NSIDE Coastal Bend Dec/Jan 2012 by NSIDE Corpus Christi

NSIDE Coastal Bend Business

BUSINESS YOU CAN TRUST GOLD BUYERS OF TEXAS

A PERSONAL TOUCH SALINAS CATERING MAKE IT YOUR OWN MEN’S JEWELRY 101

A TEXAS TRADITION SAMES FORD LINCOLN

DECEMBER.JANUARY 2012.2013

» HOLIDAY CHEER FOUND HERE LA PALMERA

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W E L F I T U S O I IF Y ORPUS CHR C YOU’D BE HOME BY NOW! You make a lot of CHOICES when you travel. One choice should be easy. Corpus Christi International Airport offers: • Service from 3 Major Airlines • Free Wi-Fi • Convenient and Affordable Parking • No Long Lines • No Hassles

WHY DRIVE YOURSELF CRAZY

driving to another city, wasting time, gas and money while investing in someone else’s airport? Book your flight today! And be HOME when you land. corpuschristiairport.com N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

Long Family Commitment to South Texas Personal Commitment to My Customers Call us today and find out how much you can save! Farmers offers Auto, Home, Commercial and Life Insurance.

Ruben Bonilla Insurance Agency

2727 Morgan Ave, Ste 300 Corpus Christi, Texas 78405

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361.881.1033

www.RubenBonillaInsurance.com

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publisher’s note NSIDE Coastal Bend Business

December/January PU B L I C A T2012/2013 IONS

publisher / Eliot Garza eliot@nsidesa.com

publisher / coastal bend / adrian Garza adrian@getnside.com

publisher / austin / angela strickland angela@getnside.com

staff executive editor Erin O’Brien

creative director Elisa Giordano

graphic designer Damaris Fike

executive assistant Elena Flores

photography Another year has flown by at lightning speed. I think the start of a new year is the perfect time to look back on the previous year and reflect on things that have impacted us. As we keep navigating the challenges presented to us and re-evaluating our needs, it all comes down to faith and execution. This is an ideal time to learn from things that have happened to and around us. What did we handle properly? What mistakes or bad decisions did we make? Do we owe anyone an apology? Should we forgive and forget if something is still hurting or upsetting us? What about our personal goals? As the Christmas season winds down, I like to reflect on my goals from the past year, how they impacted me and what they meant to me. I ask myself about my goals: Which ones did I achieve, which ones didn’t I achieve and why? I re-evaluate the goals I’m still working on and what I plan to do to achieve them. And finally, I like to remind myself to be grateful for every single blessing that comes my way. I was fortunate to be able to lend a hand to a number of people in 2012, as well as to receive a helping hand of friendship from a number of people. On a more personal note, it was also a good year for me and my family. We still have one another, and we are grateful for that every single day. After I finish looking back on the previous year, I then look forward to the New Year. Honoring our past by learning from it is what helps us to continue moving forward, as well as to keep growing as individuals. A new year is a new beginning, and it provides us with a prime opportunity for a fresh start. I hope this year brings you everything you hope and wish for. I hope it is full of peace and blessings. As for me, I will continue making new connections and strengthening my current ones, and I will continue to recognize ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things in the Coastal Bend. I will continue to grow NSIDE Coastal Bend magazine with humility and pride. Let’s go for everything we want and need this year. Let’s go for it right now, and let’s hope we will be able do so with God’s help. Happy New Year – and as always, thank you for your continued support.

Dustin Ashcraft Priscilla Boren

contributing writers Mandy Ashcraft Bart Braselton Adam Hinojosa Samantha Koepp Juan de Lascurain Connie Laughlin Jody Joseph Marmel Kristi Pena Sharon Schweitzer Rebekah Sillman Sarah Tindall Sarona Winfrey

editorial intern Katrina Torres

www.getnside.com For advertising information, please call 361.548.1044 or email adrian@getnside.com. For editorial comments and suggestions, please email adrian@getnside.com.

PUBLIC ATIONS

Adrian Garza

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18402 U.S. Highway 281 N, Ste. 201 San Antonio, Texas 78259 Phone: 210.298.1761

nsidethisissue december/january 2012/2013 cover story 24

sames ford lincoln

The oldest automobile dealership in Texas and one of the oldest in the nation, this Corpus Christi institution continues to serve the Coastal Bend community under the leadership of Hank Sames and Ryan Cain.

profiles

gold buyers of texas

With his strong work ethic, niche marketing, familial support and genuine love for what he does, owner Daniel De La Fuente has established himself as the man you can trust with your precious metal transactions.

salinas catering

cover story | sames ford lincoln

Still going strong after 21 years in business, Corpus Christi natives Danny and Lucy Salinas continue to treat Coastal Bend residents to both delicious food and outstanding customer service.

departments

14 34 36 38 42 44 48

Feature Dine Shop Arts Real Estate Etiquette Espa単ol

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nside coastal bend staff eliot garza

nside publications publisher C: 210.373.2599 E: eliot@nsidesa.com

erin oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;brien

nside PUBLICATIONS executive EDITOR E: erin@getnside.com

elisa giordano nside publications creative director C: 646.280.8785 E: elisa@getnside.com

damaris fike nside PUBLICATIONS graphic designer

elena flores

nside coastal bend executive assistant C: 361.793.6767 E: elena@getnside.com

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CORPUS CHRISTI 4639 Corona, Ste. 1., Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Phone 361.855.5627 Fax 361.851.2234

CORPUS CHRISTI Medical Openings: Registered Nurses for travel and local assignments Licensed Vocational nurses for travel and local assignments Certified medical assistants General Positions: Diesel Mechanics • Automated Drafters and Blue Prints • Fire and Alarm Technicians Accountants • Compliance Officers • Administrative positions Skilled and Unskilled labor positions

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Coastal Bend advisory board

Wayne Lytle is general manager for Lithia Dodge, a Dodge automobile dealership located in Corpus Christi. Lytle is a long-time resident of the Coastal Bend region who has more than 23 years of experience in the automobile business. Prior to becoming the general manager for Lithia Dodge in December 2005, Lytle worked as the truck sales manager for John Creveling, owner of Creveling Dodge. Lytle’s current responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of the dealership’s sales, service, parts, body shop and office operations. He also holds a position on the board of directors for the Texas Dodge Dealers Advertising Association.

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Ruben Bonilla is the owner of Ruben Bonilla Insurance Agency with Farmers Insurance Group. In 2005, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas - Austin. Since opening his business doors in 2007, Bonilla has grown his business by selling home, auto, commercial and life insurance products to the Corpus Christi community and surrounding areas. In addition, he is on the Corpus Christi Literacy Council, and he is a board member for the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and he volunteers as a mentor for the Big Brother/ Big Sister organization. The Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce recognized Bonilla in 2008 by awarding him with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for his accomplishments in growing his business and helping contribute to developing the Corpus Christi community. Bonilla’s goal is to make sure that his clients and their families are taken care of in the event that life throws them a curve ball by providing friendly and informative customer service.

Carol A. Scott, APR, PRSA fellow, is a principal in Kailo Communications Studio. She has worked as a sole practitioner and small agency owner since 1995 following positions with the American Heart Association and the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority. She is past president of the Texas Public Relations Association (TPRA) and past chairman of the Public Relations Foundation of Texas. In 2004, she was named the recipient of Golden Spur award, TPRA’s highest individual honor. She was inducted into the Public Relations Society of America’s College of Fellows in 2005. She is also a past chair of the Universal Accreditation Board for Public Relations that oversees the accreditation process. She is president of the Corpus Christi Independent School District Board of Trustees and serves as a board member for the Corpus Christi Education Foundation, the Corpus Christi Ballet and the Coastal Bend Diabetes Initiative. Scott has served as chair and co-chair for numerous organizations. Scott is a graduate of Texas A&M University – Kingsville. She and her husband, Mark, are active members of Parkway Presbyterian Church and the Coastal Bend community, and they have two children: Christopher and Alexandra.

Jim Salamenta is the general manager of the SMG-managed American Bank Center. Originally from Newington, Conn., he attended Western Connecticut State University in Danbury and began his career at the O’Neill Center in Connecticut in 1994 with OGDEN Entertainment. Salamenta moved to Corpus Christi in July 2006 to oversee all aspects of the Operations Department at American Bank Center. In May 2010, he was promoted to general manager of Corpus Christi’s premier event center, where he actively seeks opportunities to boost the venue’s convention center and concert bookings. During his 17 years of experience, Salamenta has worked with the world’s biggest event promoters, producers and artists at a total of four buildings around the nation. He continues to build American Bank Center’s reputation as the entertainment mecca in Corpus Christi. At the helm of the most architecturally pleasing venue in South Texas, Salamenta sees great potential in Corpus Christi, a city he calls a “diamond in the rough.”

