Northgate Living CA April 2024

Publication Team

Publisher: Jo Peek

Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

Designer: Emily Lund

Contributing Photographer: Mehak Khullar

Advertising

Contact: Jo Peek

Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:

Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not

Dear Neighbors,

Spring is here! Our open space is full of wildflowers, spring fever is in the air, and baseball season has begun! Whatever it is that you like to do at this time of year, Happy Spring! It’s time to get outside and enjoy this beautiful area we live in.

In this issue you will meet the Grammy family, a family that loves living in Northgate and, using their knowledge from their medical professions, embarked on a journey of writing and publishing a book to help new parents navigate parenthood. We also have an incredible story of a Northgate Freshman who has achieved amazing feats as a wrestler.

I’m eager to hear from you and share your stories whether you have gardening or book tips, an adorable pet, an interesting adventure to share, a hobby, a recipe, a charity you’re involved with, or any other topic you think the Northgate neighbors would like to hear more about. I’m also looking for families to feature each month on the front cover. I believe that interesting stories don’t just come from celebrities, but from our own communities. Everyone has a story to tell, and I’d love it if you’d let me tell yours. Send your articles and photos to knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram and visit us online at www.northgatelivingCA.com.

Kara Navolio

Northgate Living CA

Content Coordinator

Resident Since 1991

If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.

Jo Peek

Expert Contributors

Advertising - Print & Digital

Northgate Living CA

Jo Peek

925-272-8246

NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com

www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Auto Service

Diablo Auto Specialists

Bill Adams & Melissa Brunson

925-478-5721

1439 Autocenter Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94597 www.diabloautospecialists.com

Concierge Care Coordination

Camalin “Cam” Jones

La Casa Via Transitional Care Center 925-984-1149

camalinj@aspenhealth.com www.casaviahealth.com

Dentist

Tobian Kiefer Dentistry

Michael S Tobian, DDS & Maurissa Kiefer DDS 925-407-1155

mydentist@drtobian.com www.drtobian.com

Design, Build & Remodeling

Gordon Reese

Gordon Reese Design Build 925-477-4953

Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com

Over the last 9 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.

Bill Adams and Melissa Brunson welcome you to your car’s service and repair shop. Diablo Auto Specialists is one of the most respected shops in the East Bay since its inception over 25 years ago by Tim Stussy. Bill and Melissa bring years of experience in the independent service and repair business and own additional stores in Castro Valley and Albany.

For over 20 years, Cam Jones has been serving the local community as a dedicated healthcare professional. She is a top patient advocate going into her tenth year in the skilled nursing and rehabilitation industry. Facilitating over 3000 patient admissions and having conducted over 900 home evaluations in the non-medical home care industry has equipped her with vast knowledge and a wide network. Cam is an expert with navigating individuals from hospital to home with a specialty dealing with healthcare insurances relative to inpatient rehabilitation facility coverage.

Dr. Michael Tobian graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he has practiced dentistry for patients of all ages. He thoroughly enjoys the art and science of Dentistry. Dr. Maurissa Kiefer got her DDS degree from University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Kiefer strives to provide her patients with comfortable, high quality care.

Gordon Reese, a seasoned Design Build professional with over 39 years of experience, is the founder of Gordon Reese Design Build. With an unwavering passion for elevating living spaces, Gordon offers homeowners a unique opportunity to transform their homes into a luxurious oasis. His team specializes in Additions, ADUs, Whole House, Kitchens, and Bathroom remodels. They are committed to delivering stressfree remodeling experiences and producing beautiful results that exceed expectations. If you are ready to turn your dream home into a reality, contact Gordon Reese Design Build today!

Expert Contributors

Hardscape Restoration

Concrete Paver Restorations

Drew Bogetti

408-828-6903

www.cprpaver.com drew@cprpaver.com

Real Estate

Rita Dhillon

Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010

Rita.Dhillon@compass.com

www.RitaDhillonTeam.com

Religious Education

Contra Costa Christian Schools

925-934-4964

afullmore@cccs.org

www.contracostachristianschools.org

Sports Medicine

Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic

Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP (925) 322-8074

info@precisionsportsmedicine.com

www.precisionsportsmedicine.com

Storage Expert

Shadelands Self Storage 925-935-6200

info@shadelandsstorage.com

https://shadelandsstorage.com/

We specialize in hardscape restoration, repairing, cleaning, sealing and staining to enhance your outdoor surfaces. We have developed state-of-the-art equipment with steam cleaning capability of 280-degrees, disinfecting and melting away years of dirt, debris, algae and moss. Our technicians are ICPI certified in paver repair, root damage, settling cracks and correcting trip hazards. “We Bring Your Hardscapes Back to Life!”

