NSIDE Coastal Bend June/July 2013 by NSIDE Corpus Christi

JUNE.JULY 2013

STYLE & SUBSTANCE FEATURING ERIKA TEIXEIRA BOLLER AND CATHERINE HODGE

LENDING A HAND

GARY RAPIER

Coastal Bend Business

MAKING WAVES JOHN OLVEY BLAZING THE TRAIL ZJZ HOSPITALITY REVERENCE FOR LIFE ANIMAL GUARDIANSHIP THE SERVICE OF CHOICE BALAYAGE

» EUROPE’S CULINARY CAPITOL SAN SEBASTIAN

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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

Find retirement comforts close to your heart at a community close to your home. Come join us for a personal appointment and lunch. Meet the Mirador team and get to know Mirador residents. 5857 Timbergate Drive | Corpus Christi, TX 78414 “We came to Mirador because we wanted choices. We didn’t want our children worrying about us. The community feeling here—we just love it. We used to say, ‘We’re going back to Mirador.’ Now we say, ‘We’re going home.’” —Diane and Pastor Sam Gottlich

Get a firsthand look at all the reasons why people choose the pleasures, affordability and security of our community. Discover: • All the help you get to make your move • Why Mirador is a good value for your retirement plans • All the valuable services & amenities included Mirador is the region’s first retirement community offering Life Care, where Independent Living residents have lifelong access at predictable rates to all on-site health care services: Assisted Living, Memory Support, Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing.

5857 Timbergate Drive | Corpus Christi, TX 78414

www.MiradorRetirement.com

Call 361-288-7014 to set up your personal appointment and lunch. www.SQLC.org N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

publisher’s note NSIDE Coastal Bend Business

P U B LJune/July I C A2013 TIONS

ceo/nside media productions eliot garza publisher adrian garza executive editor Erin O’Brien

creative director Elisa Giordano

graphic designers Damaris Fike, Cristina Villa Hazar

executive assistant Elena Flores When my brother, Eliot Garza, and I started NSIDE Coastal Bend a little more than five years ago, we made a change. At that time, NSIDE Publications was just a fledgling 2-year-old company based solely in San Antonio. Today, NSIDE San Antonio has extended its reach to the entire Lone Star State and is now officially NSIDE Texas, and NSIDE Coastal Bend is stronger than ever. The company also features niche publications NHOME Texas, NFit and NFamily, all of which have reaped rich rewards for us. We’ve made a lot of changes over the last few years – and yet, we’re still growing. I’m thrilled at the addition of two more magazines: N San Antonio, which will focus on lifestyle and the social scene in the Alamo City, and Shale Oil & Gas, which will focus on the Eagle Ford Shale and all of the business it will bring to our great state. That brings our total, as of mid-2013, to seven publications. It’s humbling to think about how far we’ve come over the past few years, and I’m so proud to be part of a company that not only has been successful itself, but also has contributed to the success of a lot of other entrepreneurs and businesses. Our publications vary in a lot of ways, but all of our teams have introduced a lot of people to a lot of people, and it’s our absolute honor to do so. We encourage networking and philanthropic involvement, and we even provide additional opportunities for our readers, advertisers and friends to network for a good cause at each of our monthly mixers. As I think about our 50th mixer coming up in June, I am reminded of how far we’ve come – and of how far we have yet to go. We’re happy to be of service to all of our communities. We’re happy to bring you content that we hope informs and entertains you, and we’re happy to help you promote your business within our pages. It’s our way of not only doing what we love as professionals, but also giving something back to you, our readers, advertisers and friends, without whom none of our growth would’ve been possible. Thank you so much for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy this, our June/July 2013 issue.

account executives Jessica Salinas, Amanda Villarreal

contributing writers Mandy Ashcraft, Bart Braselton, Kim Bridger, Maria Del Rio, Ricardo Gomez, Ambrose Gonzalez, Lee Harrison, Lisa Hinojosa, Connie Laughlin, Deborah Perry, Cody M. Rice, Abel Sanchez II, Sharon Schweitzer, Sarah Tindall, Sarona Winfrey, Mary Zambrano

photography Dustin Ashcraft, Sarah Brooke Lyons

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.

Adrian Garza adrian@getnside.com PUBLIC ATIONS

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

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nsidethisissue june /july 2013 profiles

cover story gary rapier A year away from retirement after 30 years in the Corpus Christi banking industry, the CEO of Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union still enjoys getting to know the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members and making a difference in their lives.

ZJZ Hospitality

Consistently building momentum since its inception four years ago with no signs of slowing down, this premier hotel management company continues to raise the bar for South Texas hotels.

John Olvey

Lifelong surfer John Olvey makes waves in the world of art on a national scale with his unique and soulful sculptures inspired by the sun and surf.

departments 08 10 12 16 28 30 34 42 44 48

Business Coach Feature Travel Dine Shop Style Style & Substance Etiquette Real Estate Nonprofit

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nside coastal bend staff erin oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;brien

nside PUBLICATIONS/executive EDITOR E: erin@getnside.com

elisa giordano

nside publications/creative director E: elisa@getnside.com

damaris fike

nside PUBLICATIONS/graphic designer

cristina villa hazar

nside PUBLICATIONS/graphic designer

elena flores

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

jessica salinas nside coastal bend account executive C: 361.425.4114 E: jessica@getnside.com

amanda villarreal nside coastal bend account executive C: 361.441.9278 E: amanda@getnside.com

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

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www.advtemp.com N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE business coach

Find True Success

You can enjoy a life of both success in business and long-term happiness through the guidance of our Holy Father. By: [Connie Laughlin]

Success is the attainment of wealth, favor or eminence, and happiness is a state of well-being and contentment, per Merriam-Webster. Does our desire for happiness drive us to create success? Solid business mentors certainly provide established models for success, while true long-term happiness is only found in the guidance of our Holy Father. We are commissioned to be good stewards with all that we have and strive for excellence in all that we do. We were meant to be successful.

His followers can accomplish extraordinary things and be hugely successful James Kraft of Kraft Foods lived a life of faith and was well-known for saying that the best investment he ever made was in God. Hobby Lobby’s CEO and founder David Green’s mission is to give God the credit for his success. The Golden Rule Stores were the first department stores J.C. Penney built, as he proclaimed his love for God. John Glenn accomplished extraordinary things, being the first astronaut to orbit the earth 51 years ago – as well as a USMC pilot and a U.S. senator – before returning to space 15 years ago as the old-

me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ This is the Chesney family scripture that I try diligently to live by. I believe that one should lead by example and do all to glorify God. I am human. I make mistakes. I sin. Thankfully, we have a forgiving and understanding God who allows us to redeem ourselves. “Being a leader in the community is a huge responsibility. My most important leadership responsibility, however, is that of leading my family and myself to God. I take that responsibility very seriously – because as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Sherry Bowers, executive director at the Spirit Center, shares 2 Chronicles 15:7: “‘But as for you, be strong and do not relax, for your work will be rewarded.’ I truly feel that God rewards us if we keep moving forward and remain strong in his promise.”

Stay one step further in your relationship with Jesus than in your worldly relationships As it says in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, “And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom

We are commissioned to be good stewards with all that we have and strive for excellence in all that we do. est astronaut. The words uttered to Glenn as he was sent into space were “Godspeed, John Glenn,” which means, “May God prosper you.” And indeed, He did.

