O2- Willoughby Living - Vol.559

Celebrate 66 years of “Keeping Cool” with Krauss & Crane

By DENISE BELIZAR

On the Treasure Coast, one company has been helping its customers keep cool for 66 years: Krauss & Crane. To celebrate its 66th anniversary, Martin County’s oldest air conditioning contractor is offering first-time residential customers a present: Just call 772-261-9AIR(9247) and mention this article, and you’ll receive your choice of a one-time A/C tune-up (usually $121) or a diagnostic ($95) for just $66.

Krauss & Crane has installed and maintained thousands of cooling and heating systems in Martin and St. Lucie counties since the business was founded in 1957. Back then, the company was also an electrical contractor – and air conditioners were primarily small window units.

Times and technology have certainly changed, yet throughout the decades, Krauss & Crane has remained at the forefront of its industry. The company carries Trane Air Conditioning Systems as its premier brand, and is the oldest Trane Comfort Specialist™ dealer in Florida. They also offer a range of reliable Trane systems, designed to fit any application and budget, and will help you choose the equipment that’s right for you. If you’re looking for air conditioning repair, then Krauss & Crane also services all makes and models.

You’ll be glad to know that today’s “smart” systems give you more control than ever over your environment – and your electric bill. Krauss & Crane carries a selection of digital, programmable controls and thermostats that allow you to achieve optimal comfort while maximizing your system’s efficiency. You can even control your unit remotely from your smart phone.

A Commitment to Excellence

The Krauss & Crane team is committed to excellence in every aspect of the business, from equipment installation through ongoing service and support. Their NATE (National American Technician

Excellence) certified technicians are factory trained to install, service, and repair all makes and models of HVAC equipment, including Trane, Rheem, Amana and Goodman. You can also be sure that all installation and repair work is done by the book, with proper documentation and permitting.

Current customer Charlie DiToro was impressed with the technical expertise of everyone at Krauss & Crane, from his sales representative to his installation crew. DiToro, who owns several residences on the Treasure Coast, had purchased an older home and was remodeling it before moving in. He interviewed four companies prior to choosing Krauss & Crane to replace the home’s two A/C units and aging duct work.

“I was totally impressed with their sales person,” he says. “He was extremely knowledgeable and did a detailed study on the home’s air flow. The service crew was spectacular. They kept me informed and kept the job site clean. I’ve had a lot of experience with other companies, and I can tell you that Krauss & Crane will be doing all of my work from now on.”

The Leader in Reliability since 1957

While Krauss & Crane offers the latest in residential and commercial HVAC technology, it is decidedly old school when it comes to maintaining the highest standards in service and quality. The company has been the leader in reliability since 1957, and continues this commitment today.

“We’re a trusted name in the community,” says owner Timothy Wojcieszak, who leads the family-owned business, working alongside his mother Kathy.

Wojcieszak is justifiably proud of his family’s legacy, and values

their long-term relationships with their clients. Just ask Betty Wallen, who has been an enthusiastic customer since she relocated here from Kentucky in 1966. “I’ve been very pleased with their service, and haven’t had the need to call anyone else,” she says. “They are all professional and extremely competent. I recently got a maintenance agreement with them, and I’ve found that it’s really worth it.”

Maintenance agreements are a great way to ensure your equipment is running efficiently – and they can help you to avoid costly problems in the future. For just $172/year, Krauss and Crane will conduct two check-up visits (which include an equipment inspection and cleaning of drain lines and filters) on your HVAC unit. This preventive maintenance is particularly helpful here in South Florida, where seasonal residents are away from their homes for months at a time.

“It’s similar to getting an oil change and check-up on your car,” advises Wojcieszak.

Here Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Customers aren’t the only long-term relationships at Krauss & Crane. Four employees in their staff of 20+ have been with the company for two to three decades and more. The growing business is always looking for enthusiastic, conscientious employees who want to build a career in the industry. They prefer some experience in HVAC, but will train the right people to join their team.