Trey McCampbell is the chief administrative officer of American Bank and chairman of the board for the Board of Regents for Del Mar College. McCampbell’s family has deep roots in the Coastal Bend, and he has been involved in community and business affairs for more than 30 years. He graduated from Del Mar College with an A.A. degree and from Texas A&I University - Corpus Christi with his BBA. He later received his MBA from Corpus Christi State University. He is a certified public accountant. McCampbell currently serves on the boards of the Art Museum of South Texas, South Texas Public Broadcasting and the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. He has previously served on the boards of the CCSU Alumni Association, the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, the Creative Arts Center, the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, the Workforce Development Corporation and the Harbor Playhouse. McCampbell has been instrumental in several community initiatives, including Destination Bayfront and Vision 2000. He is an active member of Leadership Corpus Christi as a graduate of Class XI, general chair of Class XXI and 2005 honoree of the Leadership Corpus Christi Outstanding Alumnus Award. He was also selected as the 2003 Caller Times Person of the Year and as one of Del Mar College’s 75 Distinguished Alumni in 2010.

Bart Braselton is the executive vice president of Braselton Homes, the Coastal Bend’s oldest and largest homebuilder and neighborhood developer. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Braselton is the third generation of Braseltons building in the Bay area. Returning to Corpus Christi after earning a BBA in Finance, as well as a BBA in Real Estate, from the University of Texas Austin, Braselton began working in the family business as a construction superintendent. Braselton Homes has since grown into one of the nation’s “top 200” builders, earning consistent rankings in the annual list compiled by Builder Magazine. Braselton, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, has served on many local community and business committees and boards, including positions with the Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Bayfest, the American Heart Association, the Builders Association of Corpus Christi and the CCISD Boundary Committee. Most recently, Braselton began serving as the vice president of the Board for the Citizens in Support of the Corpus Christi Police Department, a foundation envisioned by the police chief to support the men and women of the CCPD. Braselton and his wife, Michelle, are active church members at Corpus Christi’s Bay Area Fellowship.

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Building Trust Use BBB’s Standards for Trust to communicate your commitment to honesty and transparency to your customers. By: [Kristi Pena]

Better Business Bureau (BBB) sees trust as a function of two primary factors: integrity and performance. Integrity includes respect, ethics and intent, and performance speaks to a business’s track record of delivering results and addressing customer concerns in a timely, satisfactory manner. To ensure high standards of trust are set and maintained, BBB has a list of eight Standards for Trust all BBB accredited businesses must agree to live up to. BBB Standards for Trust is a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and best practices focused on how businesses should treat the public in all circumstances – fairly and honestly. By incorporating BBB’s Standards for Trust into your business, you can better communicate to your customers your commitment to being honest and transparent at all times.

1 Build trust n

Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace. Make sure you fulfill all licensing and bonding requirements in all cities, counties and states where you do business. Continue to promote voluntary self-regulation in your industry.

2 Advertise honestly n

Before you create any advertising, be prepared

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to substantiate any claims such as sales pricing, guarantees or customer testimonials. Be truthful in all advertising efforts.

3 Tell the truth n

Make sure all terms and conditions of your product and service offerings are clear and conspicuous.

4 Be transparent n

Include all physical addresses, email addresses, phone numbers and fax numbers in your communications, both offline and online. Clearly disclosing all policies, guarantees and procedures helps your potential customers make an informed buying decision. Include written confirmations, contracts and receipts for all transactions, no matter how small. Encourage your customers to review and confirm their transactions before sales are complete.

5 Honor promises n

Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations, and honor them by correcting mistakes as quickly as possible.

6 Be responsive n

Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally and in good faith. Promptly responding to questions and concerns helps

promote open communication and build a positive image for your business.

7 Safeguard privacy n

If collecting payment, personal history or other sensitive information, it must be transmitted securely. Research the different secure socket layer certificates available to determine which one best fits your online business needs. Honor customer preferences regarding contact by telephone, fax and email.

8 Embody integrity n

Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity. Keep a positive public image, and be proud of who you are and what you do.

BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior. For more information, please contact Kristi Pena, regional PR manager for BBB, at 210-828-8752.

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Planning the Big Day The top 10 things you should remember to plan the wedding of your dreams By: [Rebekah Sillman]

Your dreams are coming true! You have found the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, and you have said yes. It is now time to begin planning your big day. Here are the top 10 things to consider as you start your journey down the aisle:

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Create a budget, and be mindful of your guest list. Price goes up when you think about decorating, food and drink for 500 versus 100. Getting a hold on what is manageable for you early on will take the stress out of planning.

Choosing a date can be one of the first major decisions in the process. The church may be available one day, but the venue you had your heart set on may not be available the same day. Be flexible. Look at holiday weekends when people can make your wedding part of a vacation with spring break, a three-day weekend or a long holiday weekend. A Friday night may offer you the ability to get the venue you really want at a better price.

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Determine who is going to be in your bridal party. It’s not just about standing at the altar with your best friends. You need someone who is going to put you first as the planning takes place. Will that person tell you if you have too much cleavage for your rehearsal dinner dress, not to mention your wedding dress? Are they going to be reliable when it comes to helping with wedding showers, invitations, etc., without trying to make it their day? Are they going to listen to what you do and don’t want for your bachelor/bachelorette party?

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Choose your vendors carefully. You will spend a great deal of time with the venue, photographer, florist, etc. Ask for referrals. Look at photos of their past work. Do they only do one style of bouquets, or can they create something special for you? Do all of the photos have the same backdrop or camera angles? Use someone who is going to work with you to create something special for you, not give you the same old cookie-cutter event.

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Getting a hold on what is manageable for you early on will take the stress out of planning.

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Use your resources. There are countless books, magazines, websites, wedding shows and apps made to help the bride and groom plan their perfect wedding. Take a look at their calendars, and do what they say to be organized. It will save you from missing something that is important to you or having a hysterical, crying meltdown a few days before the wedding.

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Delegate. There will be many people within your family and circle of friends who offer help. Take them up on it! If they want to help with centerpieces for the wedding, make a date and let them help!

Remain calm. It will get hectic as the big day gets closer. Life doesn’t stop just because you are engaged. You still have to manage work, friends and other commitments. Schedule time for fun things with your fiancé so you don’t lose sight of what is most important.

Consider a day planner. Your parents are going to be busy with guests, and your bridal party will be busy getting ready – as will you – on the day of your wedding. You may want to consider hiring someone to assist on the day of your wedding. That person can help ensure your overall vision of the church, music and programs is achieved, and that gifts, payments and cleanup take place as they should.

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Food and drink. It may be because I enjoy working with a great chef, but if you have a terrible meal at your wedding, everyone will remember. Take a few moments with the person you are planning with at the venue to find something you and your fiancé really enjoy. Maybe it’s the first meal you cooked together or something that reminds you of your first date; maybe it’s just your favorite dishes. Whatever the case may be, make it special, and know that the chef is going to deliver it hot and with great flavor.

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Do what makes you and your fiancé happy for your wedding! It’s about you and celebrating your new life together. It isn’t about what your mother wanted for her wedding or what your sister’s best friend thinks you should do. It’s about creating a fabulous day full of memories you will cherish for many years to come.

Rebekah Sillman is the general manager for the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center. You may contact her at rebekah@pocca.com or 361-8856229, or visit www.facebook.com/theortizcenter. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE feature up,” she said. “Any vacation time we had was spent in Rockport with at least one day coming to the city, so I have many fond memories here. After living life in smaller cities (Hobbs and Las Cruces, N.M.) and larger cities (Orlando, Fla., and Dallas, Texas), I think Corpus is a great place to be because it is big enough to have just about everything you want, but also small enough to have a real community feel.” Smith brings with her a vast background in booking, planning and executing special functions, as well as delivering superb customer service. She worked for five years at the most magical place on earth, Walt Disney World, in a variety of roles. From hotels and special events to park operations, Smith experienced an environment where every moment is just as spe-

“I look forward to meeting people within the community and hearing their stories.”