Corpus Christi leaders share their vision of faith Curtis Cantwell Sr. of Cantwell Mattress annually promotes the greater good of the company by tithing 10 percent to charity before other business issues are even addressed. According to Cantwell, “Cantwell Mattress has blessed four generations and has been in operation nearly a century following the Golden Rule: Matthew 7:12.” Judge Brent Chesney shares Joshua 24:15: “‘As for

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of men, but in the power of God. Know one thing and that is: Men are imperfect. Don’t be let down and let loose of the Spirit because others have lost their faith, regardless of the degree of their stature, fortune or fame. “ Don’t settle for a life that isn’t successful and blessed with happiness. Find renewal in your covenant with Him today. Godspeed.

Connie Laughlin is a business consultant for UniqueHR and a parishioner at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. You may contact her at 361-852-6392 or conniel@uniquehr.com.

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NSIDE feature

Swipe It!

The good and the bad in the world of mobile retailing By: [Mary Zambrano] Increased technology has made it possible for sales to take place outside of a “brick and mortar” store. These days, traveling retailers can make a sale with just the touch of a button and the swipe of a credit card via their smart phone. These smart phone credit card readers offer new opportunities for businesses. However, business owners need to make sure that such a system is right for their business. If you’re not currently accepting credit cards, remember that most major brands charge merchants a “swipe fee.” Texas has laws forbidding merchants from passing those fees on to consumers, so make sure you factor that into your costs. For businesses looking to add the credit card reader capability to their sales technology, Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends the following tips: • Do your research. Just like a landline-based credit card system, you’ll need a merchant account to process payments, a scanner device to read the card and software (an app) to make it run. Don’t skimp on research. Start with your bank or your credit card service for suggestions on recommended services and devices. • Choose the right combination. Your smart phone merchant account might interface with your existing landline-based account, and that will make life easier. Build from there; find the app you feel comfortable using that has the features you want. There are more than a hundred apps available for different smart phones, and they are usually compatible with a number of different swiping devices. The reader itself is the last step (and the easiest to replace or exchange). • Read the fine print. Using a smart phone credit card reader might be a great way to increase your sales while on the road. However, make sure to read the fine print for the smart phone app to make sure you won’t get charged while you’re not using it. • Understand the technology. Once you choose a card reader and software, spend

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Once you choose a card reader, spend some time learning how to use it before offering it to your customers. some time learning how to use it before offering it to your customers. Run a few test charges on your own. Some apps are more user-friendly than others, and you want to look competent in front of your customers.

receipt there with a separate smart phone printer. This will allow your customer to have a record of the transaction and reduce the hassle, should the person want to return the product.

• Offer the customer service your shoppers expect. Some shoppers may not be familiar with this kind of payment method. Be sure to offer them the option of having a receipt emailed to them, or even offer to print the

• Beware of scams. As with any emerging technology, scammers are figuring out how to exploit vulnerabilities. Don’t buy devices or apps from vendors you don’t know.

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 Mary Zambrano, public relations specialist for BBB, at 512206-2815.

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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NSIDE travel

Mixing Business With Pleasure

The Corpus Christi International Airport continues to expand its services, offering larger planes, more flights and first-class seating for the first time in more than 10 years. By: [Kim Bridger]

It’s 5 a.m., and you’re on schedule to get out of the house by 5:15. The luggage is packed, and the 3-ounce liquids are carefully placed in the Ziploc bag. Boarding passes are printed. The dogs are unhappy about your departure, but they are fed and they have water to spare. What on earth did you do with the briefcase? Don’t forget to grab the phone charger and the iPad. Set the home alarm. Turn out all the lights. Get in your car. And breathe. This is usually a good time to check the list you made of all the things you need to do before leaving your house. But it’s also a time to begin to relax. One thing you know about boarding a plane at the Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA): It’s unlikely that you’ll have trouble finding a place to park and even less likely that you’ll have to wait in line at the TSA checkpoint. And now you can smile bigger knowing that a first-class seat awaits you. For the first time in more than 10 years, travelers out of CCIA have the option of booking first-class seats. American Airlines announced back in March that they are adding MD80 service to the mix at CCIA. They have also added an additional daily flight to the schedule. While it’s not unusual for airlines to tweak schedules to meet demand here and elsewhere, this is more than a tweak at CCIA. The decision is a sizeable jump in capacity, adding about 250 seats a day from CCIA to DFW. This is a good sign at CCIA because the trend in recent years has been to shrink capacity rather than grow it. And it seems to indicate that American Airlines has confidence in this market. And what’s not to like about the Coastal Bend business climate right now? Several international companies are making huge investments in our region. The housing market is showing signs of

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recovering. The unemployment rate is lower than the state average, which makes it much lower than what is happening on the national front. Retail sales collections have been on the rise, and the Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas play is likely one of the reasons. So if there were ever a time to have confidence in this community, perhaps this is it. It is estimated that about 75 percent of the people catching planes at CCIA are traveling on business. They are sometimes rushing off on short notice to an important meeting or traveling with

surprised if you find that airfare out of CCIA is very comparable to those at the other airports. And always remember that when you fly CCIA, you are supporting the airport that is always here to serve you. The one thing we know about the airlines is that they respond to communities that show a demand for more service. So if you long for a day when the flight schedules are fuller and the list of non-stop destinations out of CCIA is longer, remember the day in June 2013 when bigger planes and firstclass seats came back.

When it comes to air service, the best way to get more is to use what we have. others on their way to a conference out of state. They are looking for some level of comfort and preferably some peace and quiet while they wait at gates. Business travelers have learned how to make the most out of the time they spend on the move. Not every business traveler can choose to go in the first-class cabin, but there’s nothing wrong with dreaming. While CCIA’s business travel is a huge part of the airport’s daily traffic, leisure travelers help fill the planes, too. But it is leisure travelers who are more likely to drive to other larger airports in Texas because of a difference in airfare or the non-stop flights they can offer to some destinations. When it comes time to book that summer vacation or the annual fall trip to grandma’s, don’t be

When it comes to air service, the best way to get more is to use what we have. Compare prices. Consider the time, gas and money required to drive to other cities, park in their parking lots, wait in long lines and still face that drive home when you fly back. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, we know a great place to start your journey. Start at the airport that’s here to serve you, your business and your family. Fly CCIA! Go to a happy place.

For more information, visit the airport online at www. flyccia.com or be social with us on Facebook. If you have a comment or suggestion for us, we’d love to hear from you.

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NSIDE travel

An aerial view of beautiful San Sebastian

The San Sebastian Experience

This summer, treat yourself to a savory visit to the secret culinary capitol of Europe.

By: [Ambrose Gonzalez] Many people have never heard of San Sebastian. It’s a small coastal city in northern Spain (near the French border) in the Basque country, and Anthony Bourdain has dubbed it the culinary capitol of Europe. It is home to two of the world’s most famous restaurants, (El Bulli and Mugaritz), it has more Michelin-star restaurants per capita than anywhere in the world and it has been a top tourist destination for Europeans since the early 1900s. In fact, the doctor of Queen Elizabeth II prescribed the San Sebastian waters and beach as a remedy for her problematic skin. From then on, San Sebastian became a resort getaway for Europeans. It has also become a getaway for me and my wife, Mary Beth, as well as for several of our friends, over the last few years. The city resembles a small Paris and is divided into several areas; however, the best parts are the old town and the beach. When walking through the old town of San Sebastian, you’ll see uniform neo-

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San Sebastian has more Michelin-star restaurants per capita than anywhere in the world. classical architecture with plazas dotted around the area, along with some surprising baroque and gothic churches among them. The best part of the old town though, is taking part in tapas tasting (or “pintxos,” as they call them in the Basque language) and wine drinking (or “txakoli,” pronounced Chak-o-LEE). The tradition in San Sebastian is to go from tapas bar to tapas bar, select a few dishes, eat lightly and then go on to another bar.

