October 2021 Edition of the Fort Bend Business Journal

OCTOBER 2021

FREE • Vol. 40 • No. 10

SEE STORY ON

PAGE

10

PCS REVENUE CYCLE MANAGEMENT

HELPING MEDICAL PRACTICES STAY PRIVATE AND PROFITABLE Photo by Kerri King Photography

BOOK YOUR TELEVISIT APPOINTMENT

ONLINE Located on the top banner of our website

PATIENT PORTAL Providing convenient 24/7 access from the comfort of your own home

MEDWINFAMILY.COM

DETOX - WEIGHT LOSS - PREVENTIVE CARE - LIFESTYLE HEALTH

EDITOR’S PREVIEW Volume 40 • Number 10 OCTOBER 2021 Landan Kuhlmann Lead Reporter

PCS wants to help private practices There is a lot that goes into running a medical practice. Between day-to-day operations, keeping patient schedules and then actually seeing each patient, Deion Whorton knows there is more to it than meets the eye.

And in that chaos, responsibility for something like medical billing and insurance claims can get lost in the shuffle. Whorton has seen it for the better part of seven years working in the medical billing field. And he knows how important it is for those claims to get filed correctly and practices to be reimbursed – so he decided to step in.

Whorton is the founder and CEO of PCS Revenue Cycle Management, a 100 percent U.S.-based medical billing practice. And when he says he’s in this to help, there was not an ounce of doubt or salesmanship on his face – it was a genuine desire to serve.

PCSRCM will be not just a voice on the other end of the phone, but an extension of your team. In my estimation, Whorton is someone you can trust to do everything possible on your

behalf to get every penny you are entitled to in order to keep things running smoothly.

He understands that some may be wary, because he said he has noticed some issues in the industry with collection practices that led him to start PCSRCM. But all he’s asking for is a chance to gain your trust. And I think he should get the benefit of the doubt – there was genuine caring in his voice and on his face when talking about helping his community.

Whorton knows that a doctor’s schedule is always hectic on a daily basis - and that’s where he and his team at PCS Revenue Cycle Management step into the picture, to make the process as painless as possible and make sure every penny earned is reimbursed.

So if you want to see whether Whorton and PCSRCM are the right medical billing company for your practice’s needs, give our October cover story a read inside this edition of the Fort Bend Business Journal on Page 10 and give them a call today.

For subscriptions send check for $25 to Fort Bend Business Journal 3944 Bluebonnet Dr., Stafford, Texas 77477 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com Single copy FREE

PRESIDENT Jonathan McElvy PUBLISHER Frank Vasquez GENERAL MANAGER John Sazma EDITOR Adam Zuvanich LEAD REPORTER Landan Kuhlmann ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Brooke Nance ACCOUNTING Lisa Long

CONTENTS COVER STORY PCS REVENUE CYCLE MANAGEMENT HELPING MEDICAL PRACTICES STAY PRIVATE AND PROFITABLE

OCTOBER 2021

FREE • Vol. 40 • No. 10

SEE STORY ON

PAGE

10

PCS REVENUE CYCLE MANAGEMENT

HELPING MEDICAL PRACTICES STAY PRIVATE AND PROFITABLE

pg. 10

B U S I N E S S C A R D D I R E C T O R Y ................................................................................... 12 SERVICE

- 13 D I R E C T O R Y ...........................................................................................................19 - 20 The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

PCS REVENUE CYCLE MANAGEMENT HELPING MEDICAL PRACTICES STAY PRIVATE AND PROFITABLE ©2021 Fort Bend Business Journal Magazine No material from this publication be copied or in any way reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

1

Chick’nCone coming to Sugar Land

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com There is going to be a new chicken and waffles restaurant making its way to Sugar Land in the next few months.

Chick’nCone will be opening a Sugar Land location in Sugar Land Towne Square at 2268 Texas Dr. either later this year or in early 2022, according to a news release.

According to Chick’nCone’s website the restaurant serves up crispy chicken in a fresh hand-rolled waffle cone along with zesty seasoned fries and an assortment of sauces, including barbecue sauce, Kick’nRanch and a hot wing sauce with a hint of bleu cheese.