Creating Priceless Memories A premier venue, a picturesque setting and an event your friends and family will talk about for years to come – meet the person who can help you get everything started. By: [Samantha Koepp]

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Every event, no matter how grandiose or intimate, represents a special moment in one’s life. Having someone who understands how important it is to choose the perfect day in the perfect venue is essential to ensuring your event creates priceless memories. Sales Account Executive April Smith works with people every day in setting the framework for their soirees, birthday parties, weddings, holiday parties and retirement parties, and she is your contact for planning your next event at American Bank Center. Smith recently moved to Corpus Christi to join the SMG American Bank Center staff in September. “The Coastal Bend area was my second home growing

cial as the next, whether it is a tea party or a parade. She appreciates the importance of detail and organization in coordinating the elements needed to make every event a cherished memory. “I look forward to meeting people within the community and hearing their stories,” she said. “This job is great because I am helping people achieve their vision of some of the most important moments in their lives that they will forever treasure.” When scheduling your social event at American Bank Center, you first meet with Smith to determine the date, time and location of your function. The possibilities are numerous, with spacious ballrooms, beautiful views of the Corpus Christi Bay and various spaces that can accommodate your guests with the ambiance you desire. Once your event is scheduled, Smith connects you with an event coordinator who will help you create a floor plan tailored to your needs and coordinate with the other vendors you chose to hire for your event. Smith emphasizes the importance of finding the right venue as soon as you can. “As a recent bride myself, my biggest tip would be to find and book your venue before you plan anything else. This applies not only to weddings, but to any celebration you plan. Your venue will set the atmosphere for your event, so once you have defined the space, everything else will come together a little easier.”

To learn more about having your next event at American Bank Center, contact April Smith at 361-826-4111 or aprils@cctexas.com. SMG-managed American Bank Center is Corpus Christi’s premier event center. Follow us online at www. americanbankcenter.com, www.facebook.com/americanbankcenter or www.twitter.com/americanbankctr.

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The Path to Success

How to build a successful brand according to WWE’s Dolph Ziggler By: [Samantha Koepp]

No matter what business you are in, the path to success starts with building a strong brand. The way you craft your decisions and actions will shape the image of yourself and your business, as well as how your business is perceived by others. We are surrounded by brands in every aspect of life – not just in the products we use, but also in the people we meet and the businesses with which we engage. We have created these concepts of identity that we associate with everything and everyone we come into contact with, and that influence our levels of interaction. One of the biggest brands in the sports entertainment industry is WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). Extensions of that brand are the super-

stars themselves who each carry their own persona and fuel the wrestling conglomerate. Nick Nemeth, who is known as Dolph Ziggler or “The Show Off” in the WWE world, knows all about building a brand and living it every day. Here he gives insight into how he claimed his spot in the ring and how we all can become a superstar in our own right with a focused plan and determination. Nemeth knew he was going to be a wrestler after his father took him to see a WWE live event when he was 5 years old. Wasting no time, a month later, he was involved in amateur wrestling. He knew what he wanted to do and he jumped right in, but at the same time, he knew he needed a plan. “I had a strategy along the way,” Nemeth said. “I always wanted to be a wrestler and always had a plan. I really enjoyed amateur-style wrestling, and I told myself if I could do well in college and break some records, it could give me a chance to get an audition to try out with WWE.” While planning his wrestling career, Nemeth also realized that he needed to be prepared in case there was an interruption that led him on a detour. “Anything in the entertainment industry is never foolproof, and you never know what’s going to happen,” Nemeth said. “So I graduated from Kent State with a political science degree and pre-law minor. I graduated as the all-time winning wrestler in Kent State history, got a tryout with WWE and a year in, made my way onto the full-time roster you see on TV such as Raw and SmackDown.” Knowing what you want to accomplish and what you need to do to reach your goals is essential. Nemeth never settled, but instead took each victory as a steppingstone to the next. Once he completed a goal, he embraced the moment and then set the next goal. “Every day I try to make myself better,” Nemeth said. “In this business of people changing the channel and having a short attention span, you have to

be constantly adapting your character, getting better and better every week.” This philosophy can be applied to any business or individual. Our environment consistently introduces new elements and changes existing ones; you have to be flexible or you will get left behind. Nemeth’s strategy to branding Dolph Ziggler and gaining exposure continues to keep him moving up the ladder with WWE. Here’s what Nemeth attributes to keeping the momentum: • Strive to stand out and be different. • Catch people’s attention. • Be your best advocate and prove it every chance you get. • Be memorable. • Create connections. • Be passionate about what you do. Dolph Ziggler will be in Corpus Christi for the WWE Raw World Tour on Jan. 13, 2013, at American Bank Center Arena. He describes the live experience as “really unique with a cool stage, different people interacting, loud music and fans with their signs.” It is a show built on entertaining the whole family, and special elements are added for each live crowd. As exciting as it is to watch the matches, it’s just as fun to see the performers interacting with the crowd. Tickets are available at the American Bank Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com. You may also charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Additional fees may apply. Lineup subject to change.

SMG-managed American Bank Center is Corpus Christi’s premier event center. Follow us online at www.americanbankcenter.com, www.facebook. com/americanbankcenter or www.twitter.com/ americanbankctr. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

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Make it Your Own

Due to increasing demand and a positive response from women, men’s jewelry is officially hot. Here’s how to pull it off. By: [Adam Hinojosa]

Adam Hinojosa is the executive vice president and general manager of Fine Jewelry Office Studio, located at One Shoreline Plaza, 800 N. Shoreline Blvd., Ste. 340 (South Tower), Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.

When we talk about jewelry, it usually is in reference to women’s jewelry. After all, women wear more jewelry, buy more jewelry for themselves and make it known that they love receiving jewelry gifts. But with the increasing trend of men’s fashion, there has been a marked growth in the market for men’s jewelry. A recent survey found 62 percent of women think men who wear jewelry are more attractive or sexy, and 40 percent of the sampling feels men should wear more jewelry than just their wedding bands. When asked why men should wear more jewelry, more than half of the women said

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culinity intact. Look for strong details, but keep it simple.

Make it Usable:

Don’t go out and buy some cool-looking ring, bracelet or necklace just because it’s popular or looks good on someone else. Try it on; look in a mirror. Make sure it looks good on you, and that you’re going to wear it in public. The more others compliment you on your jewelry piece, the more you will enjoy it, so get a second opinion. It is sometimes good to take a female friend with you when choosing a piece of jewelry to get her perspective. Also keep in mind that certain metal types look better on certain skin tones. So while you can pull off a white gold or silver-tone look if you have a nice tan, if you’re albino, not so much.

A lot of men work a lot with their hands, play sports, enjoy the outdoors and typically are not very careful with their jewelry. For these types of men, jewelry that is simple in design and durable enough to suit their lifestyle is most appropriate. But for men who wear suits, work at desks and attend meetings or social events often, diamond or gemstone accented jewelry can greatly enhance a wardrobe and

Men’s jewelry should have a sleek design. it is a sign of confidence and success, and it shows that the man cares about his appearance. So there is no question that men’s jewelry is trending and women are digging it. The question is: How do you pull it off?

presence. For men who find themselves at both ends of the spectrum, there is nothing wrong with having multiple pieces of jewelry for different occasions. It only becomes a fashion faux pas when worn all at the same time.

Keep it simple:

Make it stylish:

The first rule for any man wanting to accent his wardrobe with jewelry is no exaggeration. Perhaps Mr. T can pull off wearing enough gold chains and earrings to finance a small country, but I pity the fool who tries to match his fashion statement now. Don’t over-accessorize. You don’t need a ring for each finger. One or two (but really one) necklaces is enough. Think of accessorizing in the same way you think of a watch. A watch is definitely a staple

piece in a wardrobe. You may have multiple watches, but you don’t wear them all at the same time – that’s just goofy.

While it is important for a man to determine the desired use for his jewelry, make sure it looks good. Just because it’s durable doesn’t mean it’s something you should wear (a thick plastic piece of anything only looks good on a 6-yearold little girl). Men’s jewelry should have a sleek design. Something overly ornate looks draggy. Modern-looking rings and bracelets are sleek and sophisticated with strong centerpieces, and they keep mas-

Make Sure you like it:

Make it Your Own:

Because of the growing demand for men’s jewelry, the jewelry selection for men at retail shops has grown significantly. There is no question that if you follow these simple rules, you can find some great men’s jewelry pieces at very reasonable prices quite easily. But if you really want to make a statement, make it your own. With the help of a good custom jewelry designer, you can incorporate your favorite design, symbol or tattoo, for that matter, onto your jewelry pieces. Matching your jewelry to your personality can turn a regular piece of jewelry into a stylish conversation piece. And you never know: That conversation might be the one that changes your life.

Be Here - enjoy your Life! Sip, Savor, Taste - Downtown CC

Havana - Upscale Bar and Ultra Lounge

Bleu Bistro and Azur Bar

500 N. Water Street, Corpus Christi, TX

- Happy Hour from 4-7:30pm - VIP Booths with Bottle Service Available - Walk-in Humidor with Premium Cigars - Tapas Menu Served until 8pm - Friday’s – International Night with Live Music - Saturday’s – House DJ - Hours: 4pm - 10pm, Monday through Wednesday 4pm - 2am Thursday, Friday, Saturday - Additional Services: Full Service Catering, Private Parties

For Reservations and for Booking Special Events Contact Marcus at marcusrsoliz@msn.com or call Havana at 361.882.5552 or Bleu Bistro at 361.887.2121.