As a food enthusiast, I was in my element. I could not get enough of the different way each bar prepared the same ingredients. Some of their famous tapas dishes that are a must include “angulas” (baby freshwater eels), quail egg omelets, sardines, white anchovies and “bacalao” (salted cod). These are usually paired with some sort of pickled vegetable and served on a crostini. Even those with a picky palette agree that the chefs of San Sebastian can make anything into a

Melanie Montalvo and Mary Beth Gonzalez joyfully prepare ingredients for one of the dishes they will be making

An assortment of tapas (“pintxos”) from one of the many bars in the old town

Planning Your Trip When to go: June through September How to get there: From CCIA, you can fly American Airlines (part of the Oneworld Alliance with Iberia Airlines), which will take you from CC-Dallas-Madrid-San Sebastian for an overall trip time of about 16 hours. Where to eat: For tapas, anywhere! For a fine dining experience, try any of their Michelin-rated restaurants. And if you really set up early, go with Mugaritz, which requires reservations six months in advance! What to do: Definitely set up tours via www. sansebastianfood.com to get the true San Sebastian experience!

mouthwatering tasting experience. Our favorites, surprisingly, were the “angulas,” which are a local delicacy (and even priced accordingly). They had an almost lobster- or crab-like taste and curiously tasted nothing like the eel from Japanese sushi bars. With San Sebastian’s romantic setting on La Concha Beach, lively nightlife and soaring statue of Christ on its highest hill, the city has been dubbed a mini Rio de Janeiro. The long stretch of beach is easily accessible from the old town and has an amazing view of the bay and the small islands. The view is even more amazing at night when the moon and lights reflect off the bay. There are also many fine dining experiences along the coast with picturesque views that make it the ultimate romantic experience. Due to the city being a tourist destination, several companies offer guided tours of the city and the area. Some of the musts for the tours are the tapas tasting experience, the guided tours of the Rioja wine valleys and the culinary school experience. The culinary school experience is probably the most unique, as some of the top chefs in the area teach tourists to prepare and cook their amazing dishes. My wife and her friend, Melanie, had the pleasure of trying out all three of these tours, but their favorite was the culinary school experience, which paired them with Michelin-star chefs. The chefs came up with a menu, and the students had to prepare and cook all of the ingredients (with the chefs’ guidance, of course!). This included filleting and preparing a 30-pound ribbonfish (which may be tough for those with a weak stomach), combining the correct spices and ingredients and finally, pairing the correct wines for each dish. At the end, the students sat outside and enjoyed their meals while learning more about San Sebastian from the local guide and chefs. So this summer, make plans to visit San Sebastian. Many of my friends have visited and have fallen in love immediately (heck, we even named our son Sebastian because we loved it so much!). Cass Gabriel said it best when he woke up from a long nap on La Concha Beach and exclaimed, “Am I dead? Is this heaven?”

Ambrose Gonzalez is the co-owner of Atelier Salon and an avid world traveler. For questions or comments, email him at ambrose@ateliersalonusa.com. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE dine

Cool Breeze in a Cup Top off a fun summer day in the sun with a refreshing blueberry cucumber smoothie. By: [Mandy Ashcraft] Photography: [dustin ashcraft]

A sunburned day at the beach or a sweaty afternoon at the park could end with a cool breeze when you blend up this quick and easy, healthy and oh-sorefreshing smoothie. Blueberries provide more antioxidants than most other fruits or vegetables, especially when grown organically. Blended with cucumbers, you get a nutrient-rich sweet treat that even the kids will love.

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com.

blueberry cucumber smoothie Ingredients:

• 1 cup vanilla flavored Greek yogurt • 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice • 2 medium cucumbers • 1 cup blueberries or frozen blueberries • 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar

Instructions:

Peel cucumbers and cut into large pieces that will be easier to blend. Place all ingredients in blender and blend until completely smooth. Makes two 1.5-cup smoothies. 18

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Decades of Dedicated Service After 30 years in the Corpus Christi banking industry, Gary Rapier still enjoys helping the company’s members and making a difference in their lives at Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union. By: [Sarah Tindall] Photography: [dustin ashcraft]

Gary Rapier

has been in the Corpus Christi banking industry for 30 years. He’s looking forward to retirement next year, but he also says he still enjoys the work. The CEO of Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union says their motto is people helping people, and that’s what keeps him coming back every day. Gulf Coast began in Corpus Christi in 1940 as the credit union for Central Power

CP&L offices, but now, under his leadership, it has grown to $135 million, 54 employees and three full-service branch offices. “We’ve grown 20 percent a year in assets every year for the last five years,” he says, “and we’re projected to do that this year.” Why all this growth? Rapier says it’s what sets credit unions apart from big banks: “higher rates on deposits and lower rates on loans.” And, as he points out, it’s a difference in perspective. Banks refer to their deposi-

“Our niche is the small consumer, and we focus on knowing our members well.” and Light (CP&L) employees. According to Rapier, in 1997, the company was a $22 million credit union with 16 employees with one main office and smaller branches within

tors as “customers,” while credit unions call them “members.” Those members enjoy full voting privileges, so a member with a $5 investment has the same voting rights as N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

“We’re extremely local, to know our members Vintage? Modern? Why not both?

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a member with $1 million. Also, in credit unions, the board is comprised of volunteers, whereas the boards of directors at a bank are paid for their services. This results, Rapier says, in an overwhelming degree of member loyalty. “People who have been with us for years may get behind on their expenses if they fall on hard times, but they’ll pay us before they pay anyone else because they know they can come back to us later and we’ll help them, no matter what it takes.” Gulf Coast Federal Credit Union offers members all kinds of loans, but its main focus is small personal loans, mortgages and vehicle loans. “Our niche is the small consumer, and we focus on knowing our members well,” Rapier says. “To join, members must live, work or worship in Nueces, San Patricio or Jim Wells counties. We’re extremely local, so it’s possible for us to know our member – know our market.” And that’s part of why Rapier still enjoys going to

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work every day. He says he personally enjoys getting to know the members. “For me, I still have fun,” he says. “I still enjoy meeting and greeting members and making a difference in their lives.” This commitment to his members and to the needs of Texas credit unions has been noticed. Rapier has received an advocacy award from the Texas Credit Union League every year since 2009. These “Awards for Advocacy Excellence” sit on his desk – testaments to his hard work at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C., urging lawmakers to allow credit unions to continue to serve their members well now and in the future. Also proudly on display in Rapier’s office are a few wooden golf clubs. These clubs were the beginning of a lifelong addiction of Rapier’s. He says he found them in someone’s trash one day when walking home from Windsor Park Elementary in Corpus Christi, where he was born and raised and has lived all his life. He took them home and went

so it’s possible for us and our market.”

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✓ No Deposit ✓ No Credit out into the backyard to practice putting and chipping, and he has loved the game ever since. He played at King High School and made a hole-in-one at the age of 15. After his graduation in 1967, he played golf while getting his bachelor’s degree in business administration at Corpus Christi State University. He then joined the Army Reserves and served for six years while concurrently working toward his master’s degree in business administration, which he received from Texas A&M College in 1981, the same year he married Luisa, his wife of 32 years. Rapier’s banking career began when his lifelong friend, Wayne Vann (who is now the CEO of Navy Army Community Credit Union), brought him on board at MBank. Vann left in 1988 to join the team at Navy Army, and Rapier joined him there in 1992. In 1997, the board of directors at Gulf Coast came knocking and asked Rapier to take the CEO position, and the rest is history.