They also serve chicken tenders along with chicken sandwiches. Chick’nCone also has desserts such as the waffle crunch shake, a milkshake with your choice of vanilla, caramel, or chocolate that is made with crunchy waffle pieces, according to its website.

For more information on Chick’nCone, visit chickncone.com or follow them on social media @chickncone.

Q: A:

Pictured are just a few of the offerings at Chick’nCone, which is coming to Sugar Land. (Photos from Facebook)

ASK THE EXPERT

Can I use my FSA or HSA to purchase hearing aids?

Yes, a hearing aid is a qualified medical expense for flexible spending accounts (FSA) and now is the time to Terry Snook begin to think about using your AuD, FAAA remaining funds for 2021. You may want to start planning to fund your FSA for the following year as well.

Although there have been several changes over qualified expenses for medical saving plans, hearing aids are still a covered benefit.

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is another plan available to taxpayers who are enrolled in High Deductible Health Plans.

Contributions to both FSAs and HSAs are not subject to federal income tax. FSA funds have to be used within a calendar year and HSA contributions roll over and accumulate each year.

Hearing aids are qualified expenses on both plans. Please feel free to contact us if you need any additional information.

Advanced Hearing Center www.advancedhearingcentertx.com

Q: A:

ASK THE EXPERT Options for Low Blood Sugar Readings

If a person has diabetes, thebody is unable to make or properlyuse insulin, a hormone that is important in removing sugar (glucose) from the blood into the bodyfor growth and development.Many diabetics take insulin injections or medications that help lowerblood sugar. Diabetics must keepthe blood sugar within a normalrange for the body to function properly. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be dangerous. Earlysigns include shaking, sweating,feeling hungry, and dizzy. Symptoms of hypoglycemia includenight sweats, nightmares, and confusion when waking up. Technically hypoglycemia is defined as ablood sugar level that is below seventy milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Most medications that helpmanage diabetes can cause hypoglycemia. If the blood sugarreadings are low very often, ahealthcare provider should be consulted about alternative medication options. When blood sugar levelsdrop too low, it is important to increase the blood sugar levelquickly with sugary foods. Researchers recommend up to sixpieces of hard candy to chew andcrush immediately. Non-diet soda and fruit juice can also help raiseblood sugar.

Glucose gels are available to help increase blood glucosein emergency situations.

Glucagonis a prescription medication that issometimes administered to those who experience severe hypoglycemia.

Ed’s Pharmacy 3740 Cartwright Road

1223 Lake Pointe Parkway Sugar Land, Texas 77479

281-491-0200 2

October 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

(@ FM 1092)

(281) 499-4555

Trampoline park coming to Missouri City

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com It can be fun to jump on a trampoline, no matter what age you are. And a new trampoline park coming to Missouri City is looking to take that and multiply.

Bounce Bounce – The Trampoline Park will be opening soon, according to a Sept.

12 post on the company’s Facebook page.

A manager at Bounce Bounce’s Cypress location said the Missouri City location is expected to open in mid- to late October.

According to the company’s website, the Missouri City location at 9710 Hwy. 6 will offer “wall-to-wall” trampolines with activity areas including trampoline basketball, trampoline dodgeball, foam pit, and fitness classes. There is also a zip line that overlooks the entire facility, the website said, as well as a maze where kids can run, play, and hide.

At Bounce Bounce, residents can reserve spots for birthday parties, special events, family fun, corporate events and

A kid is shown playing at Bounce Bounce - The Trampoline Park, which is on its way to Missouri City later this year. (Photo from Facebook) more. Its website says the trampolines and subsequent activities are suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

ASK THE EXPERT

Q: A:

Do I have to use the repair facility my insurance company referred me to?

By state law, the owner of the vehicle has the right to choose the repair shop.

This shop may or may not Chuck Charlton be on the insurance company’s direct repair program. When choosing a repair facility, select a shop you know will repair your vehicle properly and guarantee the repair to your satisfaction. At Charlton’s Body Repair, we always remember that CUSTOMER satisfaction comes first, and that is why we warranty your repair as long as you own the vehicle. Charlton’s Body Repair, an award winning collision repair facility has been serving the Houston area for over 55 years. That is why you can count on Charlton’s!