- French-American Cuisine and Fine Cocktails - Relaxed – upscale dining atmosphere - Prime Steaks and Seafood - Extensive Wine List - Specialty Cocktails - Additional Services: Full Service Catering, Private Parties, Private Room, Outdoor Covered Patio Seating - Hours: 5pm - 10pm, Monday through Thursday 5pm - 12pm, Friday and Saturday

For Reservations and for Booking Special Events Contact Marcus at marcusrsoliz@msn.com or call Havana at 361.882.5552 or Bleu Bistro at 361.887.2121.

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Christmas Goose Look to the sky for team building and strategic business lessons this holiday season and beyond. By: [Connie Laughlin]

Goose is a very popular Christmas menu choice in Europe. If I hunted geese, I’d try to cook them; if it didn’t turn out well, I have five dogs that might think otherwise. If you like to hunt geese, now is the time to start gearing up for your outing. There are a lot of strategies and various types of decoys that go into hunting geese today. Hunters drive themselves nutty choosing and laying out huge spreads of various types of decoys. Hard scouting and out-tricking the birds is necessary if you want to have a super hunt. Starting in October, geese began to efficiently migrate south in a flight pattern that takes them 2,000 to 3,000 miles. They find water, nourishment and shelter in more hospitable areas, allowing them to survive

tive duties, how do you know they’re getting handled effectively and legally, and that you’re covering your assets? The generated synergy of the “V” flying formation of geese is pure leverage. If you avoid using the dynamic force of leverage, you could end up working a lot harder and falling behind a lot faster. It’s paramount to your success to have advisors in human resources and risk management, and it doesn’t matter if you employ a couple or a couple hundred employees. While you’re busy generating a positive cash flow, you can keep your business soaring right side up with the protection of a highly accredited professional employer organization (PEO). This advantageous alterna-

It’s paramount to your success to have advisors in human resources and risk management. year-round. They do the same thing over and over. They mate, they nest, they molt and they migrate. We do the same thing, the same way, over and over most of the time, too. Obviously we aren’t smart like geese because too many of us try to navigate tricky business responsibilities alone. Is this efficient? No. Research shows geese add 71 percent more flying range by using their combined teamwork flying in the “V” pattern. Could you use a 71 percent boost in your business? Pair up with professionals trained in handling human resources for small- to medium-sized businesses and add that 71 percent more efficiency to your operation. Fighter pilots also use a “V” formation, as it’s easier to keep track of everyone and it assists in communication. If you’re not personally and professionally overseeing all employee-related administra-

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tive to doing everything in-house and possibly getting your goose cooked over time is to outsource it, as you could never hire all of this expertise for what the PEO services cost. Every business owner should meet with a cream-of-the-crop PEO. Ensure your “V” is perfectly formed by flying in line with the pros in human resources and risk management to reduce or eliminate any potential drag on your small- to medium-sized organization. A formation of geese in migration is a beautiful sight when it’s recognized and appreciated for all that it is.

Connie Laughlin is a business consultant for UniqueHR. For more information, you may contact her at 361-852-6392 or conniel@ uniquehr.com.

CoRPuS CHRiSTiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S fiRST And only eXCluSive SAlon. HAiR, nAilS, wAXing, lASeR & AnTi-Aging SAlon.

Salon Palomo 2033 Airline Rd., Corpus Christi, TX 78412 across the street from the Corpus Christi Athletic Club

361.855.8841

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9am-7pm N S I D E C O A S T A L B E N D 23 www.salonpalomo.com

A Coastal Bend

Institution Hank Sames and Ryan Cain run Sames Ford Lincoln, the oldest automobile dealership in Texas and one of the oldest in the nation, with a focus on relationships and community service. By: [Sarah Tindall] Photography: [Dustin Ashcraft]

ank Sames is no stranger to the car business. You might even say there’s motor oil in his veins. “My family started in the auto business in 1910, which makes ours the oldest automobile dealership in Texas and one of the oldest in the nation,” said Sames from the office of his dealership on Ayers and SPID in Corpus Christi. The story goes that Sames’ great grandfather, William J. Sames, opened the dealership in Laredo at the turn of the century. The business has stood the test of time, outlasting the Great Depression, World Wars I and II, the Mexican Revolution and the oil crisis of the 1970s. “When I started in the business right in the middle of that oil crisis, people were waiting in gas lines, interest rates were at 20 percent and inflation was a problem,” Sames said. But since the company had grown and prospered so long despite economic adversity, he knew that with smart businesses practices like steady instead of risky growth and putting employees first, the company would weather that storm, as well. “What we’re about is relationships,” Sames said. “We build long-term associations with our customers. We don’t want to sell anybody just one car, and we want to be a part of the local community. It’s a different way of operating, and the big national dealerships can’t do those sorts of things.” Part of that focus on keeping business local made it important for Sames to find a partner for his Corpus Christi dealership who was part of the community in Corpus Christi. The choice was easy: Ryan Cain had been working for Sames since 2004, when he moved to Laredo after finishing a brilliant college career as the star pitcher at Texas Christian University. “Hank gave me a chance to learn the business and promoted me to general manager in 2007,” said Cain, who also had a trial by fire – this was the height of the recession, and he says banks were not loaning money, and that it was difficult for customers to get financing to buy cars. “Sometimes you just have to hang in there when things are bad – just hang in there,” Cain said, and Sames concurred. “Taking care of customers, doing a good job explaining the product, and making sure our employees knew we were doing our best to protect their jobs and being conservative in our business model is the secret to being the oldest in Texas,” Sames said. It helps that the two love what they do. “People express their personality through their cars,” Sames said. “It reflects their image: Cowboys want a big truck, some folks are looking for environmentally friendly, a family is looking for a car that gets them all where they need to go. That’s the exciting thing about the car business: People are still in love with their cars.” »

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“That’s the exciting thing about the car business: People are still in love with their cars.” N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

ames says he knows it will be time to get out of the car business the day folks stop loving their cars and just look at them as a necessary utility instead of an extension of their personality. And he expects that isn’t coming any time soon. “You learn all sorts of things about people by selling them cars,” Sames reflected. “Everyone has something that makes them tick. It’s all about finding out what they need and getting it for them.” Sames and Cain agree that the other reason they love the car business is the opportunity it affords their employees. “This is a wonderful business that supports a lot of families – a great place to make a living and a great place to work – but this is also the last place a person can go into without a specialized

❝

What we’re about

is relationships.

❞

education and make a great career for themselves,” Sames said. “There are two jobs everyone should have at some point in their lives: car salesman and collector.” Those two jobs, he believes, will teach anyone important life lessons and people skills. Cain and Sames have taken their business savvy and people skills all the way from Laredo to Corpus Christi, where they now own and operate the Sames

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Crow Ford dealership at 4721 Ayers and the Sames Super Center, where they sell pre-owned vehicles, at 3737 SPID. “Corpus Christi has been good to us – a great market for us and a great community that we are proud to be a part of,” Sames said. “We’ve been here since around 2003. We started off with the pre-owned Ford dealership, and then in 2005, Bill Cook approached us about buying the new car dealership.” Sames added the Pagan Lewis Motors dealership in 2007, which he now uses as the used car location, while he uses the Ayers location as the new car dealership. He’s grown and adapted in the market, and now the investment in the community is paying off and the dealerships have become an institution in the Coastal Bend. Sames, who attended the University of Texas and graduated with a finance degree (“I thought I was going to be a banker,” he said), has kept the family business growing and prospering for the past 37 years. “After I graduated, the economy was terrible and my father told me to come home and work for the dealership for a year or two since there were no jobs to be had,” Sames said. “I thought I’d do it and then go back to school for an advanced degree, but I really loved the work, and I’ve been doing it ever since.” And now, with Cain at the helm in the Corpus Christi location, Sames says he’s semi-retired, but knows that the oldest auto business in Texas is going to continue putting folks into the car they love for a long time to come.

For more information, contact Sames Ford Lincoln at 888-361-7675 or www.samescorpus.com.