“Krauss and Crane are always a joy to work with. I am a facilities manager that helps to manage a 100acre campus. Krauss and Crane ll an important role for the campus I work with. When a call comes in for air conditioning issues, I can con dently send the work order to Krauss and Crane knowing that the issue will be xed, my property respected, the request of my residence honored, and a fair price invoiced. Krauss and Crane are full-service company. Everything from planning out new systems, to installs, to service. That is a tall order for any company. When an air conditioning system must be replaced, everything is inspected. This includes wiring, ductwork, sizing, placement, and condensate lines. In other words, they don’t just throw in a new unit and drive down the road with my check. As a facilities manager, I must focus on the value of work I get more than just the price. That is why Krauss and Crane offer an amazing value proposition for residential or commercial air condition work. They have helped me offer my clients long-term air-conditioning solutions. I am proud to have Krauss and Crane as part of my team and couldn’t imagine doing my job without them. “

– B. Thompson Facilities Manager

In today’s rapidly changing business climate, it speaks volumes when a company has stood the test of time for over six decades. Krauss & Crane has built a longstanding reputation for friendly, reliable service; fair and honest pricing; responsive, 24-hour availability for emergency service; certified, factory trained technicians; and the finest HVAC equipment available. They were here yesterday, are here today, and will be here tomorrow.

We were born and raised here,” says Wojcieszak. “We’re a part of this community, and we take pride in that. We really enjoy taking care of our customers and our employees.”

Krauss & Crane serves Martin and St. Lucie Counties and is headquartered in its original building, located at 904 SE Dixie Highway in Stuart. To take advantage of their 66th anniversary offer, learn more about their services, or arrange for a free estimate or second opinion on your air conditioning or heating system, call 772-261-9AIR(9247), or visit their website at kciac.com. You can also click on “Contact” to submit a service request online. They look forward to serving you!

BEAUTY

Carrabba’s Italian Grill ............... 26

Casa Tequila............................... 23

City Diner 24

Flannery Team ........................... 55

Healthfully Yours ........................ 22 Hurricane Grill 22

Mr. Jalapeno 25

Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina 24 Salerno Pizza ............................. 25

Super Taquerias Stuart 25 Trading Post Flea Market ........... 28

FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION

Affordable Choice Cremation ..... 30

HOME IMPROVEMENT

A Great Fence LLC ..................... 12

Accurate Septic Services ........... 18 Affordable and Superior Painting...................................42

Alliance Group Roo ng .............. 15

Bill sh Air Conditioning ............. 45

Brilliant Roo ng 44

Brite Concepts Window and Sliding Door Repair .................... 49

Camco Custom Pools ................. 16 Closets By Design ...................... 14

db Home Improvements ............ 49

Diamond Quality Roo ng ........... 57 Exotic Marble & Granite ............. 28

First Impression Doors and More ................................ 13

Frank Cleaner Service and Paver Repair .................... 54 Hot Tubs Sales ........................... 60

IMA Landscaping ....................... 31

Impact Experts ........................... 43

JB Roo ng ................................. 38

Kamrell Windows and Doors ...... 63 Kitchen Bath and Home Design . 37 Krauss & Crane ............................ 4

Krauss and Crane ...................... 31

Liberty Impact Windows and Doors ............................... 29

Max Guard Hurricane Enclosures .............................. 32

Max Guard Hurricane Windows .... 34 Max Guard Hurricane Windows .... 64

OX Floor Coating ........................ 19

Peter’s Water Treatment ............ 63

Pioneer Plumbing ...................... 53

Plantation Shutters Florida ........ 36

Precision Door Service .............. 42

Pride Air Conditioning .................. 3 Quality Air of America ................ 21

Ramos Tree Service ................... 52

RG Garage Door Parts and Accessories...................... 44

Sanders Screening .................... 11

Shoreline Roo ng and Repair .... 18 Shutter Shop .............................. 30

SliderPro Doors and Windows ... 39

Stott Brothers Electric ............... 53

The Shutter Factory ................... 39

TradeWinds Kitchen and Bath .... 59

Treasure Coast Roo ng .............. 56 Treasure Coast TrimLight ........... 42

Tree Works ................................. 38

Triple M Brick Pavers 54

Tropical Pools ............................ 58

Wholesale Mulch LLC 58

Window and Door Storm Protection 56

Windowz and More ...................... 2

Yard Lites 47

INSURANCE & BENEFITS

Brunt Insurance ......................... 16

Renee Allen Insurance 36

South Shore Insurance .............. 57

JEWELERY

Joseph’s Jewelry 15 Treasure Coast Estate Buyers .... 47

MEDICAL

& HEALTH

Goals Weight Loss......................20

Grab Bar ..................................... 39

MMJ Health 10

Premier Dentistry....................... 27

Priority Medical Supply 31

Schmidt’s Optical ......................... 6 Stretch Zone 41

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

All Dry USA ................................ 17

Dryer Vent Cleaner, The 44

Boss Public Adjusting ................ 58

Ratman Wildlife Rodent 18

The UPS Store ............................ 52 Wet Out Restoration 36

REMAX Community Stracuzzi Team 52 RETAIL

HAPPY NEW YEAR

YOU HAPPY NEW

By Gabby Gregory

Every 5,000 miles, like clockwork, you take your car to get its oil changed and tires rotated. It’s basic, routine maintenance, but that consistent attention and upkeep is vital for your vehicle to run e ciently, especially over a number of years. Your body, much like your vehicle, requires regular care and treatment to keep it healthy. And, again like your automobile, your body needs support from someone other than yourself, a professional who can guide it to achieving its utmost abilities and to retaining its peak performance.