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Now, in his last year before retirement, Rapier is still enjoying getting to know the members and making sure their needs are served every day – but he is looking forward to more time for golf and his other favorite hobby, buying 1967 Mustangs. He says he’s been collecting them for years, but he only has one at a time. When the right buyer comes along, he’ll sell one and then start shopping for the next one. Between that and keeping up with his three daughters and grandchildren, Rapier is sure his retirement will be full and enjoyable, and a grand reward after 30 years of customer satisfaction.

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Masterful

Momentum

Premier hotel management company ZJZ Hospitality changes the face of the hotel landscape in South Texas. By: [Lisa Hinojosa]

Four years

from inception, ZJZ Hospitality Inc. has blazed a trail through South Texas as one of the premier hotel management companies in a region punctuated with leisure drivers. Every year, eager tourists with families and beach blankets in tow flock to our Sparkling City by the Sea. Business is great … when you can get it. While the warm weather and beachscapes drive throngs of travelers to our beachfront hotels, ZJZ-managed hotels do not depend exclusively on these bursts of leisure travelers. This company with humble roots approaches hotel sales and marketing with the tactical tenacity of General Schwarzkopf. The executive team pores over reports and culls market research data with a finetoothed comb.

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This strategic methodology is due largely to the CEO, Deven Bhakta. Bhakta, a hotelier with a math degree, finds pleasure in the numbers game. He recalls details from vintage quarterly reports the way some quote 1970s college football stats. The affable businessman is perpetually befuddled by denizens who confide that they are intimidated by his 6’3” frame upon first meeting. In reality, he has come to own a Chevy Chase-like presence given to sporadic bursts of expressiveness and gesticulations. It’s an energy that has worked for him. After 13 years of flipping and building hotels in Port Aransas, Bhakta turned his attention to Corpus Christi, beginning with two new constructions in 2009: the Staybridge Suites and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, located at Weber and SPID. While he maintained his stake in family partnerships in hotels in Port

ZJZ

Hospitality remains extraordinarily active and altruistic toward local charitable organizations.

Aransas, Ingleside and Calallen, the pair of new builds in Corpus represented a new venture for him. Cognizant of the high stakes, he beefed up his core staff, building his own Justice League of industry professionals. He tasked the cadre with elevating the new Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn Express & Suites to a competitive level. In the pit of recession in a market saturated with established hotels, this was an uphill climb. But eventually, the team reached its first peak. After two years of aggressively marketing the hotels and forging a place in the community, the company not only had exponentially increased revenue for both hotels and secured major contracts locally, regionally and nationally, but they also had collected accolades from brand committees and travel pundits alike. In 2011, Staybridge ranked in the top 10 of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Family Awards, marking a big day for ZJZ Hospitality. Around that same time, the calls started – not only from locals, but also from outside developers and investors. And they didn’t stop. The man who previously eschewed corporate decorum quickly set about structuring his company and adapting a macroscopic vision, urging his hotels to function as a harmoniously moving solar system, with each property claiming an important position amongst the others – all governed by similar ideologies. ZJZ Hospitality grew beyond the hotels and the logos it represented. The company became a brand – a management style. Through it all, the company has never forgotten where it came from. ZJZ Hospitality has remained extraordinarily active and altruistic toward local charitable organizations (especially March of Dimes), schools and community outreach programs. The entire team knows that investing in this city is part and parcel of sustaining a thriving economy. In early 2011, Bhakta was approached by a few Hilton Hotels Development insiders who N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

encouraged him to throw his hat in the ring for the area Embassy Suites that was up for grabs. It seemed like a shot in the dark, but Bhakta embraced the adventure. After months of meetings and endless negotiations, ZJZ Hospitality took home its biggest coup to date. In July 2011, the company took over Embassy Suites. But the hard work did not end there. With no time to break out the champagne, Bhakta, et. al., dove into months of pre-planning from designing, conceptualizing, staffing and securing permits to pricing, placing equipment orders and much, much more. What emerged was a fresh new contemporary design incorporating the building’s unique architecture and embracing the modern features expected in today’s upscale hotels. Two years later, ZJZ is knee-deep in an exhilarating full-scale renovation certain to change the landscape of the South Side hotels. Guestrooms and meeting spaces have been fully renovated, receiving new carpeting, new wallpaper, new furnishings, new fixtures, new bedding, new drapery – you name it. The outdated swimming pool area was gutted and adorned with beautiful new tile-lined walls and Mediterranean tile mosaic. The reception area has been jack-hammered and will soon be replaced with a sparkling new set-up. The momentum is palpable. ZJZ team members look forward to the day renovation wraps, but all are acutely aware that the end is only the beginning for this company. Future endeavors include a new Conference Center Hotel for Alice, Texas, and a Marriott Courtyard development in Houston. What lies ahead is something no one – not even the company’s fearless and avuncular leader – can foresee. And that is the kernel of the excitement that propels them.

For more information, contact Lisa Hinojosa, VP of sales and communications, at 361-653-4656, 361-332-1663 (cell), 361-857-7724 (fax) or sales@ zjzhospitality.com. You may also visit www.zjzhospitality.com.

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Surf and Sand

Soulfully Inspire

One-of-a-kind artist John Olvey turns his watery passion into a thriving business that recycles and repurposes surfboards into sculptures. By: [Deborah Perry]

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urfing is a true art form. It is a rhythmic dance where humans use surfboards like a paintbrush on a liquid canvas of moving water. When the dance is complete, the human and board endure … while the canvas dissolves on

the shore. Lifelong surfer John Olvey knows the dance all too well. “I love everything about the sport of surfing. It inspired my life – made me work hard so I could spend my free time surfing and traveling to exotic locations,” says the 58-year-old Coastal Bend resident and renowned surfer. Growing up on the Texas Gulf Coast, Olvey proved extremely skillful in the watery medium for more than 40 years. He won 17 first-place state titles and three first-place national ones. Recently, Olvey hung up his competitive swim trunks and moved his creativity from the top of a gliding surfboard to a painting studio in Corpus Christi. The result was a thriving fulltime art business where he creates a wide variety of original acrylics on canvas, prints and murals, as well as

“Surfing gives me strength. It calms my soul and definitely inspires me.” painted surfboards – all soulfully inspired by the sun and surf. Most interestingly, Olvey is quickly becoming known nationwide for his efforts to repurpose and recycle unusable surfboards by sculpting them. Like no other, he paints and carves the boards, transforming them into multimedia works of art. Numerous artists paint on surfboards, but Olvey is one of only a couple of individuals worldwide who actually carves into them. “When I began creating surf art, I mastered the entire process of painting on surfboards,” he explains. “It rapidly became clear that I was following a trend, not leading one.” When sculpting, Olvey selects only the most eye-pleasing hull designs to work with. He chooses vintage surfboards made 50 years ago by master board builders from the 1960s to today’s modern surfboards. His process includes bringing the body back to original structural condition and then proceeding to attack the interior of the board. “I began to explore the innermost limits of the surfboard – its foam core,” he says. “It’s a wonderful medium – easy to carve, yet delicate, with perfect consistency. I began thinking of the surfboard as a wood product and experimented with a variety of