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The Leaders in

Gold Buying GOld Buyers of Texas By: [Jody Joseph Marmel] Photography: [Priscilla Boren]

aniel De La Fuente has led an interesting and inspirational life in the Coastal Bend. Being born and raised in Corpus Christi, he is the second youngest child from a family of 15. De La Fuente emphasizes, “Yes, I said 15.” Fortunate to have led a very happy family life, he explains that, “although we were a very poor family, we were a happy family. Being raised in a Jehovah’s Witness home with a terrific mother who cared and loved us all so much is a huge factor as to why we were so content.” Giving credit to both his father and his mother, De La Fuente proudly shares with his 14 brothers and sisters “a strong work ethic. We have always been very hard workers.” And by looking at his business success, the “work” has brought about only positive results. In April 2010, Gold Buyers of Texas was opened for business on South Staples. Just a year later, a second location on Holly was opened. Within one year, the small business owner became a slightly larger business owner due to his knowledge, his business strategies and his wife, Yvette. “My wife and I own the business. Although she manages both stores, she is mainly at the Holly location. My main role is repairing jewelry and assisting my staff with any questions they may have on any precious metal buys and transactions.” That is not the only area De La Fuente is heavily involved in. Marketing is a key component, and his strategies have worked extremely well. “Our marketing strategies consist of branding our Texas logo, using my daughter, Danielle, and retired news anchorman Walter Furley as our spokesmen and faces of our business. This has helped us in tremendous ways, and has attributed to our success.” Keeping these motivating strategies consistent on all of their television commercials, print ads and banners has helped the De La Fuente family with their niche marketing. “When people decide where they should sell their precious metals, Gold Buyers of Texas is the place of choice. They quickly think of us

despite our increased competition.” Speaking with De La Fuente personally is proof enough that he is the man you can trust. And in this type of market, trust is the key. At the age of 13, De La Fuente started working in the jewelry business part-time. Attending Baker Middle School, he wanted to help his brother, Solomon, who worked for the Gold Shoppe. Solomon was working as a bench jeweler at the small jewelry store and repair shop at the time. The economy was more stable then, and the gold market was around $200 an ounce. De La Fuente walked to the shop after school and started by cleaning around the jewelry shop and doing minor repairs. “I would work between 15 to 20 hours a week, and I got paid $40 a week. It wasn’t much money, but to a poor kid, that was more than I expected,” he laughs. What he did not know or realize then was that all the training he received at such an early age would pay off in the future. De La Fuente worked alongside his brother as a bench jeweler at the Padre Staples Mall doing repairs for just about all of the jewelry stores in town. The list is endless, but it is this list that helped boost De La Fuente into becoming a full-time bench jeweler at Sparkling City Jewelers. “I had a lot of fun working here. Victor Abastta, a fellow bench jeweler and comedian, was one of the reasons I enjoyed my time there. Those were probably the funniest days I had ever worked anywhere.” This businessman is personable, well liked, well known throughout the region and well respected, and he likes to have a good laugh. De La Fuente’s trust factor, coupled with his keen wit, has brought customers his way time and time again. Working there for 10 years, he then opened a small jewelry store in 2000. It was called Exquisite Jewelry Designs, located in Corpus. Shortly after the store was opened, it got broken into, and all of the fine jewelry was stolen. “I was devastated with this loss. I had to pay for damages and pay for jewelry that I didn’t even own anymore.” » N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

“When people decide where they should sell their precious metals, Gold Buyers of Texas is the place of choice.” This time period was a hard struggle for his family. “If things couldn’t get any worse, it did. In 2001, Sept. 11, a huge hit was put on my barely breathing store. Keeping my doors open became impossible. I told myself that I would never open a store again.” De La Fuente continued practicing his trade as a bench jeweler working from inside his garage. A new door opened when the general manager of Tips Pawn & Loan hired him to manage the pawnshop. Although he learned a great deal working there, it took a lot of his time away from what he loved to do. He then went on to the Corpus Christi Trade Center and worked as a jeweler for Al’s Jewelers, and then he worked at Gold Masters. He also worked a part-time job as a bench jeweler for the Gold Exchange. “This was where I had a turn of events. The late owner of the Gold Exchange (James Andrews) passed away. This left me in a difficult situation because he taught me a lot about the business and was a great mentor. Andrews was a very successful person, and

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he knew everything there was to know about a business and marketing a business. This gave me time to do a great deal of thinking.” During this time, Gold Buyers of Texas was born and opened on Staples Street at Carmel Village Shopping Center. The timing was right; gold and silver were going up, along with the prospect of having a Super Wal-Mart opening across the street. Timing was at play, and De La Fuente took advantage of this. As with any business, there are ups and downs. Despite any downs, De La Fuente truly enjoys what he does. “What fascinates me is the loyalty of our customers, and how they have followed me throughout the years. No matter where I go, they end up finding me.” He jokingly compares himself to the hairstylist whom women follow wherever they go. That alone speaks for itself. With the strong support of his hardworking staff and supportive wife (“I would have never gotten this far without her hard work and expertise in the busi-

ness”), this magnetic man plans on continuing to succeed with his business. Dealing with many business professionals and investors in not just one county, but more than 25 counties throughout Texas, De La Fuente has a business formula that is working quite well. He plans on happily continuing to serve the South Texas area for many years to come. Just walk into Gold Buyers of Texas, and you will feel the family vibe that is built on trust in more ways than one. Meet the family, and you will be a customer for life.

For more information, call Gold Buyers of Texas at 361452-2505, or stop by at 4106-B South Staples in Corpus Christi, Texas (located in the Carmel Village). You may also visit www.goldbuyersoftexas.webs.com.

00 361-992-97 r te 68 Jim Bax 361-853-75 te ta s o E ll l a te e o R B 55 ial Eric 361-288-35 Commerc rance u s s s In e y g lt r a 23 & Casu Derek Bu 361-854-55 Property anup le /C C A t ld h o ig M R 7 x112 ire / Done 361-883-317 Water / F g in n z io e it v 96 Air Cond Mark Cha 361-446-03 Heating / le ig a g D in ia 368 Advis Victor 928-304-4 Financial m o s ls e o ic F v 62 er Lisa 361-728-83 Printing S e r z a e C 32 s - Skin Rick Gom 361-443-42 Cosmetic rez r te e ta ti s u E G l r a e 25 lR Hecto 361-985-22 Residentia n ti r a M a s n 75 ellnes Dr. Shaw 361-883-74 Health & W ell h c it M e r n a o C 06 tic Brand 361-826-06 Chiroprac agh b r e v O 50 n 0 s Do 361-589-9 CPA / Taxe cs v S e n g o a ti P a 3 unic Jason 361-331-143 Telecomm eda n u r P l e y h 00 ph Rac 361-906-94 Photogra le a d s 9 s Lori Rag 361-986-150 Mortgage mirez ility Ins. a b R a a is n D ti & is 99 e Chr 361-442-38 Health, Lif r to c e R 30 ices Richard 361-445-10 Title Serv r h it to m c S a e 1 ontr Shan 361-887-911 Co. General C Vela intenance â&#x20AC;? a o M B â&#x20AC;&#x153; n e ig S n Re Lighting & y N S I D E C O A S T A L B E N D 31 e Attorn

SalinasCatering v

Enhancing the flavors of the Coastal Bend v By: [Jody Joseph Marmel] Photography: [Priscilla Boren]

s owners of Salinas Catering in Corpus Christi, Danny and Lucy Salinas have a vast array of delicious food, and their five-star service is not only excellent, but affordable. These two qualities – excellence and affordability – are not usually paired, but the Salinas

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family weaves magical recipes at fair prices to make their claim to fame. Looking at the menu is a must, but hearing Lucy describe dishes they serve makes your mouth water, and you find yourself craving a taste regardless of the fact that you just ate. This creative couple started their business 21

years ago, and they are still growing strong. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Danny and Lucy have four sons. “They all have worked and learned the business,” Lucy says proudly. As she explains their backgrounds, Lucy draws a perfect picture of her and her husband growing up in family businesses

and seeing the hard work and long hours involved in owning your own business. “It was a tough decision to make when we opened in 1991. A television retail company asked us to cater their company picnic for 200 people at Lake Mathis. So we did. Afterward, we enjoyed it so much that we told ourselves catering would be a great career for us. Since Danny grew up in the meat market industry where they prepared and sold barbecued brisket, sausage and chicken, his experience and knowhow helped us make the right decision.” This decision has benefited many people in the Coastal Bend. The client list is impressive, including private and charter schools, pharmaceutical companies, corporations such as conglomerate Kiewit, the Naval Air Station, the Diocese of Corpus Christi, local hospitals and local residents for their weddings, graduations, quinceañeras, funeral receptions and a multitude of other private parties. Offering their banquet hall free of charge Monday through Friday for funerals and corporate meetings is another perk. Monday through Friday, Salinas Catering is busy serving five schools, providing more than 700 students with their lunches. Weekends are primarily reserved for wedding receptions and private events. Additionally, they are on the preferred catering lists of some of the most well-known establishments in the Coastal Bend and surrounding areas. These establishments include the USS Lexington, the American Bank Center, Mansions by the Sea, the Ranch at San Patricio, the San Patricio Fairgrounds and CC Event Center. This couple certainly cares about their clients from the first time they call all the way through the entire event. As a result, their customers are always coming back for more. In their business partnership, Lucy explains, “Danny orders the product, talks to the salesmen, talks to the customers, handles the employees, oversees the kitchen and runs the office in the mornings. I plan the school menus, devise specialty menus, talk to the customers, handle the finance department and set up formal events. I also work onsite. We make a great team.” They make not only a great team, but also delicious food, and their customer service is what puts them at the top of their field. The company is recognized and rated by the Caller-Times “Best of the Best,” a Corpus Christi poll where individuals vote for their favorite companies, from 1997 to 2012. Taking a glance at some of their delights and adding the first-class service, you know Salinas Catering will make it to the top of the “Best of the Best” once again, and that this dynamic duo’s arduous efforts and love for family have made the catering business into a fun and rewarding one. Lucy aptly describes their heavenly dishes, which are a delicious culinary indulgence. Starting with only three menus their first year, “We offered brisket and sausage, chicken and sausage or carne guisada. Then a customer asked if we could prepare chicken fried chicken for an office event. So of course we said, ‘Sure!’ As the clientele grew, so did our cuisine.” Now offering a wide variety of menu options, you can choose from Mexican, American, barbe-