Getting older, playing sports, or having a condition like sciatica or arthritis shouldn’t hold you back from living your life! You can feel like your younger self again, the one who didn’t feel any aches or pains when walking, running, jumping, or even sitting… all you have to do is visit Stretch Zone.

Drew Brees, former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, is the newest partner at Stretch Zone who advocates for people to regularly get stretched. A er personally going to Stretch Zone for an assisted stretching session, Drew was impressed with the uniquely e ective and nationally accredited Stretch Zone Method®, which is administered by a highly-trained and Stretch Zone-certi ed stretch practitioner.

Here’s How It Works:

1.) Your rst session begins with lling out an intake form and having a consultation with your experienced and knowledgeable stretch practitioner. Based on your medical background and your personal goals, the stretch practitioner will personalize the ensuing 30-minute assisted stretching session to meet your individual needs. On subsequent visits, you’ll simply do a check-in with the practitioner to update your medical pro le with any recent changes and/or any new pain or discomfort that you might be experiencing.

2.) e stretch practitioner initiates the rst steps of the approved Stretch Zone Method®, utilizing Stretch Zone’s special patented

straps to encourage your body to relax and ease into the stretches. You won’t nd these straps anywhere else! Comparable to a thunder jacket for your pets, they are meant to calm your mind so that your entire body is perfectly loose, thus allowing the stretch practitioner to stretch your body to its full potential and, as a result, provide you with both preventative maintenance and pain relief.

STRETCH

3.) Assisted stretching (a/k/a passive stretching) is di erent from physical therapy in that your body is being stretched by someone else, you’re not actually doing any work. roughout your 30-minute session, the stretch practitioner will be steadily interacting one-on-one with you, ensuring that you are completely comfortable and not experiencing any pain. Ultimately, you are in control of the stretch, even as your practitioner guides your body through each and every step, because you tell the practitioner when you feel your best stretching position. e more you communicate, the better results you’re going to get!

Take advantage of Stretch Zone’s incredible New Year Special: get one FREE 30-minute stretching session! Anybody and everybody can and should be stretched. In fact, one Stretch Practitioner I spoke with at Stretch Zone says, “98% of the people I see in front of me really need to be stretched. is is something you should not live without.” Remember, it’s just like getting your oil changed! Plus, celebrities and professional athletes have been getting stretched for years, so it’s time for the general population to be clued into the secret!

Get Stretch Zone’s New Year Special for yourself or get them for a friend or loved one… what better way to say you care than to give the gi of making life easier, of feeling healthier, lighter, and younger, and of feeling like yourself again?

A NEW YEAR IS HERE.

For What It’s Worth

Happy New Year everyone. Let’s do our best to make it a good one! I thought I’d start out this year with some thoughts about our medical center. is is only my opinion, and the gossip of others that have mentioned this medical center to me over the past two years, so let me preface this column by stating that if you have been a patient in the emergency room, or in the hospital, and had a great, lifechanging experience, I’m happy for you. If you have a physician who you can regularly see whenever you have a medical problem, and they are a liated with this unnamed hospital, you’re fortunate, and again, I’m pleased. But for many of us, myself included, I am disappointed with my high expectations of what I believed would be medical care at a higher level. I mean a er all, it’s world renowned. I remember thinking that Martin County was the chosen county, the lucky one, to even have this facility considering our little town. I believed the already great medical care a orded here would escalate to a higher level, with physicians who delved deeper into the problem symptoms that didn’t necessarily t the four corners of their medical school textbooks, physicians the like of which I had worked with at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C., where it was unheard of not to investigate a patient’s complaints to the fullest, with a treatment plan and follow up that actually worked. at is what I anticipated.