May God Bless our Men and Women in the Military

Charlton’s Body Repair Local Family Business since 1957 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street • Stafford, TX 77477 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com

For more information or to plan a visit, go to the park’s website at bouncebouncepark.com.

ASK THE EXPERT

Q: A:

SAFEGUARD YOUR DIGITAL “ESTATE”

We live in a digital world. When it comes time to leave it, will your digital assets be taken care of?

If you died, what would happen to your email archives, online photos, Margie Connolly, social profiles, or other digital accounts?

Attorney Statistics show that the average person has 70-80 passwords, and is more likely than not to forget and change them several times. Normally, loved ones cannot access your accounts without access to passwords.

Here is a two-step strategy to help ensure that your digital estate is preserved for your loved ones, and closed down when the time is right.

1. Inventory all your digital accounts and assets. Decide what you want done with them when you pass away. Select a trusted loved one to be in charge, and leave detailed instructions.

2. Make a list of all passwords. Keep in one location, and keep updated with all changes. Make sure your trusted loved one has this information.

For more information about individualized planning to protect all your assets, contact an estate planning attorney.

Margie Connolly, Attorney

281-499-1126 The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

mmconnollylaw@gmail.com www.mmconnollylaw.com

4610 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 200, Sugar Land, TX 77479

346-309-4236

3

VOTE YES Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Early Voting:

Monday, October 18 - Friday, October 29

$ 85 million Three Propositions: Prop A - Transportation; authorizes up to $51 million

Will fund: City-wide street reconstruction and repair, Districts A, B, C & D. (Pavement, Traffic Signals, Landscape, and more.)

Prop B - Facilities: authorizes up to $10.5 million Will fund Life Safety and Department Requests | ADA Compliance

Prop C - Parks: authorizes up to $22.56 million

Will fund parks and trails projects throughout the city: ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫

American Legion Park Trail Bicentennial Park, Freedom Tree Park, Hunters Glen Park and Trail,

▫ ▫ ▫ ▫

McNaughton Park Trail Ridgeview Park Trail Sta Mo Complex La Quinta Course

Learn more about the bond at: KeepMissouriCityMovingForward.com on Facebook at: Keep Missouri City Moving Forward Email: KeepMissouriCityMovingForward@gmail.com Pd. Political Ad by Keep Missouri City Moving Forward P.O. Box 865, Missouri City, TX 77459, Eunice Reiter, Campaign Treasurer

4

October 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

New urgent care center open in Missouri City

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com There is a new option in Fort Bend County for urgent care.

Prime Urgent Care began accepting patients Sept. 21 at its new Missouri City location at 8305 Hwy. 6, Suite 170, the company said. It is Prime Urgent Care’s second Houston-area location, joining the existing clinic in Pearland.

According to its website, Prime Urgent Care provides minor emergency care on a walk-in basis with no appointment needed.

Services include things such as cough, cold and flu treatment as

THESE FLOWERS HAVE A LOT OF FIGHT IN THEM.

well as treatment for strains, sprains, fractures and other bodily injuries. The clinic can also handle school or sports physicals, and more. As a full-service urgent care clinic, Prime Urgent Care can also provide health screening services for employers and has a multitude of additional testing capabilities, according to its website.

Prime Urgent Care is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information, visit its website at primeuc.com.

FORT BEND COUNTY OCTOBER 30, 2021 University of Houston at Sugar Land

Scan the QR Code to register or visit act.alz.org/fortbend

THANK YOU TO OUR 2021 LOCAL SPONSORS

Roy Cordes PROUD SUPPORTER

$

6.99

& UP

1) Fajita Family Pack 1 (Serves 4)

3) Fajita Family Pack 3 (Serves 8)

Chicken $43.99

Chicken $87.99

Mix $51.99

Mix $104.99

Beef $55.99

Beef 114.99

2) Fajita Family Pack 2 (Serves 6)

4) Fajita Family Pack 4 (Serves 10)

Chicken $65.99

Chicken $104.99

Mix $77.99

Mix $124.99

Beef $84.99

Beef $134.99

18 years

family owned and operated

Order Online Curbside Service Buy one entree at regular price and receive

$

off second entrée

Beef, Chicken, or Mixed Fajitas with your choice of refried bean or charo. Flour Tortillas. Guacamole, Sour Cream, & Pico de gallo

Catering & Party Room available

6 OFF (with coupon)

SOUTHWEST FREEWAY 281.240.3060 12821 LasHaciendasGrill.com

The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

5

FOCUS Many people have decided that bitcoin is the next big thing – and they are backing up their enthusiasm with dollars. Should you, too, consider putting money into bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies?