“Our customer service is the best there is, and the overall presentation is magnificent.” cue, Italian, seafood and hors d’oeuvres. “Brisket is always popular, but our beef and chicken fajitas, chicken cordon bleu, chicken fried chicken and blackened fish Marco Polo are even bigger hits.” Danny and Lucy offer a variety of catering services tailored to the customers’ needs. The first service is “custom cooking”: Salinas Catering provides you with either the entrée or the entrée and two sides. The second service is a “drop-off buffet,” which Lucy details further: “This is when we set up your complete meal buffet-style, which is most popular in small offices. Since everyone does not take a break at the same time, their food will stay hot for up to four hours.” The third service is “buffet with disposables,” in which servers are provided to serve and clean up; this is ideal for larger events. The fourth service, “buffet on china,” offers a more elegant option to the buffet. The fifth service is known as “full sit-down dinner,” and it is very exquisite. Lucy elaborates: “This is a formal service. We preset the silverware, glassware, linen napkins, salad and condiments on the tables. Your meal will be brought to you by our waiters.” Lucy, whose mother is a dress designer and courtier for Las Donas de la Corte, explains how her artistic background has helped her feel at home with coordinating and decorating themed events. Making costumes and gowns since elementary school, Lucy has aesthetic talents, and she uses them for the overall look of the buffet setup. “I have always kept up with the latest wedding trends in color and themes, as well as fabricating the layout for large corporate events. We always use linen skirting, coordinating fabrics and greenery to complement your event.” Starting in November, Salinas Catering offers holiday meals. “That is our most prevalent menu for the holidays,” Lucy exclaims. A perfectly tender

slow-roasted turkey is divine – and it is their No. 1 holiday seller. “Generally, offices like to show their appreciation to their staff by giving them a full turkey and ham meal. Our holiday meal is typically the kind you have at home: turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, a vegetable, salad, cranberry sauce, an assortment of pies and iced tea.” Employing a staff of 12 Monday through Friday to prepare for and serve the schools and deliver the corporate meals, Salinas Catering is more than a “mom and pop” shop. On weekends, they staff an average of 25 employees for private events. In the weeks of the month surrounding graduations, the company can have up to 18 parties a day. “It is our largest volume month in terms of number of events daily,” says Danny, who also cites the reasons Salinas Catering is unique and successful at the same time: “We add that personal touch. Our customer service is the best there is, and the overall presentation is magnificent.” As an ongoing business, “we don’t turn anything down.” Having ideas for the future, Danny shares his desire to expand and perhaps open another Salinas Catering in a different city. Mentioning San Antonio and Austin as possibilities, Lucy adds, “We always want to be in full swing. This has been our life and passion. We can’t imagine retiring.” The Coastal Bend is fortunate to have such a specialized catering business to call its own. They can’t imagine life without Salinas Catering, either. Salinas Catering will continue to grow, and with any luck, decide to expand to other cities. Austin sounds good; I just happen to live there.

Salinas Catering is located at 2515 Leopard St., Corpus Christi, Texas 78408. For more information, call 361-882-5420 or visit www.salinascateringinc.com. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE dine

a perfect combination

Take a fun twist on a tradition with the grilled CAT sandwich, a more colorful grilled cheese. This is what I’d like to call a grilled CAT sandwich. I know what you’re thinking. I can’t eat my cat – I’m vegetarian. Or maybe, Whiskers won’t ﬁt on my grill; I’ve tried. But don’t worry. This is a Grilled cheese, Avocado and Tomato sandwich. It’s colorful, delicious and 100 percent domestic pet free. A perfect combination in my book.

For more information, email mandyashcraft314@gmail. com. You may also visit www. mandyashcraft.com for more healthy recipe ideas.

Ingredients: 8 Slices fresh marble rye bread 1 Large avocado, sliced into thin slices 4 Large slices muenster cheese, each cut in half 3 Tbsp parmesan cheese, grated 4 Large fresh basil leaves, ﬁnely chopped

Directions:

1/ In a shallow dish, place tomato slices and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with a couple pinches of salt and pepper and chopped basil. 2/ On four slices of bread, place half a slice of cheese, tomato slices (with basil) and avocado slices, and top with another half-slice of cheese. Using one slice of cheese in two halves per sandwich helps stick the ingredients together when it melts without eating twice as much cheese. Top with remaining 4 slices of bread.

By: [Mandy Ashcraft] Photography: [dustin ashcraft]

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1/4 Tsp garlic powder 1/4 Cup olive oil 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced 3 Tsp balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper

3/ Heat an electric griddle to 350 degrees, or skillet over medium heat. 4/ In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder and parmesan cheese. Brush the tops of the sandwich with the mixture, and place that side down onto the hot griddle. Allow to cook until browned, and brush the other side with the remaining mixture after ﬂipping once. Serve hot.

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NSIDE shop

Holiday Cheer Found Here

With La Palmera’s busiest shopping season underway, new stores provide shoppers with even more options. By: [Sarona Winfrey]

The holidays are in full swing, and as shoppers head out with their wish lists, La Palmera is once again seeing its biggest crowds of the year. “This is certainly a busy time of year, but one we really enjoy,” said La Palmera General Manager Fred Walters. “Everything points to another strong holiday turnout; traffic is up this year over last, and it’s a trend we hope to see continue throughout the holiday shopping season.” Shoppers will come early and stay late, as La Palmera extends mall hours through Dec. 31. Those extra hours will come in handy as guests find more to choose from with many new stores having opened in 2012, including: Pandora, creator of the popular jewelry collections of the same name, adjacent to Coach in Center Court; Flip Flop Shops, offering the hottest brands and latest styles of flipflops and sandals to Coastal Bend customers with a new kiosk location near All the Perks Espresso Café in the La Palmera Cafés food court; White House Black Market, the popular women’s clothier, located between Express and Gymboree; Soma Intimates, specializing in women’s lingerie, adjacent to Kay Jewelers; 2b, featuring contemporary women’s fashion, located next to PacSun; Traffic Shoes, offering trendsetting shoes for men and women, lo-

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cated on the main level between Aeropostale and Finish Line; Papaya, featuring trendy styles for the 16- to 25-year-old crowd, near American Eagle; and a new Hallmark Store, perfect for special holiday cards and gifts. Many other seasonal shopping options such as Hickory Farms and Brookstone are also available. Gift card purchases often spike around holidays, with the Christmas holidays being the busiest for individual retailers, as well as La Palmera. The La Palmera gift card, available in $10 increments up to $500, may be purchased online at lapalmera.com and at the mall’s concierge. The card is convenient because it can be redeemed at all La Palmera merchants and dining locations. And while holiday sales and gift buying occupy mom and dad, La Palmera’s youngest guests have their eyes set on a visit with Santa. In keeping with tradition, the “Man in Red” is on hand through Dec. 24 in Center Court to pose for photos and visit with boys and girls during regular mall hours. Several Coastal Bend charities are hoping shoppers will continue their spending ways to support several charitable events and services also at La Palmera over the holidays. Guests can once again take advantage of La Palmera’s popular charity gift-wrapping

service Friday through Sunday on the first four weekends of December. Volunteers representing several local charities, each staffing a different weekend, will be stationed on the main level near the concierge and Forever 21, providing their wrapping services for donations. Pet lovers can also bring their favorite kitty or canine for “Pet Night with Santa,” held Tuesday, Dec. 4, and Dec. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. each evening. A portion of the photo proceeds from those events will benefit local animal organizations. Only dogs and cats are permitted, and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times. And to make it all easier, valet parking is available for $7 at the main entrance near P.F. Chang’s. For added convenience, shoppers can now call in or text their valet claim number to 361-792-2610 and have their car waiting for them. Those preferring to use valet parking can also pick up a Valet Parking Loyalty Card at the concierge, which provides one complimentary valet service after four paid.

For the latest on La Palmera, go online to www. lapalmera.com, visit us on Facebook, stop by the concierge or call 361-991-5718.