Rita has been a Northgate resident and selling neighborhood properties for over 25 years. She’s received numerous awards including being nominated as Realtor of the Year by the East Bay Business Times, previously ranked the #64 Realtor in America by the Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends, previously ranked the #1 Realtor in Contra Costa County, and ranked the #1 Realtor in Northgate for total sales volume over many years.

For over 40 years, Contra Costa Christian Schools has maintained its original mission to Prepare the Next Generation with Christian values and a quality academic foundation. While the instructional strategies and curriculum have evolved, the core mission of serving families in the East Bay has remained the same. CCCS provides a high quality 21st century education within a Christian context that equips students for success, whatever they choose to pursue.

Dr. Matock received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from CSU, Fresno. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic West, where he received his Doctorate, graduating magna cum laude. Dr. Matock earned his Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician certification (C.C.S.P.) in 2010. He opened Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic in Walnut Creek in 2012.

At Shadelands Self-storage we provide peace of mind to our clients by offering a state of the art facility with video recorded surveillance and a real-time closed-circuit TV security monitoring station. In addition to our secured facilities, we have climate-controlled units, non-combustible construction and many additional features to fit your storing needs.

us online NorthgateLivingCA

Meet the A match made in Philadelphia

Grammys:

By Kara Navolio,

In the medical profession there is a national program that matches newly graduated doctors and medical professionals to their residency programs. Each year Match Day is the day new doctors find out where they will spend their next four years. Sean, a graduate of UC San Diego and Western University of Health Sciences, and Kate, a graduate of University of San Diego and San Francisco’s California School of Professional Psychology, were both sent to Philadelphia on Match Day 2009.

Sean trained in emergency and internal medicine at Jefferson Health, and Kate went to train at a forensic mental health agency. They didn’t know it yet, but another match was in store for the two west coast transplants. Even though they had both attended college in San Diego, it took the move to Philadelphia and little help from Match.com to find each other. They explored the city of Philadelphia and the East Coast together, dating for three years. They returned to San Diego to get married closer to family and friends. When their residencies were finished, they knew they wanted to settle in the Bay Area, a good middle spot between Sean’s family in southern California and Kate’s family in Oregon.

Sean began his career at Sutter Delta in Antioch, then moved to John Muir Hospital, working at both the Concord and Walnut Creek emergency rooms. He also leads wellness initiatives for emergency physicians.

Kate specialized as a forensic psychologist, advising local and state governments in strategies to de-institutionalize people with mental illness and develop community-based programs to support people as they re-enter communities from institutions. Upon returning to California, Kate was a clinical leader for a local county behavioral health system, improving behavioral health programs for people in extreme poverty. Now, Kate is a senior clinical leader at Two Chairs, a mental health start-up offering individual therapy.

The Grammys have two children: Hayden (6) and Bella (4). Hayden loves anything involving running and superheroes. He is an active guy, playing soccer, riding his bike, and planning activities with his kindergarten buddies. Bella is in pre-school, and as Kate says, “she’s most interested in being as fancy as possible, including having a jewelrymaking party when she turned 4.” She also loves ballet and takes classes at The Ballet School. Collins, the Golden Retriever, is a bundle of love, “always looking for an idle hand to give him a rub.”

During the Covid pandemic Sean and Kate had to stay very isolated due to their in-person work among potentially sick people. They used the time together to work on a project. They wrote a book called SMART Parents: The parents’ guide medical guide. Kate says, “Sean was inspired to help parents who were coming into the ER for non-emergent issues, causing unnecessary stress. Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook, and, when we were new parents, we often relied on our clinical training to guide our decisions. Inspired to help other parents navigate the challenges of parenthood, we put our heads together to write SMART Parents: The parents’ medical guide. After several years of writing, editing, designing, and publishing in the slivers of time we weren’t working or with our kids, we are so excited to have our book out in the world! Empowering parents with knowledge and confidence to raise thriving children is something we are really proud of and excited to share.” The book offers advice on nutrition, sleep habits, behavioral issues, and safety, as well as a guide to symptoms and what to do. Their future goals include working with county agencies to get the book to low-income families and to have it translated into Spanish. It’s available on Amazon or their website: smartparents.us.

