breathtaking exhibit. Ansel Adams is a part of the history of photography and changed the way people viewed photographs as art. We encourage the community to visit the exhibit this month and experience nature without leaving downtown Fort Collins. The exhibit runs through March 15, 2011. All of us at Beet Street are thankful to be able to be a part of what makes Fort Collins so great. This February, we hope you rekindle a spark with your sweetheart and light that creative spark inside you! Style 2011
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MCKEE PRESENTS...BOOTS N BLING November 6 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland Celebrating your Western roots was the theme at the McKee Presents Gala. Hosted by The Friends of the Hospital, this 29th annual signature event delighted more than 280 business owners, physicians, community leaders and McKee Foundation supporters. Along with homegrown Colorado food and drinks, attendees enjoyed live music, mechanical bull riding, a live auction, Old West-style casino games, a Western photo booth and more. A special silent auction featured authentic Indian artifacts, circa late 1800s, donated by Ed Garrett of Loveland. The event raised more than $83,000 for the Stepping Stones Adult Day Program at McKee. Photos courtesy of Harper Point Photography.
Bonnie & Rick Sutton
Jennifer & Steve Cecil
Pam & Robin Payne
Andrea & Scott Mead
Jim & Mary McCambridge
Randy & Marge King
Jeremy & Melissa Nobi
John & Suzy Crane
AN EVENING WITH ELEANOR November 6 :: UNC Centennial Hall :: Greeley More than 50 guests attended this inaugural event for presentation of “What We Are Fighting For – Eleanor Roosevelt During World War II.” A Colorado Chautauquan and storyteller, dressed in character, delivered the presentation of this widely admired person from the 20th century. Guests also enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, desserts and champagne. Proceeds will help support the High Plains Chautauqua Festival, held annually the first week in August.
Dorothy & Pat Sullivan, Beverly & Howard Skinner
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Mary & Gail Rowe, Bob & Laurie Guthmann
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3 0 th anniversary crossroads S A F E H O U S E gala November 6 :: Hilton:: Fort Collins More than 370 guests enjoyed gourmet food, a silent auction, and a live auction featuring an inhome dinner by Chef Jay Witlen, a trip to Las Vegas, a 2010 Limited Edition New Belgium Cruiser and more. The celebrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highlight was the honoring of eight original Crossroadsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; founders, women and men of unparalleled vision and compassion, who in 1980 established the only safehouse for victims of intimate partner violence in Larimer County. The evening raised $141,000 to help Crossroads provide a safe environment for victims of domestic abuse and violence and promote positive change.
Alesa & Bill Locklear
Vicki Lutz, Bill Slye, Scott Goldstone, Nicole Collins, Lara Goldstone
Dan & Tammie Mackey
Sandra & Justin Larson
Joe & Melanie Valente
Tom Gendron, Traci Conroy
hoopla for hope benefit November 11 :: CSU Ballroom :: Fort Collins Over 150 guests gathered to celebrate the high energy, hopeful world of the 1940s. Guests enjoyed an evening of music and dancing accompanied by gourmet appetizers, desserts and beverages. The silent and live auctions included a weekend in Beaver Creek with personal ski instruction, home cooked meals and a six-day African safari. The $9,000 raised at this firsttime event will help The Matthews House continue to serve youth with little family support as they make the transition to self-sufficiency. Photos courtesy of Craig Vollmer Photography.
Carol & Gene Vaughan
Style 2011
Carrie & Wesley Galyardt, Natalie & Keith Patterson, Gwen & Steve Koenig
Justin & Lindsay Morales, Kristy & Jon Vigil
Shawn & Carolyn Davis
Steve Stansfield, Susan Wells, Gordon Wells, Cindy Stansfield
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R E S P I T E C A R E H O L I D AY B A L L November 20 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland The 28th Annual Respite Care Holiday Ball hosted more than 650 guests for an evening of elegance and celebration. The event featured beautiful décor, dinner, dancing, a raffle, and live and silent auctions. This year’s ball raised a record-breaking $200,000 for Respite Care programs. Respite Care provides short-term care for children with special needs, giving rest to parents and enhancing the quality of life for the entire family. Respite Care currently serves over 130 families in Larimer County and provides nearly 50,000 hours of care annually. Photos courtesy of www.imagecatcherman.com.
Sherry & Gary Pelton
Mark Goldrich & Prue Kaley
Trinity Prescott, Mechelle Beddoe, Sherrie Stanton
David & Sharon Neenan
Todd & Shauna Sledge
Susan Warren, Spiro Palmer, Karen Siwek
Melissa & Jeremy Nobi
Allison Hines, Karen Graham
REALITIES FOR CHILDREN NIGHTLIGHTS December 1 First Presbyterian Church Front Lawn :: Fort Collins The 13th Annual NightLights event brought out more than 1,500 bundled-up community members to kickoff the holiday festivities and support abused and neglected children locally. Children’s voices filled the night air as attendees enjoyed hot chocolate and cider. The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the 50-foot tall, one-of-a-kind NightLights Tree – featuring 25,000 blue lights and the faces of children illuminated in honor of child abuse prevention in our community. Over $100,000 was raised for Realities for Children Charities. Photos courtesy of Fotodrama Creative Photography.
Doug Anderson, Holli Milenski, Molly & Craig Secher
Jennifer Guerriero, Holli Milenski, Matt Shoup, Randy DeMario, Tony DeMario, Nancy Richardson
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Gary Ricker
Nathan Fronczak with Mariah
Joyce Dickens
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
N AT U R E G O E S W I L D
For Your Wedding or Renewal of Vows
December 2 :: Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own Fort Collins More than 500 people attended this exciting evening of family fun, music and refreshments with 100 percent of the proceeds raised from Nature Goes Wild going to the purchase of field research equipment that supports biodiversity conservation in developing countries around the world. The $13,000 raised will support 17 projects. To date IDEA WILD has supported over 2,300 projects in 70 developing countries since its beginning in 1991.