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NSIDE arts

Practice Makes Perfect Artist Mark Ward transports audiences to other worlds along a journey of emotions in Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam, coming soon to American Bank Center Arena. By: [Samantha Koepp]

It started with an image on a television screen that sparked an interest in a young boy and would later develop into a 19-yearand-counting career with Cirque du Soleil. Mark Ward, who plays the principle character, John, in Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam, has never missed a single show he’s had a role in since he’s been with the company, accounting for almost 7,000 performances.

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He truly enjoys what he does and has dedicated his life to perfecting his craft. Ward is a Texan, born and raised in Denton. Growing up, he was very involved in sports; he competed in gymnastics, tennis and track. During high school, his track coach collaborated with a local ballet instructor to “trick” Ward into taking a ballet class; needless to say, it worked and Ward quickly embraced the world of dance. His first role with Cirque du Soleil was with the show Mystere in Las Vegas. “When I first joined, I didn’t know anything about Cirque,” Ward said. “I got the call I got the job, and I had to get a DVD, listen to their music and see their video they had on MTV before I even knew what it was, but it has exceeded my expectations. It’s a great environment for artists to grow, and you meet so many people and work with them from around the world.” Ward’s athletic and dance background prepared him for the extensive training he would go through. Every performer’s training regimen is different depending on the level of experience and the roles. Hard work was nothing new for Ward, but the range of skills that Cirque equipped him with was. “The great thing about Cirque is if you come and are prepared and willing to work, they will teach you other things,” Ward said. “One of the surprises for me was I was hired as a dancer and ended up doing so many other things such as acrobats, bunging ball walking, Japanese Taiko drums – just all kinds of things.” Ward stayed with Mystere for five years, playing a variety of characters. In 1999, he was offered the role of John in Quidam. “My first role with Cirque was doing lots of other things in the same show – running from acrobatics to dance and all over the place; the characters were very fast,” Ward said. “As the principle character, I’m the guide, the master of ceremonies, the person you can relate to, so I have a lot of responsibility of making the connection with the audience and setting the tone and linking things together, so I had to hone my acting skills. “It’s not as physically demanding as acrobatics was, but it definitely is more challenging of the character roles because I do so much. I have four acts of my own, so it’s a lot. I had to be more of a complete artist to do this role.” Even though he has performed as the same character for more than 13 years, he “keeps it fresh” by adapting his performance to the reactions of the audiences in each market. He’s learned that he has to be flexible and willing to change in order to reach different crowds. “I have to be aware if I am doing something and I am not getting the laugh or the attention I would usually get,” Ward said. “I veer into another direction. It’s all about be-

ing there in the moment and being aware of your surroundings and what the people are feeling.” Ward refers to Quidam as the most human show in Cirque du Soleil. While the

“It’s all about being there in the moment and being aware of what people are feeling.” show transports audiences to another world of fantasy displayed through graceful acrobatics and staging, it deals with human emotions that people can relate to. You can see Ward perform as John when Cirque du Soleil comes to American Bank Center Arena on Feb. 2 and 3, 2013. “One of the great things about being a performer is trying to lift someone out of the ordinary world they are going through; you’ve been working all week you’ve had this happen and other things happen in life,” Ward said. “It’s great to be able to have a job where you can say, ‘My job is to transport that person to another place to put a smile on their face to uplift their heart for a bit for these two hours.’ I’ve looked out in the audience

and seen grown men crying or laughing hysterically. I think it’s a journey of emotions, this show.” Tickets are available at the American Bank Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster. com. You may also charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Additional fees may apply. Lineup subject to change.

SMG-managed American Bank Center is Corpus Christi’s premier event center. Follow us online at www.americanbankcenter.com, www.facebook.com/americanbankcenter or www.twitter.com/americanbankctr.

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NSIDE real estate

Quality of Life

Improve the way you live and change your idea of high-quality life with energyefficient green building in your home, neighborhood and community. By: [Bart Braselton] “Quality of life.” You hear this phrase often, but what does it really mean? It can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, but to me, a homebuilder and neighborhood developer, it refers to how a person’s community and living space makes him or her feel. When people feel good about the place they live in, that is often one of the top items they attribute to having a good quality of life. And as it turns out, we as builders can do a lot to make a home and a neighborhood better to live in. And most of the improvements we can make aren’t really that expensive – they just require some extra thought, as well as research and commitment on our part. For many years, most neighborhoods – and the homes within them – in our city have looked the same. They have the same types of streets, curbs

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and gutters as the next subdivision down the street. Things just start to “blend in.” Recently, however, some important changes in our city have allowed us to bring many of the great living styles found in other parts of the country to Corpus Christi. Over the last few years, our forwardthinking city council has passed new ordinances that allow and promote green building, traditional neighborhood design and a master parks plan. Green building is one of the biggest changes the homebuilding industry has ever seen. Its concepts and methods allow us to build homes that are much more energy- and resource-efficient than homes built even just a few years ago. At Braselton Homes, we exclusively build ecohomes, which can save you up to 50 percent on your monthly utility bills. Also, a green eco-home

creates a much more healthy indoor environment by using not only high-efficiency heat pump air conditioning systems with 2” thick filters, but also by the use of VOC paints, as well as green carpeting and cabinets. And finally, a Braselton eco-home can help save our natural environment by reducing a home’s and family’s carbon footprint. With the new traditional neighborhood design ordinances, specifically the cluster lot and cottage ordinances, we can now build green neighborhoods, which are communities that, by their design alone, reduce energy consumption and allow a greater amount of our natural environment to go undisturbed. We are proud to be building the city’s first such neighborhoods in our signature community of Rancho Vista, as well as in our new Cottages at

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Southlake neighborhood, directly adjacent to Corpus Christi’s newest elementary school, Kolda Elementary. At Rancho Vista, you can walk your kids to the park, and at the Cottages, you can walk your kids to school or to the new Bay Area Fellowship church, which shares the Southlake location. And with our alley home designs and green landscaped walking paths, you will see a new way to live in Corpus Christi that is not dominated by the car. Parks are known to enhance quality of life, and our city recently created a master parks plan to better coordinate and promote Corpus Christi’s parks. Braselton Homes has been proud to work closely with the City Parks Department, and as a result, Rancho Vista has been built around a central park that contains not only a kids’ playground and a soccer field, but also lakes, fountains and walking paths. Rancho Vista Park will continue, with open parkland, all the way to the Rancho Vista Nature Preserve on the banks of Oso Creek, overlooking King Ranch. Quality of life is important, and we as builders should do all we can

to promote it. Green building methods, green neighborhoods and community amenities such as parks, playgrounds and landscaped walking paths have been shown to increase not only the value of surrounding homes, but also a homeowner’s perception of high-quality life. It’s nice to walk the kids to the park to play or to sit on the bench at the lake viewing area and feed the ducks. It’s comforting to walk the kids to school, knowing you never have to leave your own neighborhood. At Braselton Homes, we do all we can to build unique homes in special neighborhoods, so please come out and see us at your leisure. We have five fully furnished model homes in Corpus Christi and Portland that are open daily, with three more under development and construction. You may also visit us anytime at www.braseltonhomes.com. With price ranges from $120,000 to $420,000, we have the right home and neighbor-

hood for you. Here’s to your quality of life. I hope you do all you can to improve it. If we can help, we would love to. See you in the neighborhood!

Braselton, a graduate of Leadership Corpus Christi Class 18, is a contributing writer to NSIDE Coastal Bend magazine, and has served on numerous local community and business committees and boards, including positions with the Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Bayfest, the American Heart Association, the Builders Association of Corpus Christi and the CCISD Boundary Committee. Most recently, Braselton began serving as the vice president of the Board of the Citizens in Support of the Corpus Christi Police Department, a foundation envisioned by the police chief to support the men and women of the CCPD. Braselton and his wife, Michelle, have three children, and are active members at Corpus Christi’s Bay Area Fellowship. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE etiquette

International Holiday Toasting Etiquette How to handle holiday toasting like a pro

Korey Howell Photography

By: [Sharon Schweitzer]

Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is an etiquette and international protocol expert. For more information, visit www. protocolww.com, www.twitter.com/ austinprotocol or www.facebook.com/ protocolww.