First of all, keep in mind an essential piece of financial advice: Don’t invest in something you don’t understand. And bitcoin is not easily understandable.

There’s no physical bitcoin, nor is it backed by a bank or government. It’s a digital currency, used for transactions on a decentralized network of computers.

The market’s demand for bitcoin largely determines its price, though other factors are also involved.

And this price can vary widely. Since bitcoin was introduced in 2009, it has gone through periods of enormous gains and precipitous declines. Its short history has reminded market watchers of the bursting of the “dot.com” bubble in 2000 and the housing market bubble in 2007.

These results have raised the following question about purchasing bitcoin: Is it investing or speculating?

There’s a big difference between the two. Speculators engage in risky transactions with the hope of profiting from short-term price fluctuations in various financial vehicles.

Investors, on the other hand, stick with these practices: • They follow a long-term strategy. Real investors follow a long-term strategy based on their goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Generally speaking, long-term investors don’t do a lot of buying and selling, saving on fees and potential taxes. But this “buy and hold” approach doesn’t mean investors put their

6

Bitcoin: Investing or speculating? portfolios on autopilot. Instead, they review their portfolios at least once a year to make sure their investment mix is still appropriate for their needs.

• They focus on quality. Long-term investors stay away from the flashier – and riskier – financial instruments. Instead, these investors seek quality. When they’re considering stocks, for example, they look for companies with solid fundamentals, including strong management teams, competitive products and services and business plans that bode well for the future. When they buy bonds, they seek those with high credit ratings issued by the independent rating agencies.

Focusing on quality doesn’t yield quick results, but it can instill confidence in one’s investment choices.

• They diversify their holdings. If a downturn in the financial markets affects one type of asset particularly hard, and your portfolio contains a high concentration of that asset, your financial strategy could be jeopardized. Long-term investors reduce this risk by owning a variety of investments. While

diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, it can help reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio.

And here’s one more difference between investors and speculators: track record. Investors put their money into companies that provide tangible goods and services, and these companies have historically grown with the overall economy. Stocks and bonds are established investment vehicles with well-defined and regulated markets.

Consequently, investors can assume a certain degree of predictability, though, of course, stock prices will always fluctuate in the short term and there are no guarantees against loss of principal.

Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, are relatively new, largely unpredictable and will likely face increased regulation in the future, with the ultimate risk being an outright ban by some governments.

You work hard for your money – so think carefully about how you can best put it to use to help you reach your lifetime goals.

October 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

New ice cream shop coming to Sugar Land

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com There is going to be a new ice cream shop in Fort Bend County soon for those looking for another place to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Red Circle Ice Cream is looking to open a franchise store in Sugar Land in October, according to a report from Community Impact Newspaper. The store also has locations in Houston and Pearland.

According to the Red Circle website, the shop will offer more than 100 rotating flavors of handcrafted ice cream on its menu for just about any palate, such as Donkey Kong, Cha-Cha Cherry Sorbet and Krack’N Coconut.

They will also have nearly 20 different types of handcrafted glazed and frosty churros, as well the “King Churro,” which is a glazed churro with Cap’n Crunch or graham crackers. One of its more notable offerings is the “Pufflelicious,” which is a Hong Kong-style egg waffle made from a

sweet egg batter and paired with Red Circle’s ice cream and customized to the customer’s preference, according to the website.

For more on what Red Circle is bringing to Sugar Land, visit the shop’s website at redcirclefranchising.com.

Red Circle Ice Cream is bringing dozens of ice cream flavors and tasty treats to Sugar Land. (Photos from Facebook)

Meet Jeff’s Happy Restaurant Clients; John and Katie!