tools and techniques.” When sculpting, Olvey cuts the boards into as many as 20-plus pieces and hand carves each one before reassembling the structure into a new mosaic or form. An application of coatings, color and artistic finishes follows. The process is rounded out with accent inlays of gold leafing, papers, mirrors, fabrics, stonework, tile, exotic woods or glass. “The board becomes the art rather than just being a canvas for the art,” Olvey says. What began as a discarded surfboard – the most iconic symbol of the sport – becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of art that honors the lifestyle and reflects both the board’s and the artist’s experiences. “I love that the board comes to life again in deep, sculpted contours, gleaming finishes and shimmering accents, and made into beautiful art for display in a home or business,” Olvey says. Professional and amateur art collectors, as well as surf lovers, are taking more and more notice of Olvey’s unique talents and purchasing his work. Original painting and surfboard sales have been consistently going up every year, as his creations are being carried in more and more galleries throughout Texas and California – even Hawaii. Possessing a true business mind, Olvey continu-

ally searches out ways to reach new clientele. He attends numerous art shows and takes advantage of a wide variety of unique opportunities. The Rockport Art Fest is on his calendar for early July. And last January, Olvey’s art was incorporated into a “Hawaii Five-O” episode. A producer of the hit CBS show noticed his work online, purchased it and included it in a scene. Several times a week, Olvey still surfs for fun and, of course, continued inspiration. Coastal Bend residents may see him off Bob Hall Pier, off Packery Channel or along the coast of Port Aransas, among other places. “Surfing gives me strength,” Olvey says. “It calms my soul and definitely inspires me. I hope to be surfing – and creating surf art – for a long, long time to come.” N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE shop

A Wealth of Options

Shopping and dining options continue to grow as more new stores make their way to both La Palmera and The Shops at La Palmera. By: [Sarona Winfrey] Coastal Bend residents will soon have even more shopping and dining options. La Palmera, Corpus Christi’s one-million-square-foot super regional mall, continues to add to its lineup of more than 100 retail and dining locations with the addition of a PINK store, new to La Palmera, as well as a new Victoria’s Secret. Victoria’s Secret moved from its former location into the space adjacent to PINK, creating a 12,677-square-foot divided retail area with separate entrances for the two stores. Offering underwear, lounge and sleepwear, beauty products and accessories popular with the college-age crowd, PINK and the new Victoria’s Secret are located adjacent to Benjamin’s near Center Court and scheduled to open this summer. Construction is also underway on LongHorn Steakhouse, located at the front of La Palmera between ULTA and the food court entrance. Announced in November 2012 and scheduled to open this fall, the 6,500-square-foot restaurant is the first Coastal Bend location for LongHorn. Known for its fresh and expertly prepared steaks, chicken and seafood, the popular steakhouse will feature patio dining. As La Palmera continues to grow, several new retailers and restaurants are making their Corpus Christi debut right across the street at The Shops at La Palmera, the 200,000-square-foot outdoor shopping center currently under renovation by La Palmera’s

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parent company, Trademark Property Company. Construction is underway on T.J.Maxx and HomeGoods, two of the nation’s leading valuepriced retailers, both of which will open this fall. A 44,750-square-foot space will accommodate the two new stores, which will be located adjacent to one another, each with a separate store entrance. Once inside, shoppers can move freely between the two stores. With nearly 1,000 locations in the United States,

and HomeGoods are leaders in providing a rapidly changing assortment of value-priced, quality merchandise, and they will be a welcome addition to the retail mix in Corpus Christi.” Renovation and construction work also continues on Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is set to open this fall. It will be the first Corpus Christi location for Dick’s, as well as popular restaurant Corner Bakery Café, which is scheduled to open this summer. The new design of The Shops at La Palmera will

“We are pleased at the caliber of retailers we continue to bring to The Shops at La Palmera.” this will be the first T.J.Maxx location in Corpus Christi, the retailer known for its rapidly changing assortment of fashionable, quality brand-name merchandise at prices 20 to 60 percent less than department stores. This will also be the first Corpus Christi HomeGoods, specializing in home fashions and furniture, decorative accessories and giftware. “We are pleased at the caliber of retailers we continue to bring to The Shops at La Palmera,” said Trademark Chairman and CEO Terry Montesi. “T.J.Maxx

complement that of La Palmera, which underwent its own two-year $50 million renovation after Trademark and Institutional Mall Investors LLC purchased the property in 2008.

For more information on La Palmera or The Shops at La Palmera, go online to www.lapalmera.com or www. theshopsatlapalmera.com, visit us on Facebook or call 361-991-3755.

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 31 www.salonpalomo.com

NSIDE style

Balayage allows colorists to personalize the placement of each highlight for a customized result.

The Service of Choice Allowing for more depth and dimension, the unique French highlighting effect, balayage, is also both cost-effective and lowmaintenance. By: [Ricardo Gomez]

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Balayage is a highlighting technique that emerged in Paris in the ‘90s and is used to create sun-kissed, natural-looking highlights. Used as an alternative to foil highlighting, it is the action in which hair color is “swept” or “painted” on to the hair to create depth and dimension. Balayage means “to sweep” in French, which is a reference to the way the color is applied. Balayage is the in-salon color service of choice among the most discerning clients – celebrities, models and fashionistas – who demand hair color that is designed exclusively for them. And balayage hair painting isn’t just for blondes! It is perfect for brunettes who want a subtle sun-kissed look. The challenge with foil highlighting is the lack of depth and dimension, which can only be achieved with the balayage technique. I personally rarely use foil anymore, as I cannot truly customize or create the best hairstyle for my clients. Ultimately in this industry, more and more stylists are moving away from the foil highlighting technique because it has a tendency to over-process the hair and end up making it look over-bleached. When I first introduced balayage in Washington, D.C., in the mid ‘90s, my clients loved it right away. At that time, only a couple of salons offered a similar technique in the city, so it became an instant success. Since then, I have been teaching this technique – and no matter where I go, the feedback I get from salon owners and stylists is very positive. Their clients’ feedback has been overwhelming across the country. One of the benefits of balayage is that it is less

expensive to maintain than traditional highlights. Many clients can go two to four months between appointments because their natural color blends with the natural-looking highlights as the hair grows back, avoiding the need to maintain the color so often. As the hair grows back without developing a noticeable or obvious root, it is cost-effective, maintenance-free and much better for the hair condition. Another benefit of balayage is the uniqueness of its results. It allows salon colorists to use their creativity and artistic talent to personalize the placement of each highlight for a customized result, meaning that each client has a different result. For hairstylists to perform this technique properly, they need to:

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➊ Analyze the hair’s characteristics ➋ Learn the previous color processes ➌ Understand the “desired” look ➍ Define their clients’ harmony

Once those steps are clearly defined, the process of balayage can create a unique, personalized look. So next time you find yourself with your stylist, ask them if balayage is a service they offer so you can be unique in your own way.

Ricardo Gomez is the co-owner of Salon Atelier, formerly known as Dolce Divino, located at 5017 Saratoga Blvd., No. 157. For more information, call 361-225-0072.