The Grammys also love to travel. “We like to get up and go,” says Kate. “Even when the kids were little.” Each summer they spend a week in Oregon where Kate’s parents still live. The kids enjoy “cousin camp” with their

Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by the Grammy family

two cousins, living like country kids on the large property where they can enjoy the freedom of running in pastures, playing in the river, and scavenger hunts. And when Covid eased they took the kids to Tulum, Mexico. “It was an amazing place to share another culture with the kids and also get some quality downtime at the beach. It is really important to us that our children experience the world outside of California to have an understanding of other people’s beliefs, experiences, histories and customs.”

The Grammys are happy to call Northgate home. They have found many families that they’ve become friends with, sharing barbeques and kids’ birthday parties together. The dads enjoy golf together, and the moms get together for walks and happy hours. “We love the community of Northgate! We have made great friends here and love the familyfocus of the neighborhood with so many walkable activities, parks, and friends; it really does feel like home.”

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

April

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Every Monday

Free Yoga Class

@1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 26

Behavioral Fitness PresentsAnother Living Better through Community offering- Yoga is for all of us. A beautiful way to start the week- come join our peaceful, mindful yoga on Monday mornings. This generous gift is sponsored by our local non-profit:

Providing Easier Access to Care

Everywhere: PEACE (501 3c). Much more than physical fitness it includes social, emotional, and environmental wellness too. Meet your neighbors and invite a friend. All levels will find their place in this gentle and inspiring time in our new space. Space is limited so please text or call to rsvp (925) 818-8062. Mondays at 9AM (4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29).

Cost: FREE Time: 9-10am

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market

@Shadelands Business Park

Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. Time: 9am-1pm www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market

Sat., April 20

Learn About

Behavioral Fitness

@ 1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Suite 26

Join us for an interactive discussion to learn about Behavioral Fitness. Behavioral Fitness is on a mission to help people live better. Learn about the principles of the Blue Zones - the longest lived and healthiest communities and more. Through engaging and dynamic experiences, Behavioral Fitness is helping people update what it means to “be fit”. Join us at our new location where the experience is intended to delight your senses. Whether curious for yourself or you want to learn how you can help others with Behavioral Fitness, joining us means being part of the change the world needs. Join us and be part of something big and bright. Coffee and tea will be provided. We can’t wait to meet you! - Dr. Ally and Nurse Teri

Cost: Free

Time: 11am-2pm

RSVP: call or text 925-3482103 to reserve your spot

Every Thursday

Food Truck Thursdays

@Shadelands

Located in the parking lot on the west side of the Kaiser Permanente building at 370 Lennon Lane. Presented by Taste of the World, Food Truck Thursdays is open to the public. Growing in popularity among diners looking for a fast, convenient, and affordable food options with personalized service, food trucks also offer opportunities to try something different—ethnic and international foods and flavors—and to support local chefs and businesses, while enjoying an outdoor dining experience with family and friends.

April 4th – Loretta’s Kitchen

April 11th – Sabor a mi Cocina

April 18th – Mozzeria

April 25th – King Gyro & Kabob Time: 11:30am-2:00pm

Fri., April 26th & Sun., April 28th

H.M.S. Pinafore - Act One

@ Contra Costa School of Performing Arts

Join the students of CoCoSPA’s Vocal Department for an evening of jokes and laughter as they present Act One of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore”.

Cost: $18 Adult; $15 Senior/ Military; $10 Youth/Student Time: (4/26) at 7:00pm & (4/28) at 5:00pm

Sat., April 27

RecylceSmart Annual Compost Giveaway

@ Heather Farm Park

Compost is available to residents of Danville, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Blackhawk and Diablo April 27th at Heather Farms. But you must register in advance. To register copy and paste this link https://www.recyclesmart.org/ icaw/ and follow instructions.

Save the Date:

Thurs., May 9

Master Your Remodel

@ Gordon Reese Design Build, 3021 Citrus Circle, Suite 170

Join our exclusive seminar and learn how to avoid: Designing a project that is too expensive to build Making regretful design decisions Choosing the wrong contractor Charcuterie and adult beverages provided Visit our site to register: www.GordonReese.com

Cost: Free

Time: 5:45 - 7:30pm

5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Remodeling Project

By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008

Embarking on a remodeling project is an exciting journey, a creative endeavor that transforms your living space into a personalized sanctuary. As a seasoned remodeling professional, I’ve had the privilege of guiding numerous clients through this transformative process. Here are five tips to help you make the most out of your remodeling project and ensure a satisfying and successful outcome.