$3

FREE

Chicken Pad Thai

WITH 2 ENTREES

OFF

Congratulations to them on the opening of “Thai American Bistro”.

SPRING ROLLS

Limit 1 coupon per order • Exp. 12-15-2021

Need Restaurant Space?

Need Retail Space?

Need Office Space?

Call Jeff 713-817-5521

Thai American Bistro

18721 University Blvd Suite 160 Sugar Land, TX 77479

346-304-2102

www.ToastTab.com/ThaiAmericanBistro

Jeff Borkovich - Sales Agent - License # 512762

Jeff Recommends; “Chicken Pad Thai”.

The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

7

Using our relationship with thousands of small businesses to provide information for you every day.

mcelvypartners.com 8

October 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

W H E N D EAT H S T R I K E S C A L L

STAR Digital

STUDIOS As funeral cemetery consultants, we guide you at your time of need on affordable funeral related services.

Capture your family history using video!

- FUNERAL CHURCH SERVICE - GRAVESIDE SERVICE - DIRECT CREMATION - BURIAL PLOTS - MONUMENT HEADSTONES

Star Digital Studios will record oral histories and incorporate photos that tell a story about your family. That’s because your family’s stories are worth saving. Video is one of the best ways to hold on to your loved one’s life stories. Let us help you. We will scan and touch up old photos and produce a DVD as a video and photo montage that can be narrated. Give us a call for a free consultation to create what will be a family heirloom that could be updated one generation at a time. Save your family history today. Call us Now! Video on demand...it’s a powerful tool and we can help.

Call Star Digital Studios 3944 Bluebonnet Drive to be seen and get the Stafford, TX 77477 attention you deserve! 281-690-4280 • 713-823-1145

STEPHANIE SALCEDO

Funeral Cemetery Broker

(832) 953-4229 • www.sylegacy.net Three Sugar Creek Center, Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX 77478 https://www.prepaidfunerals.texas.gov/

Veteran Family owned & operated Catering, delivery & curbside available BUY ONE ENTREE at regular price &

RECEIVE ONE FREE APPETIZER (with coupon)

Follow us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/GridironBarandGrill

4524 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478 10am – 10pm Monday – Sunday (Subject to Change)

281-494-4227 The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

straightoutofbangkok.com Follow us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/str8oobangkok

9

PCS Revenue Cycle Management

Photo by Kerri King Photography

10

October 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

HELPING MEDICAL PRACTICES STAY PRIVATE AND PROFITABLE COVER STORY BY

LANDAN KUHLMANN

As Deion Whorton spent time working in the medical billing field for close to a decade, he said he noticed some glaring problems in terms of revenue collection, which in turn loses a company money on medical billing claims.

So he decided to do something about it, leading to him opening the doors on his own business last year.

“I have about seven years of experience (in this field), and I’ve noticed that there are some issues,” he said.

Whorton is the CEO and founder of PCS Revenue Cycle Management, a medical billing company located at 77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd Ste. 697 in Sugar Land. PCSRCM offers 100 percent U.S.-based medical billing, credentialing, and consulting services.

He started the company, he said, to make sure private practices get what they need to stay private and in business.

Between managing schedules, seeing patients, and more day-to-day practices, he knows the stress. And that’s where he and his team at PCSRCM come in.

“A lot of organizations and practices are running out of a lot of money because of poor collection practices – they’re not sending out claims correctly, they’re not working denials, and it’s causing (practices) to not get reimbursed,” he said.

One of the most important aspects of PCSRCM, he said, is that they don’t outsource overseas. The company is completely U.S.-based, which he believes is more beneficial to the private medical practices the company serves.

Essentially, he said, they may lose money on the front end – but they’ll gain it on the back end. PCSRCM’s commitment, he said, is to increase the practice’s revenue by 30 percent within 60 days and decrease the claim rejection rate in 30 days. Whorton said they will also work to reduce claim

denials by 80 percent.

“When you outsource to a U.S. based company, it’s a higher percentage, but we can increase your revenue by up to 30 percent,” he said. “Basically, you’re paying us a percentage of the extra money we got you – you’re paying us money that we got you, that you didn’t have.”