Reverend Janet Kramer, Wedding Officiant Creates Memories to Last a Lifetime Creative & Personalized Non-Denominational Ceremonies, Ceremonies and Rehearsals
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Larry Lechner, Wally Van Sickle
W E L D F O O D B A N K H O L I D AY O P E N H O U S E
Catherine Burns with long eared owl
Matt Unger
To help fill the needs of the Weld Food Bank, especially during the holidays, the community rallied to create a wonderful evening for 250 guests. The location and refreshments provided a festive backdrop for guests to meet one of Greeleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own, former Tribune publisher Jim Elsberry, and receive a personally signed copy of the book, The Power of Doing the Right Thing: Finding Success Through a Values-Driven Life. The nearly $5,400 raised will benefit the Weld Food Bank and their mission to fight hunger in Weld County.
Aaron Schneider
Alex Humphreys, Christin Paul, Ashley Shannon
Style 2011
December 15:: The Sodbuster Inn :: Greeley
Ron & Madge Randel
Robin & John Briggs
Greg & Molly McIntosh
Jean & Peter Morrell
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Mark Forsyth The Ultimate Tech Supporter By Laura Sebastian
T
he year 1972 was one of many technological breakthroughs. It was the year we became addicted to Atari’s PONG, the first wildly successful video game; the year Nixon formally launched the Space Shuttle Program; and the year of the first thrillingly techno, illuminated face of the digital watch. That year also saw a then-15-year-old Mark Forsyth begin his own first steps into what would become a lifetime of innovation: he began writing his first computer programs. Today, he is chief executive director of Fort Collins’ non-profit Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative (RMI2) and one of Northern Colorado’s frontrunners in creating technological advances. Through his work at RMI2, he also encourages and supports other technology innovators. Forsyth always knew he was an engineer at heart. “I spent my childhood taking things apart and putting them back together – lawnmowers, radios, anything mechanical. And I remember writing those first little computer programs, they were for financial things, for analysis. Back then, we worked on a teletype computer that was located in our school and it connected to a large computer that was miles away.” Forsyth, a Minnesota native from the Twin Cities area, grew up with his brother and sister, his father, an accountant for General Mills, and his mother, an English and Spanish
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teacher. By the time he hit high school, Forsyth already knew all about Hewlett Packard (HP) – “We used their equipment in school” – and decided that he wanted to work for the technology giant. He attended the Minnesota Institute of Technology in Minneapolis, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, and when HP sent a recruiter to interview the new graduates, Forsyth grabbed the opportunity. He joined HP in Loveland in 1978 and later that same year transferred to HP’s new Fort Collins campus. Forsyth began as a microprocessor design engineer, going on to lead HP in the research and development of state-of-the-art custom microprocessors, integrated circuits and computer systems hardware and software. Along the way, he was awarded four patents in advanced microprocessor chip design. He also played a key role in the formation and leadership of a strategic alliance between HP and Intel to develop and launch the Intel Itanium product family. By 2002, Forsyth was ready for new things, and left HP to serve as chief operating officer of Softology Ideaworks, a software startup, then as co-founder and manager of the Agilis Group, a management consulting firm and, finally, as owner of Zocolo, which specialized in consumer and business e-commerce services and consulting. His vast and varied experience was the perfect fit for his current position with RMI2, which began in 1998 as the Fort Collins Technology Incubator and was re-imagined in 2007 as the Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative. As Forsyth puts it, “RMI2 helps accelerate the growth of new startup companies devoted to using technology to solve problems in the world, specifically clean energy, bio sciences, information technology and new technology to improve the clean water supply of the world. “We’re also part of a larger mission to make Northern Colorado’s economy thrive,” he continues. “We have a new 32,000 square-foot
office at 320 E. Vine Drive in the North College urban renewal community area that houses office space, conference rooms and bioscience labs. It’s there that we – along with about one hundred volunteers who donate their time and expertise – provide meetings, advisory services, training courses, education, and help in raising capital and making connections.” When he’s not innovating up a storm, Forsyth spends time with his two children from a former marriage, Grace, 24, and Charles, 22, as well as with Lily, his Jack Russell terrier. The backpacking, guitar-playing, marathon-running Forsyth also finds a peaceful pastime at his cabin on the Blue River in Summit County, where he goes fly fishing. But it is his work and love of nurturing those with new ideas that burns most brightly for him. “I see opportunities in working with others and supporting the community,” Forsyth says. “And I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be with very intelligent, creative and passionate people who believe they can not only build the economy of our community, but change the world as well. In the past year or two we’ve seen a large spike in new entrepreneurial businesses, largely due to CSU and their research labs, and we’re also starting to get connected with national clean energy groups and the National Renewable Energy Lab. “We use the term ‘Northern Colorado Innovation Economy’ to refer to the vision we share of an economy driven by new technology, entrepreneurial clusters, information technology and the water innovation industry,” he continues. “I think the transition to a clean energy economy will be one of the biggest drivers in the next century and I love being a part of that. I love to see how technology can be used to solve problems and make the world a better place.” Contact Information: Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative 320 E. Vine Drive Fort Collins, CO 80524 (970) 221-1301 rmi2.org
in•no•vate – v. 1. to introduce something new; make changes in anything established, 2. to alter. Style invites you to nominate your Community Innovator. Send suggestions to angie@stylemedia. com for consideration.
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