Unfortunately, I have been disappointed. Perhaps I raised the bar too high. Perhaps I was asking too much. Perhaps the doctors who have signed on with this facility feel the same way.

ey now answer, not only to their education, their oath, their own medical desire to ease su ering, but to the institution which pays

by Dr. Melfi, Ph.D.

their salary. My disappointments are not limited to me. I have heard the same complaints over and over, but there doesn’t appear a way to make things better. First, it seems to me, that if your physician is now on sta , by which I don’t mean have only hospital admitting privileges, but o ce practices where appointments are made by hospital sta ers. ere’s no longer a receptionist who knows you personally, who knows you by name, who asks about your family. So what, you might say? Well, here’s my personal experience. I have been a patient of record at a particular physician’s o ce for years. Now that he works for this institution, I was unable to get an appointment with him for four months, but was o ered an appointment with his Nurse Practitioner in three months. I’m all about nurses. I am one. But they’re not physicians, and my problem entailed more than a nurse practitioner could address, in my opinion. Let’s add that up. I had to endure my symptoms for three or four months, or else go to the emergency department. Unfortunately, my experience at that department was less than I had hoped, and I was told to make an appointment with my specialty physician, which is exactly where I started. I thought I could use my “in” with someone who was related to this doctor, to ask for a special favor, and get a message to him that I needed to see him sooner, if possible. Guess what? No, he couldn’t do that, because his schedule is set for him by the sta of the hospital. Now, let me again preface this by telling you that this is my experience, and not indicative of anyone else. Perhaps he just didn’t want to see me sooner, maybe he was burned out, working too late and too many hours, maybe he just didn’t like me, but what if the message I received is true? Suppose he actually can’t make his own schedule? All I can tell you is what my experience

was, but maybe it’s also been your experience. Maybe phone calls should be answered, or at least returned in a decent amount of time, which has also been a complaint of many people.

is is not to say the doctor’s aren’t top notch. I’m sure they are, and as in all institutions, some are better than others, but if you can’t get to a doctor, how can you decide?

For What It’s Worth I long for the small town of Stuart I came to years ago, where the population was smaller, where doctors were in solo practice, where one bad review could close them down, but these days, I personally feel lost in the crowd. I am not targeting this or any other hospital for their reputation or physician talent. Obviously they are a well respected entity, but I wish there could be more empathy within their sta who are the front line, who must be tired of hearing that we need an appointment sooner than later, but some words of compassion would make the wait for care easier. Maybe the hospitals I once worked for, whose memories are of “patients rst”, are wishful thinking now, but all I’m saying is that I think we can do better. People are sick. ey’re hurting.

ey’re alone and frightened. Our elderly population could use some kindness when they’re told they can’t have an appointment for months, and maybe even a follow up call, to let them know that someone cares to see how they’re doing while they wait. Kindness goes a long way toward healing. Is that really too much to ask?

Comments or Suggestions

Copyrighted© My Living Media. 2023 All Rights reserved. To Advertise call 772-247-6849

THE LEAF

REAL THC EDIBLES WITHOUT A MEDICAL CARD?

The Leaf was founded with one goal in mind; to provide highquality lab tested THC and CBD products to the public without the need for a medical card. The Leaf operates under the 2018 farm bill and sells a unique variety of items all derived from one source; the cannabis plant. Anyone over the age of 21 can visit this one-of-a-kind store.

Edibles and topicals are just a few of the cannabis items now available right in your own backyard.

Delta-9 THC is the scientific name for dispensary-grade THC. Delta-9 THC is commonly found in edibles, vape cartridges, and even lotions.

Our edibles have 15mg of THC per gummy, 300mg per bottle. All products are farm bill compliant at under .3% Delta-9 THC by weight.

Leaf offers superior customer service to find the products specialized to your needs. All staff is certified bud-tenders.

Leaf also offers a variety of discounts such as veterans, first-time buyers, and seniors. Visit our new store in March in Port St. Lucie.

TOP 5 REASONS TO BUY A HOT TUB OR SWIM SPA FROM HOT TUB SALES

BY GABBY GREGORY

Both you and I can probably come up with countless reasons to purchase a therapeutic hot tub or swim spa. I mean, what’s not to love about feeling relaxed and rejuvenated? But, here’s the thing, buying either a hot tub or swim spa shouldn’t necessarily be as simple as swiping your credit card. You need (and deserve!) to work with experts who actually care about you, your wants, and your needs. How else can you expect to get the best overall customer experience? So. without further ado, let’s talk about the top 5 reasons to buy a hot tub or swim spa from Hot Tub Sales:

Family Owned & Operated

In 2016, local married couple Lori & Mario Hicks founded their business, Hot Tub Sales, with a mission to “always strive for perfection.” But how do they deliver on that mission? Simple — Lori and Mario are deeply committed to being the quintessential definition of an honest-to-goodness family-owned and locally-operated business. Indeed, as active members of our community, Lori & Mario appreciate how important it is to be compassionate advocates for their clients, not transaction-focused salespeople. “You’re joining a family when you come to us,” affirms Mario.