Define Your Objectives Clearly:

Before swinging the first hammer or picking out paint colors, take the time to clearly define your remodeling objectives. What are your goals for the project? Is it to create more space, enhance functionality, or simply refresh the aesthetics? Each decision you make should align with these overarching objectives.

Start by identifying pain points in your current space. Are there areas that feel cramped or underutilized? Consider how your family utilizes the space and envision improvements that would enhance daily life. The clearer your objectives, the more focused and effective your remodeling efforts will be.

Set a Realistic Investment Goal:

One of the most crucial aspects of any remodeling project is establishing a realistic investment goal. Consider not only the immediate costs but also potential unforeseen expenses that may arise during the course of the project. Establishing a comprehensive investment goal upfront helps prevent surprises and ensures that your financial investment aligns with your expectations.

Engage in open communication with your remodeling team about your investment constraints. An experienced professional can guide you on where to allocate resources for the greatest impact. Remember, designing to a budget is much better than budgeting to a design.

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity:

In the world of remodeling, quality should always trump quantity. Opting for superior materials and craftsmanship may require a slightly higher initial investment, but it pays dividends in the long run. Quality materials not only enhance the aesthetics but also contribute to the longevity and durability of your remodeled space.

During the planning phase, collaborate with your remodeling professional to select materials that align with your vision and lifestyle. Whether it’s choosing durable flooring, high-quality fixtures, or energy-efficient appliances, prioritizing quality ensures that your investment stands the test of time.

Engage in Thoughtful Design:

A well-thought-out design is the backbone of a successful remodeling project. Beyond aesthetics, consider the functionality and flow of your space. How do different areas interact with each other? What are the primary functions of each space, and how can they be optimized for daily use?

Are you ready to love your home a little more?

Engage with a remodeling team that not only listens to your vision but also brings it to life through detailed 3D renderings. Address immediate needs while foreseeing future requirements, ensuring the design elevates both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your space. Thoughtful design is the catalyst for transforming your home into a seamlessly efficient and harmonious haven.

Effective Communication with Your Remodeling Team:

Choose a remodeling team that not only appreciates your vision but also showcases exceptional communication skills. Employing a system with regular check-ins, progress meetings, and transparent lines of communication enhances this collaborative process. Ensure your selected team is adept at utilizing such systems, fostering clarity and synchronicity throughout the remodeling journey. Effective communication remains the foundation of a successful remodeling project.

In conclusion, getting the most out of your remodeling project requires thoughtful planning, effective communication, and a commitment to quality. By defining your objectives clearly, setting a realistic investment goals, prioritizing quality, engaging in thoughtful design, and maintaining open communication with your remodeling team, you can embark on a remodeling journey that exceeds your expectations.

Visit our website, www.GordonReese.com, to register for our remodeling seminars or schedule your initial consultation. Let’s start remodeling your dream home today!

Send your home improvement questions or suggestions for upcoming articles to: Questions@ GordonReese.com

Happy Remodeling!

Northgate resident's story wins $25,000 for East Bay Rabbit Rescue: Thanks to Petco’s Love Stories competition

By Joan Wegner, East Bay Rabbit Rescue

Petco Love just announced their 25 winning Love Stories for 2024. Each year thousands of adopters from across the country write stories of how their pet made a positive impact in their life. This year East Bay resident, Desiree Gatto, submitted a winning story about the love shared between her family and their rabbit, Luna, who was adopted from East Bay Rabbit Rescue. Desiree’s story follows below. shared her story with this magazine in the September 2022 issue, which you can still read online at www.NorthgateLivingCA.com.

On February 8th, Petco Love in partnership with BOBS from Skechers presented East Bay Rabbit Rescue with a grant for $25,000 to support their life saving work. For more information about adoption, please visit eastbayrabbit.org.

A Big Bunny Fills the Void

By Desiree Gatto

My son had his first migraine at 11 years old. For hours or even days at a time, his world became his bedroom, dark, with the blinds pulled shut. The fear of waiting for the next attack became another challenge for him too. A big white bunny, quiet and loyal, became his best friend.