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NSIDE style

The Art of hairstyling When it comes to working with hair to make clients look and feel beautiful, it is all about shape, balance and geometry. By: [Maria Del Rio]

Hairstyle and cosmetology as a whole is essentially an art form, and when distilled to its most rudimentary elements, it is about shape, balance and geometry. Poorly trained stylists never realize that art goes well beyond the canvas and the clay; it exists in the hair of every client they serve, and it should permeate every choice stylists make. Yes, a hairstylist is an artist, not simply a technician or a craftsman. And ignoring the art of hair breeds jarring, unpleasing and rather inferior results for clients. Artistic principal should be treated as even more essential than technical mastery. After all, even the greatest musicians sound terrible if their song is in the wrong key – hence the stylist-artist’s results will be equally unmelodious if their hairstyle is in the wrong “key” for the client. The most impactful and iconic looks throughout history have always held deep roots in balance and concordance that go back to principles that were developed in Ancient Greece. Unfortunately, due to the mass production of haircutting services and the lack of artistic guidance in most cosmetology programs, these fundamentals are either ignored or – more commonly – unknown within the industry. Many stylists believe that simply focusing on the mastery of their technique will furnish the best results; however, the hairstyle is simply a “frame” to the face of the recipient, and that frame should complement, accentuate and work euphoniously with the overall shape of the face. When correctly matched, the results will be greater. When the best choices are made after consulting and guiding the client, the finished style should minimize non-appealing attributes and promote appealing attributes. Of course, the use of advanced coloring techniques with the same adherence to artistic judgment should take a great hairstyle and elevate it even further. Sureness and experience allow great stylists to guide their clients through all of

these phases without any unnecessary apprehension or anxiety. First, take a good look at yourself in the mirror and establish your facial type. Are you ovular, circular, square, heart-shaped, triangular, diamond or oblong? For example, an oval face shape is where the length is equal to one-and-a-half times the width, while the forehead and the jaw are equal. This shape is great for short and long straight styles, as well as a variety of lengths in curly styles. While the round face shape is circular, its length and width are equal. This shape does well with a variety of straight hairstyles, and curls can be worn, but likely with the hair pulled back to the crown. Don’t worry: You don’t need a degree in advanced geometry to figure this out. Simply imagine what geometric shape is most similar, and then the correct classification should be easily imagined and defined. When you see a hairstyle you would like to try, always imagine the structure of the individual wearing it, and try to imagine whether or not you would receive the same benefits. Also, the Internet has many interactive tools that allow you to try hairstyles virtually without even having to leave the comfort of your home. You simply take a photo of yourself, and you can try an endless variety of colors and styles, thanks to the advanced technologies that were created just a few short years ago. When you have done all of your homework, you can enter the salon with a sense of control that will allow you to work in unison with your stylist. Of course, the stylist may try to get you in a different direction, but at least you have a solid starting point and a basic plan. Any good stylist will appreciate your effort. After all, they chose their career because they want to help people look and feel beautiful – and you choose to go to a reputable salon because you want to look and feel beautiful.

For more information on Salon Palomo, visit www. salonpalomo.com. You may also call a staff member Monday through Saturday between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at 361-855-8841

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CatherineHodge General Manager Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center (managed by Ovations Food Services)

Style & S

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Photography: [dustin ashcraft] Hair, Makeup & Styling: [josh and company] Wardrobe: [leâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;vu boutique] Makeup Provided By: [chanel cosmetics]

Substance N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

“In life, you will meet two kinds of people: ones who build you up and ones who tear you down. In the end, you will thank them both.”

- unknown

I am a 29-year-old Corpus Christi/Portland, Texas, native and a 2007 graduate of TAMUCC. I am a mother and wife. I have volunteered at the Women’s Shelter of South Texas, and I currently sit on the board of directors for the Greater Corpus Christi Hospitality Association (GCCHA). I have been in the corporate/ special events industry for more than six years.

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My philosophy:

You are responsible for your own happiness.

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St yle & Subst ance

photographer: sarah brooke lyons

Erika Teixeira Boller

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My name is Erika Teixeira Boller, and I was born in Alice, Texas. My parents, Dr. and Mrs. Mauricio Teixeira, are both from Brazil. My older brother, Fabian, and I are firstgeneration American, and we were blessed to learn Portuguese and Spanish before learning English as children. I graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station and then moved to Brazil, where a family friend and I started our own business. We owned a high-end furniture store that provided Northeastern Brazil with a selection of furniture and accessories that had previously only been available in the south. After almost four wonderful years in Brazil, I sold my shares of the business and moved to San Antonio. Soon after, I met my husband, Jimmy Boller, in Corpus Christi. He works in commercial real estate, focusing on the investment side through his company, Boller Properties. We married and lived in Corpus Christi until August 2011, when we moved to San Antonio. Although we are still relatively new to the city, we know this is our home. We have two beautiful children: James, 3 years, and Lia, 19 months.

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NSIDE etiquette career, if you cannot answer these questions in the affirmative (and positively), engage an executive coach to help you. There are also numerous self-assessment tools, including iSpeak, DISC and MyersBriggs to work with. All of this self-discovery work will help you decide which appropriate networking groups to join.

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Research the networking organization: Research and know about the networking group. Read about the hosts, speakers and panel members so you are familiar with their backgrounds. A picture is worth a thousand words – viewing prior photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can be invaluable to determine the tone, camaraderie and formality of the group and get a sense of its “spirit.” (You can also determine the formality of an event by asking when you RSVP.) Visit as a guest until you decide that you’d like to commit to membership. Choose your groups carefully; not all will be a good fit. Be willing to invest time in your membership of these groups. Remember: It is not just about receiving or selling – it is about the relationship.

Building Relationships Be both interesting and interested when you network in order to build rapport and develop new and lasting business relationships.

By: [Sharon Schweitzer]

Recently, a colleague and I attended an event for the British Consulate General. We arrived early and were just about to split up and mingle when we spotted “Chatty Cathy” come blazing up to the registration table. You know Chatty, don’t you – that person who “gloms on” for the entire event and talks at you non-stop? We just wanted to ask her to take a breath and come up for air! Luckily for us, Chatty did not clear the gatekeepers. If she had, how would you have handled her? In the past, I’ve handled Chatty by visiting with her for five minutes, and then saying politely, with a smile: “It has been nice to visit with you, Cathy; thank you for your time” or “Please excuse me; I’ve enjoyed our conversation, and hope you did, too.” Even more importantly: How do you avoid being a Chatty yourself? In previous issues, we have explored global networking etiquette. Now let’s turn our sights to the United States with a different cultural lens. Remember: Within the United States, we experience regional business nuances that may leave a New Yorker baffled in Texas. Networking requires some preparation unless you wish to approach it like Chatty Cathy with her hair on fire!

Before you join a networking organization:

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Seek self-awareness: Are you comfortable with who you are as a person? Do you have an understanding of both your communication style and personality profile? Your strengths and weaknesses? Do you have a written list of values and beliefs? Regardless of where you are in your

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At networking events:

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Have an agenda: Plan ahead and know the outcomes you want for every event you attend. Who are the two or three most important people you want to connect with? Connect with them early while you are on your A-game. Plan to thank the host or event organizer, the registration staff and the speaker. Be sure to take plenty of current business cards and use them judiciously.

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Be interested (not just interesting): As with any relationship, conversations should be more about the other person than about you. By asking questions and engaging in active listening, others will share their ideas, thoughts and views, and this could lead to all sorts of mutually beneficial opportunities. Ask lots of open-ended questions such as “How is business?” and “What is happening in your industry?” Remember: The quality of your interactions with others is more important than the quantity of interactions. Making a true connection where you “click” with another person is crucial in today’s business climate, where trust and engagement are at a premium.

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Coping for introverts: If you are not especially comfortable networking, try this: Arrive early. After checkin, save a seat with a glasses case or bag near the center of the room, and then

The Ultimate Driving Machine®

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” – Dale Carnegie

BMW of CORPUS CHRISTI

4225 S. Staples • Corpus Christi, TX 78411

prakash.punjabi@bmwofcc.com

361.991.5555 Office 361.991.5791 Fax

Prakash M. Punjabi

361.876.2741 Cell

Maintenance Cost over 4 years / 50,000 miles

(“How to Win Friends and Influence People”)

approach someone you see standing alone. Say “Good morning. My name is Samantha Smith with ATX Consulting. Nice to meet you.” Wait for them to introduce themselves. Then ask, “Have you attended this event before?” That will help kick-start a natural conversation. Remember to approach people who are standing alone or in groups of three or more. Avoid approaching two people engaged in deep conversation.