With the Hicks family, you not only receive friendly and honest service, but also the assurance of longevity. Lori and Mario don’t plan on retiring any time soon, especially since they are genuinely passionate about supporting their valued clients. Additionally, with 3 children — Caroline, Monte, and Matthew — the couple will eventually pass Hot Tub Sales onto their next generation. In that way, the Treasure Coast and surrounding areas will always have knowledgeable, comprehensive, and trustworthy hot tub and swim spa sales, service,

Strong Customer Relationships & Personalized Attention

You’re not just a number at Hot Tub Sales, so you never have to worry about falling for sales gimmicks with shoddy products. In fact, Lori & Mario are so intent on creating strong relationships with their clients that they personally test each and every product before they allow it to be sold on their showroom floor. Mario says, “We know anything we’re selling to you is the highest quality. It works or it does not get sold in our place, no matter what.”

Furthermore, the personalized attention you receive at Hot Tub Sales is second to none. The goal is for Lori & Mario to find the best therapeutic hot tub or swim spa for your unique wants and needs. “We’re not trying to sell you the tub,” Mario clarifies, continuing, “I’ll look at you, I’ll look at your height, and I’ll say, ‘Well, although you like that tub, we need to get your shoulders under the water. That tub’s not going to fit you correctly.’”

As such, Lori & Mario encourage their clients to “wet test” a hot tub or swim spa before purchasing it. That’s right, bring your swimsuit to the showroom! “We want you to ‘test drive’ your hot tub,” Mario conveys, “because a hot tub is not going to be in your backyard for 3 or 4 or 5 years. It could be the last tub you ever own if you pick the right one! It’ll be there for 20 years.”

Need More Coupons - MyLivingMedia.com

The Largest Selection of In-Stock Products with Comprehensive Warranties… and the Lowest Prices Since 2019!

There has never been a better time to buy a hot tub or swim spa than right now... seriously! Lori and Mario share, “You’re going to see prices you have not seen since 2019/2020 right now on our in-stock stuff!” So, if you’re looking to save money on your hot tub or swim spa purchase, then Hot Tub Sales likely has a deal for you!

Additionally, you don’t have to wait months for your hot tub or swim spa to be delivered, installed, and properly functioning. In fact, if you purchase an in-stock hot tub or swim spa from Hot Tub Sales, then you can have it in your backyard as early as next week!

Simply Great Service

Your experience at Hot Tub Sales doesn’t start or end with a sale! Lori & Mario’s motto is, and has always been, “Simply Great Service.” For that reason, Mario explains, “We sell the tubs, we’re fully stocked with parts, we service them, we deliver them, we install them.” He continues, “Most importantly, we hold [your] hand. Once the tub’s in [your] backyard, we coach [you] consistently on water chemistry and maintenance of the tub. There’s no 800 number to call. [You] don’t register [your] warranty, we do that for [you].”

Hot Tub Sales is a one-stop shop for all of your hot tub and swim spa needs! Lori and Mario will happily assist you, at no cost, with any questions you have about maintaining your hot tub or swim spa. If you happen to be a seasonal resident, then you can count on Hot Tub Sales to work with your schedule to “open” and “close” your hot tub or swim spa.

It doesn’t cost you anything to have a conversation with the experts! Learn more about how a hot tub or swim spa will improve your quality of life by visiting Hot Tub Sales. Their countless 5-star reviews on Google and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau speak for themselves.

Mental, & Physical Health Benefits

There are countless ways in which therapeutic hot tubs and swim spas positively impact your health and wellbeing, not only in the traditional physical sense, but also in the oft-forgotten emotional and mental arenas. At Hot Tub Sales, you will be working with a highly experienced and educated team of professionals.

With a combined experience of over 30+ years in the industry, Mario and Lori appreciate how important it is to understand your individual situation in order to direct you to the ideal hot tub or swim spa. They, along with their caring and attentive team members, take the time to ask you questions about how you’re feeling. Whether you’re experiencing lower back pain, struggling with severe bouts of depression, or just looking for a way to de-stress after work, you will find that the professionals at Hot Tub Sales will help find the best hot tub or swim spa to suit your hydrotherapy needs.