His migraines loomed over our whole family, and I had to quit my job to manage his doctor’s appointments, scans, and treatments. With everything suddenly a trigger, home study became his only option. On bad days he could not leave his room, let alone the house.

Solitary and lonely, he read about emotional support animals. He knew that he couldn’t

walk our dog on his bad days and I’m allergic to cats, so his research led him to house rabbits, a novel idea to us. When he told me that a spayed/ neutered rabbit is A easier to litter box train than a cat, I was intrigued.

He found East Bay Rabbit Rescue online and convinced me to take him to an adoption event, just to look. Once we arrived, I soon realized we weren’t leaving without a bunny. And so it began, our life with rabbits.

Our beautiful bunny Luna, a whopping 11 pounds, has a joyful personality. When my son lies down on the floor to pet her, she “grooms” him back by licking his face. She’ll follow him from room to room, always ready to be petted or given a treat! And although she loves us all, my son is definitely “her person”. Luna puts a smile on his face with her leaps and enthusiasm for greens and fresh hay. She lives in the moment and reminds us to enjoy each moment we can too.

Rabbits are somewhat independent, yet Luna somehow seems to know he needs love and comfort when a migraine hits. With migraines often striking in the middle of the night, he is no longer alone. She’ll hop up on his bed and just lie next to him. He feels reassured knowing she is sleeping in her x-pen nearby. He enjoys taking care of her too. He is happy to make Luna feel safe and loved. I believe she gave his life purpose in a time of great need.

We have since learned a lot about migraines, and he is managing with the right medications and support measures. This is a big year for

our family with my son in his freshman year of college. He is staying healthy, handling the change and the stress. Already after just a few weeks at school, he came home for a visit. His father and I are delighted that we get to see him, even if his motivation is to see Luna!

Next year Brendan plans to live off campus so he can bring Luna with him. Until then, they stay connected through FaceTime calls. Brendan seeing Luna on camera always brings a smile to his face and Luna visibly livens up with the sound of his voice.

I am grateful that Luna came into our lives for the blessing she has been to my son.

Symone Jewell Northgate Freshman is taking wrestling by storm!

By Shannon Polkinghorn, Resident since 2004

Symone Jewell is a typical teenager in most ways. A freshman at Northgate, she likes hanging out with her friends and has played lots of sports. A lot of sports. She has done swim team, dance, played basketball, soccer and flag football. She also considered adding softball to her sports resume. And if that wasn’t enough, last spring she considered another sport. Wrestling.

As an eighth grader, Symone loved going to her older brother Tyler’s Northgate wrestling meets. At one such meet, Tyler and Symone were playing around when Symone threw down a legit wrestling move on her big brother, taking him down in front of everyone. Northgate wrestling coaches Tom Booth and Tim Sanchez joked that she needed to give wrestling a try. And as the quote from R.S. Grey goes, “she believed she could, so she did.”

Having never wrestled before and after attending only three practices “for fun,” Symone decided to try her luck at a tournament three weeks later where she competed for the very first time. And wouldn’t

you know it? She won. Few could have predicted the success she would ultimately have this year except, of course, for big brother Tyler. Before the start of the wrestling season at Northgate, Tyler changed her name in his phone to NCS CHAMP. He one hundred percent believed in her and her ability. So did coaches Booth and Sanchez. In a predominantly male sport, both Booth and Sanchez described Symone as tough and fearless and had no worries about her ability to hold her own.

Before the season could begin, however, Symone had a big decision to make: her favorite sport – basketball – conflicted with wrestling as both are winter sports at Northgate. Symone and her dad share a bond with basketball as he had been her longtime coach and mentor after having had a successful professional career himself. She loved her time with him and sharing the game with him and wasn’t sure she wanted to drop that. It was only when Tyler began talking about how much fun it would be for them to share the sport together that Symone began seriously considering it. Symone is quick to point out

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that never one time did her dad – or anyone – pressure her into any decision. She strongly and proudly states that she has been blessed with parents that have always encouraged her to follow her heart and have supported her in any and all choices she has made. Because of that support, Symone decided to suspend basketball for this year and try wrestling. When all was said and done, Symone called it one of the best experiences of her life being able to share the season with him. The season actually ended up being a family affair. Symone’s big sister Jordan is a senior in the sports med program at Northgate and, as a result, all three of the Jewell kids were at the wrestling meets.