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Playing to win: Try not to stand near the buffet or the bar during the event; stand near the room entrance where you can catch people arriving while they are fresh and ready to interact. Be sure you know the end time of the event; say your goodbyes and depart promptly. Like the handshake that goes on too long, the guest who stays too long is unwelcome. Unless you are one of the hosts, avoid being one of the last guests in the room (which may suggest business is bad and you have nothing else to do).

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Finishing first: It’s always appreciated (and it will help differentiate you) to follow-up with a handwritten thank-you note on personalized stationery for the host and event organizers. Develop a system for how to assess your new business cards before they multiply. Update your business database. Evaluate each of those connections and follow-up with select people within 24 to 48 hours.

Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a cross-cultural global etiquette consultant with Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, located at 111 Congress Ave., Ste. 400, Austin, Texas 78701. For more information, visit www.protocolww.com, www.facebook. com/protocolww or www.twitter.com/austinprotocol, or email sharon@protocolww.com.

Korey Howell Photography

Networking events can be wonderful opportunities to show respect, build rapport and develop long-term business relationships. But like any business opportunity, these events should not be taken lightly or enjoyed without thoughtful strategy, tactics and follow-through. By following these simple guidelines, next time you attend a networking event, you will be that relatable individual whom others love to meet … and the Chatty Cathys will, one day, be a thing of the past.

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NSIDE real estate

Green: Not Just an Upgrade Experience the difference with green, energy-efficient features, which both increase the value of a home and help pay for themselves. By: [Bart Braselton] The value of your home is completely dependent upon the value of the homes around you. Your neighborhood and the sales prices of the homes within it determine the sales price of your home. These “comparable homes” are what professional appraisers use to create the sales price, or the value of your home. Due to this phenomenon, you typically find the best home values in new home neighborhoods. As new homes typically have the “latest and greatest” finishes and features, which command higher sales prices, homes in new neighborhoods appraise, and therefore re-sell, for higher prices.

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One of the most popular features of many new homes is the use of green and energy-efficient construction methods. Green homes that are built with energy-efficient features – such as radiant barrier decking, vinyl double-pane “low-E” windows, 15 SEER heat pump air conditioning systems and natural gas-powered appliances – can save homeowners up to 50 percent on their utility bills. When more exotic items such as tank-less water heaters, Icynene foam attic insulation and solar panels are added, the savings can increase even more. While some of these more exotic features can increase the cost of a green home, compared

to a typical builder’s home, green items are the only features and upgrades that can be added to a new home that can actually “pay their own way.” Due to the utility and insurance savings created by green, energy-efficient construction items, these green items can actually “repay” a homebuyer the costs for adding them. Granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and oversized shower spas are great … but they don’t help pay for themselves! The savings are significant – and real. In fact, the utility savings are so well-documented that the U.S. government created a special mortgage – the Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) – to lower borrow-

With green, energy-efficient homes, the savings are significant – and real. ing costs, and to reward green home buyers for borhoods are. With Braselton, green is not an their energy savings. upgrade – it’s standard. And it’s standard in all In the long run, a GreenBuilt home is clearly homes we build, regardless of price. We call our the best home you can invest green homes “eco-homes,” in. (That’s right: Your home and Braselton-built ecois your investment.) A green homes are available in all of home can not only lower utilour neighborhoods. From the ity costs, but also conserve $120s to the $420s, you get water and, by virtue of its green construction as a stanhigh-efficiency air conditiondard feature. ing systems, create a healthier Braselton has five fully indoor environment for your furnished model homes all family to live in. across Corpus Christi and But the real value will come Portland available for you to when a homeowner is ready to tour today. And we have four Scan QR code for sell the green home and buy a more models presently under more information new home. Think about it: In construction. From Calallen to six or seven years when, perPortland and from Barcelona haps, high-performance green homes are the Village to Lago Vista, Braselton Homes has a norm, would you rather sell a green home … or green home for you. a typical, drafty, old used home? Which home If you want to see a green, energy-efficient do you think will sell first? Braselton home and experience the difference Not all new home neighborhoods are full of between it and your present home, come out green homes, but all Braselton Homes neigh- and visit us today. See you in the neighborhood.

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 at 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 complied by Builder Magazine, and has won many local, state and national awards. 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

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Braselton Homes is the Largest New Home Builder and Neighborhood Developer in the Corpus Christi Bay Area; for over 65 years, and 3 generations, the Braselton Family has been building Corpus Christi. Braselton Homes has been consistently ranked as one of the TOP BUILDERS in the United States, and has won numerous local, state and national awards. Thousand of families in the Coastal Bend have trusted the Braseltons with their home. The Exclusive Builder of the Eco-Home™ which reduces homeowner utility bills by 50%, and the Smart Home™, the only TechReady Home in South Texas, Braselton builds homes from the $110’s to the $450’s, all across the Corpus Christi Bay Area.

EXCLUSIVE BRASELTON NEIGHBORHOODS VISTA From the 350’s to 500’s ★ LAGO EVAN 774-2266 VISTA From the 150’s to 400’s ★ RANCHO EVAN 774-2266 COUNTRY CLUB From the 200’s ★ NORTHSHORE JANN 816-3848 LANDING From the 160’s ★ MOORE’S JANN 816-3848 BRISAS AT RANCHOVISTA From the 130’s ★ LAS JIM 739-0549 VILLAGE From the 110’s ★ BARCELONA EVAN 774-2266 1

For details visit or call: www.braseltonhomes.com 361.774.2266

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NSIDE nonprofit

Advocating for Advocates

Retail electric company N.D.C.A. assists the community both as a Texas-based aggregator and as the energy account manager for Court Appointed Special Advocates. By: [Abel Sanchez II]

Who is N.D.C.A.?

We are a Texas-based aggregator with national buying power that services clients with energy supply. We take pride in assisting the community as an advocate with the highest level of ethical standards. N.D.C.A. deregulates monopolies by implementing the restructure of laws and polices that benefit consumers. N.D.C.A. started in 2003 as an energy consulting firm assisting with the unique needs of Texas. In 2008, N.D.C.A. opted to become a Texas-based aggregator. The mission of N.D.C.A. is the simple restructure of the energy grid. As an aggregator, we add regulations and controls governing energy concerns with our state and federal tracking and reporting services.N.D.C.A. offers an array of custom energy terms and pricing to the public. We service all residential, commercial, industrial, municipal and political subdivision clients.

N.D.C.A. is a CASA.

N.D.C.A. is more than just a retail electric company. As the energy account manager for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), we ensure they receive their electricity without any concerns. We take pride in assisting the community as an advocate with the highest level of ethical standards.

How can you help?

Every time a customer enrolls with the promo code “CASA,” N.D.C.A. will allocate funds back into the community.

For details, visit www.ndcaenergy.com or contact an agent at 361-443-5215.