Once insurance information has been verified by the practice, Whorton said he and his team at PCSRCM make sure the numbers that the provider enters are correct, add any modifiers to the claim that are necessary, and then send them out within 24-48 hours.

Practices should receive notification about claims and potential denials, as well as reimbursement, within 7-28 days according to Whorton. And if a claim is denied, Whorton said digging into and remedying that is another service PCSRCM offers that’s not often seen with medical billing companies.

“When that denial posts, we go in there and figure out what the root cause is and go work that to get it resolved as quickly as possible so you can get paid,” he said.

In the end, Whorton said his only goal is to ensure that private medical practices can remain private and profitable. If you incur a large loss on PCSRCM’s behalf for any reason, he said the company has a policy where practices can be reimbursed up to $1 million.

He started the business to help practices in need, and that’s exactly what he intends to keep doing as long as the community will have him.

“I decided to start my own business to make sure all the “I’s” are dotted and the “T’s” are crossed,” he said. “It’s making sure everything is going out as quickly and smoothly as possible, revenue is coming in consistently, and they’re getting reimbursed for every penny they deserve.”

Photo by Kerri King Photography To see if PCSRCM is the right medical billing company for your private practice, give them a call at 281-937-4089 for a complimentary practice analysis. Feel free to visit us on the web at pcsrcm. com and/or follow us on social media.

Facebook @pcsrcm Twitter @pcsrcm1 Instagram @pcsrcm

The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

11

B U S I N E S S C A R D D I R E C TO R Y

TRACY WALKER,

Agent ChFC, CLU, CASL, CPCU 15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. P Sugar Land, Texas 77478-4173 Bus. 281-265-0711 • Toll 888-850-8491 Fax 281-466-4260 • Cell 281-380-7786 Tracy@agentwalker.com

281-498-3410 • 11720 Wilcrest Dr. HTX. 77099

Jeanne

GREGORY CRS, GRI, ABR

Dalyn Hoegemeyer, AAMS Financial Advisor 4502 Riverstone Blvd. #904 Missouri City, TX. 77459 Bus. 281-494-3737 Fax 888-849-8932 dalyn.hoegemeyer@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

Re/Max Hall of Fame Re/Max Platinum Club 713-854-0923 - cell www.jeannegregory.com jeanne@jeannegregory.com

RE/MAX Southwest Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

JUSTIN BEAM Owner

Residential & Commercial Pest Control www.integrated-pest.com

281-341-1761 1118 E Highway 90A Richmond, TX 77406 ipmi@comcast.net

21226 Andrea Park Dr., Richmond, TX 77406 832-232-1799 (cell) 866-561-8014 (fax) justin@beamroofing.com www.beamroofing.com

Full-Service & Do-It-Yourself Solutions

Serving Fort Bend County & Greater Houston Area Since 1984

Tree Trimming & removal • landscape design • professional planTing

Deion Whorton Sr. CEO/Founder

77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd.

Ste # 697 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Bus. 281-937-4086 deion.whorton@pcsrcm.com www.pcsrcm.com

Free

Helping healthcare professionals in private practice stay private and profitable.

at home consultation for landscaping design. ($99 Value)

www.hhpstx.com | 832•641•8600

Honored to be your choice for life insurance.

Funbo Professional Door Services New Installation & Repair Residential & Commercial Home Improvements 24/7 Service 832-236-3154 or 346-313-6569

12

www.FunboPro.com

LISA N SIMS, AGENT

Monday - Friday 9 - 6 Saturday 10 - 2 After hours by appointment

11647 S Highway 6 Sugar Land, TX 77498 Toll Free: 281-201-2448 lisa@agentlisasims.com

CMB HEALTHCARE, INC. Pediatric Private Duty Nursing 4434 Bluebonnet Dr., Ste 133 Stafford, Texas 77477

Roseline A. Ogbeifo

Texas

Doggie Daycare

Boarding – Daycare – Baths

• Cage Free Daycare • Private Outdoor Park • Overnight Boarding

Safe - Clean - Fun Five Stars on Google & Yelp Check us out and get ½ off on your first visit 281-331-6307 www.TexasDoggieDaycare.com

1100 FM 1092 (Murphy Rd.) Missouri City Tx 77459

WHEN IT COMES TO THE NUMBERS YOU CAN COUNT ON US! Bookkeeping : Tax Planning & Preparation : Payroll

(281) 712-4989 www.t2booksandtax.com

Phone: 281-818-7965 Fax: 281-936-0299 After Hours: 832-888-6272 cmbhealthcare@gmail.com

Need Restaurant Space?