The success Symone had in a sport that she had never tried before is otherworldly. Her overall record was 31-11, and she placed in

every single tournament she competed in. That success led to many awards. League champion. NCS champion. Made and placed at the state tournament. Her 6th place finish at state is the highest of any Northgate wrestler since 1982. Did I mention she is just a freshman? That’s right, in a brand-new sport, Symone Jewell won league, NCS and placed 6th in the state. As a freshman.

While Symone’s wrestling future is certainly bright – she definitely has visions of wrestling in college – she steadfastly refuses to take any of the credit. Humble, kind, and wise beyond her 15 years, Symone credits her family and coaches for all of her success. Each of them in their own way, whether it’s her dad for mentally preparing her for each match, her mom for being her biggest supporter, coaches Booth and Sanchez for always making decisions in her best interests - not theirs or anyone else’s – brother Tyler for being her teammate and biggest cheerleader, and sister Jordan for physically getting her ready for matches by taping her up, she understands that whatever success she had is because of them. She is quick to point out that this “squad” is the reason why she took on a predominantly male sport that she had never played before and carved out her own place in Northgate wrestling history. And with that kind of support, there is no telling how far Symone can go and what other records she can break. Perhaps Coach Tim Sanchez said it best: “Symone is limited by nothing – the sky is the limit for her.”

Symone with coaches Tom Booth and Tim Sanchez Photos by Tom Booth

UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES

The Importance of Consistent Advertising

By Jo Peek Expert Contributor

Dealing with economic fluctuations can be one of the most challenging aspects of business ownership. Despite the complexities brought on by uncertain economic conditions, there are also exciting opportunities to grow and outpace your competition. Let’s take a look:

▶ LESS NOISE. MORE VISIBILITY.

Advertising is usually one of the first expenses that local businesses reduce during changing market conditions, but is that a rushed or smart decision? It’s been shown that ad spending across many media types goes down when budgets tighten, whether it be newspapers, social media, radio or television.1 This trend creates an incredible opportunity for you to saturate the market when your competitors are nowhere to be seen. Try maintaining, or even increasing, your advertising efforts during challenging economic times. There will be ample opportunities for growth and very little noise to overcome.

▶ IMPACTFUL MESSAGING

Your messaging becomes even more important with less competition in the picture. You’ll have a chance to truly capture the hearts and minds of the community through your marketing channels. Find a way to stand out and let your customers know that you’ll be prepared to help them when they’re ready. Focus on building loyalty and brand recognition and watch how it impacts your business in the long run.

▶ THE MCDONALD’S EXAMPLE

A great example of why you should never stop advertising can be found in the fast food scene. During the 1990-1991 recession, McDonald’s cut their advertising budget while Taco Bell and Pizza Hut did the opposite. The result would have McDonald’s executives regretting their decision as they witnessed a sales decrease of roughly 28%. Meanwhile, Taco Bell sales increased by 40% and Pizza Hut saw an amazing 60% sales increase during those times.2 Over 30 years later, this fascinating example continues to show just how important it is to be visibleregardless of uncertain economic forecasts.

Source: www.oneupweb.com, www.createwithnova.com

Keeping You Rolling

By Bill Adams, Diablo Auto Specialists

In my 40 years in automotive service and repair, there has always been one constant, “It Costs HOW much?” Here’s an easy example: let’s look at the tire. Since 2020 we have seen an average price increase of over 20% year over year. That means the average $100 tire in 2020, is now over $160 each! That’s $240 more for 4 tires for the same class of tire. That doesn’t even take into account the increase in labor costs to allow our team members the opportunity to live in the communities they work.

All that being said, having professional service performed on your vehicles will help keep your 2nd most expensive investment running well and providing you with reliable transportation. With the average cost of a new car over $50,000, the maintenance expense of brakes and tires on a car can run about $2,000 on many of our vehicles. In relation to vehicle replacement, maintenance is by far less costly than replacement of your perfectly ok and paid for vehicle.

Having trust in your local shop to maximize your transportation dollar is important to managing your service and repair expenses. Maintaining your relationship with your shop, like your doctor, lawyer, or accountant, is central to keeping costs in line due to their understanding of your lifestyle and driving habits. There will ALWAYS be someone that will do it cheaper, my ask is that you don’t jeopardize your investment or safety in the age of $7.00 coffees and $10.00 Chicken Sandwiches.

Want to chat?…..I’d love to hear from you, Bill@Adamsautoworx.com