Making a Difference Court Appointed Special Advocates help find safe, permanent and happy homes for abused, injured and neglected children. By: [Lee Harrison]

The only person who stays with the child throughout the ordeal of foster care is the CASA. 50

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As I sat with a devastated grandfather, appalled at what his daughter had done to his grandchildren, he said, “It makes a difference what you do while you are here.” No truer words were ever spoken. While we can do nothing about the atrocities that have already happened to abused, injured and neglected children, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) start the day we receive a case and we work our way forward through the jungle until we find a safe and permanent home. There are nights I go home too drained to cry. Then there are nights I can’t get to sleep from the high of a “Cinderella moment” when my CASA child who had been abused, neglected and raped, and then gotten pregnant at 14 and sent to foster care for three years was crowned prom queen. Then there are nights I can’t sleep because I have to get up at 3 a.m. to drive to Austin to testify at the Capitol in favor of various bills that protect children lost in the maze of a broken foster care system. Being a CASA is the best job I’ve ever had, and I get no money. But what I do get is priceless. I get the satisfaction of knowing I make a difference in the lives of these kids who have found themselves living in a throwaway society. All children are different, and they all have their own baggage. Our job is to unpack it all – to see what we should keep and what we need to leave behind. After interviewing everyone in the child’s life, the CASA makes a recommendation to the judge on “what is in the best interest of the child.”

The revolving door of foster care continually changes the foster families, teachers, schools, doctors, lawyers and friends. The only person who stays with the child throughout the ordeal is the CASA. Unfortunately, there are not enough of us to go around, so we continually recruit. No special talent is needed; you just need to show up in a child’s life and stay there as long as you are needed. It is exhilarating to see CASA kids go above and beyond what we ever dreamed. One such child is Jerry. He and his younger brothers were abused and neglected by their mother, who tried to convince them their father hated them. She threatened to commit suicide if Jerry did not change the brakes on her car. He was only 12 years old. The refrigerator had only stale bologna and alcohol in it, her loud parties rolled until dawn and he had to struggle through school. But with the help of his CASA, he now is home permanently with his brothers, his dad and his new stepmom. He wants to become an attorney specializing in family law and to volunteer as a CASA. We have no doubt he will make a difference every day of his life simply because someone made a difference in his.

For more information, contact 361-884-2272 or visit www.casaofthecoastalbend.com. Your CASA child is waiting.

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NSIDE nonprofit

Promoting Reverence for Life The concept of guardianship redefines the public standard of relating to animals and promotes the value of animal care and protection. By: [Cody M. Rice]

The Guardian Campaign was created in 1999 by In Defense of Animals as a nationwide platform to reflect growing public support for a redefined public standard of relating to animals. As more people consider using the updated term “animal guardian,” evidence of society’s deep personal relationship with dogs, cats and other animal companions comes to light. Society’s views change over time, and every so often, society calls for a language facelift. It all begins with language change. It is not so long ago in human history that women, children and others were seen, in legal terms, as merely property. It appears that society is ready to acknowledge that animals, too, are worth something more than their price tag. It is important to note that this update in language must supplement and strengthen – not replace – other animal welfare and protection efforts. For example, many professionals have chosen to use the term “animal guardian” to supplement existing humane education, character education and juvenile restitution programs. Animal shelters, schools, child and animal welfare organizations, local governments and community groups have also endorsed using the term “guardian” in many communities as an enduring educational tool that can help supplement adoption and spay/neuter programs by communicating the value of animal care and protection to the whole community. There will be those who oppose the term “animal guardian” due to economic interests or fear of losing past ways of thinking. However, it is the majority who decides where the world is going. Guardianship teaches us that we are caregivers, parents and

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protectors of our companion animal friends just as we are the guardians of our children. Guardianship promotes the positive by getting out of the “old box of thinking” and into the new, progressive, positive thinking. “Out with the old, in with the new,” as the saying goes. Guardianship is promoting gentler and more positive terminology

time of life sustaining care. As an educator, I believe promoting a positive thought or feeling begins with speech. We must vocalize positive learning through speech to make it known. I find it funny at times how a simple word can change one’s perception of things, especially the way animals are viewed. Teaching guardianship

Guardianship teaches us that we are the caregivers of our animal friends just as we are the guardians of our children. as far as our animal companions. It also teaches reverence for life – no matter what kind of life it may be. Our pets are now part of our families and like children to many. Ownership is “in the old” and it desperately needs to be changed. In many communities, it already has. Ownership of another living being represents slavery in the eyes of many. Our animal friends are not here just to work for us and to be used as entertainment, like it used to be. Throughout the centuries, they have grown into family members and companions – lives we are obligated to protect, as they have no voice just as a child. Guardianship also promotes better care of animals, as guardians are “caretakers.” Therefore, it is promoting that animals are not “its” to be “owned.” When you “own” something, it is a non-sentient being that does not feel, think, suffer or require a life-

not only promotes compassion toward animals, but teaches the youth of our community compassion toward their fellow humans, as well. Let’s all get on the path to building a more sustainable society and promote guardianship today. What’s the worst that could happen? Less violence? Let’s try and see. With everyone on board, it can happen.

Cody M. Rice is the education, media and PR manager for the Gulf Coast Humane Society, which is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 361-225-0845 or email cody@ gchscc.org.

Discover More at METROSCHOOLS.NET

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“Is WordPress Right for Your Business?” WordPress is used to power nearly 58 million websites around the globe. Conventional wisdom has it that it is an easy-to-use, SEO friendly, all-in-one content management solution. But Boss Creative—a San Antonio web design and online marketing firm that has thrived since 2005—contests the popular “wisdom.”

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San Antonio Web Design Firm

Boss Creative Bucks Conventional SEO Wisdom boss Creative, a san antonio Web design and online marketing firm, shook up the marketing blogosphere with a blog post titled “is WordPress right for Your business?” the popular online marketing firm bucked the conventional wisdom that WordPress is a good fit for almost any business. WordPress is a popular web development platform that was released as blogging software in the spring of 2003. since that time, it has become the go-to content management system for both amateur web hobbyists and professional web development companies alike. both clients and developers like the software because of its almost infinite design templates, flexible functionality, robust support communities, and ease of use. the platform is so popular, in fact, that the official WordPress statistics site claims there are nearly 58 million websites being run on WordPress! but boss Creative says that the easiest route is not always the best. in fact, they say, the easiest route may not be as easy as many people think. “Unless you happen to be gifted in the areas of HtML code, Css, or PHP, (that’s development speak for “knowing how to program”), then using WordPress to create your business website will likely be more headache than help,” they state in their post.

in fact, they think that using WordPress can hinder a business’s lead generation and branding capabilities, saying that its one-size-fits-all nature leaves little to no branding flexibility when it comes to professional websites.

By: Boss Creative

it’s not that the firm hates WordPress. in fact, they claim to even use it for some of the sites that they develop for clients. the company’s main objection is simply that it is not a “magic bullet” when it comes to online marketing, branding, and search engine optimization. “We here at boss utilize WordPress for a number of websites, but we do so in conjunction with a multitude of other solutions, such as online marketing and search engine optimization,” says the firm on its official blog. they implement these solutions “in addition to applying [their] expertise in business web development and other graphic design capabilities.” in other words, the san antonio web design firm doesn’t believe that WordPress is an adequate online marketing solution straight out of the box. What they advise business owners is to avoid looking at the platform as a quick-and-easy solution.

A bout Boss Creative Boss Creative has no small amount of knowledge about the field. Established in 2005, the firm has carried on a strong presence in the San Antonio market. It has successfully weathered the recession— even thriving—by way of advanced marketing techniques and frequent referrals. They have even won three advertising awards from the American Advertising Federation. To learn more about the San Antonio web design & online marketing firm, or simply get online marketing tips for your business contact them at: Contact Name & Title: Charles Pilkilton (Managing Partner) Contact Agency/Company: Boss Creative Address: 18402 U.S. HWY 281 N Suite 201 San Antonio, TX 78259 Contact Telephone: (210) 568-9677 Contact Email: hello@thisisboss.com Website: www.thisisboss.com

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