Ever wonder why certain business colleagues are completely comfortable at holiday parties when the toasts begin? Do you want to add international flair to your holiday conversations? Handle non-alcoholic toasts with ease? Knowing the history of holiday toasting etiquette will help you navigate the season like a pro. 1. Toasting history: The ancient Greeks began the art of toasting to one’s health when the host took the first, good faith sip of the communal wine. This first sip assured the guests that the beverage was not poisoned. The word “toast” originated from the Roman practice of placing a piece of spiced, charred bread into the wine to mellow the flavor. Back then, when drinking to someone’s health, the cup was drained to reach the piece of saturated toast at the bottom. 2. Non-alcoholic toasts: Today, it is perfectly acceptable to toast with a sparkling beverage, ginger ale, club soda, seltzer, water or juice during the holidays, or anytime. Keep in mind: It is about the celebration, not the liquid. Toasting is about the sentiment of the occasion. It may be a highlight at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, New Year celebrations and holiday business gatherings. 3. Toasting etiquette: When a managing partner or CEO offers a toast for a colleague, raise your glass at the conclusion of the toast, when

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the host raises his or her glass. It is not necessary to touch your glass with everyone present, as it is distracting. Pause after the toast and observe. Most likely, the recipient will reciprocate with a toast. If you have been a star performer, you may be honored with a toast. Stand, listen and accept the toast graciously. Refrain from drinking a toast to yourself, just as you would not clap for yourself. Be sure to stand and reciprocate with a toast to the person who toasted you, thanking them for the event and recognition. 4. New beginnings and christenings: Champagne was traditionally served at the coronation of French kings. Champagne has historically been associated with christenings, new beginnings and rare moments. It has become associated with New Year’s Eve festivities around the world for this reason. 5. What is champagne? Champagne is a sparkling wine that comes from the region of Champagne in France. It is widely believed that the monk Dom Perignon “invented” champagne in the 1600s. It is known that he discovered that the best champagnes were made from blends of the champagne grapes, the varietals pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. The smaller and faster the bubbles, the finer the champagne. Scientists have determined that there are 95 million bubbles in a bottle of champagne. Other sparkling wines such as prosecco originate in Italy. Sparkling wine is also

produced in other global regions. 6. Champagne bottle opening: The proper way to open a bottle of champagne (avoiding spray, injury or spills) is to hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, grasp the champagne cork gently with one hand and turn the bottom of the bottle firmly with the other hand. Be sure to twist the bottom of the bottle slowly, until you feel the cork gently release in your hand. 7. Sabering champagne: A fascinating way to open a bottle of champagne involves the lost art of sabering. Legend has it that Napoleon’s mounted artillery officers started the trend of sabering. While riding a horse, these soldiers would use a blade to cut the top off a champagne bottle with the cork still intact. Today, for an experienced wine connoisseur to accomplish this feat, precise preparation must occur. First, the bottle should rest upside-down 60 minutes in ice, and must be very, very cold. Then the bottle is removed from the ice, slowly turned upright and held at a 45-degree angle with no fluid touching the cork. Gently touch the blade on the shoulder of the bottle, and then use a short follow-through movement with the blade using the elbow, not the wrist. Please think twice before attempting to saber your champagne, as this is mostly a lost art that could result in shattered glass in the champagne or worse. 8. Happy New Year globally: One of the oldest of all holidays is New

Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve. It was first observed by the ancient Babylonians 4,000 years ago. The current tradition of ushering in the New Year in the United States often includes a toast with champagne or another beverage at midnight. Nearly every culture has practiced toasting in one form or another. One of the most common toasts made on New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve is simply â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy New Year.â&#x20AC;? This list may be helpful in communicating â&#x20AC;&#x153;Happy New Year,â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cheers to the New Yearâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Congratulations for the New Yearâ&#x20AC;? in the following languages:

Language:

Spelling or Pronunciation:

Afrikaans Albanian Azerbaijani Bahasa melayu Basque Bengali Bosnian Catalan Cebuano (Philippines) Chinese Czech Danish Dutch Esperanto Estonian Filipino Finnish French Gaelic (Scotland) German Greek

S: Gelukkige Nuwejaar S: Gezuar Vitin e Ri S: Yeni iliniz mubarek S: Selamat tahun baru S: Urte berri on S: Shuvo Noboborsho S: sretna nova godina S: Felic any nou S: Mabungahong Bag-ong Tuig kaninyong tanan P: Chu Shen Tan S: Stastny Novy Rok S: Godt Nytar S: Gelukkig Nieuwjaar or Fijne oudejaarsavond S: Bonan Novjaron S: Head uut aastat S: Manigong Bagong Taon S: Onnellista Uutta Vuotta S: Bonne annee S: Bliadhna mhath ur S: Frohes Neues Jahr / Gutes Neues Jahr P: kali chronya

Hawaiian Hebrew Hungarian Indonesian (Bahasa) Irish Italian Japanese Korean Laotian (Hmong) Latin Maltese Maori Nigerian (Hausa) Norwegian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Samoan Spanish Swahili Swedish Thai Turkish Vietnamese Urdu Welsh

S: Hauoli Makahiki hou P: Shana Tova S: Boldog Uj Evet/ Buek Selamat Tahun Baru S: Athbhliain faoi mhaise dhuit /Bhliain nua sasta S: Felice Anno Nuovo or Buon anno P: akemashite omedetou gozaimasu P: she heh bokmahn ee bahd euh sae yo P: nyob zoo xyoo tshiab S: Felix sit annus novus S: Is Sena it-Tajba S: Kia hari te tau hou S: Barka da sabuwar shekara S: Godt Nyttar S: Szczesliwego Nowego Roku S: Feliz Ano Novo S: La Multi Ani P: s novim godom S: la manuia le Tausaga Fou S: Feliz Ano Nuevo S: Nakutakaia Heri Ya Mwaka Mpya S: Gott Nyttar P: saa-wat-dii pi-mai S: Yeliniz Kutlu Olsun/ Mutlu yillar P: Chuc mung nam moi P: nyya saal mubarak S: Blwyddyn newydd dda

There are few customs that are as festive, heartfelt and surprisingly simple for people of all cultures and all ages as a toast. With these simple tips, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be ringing in happy occasions and new beginnings with ease and teaching all of those around you to do the same.

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NSIDE espaÑol

EXCAVAR UN POZO Por: [juan de lascurain]

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Para excavar un pozo se necesita mucha dedicación y persistencia. Tienes que escoger un lugar y no moverte, cuando te enfrentas con un tramo rocoso necesitas tener paciencia para poder sobrepasarlo. También necesitas humildad, tú tienes el talento pero no puedes ser una persona presumida, tu trabajo es de remover toda la basura que se encuentra antes de llegar al tesoro escondido. También necesitas fé, necesitas tener la certeza y saber que aunque no se vea nada en lo físico, tienes la certeza de que debajo de todo hay un tesoro y tú lo vas a encontrar. No es fácil, y no todo el mundo tiene la paciencia de esperar y picar piedra a veces por muchos años. Yo me tardé ocho años en comenzar a hacer dinero con Dream Big. Primero era el programa de televisión, entrevistaba a las celebridades más famosas pero nadie me pagaba. Me llegaban emails de jóvenes de diferentes partes del mundo pero apenas tenía para comer. Pero sabía que tenía que levantarme todos los días y seguir haciendo lo que estaba haciendo y un día esa piedra y todos esos obstáculos se iban a desvanecer. No se desvanecieron de un día para otro, fue la constancia, mi determinación; pero lo más importante, mi fé. Ahorita acabo de cerrar mi décima licencia para comercializar mis diseños en México, en solo un año se ha hecho esto. Muchas marcas se tardan mucho más tiempo en lograrlo. Hoy por la noche tengo una exhibición de mi arte y mañana tengo la presentación de la marca Dream Big en un hotel de la ciudad de México y hay muchos proyectos más que hace dos años ni idea tenía que iban a suceder. Lo más bonito de seguir tu sueño son las sorpresas que te encuentras en el camino. No puedes planear todo en tu vida , ni tampoco puedes controlar todo lo que sucede. Tienes que tener fé, que Dios te está guiando y que Él te va a ayudar a que cumplas tu propósito. Todo lo que vale la pena en la vida cuesta y tiene un riesgo, para encontrar diamantes, petróleo, se necesita lo mismo que para alcanzar tus sueños. A veces parece que son pruebas de resistencia que tienes que sobrepasar. Me acuerdo esos ocho años en los cuales no gané mucho dinero, no por falta de tratar, sino que era parte de picar piedra. Era tiempo de sembrar y ahora es tiempo de cosechar. Hubo muchas oportunidades de darme por vencido pero gracias a Dios que pude continuar. Si no hubiera continuado me hubiera perdido de cosas muy grandes. No sé en que etapa estés en tu vida, a la mejor apenas estás descubriendo cuáles son tus talentos y tus sueños, o tal vez llevas años tratando de lograr que tus sueños se conviertan en realidad. No te des por vencido, sigue adelante, sé constante en lo que haces. No te fijes en cuánto dinero tienes, hay una puerta abierta para ti. Acuérdate que no importa de dónde vengas, ni cuánto dinero tengas; si tienes fé, un sueño y trabajas duro. Todo es posible.

Para más información sobre Juan de Lascurain, visita www.juandelascurain.com o www.facebook.com/ dreambigworld, o siga @dreambigworld en Twitter.

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