Need Retail Space?

Need Office Space?

Call Jeff 713-817-5521 Jeff Borkovich - Sales Agent - License # 512762

Locally owned and operated for over 25 years

Free estimates

832-768-1897

alliancegaragedoorstx.com

Install, repair, sell all makes/models of garage doors & openers residential/commercial

Analytics startup moving headquarters to Stafford

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com A manufacturing analytics company is making its way to Fort Bend County. Fluence Analytics, a venture capital-backed startup that provides patented process analytics and control solutions to polymer and biopharmaceutical manufacturers, announced Sept. 23 that the company has moved its headquarters to Stafford.

The startup – which began in New Orleans – provides real-time analytics and control solutions to polymer and biopharmaceutical companies across the world, according to the company, to help provide continuous insights into production

processes and allow companies to create products in a more sustainable and efficient way.

Fluence Analytics began in 2013 in New Orleans after spinning out from Tulane PolyRMC, a nonprofit research center within the School of Science and Engineering at Tulane University. The Stafford headquarters will have more than 5,600 square feet of The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

office, manufacturing and laboratory space according to a news release from the company.

“Our new location in the Houston area better positions us to succeed in delivering real-time analytics to the polymer industry.

We are in closer proximity to our strategic partners, customers and suppliers, and we are also impressed by the vast talent pool in the area,” said Alex Reed, Fluence Analytics’ co-founder and CEO. “This move will accelerate our sales efforts and reduce product development and manufacturing lead times.”

For more information on Fluence Analytics and what they do, visit the company’s website at fluenceanalytics.com/.

13

The Comcast RISE Investment Fund provides monetary grants to help small businesses owned by people of color (POC) grow as they navigate the challenges of the pandemic.

The Investment Fund is the latest extension of Comcast RISE (Representation, Investment, Strength, and Empowerment), the multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in 2020 to provide POC-owned, small businesses the opportunity to apply for marketing and technology services from Comcast Business and Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable.

Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched this summer. In June 2020, Comcast NBCUniversal announced the development of a comprehensive, multi-year plan to allocate $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over the next three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability.

GRANT ELIGIBILITY

GRANT DETAILS 600 grants totaling $6 million will be distributed as follows:

• 100 small businesses in each city • Each business will receive a $10,000 monetary grant • Application period is October 1-14, 2021

Businesses must: • Be established business operations for 3 or more years

• Have one to 25 employees • Be in the following geographic locations to be eligible:

• Grants willl be announced at the end of November 2021 and awarded in December 2021

Houston, TX (Harris and Fort Bend Counties);

• Applications will be available online at

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties);

www.ComcastRISE.com.

Miami, FL (Miami-Dade and Broward Counties);

Oakland, CA (City of Oakland); Seattle, WA (King and Pierce Counties); Washington, D.C. (Wards 1-8) IF A BUSINESS IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE COMCAST RISE INVESTMENT FUND, APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR MARKETING AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES.

Now is the Time to Rise Apply today.

ComcastRISE.com

14

October 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

Te x

Aki Steak & Sushi H-

E-

cc

es

sR

d

Un ive rs

B

6A

ity Bl vd

as

510 Highway 6, Suite #180Sugar Land, TX 77479 (In H-E-B Shopping Center)

Delivery

With $20 minimum Tip is not included, But Greatly Appreciated!

Scan me to order online

Happy Hour Available from Mon-Sat. 3pm-6:30pm All Day Sunday

510 Highway 6, Suite #180 Sugar Land, TX 77479

(281) 565-1110 Akisteakandsushi.com

The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

15

16

October 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

Local construction technology company expanding reach

By Landan Kuhlmann LKuhlmann@fortbendstar.com Sugar Land-based Heavy Construction Systems Specialists (HCSS) has been sold to private equity firm Thoma Bravo in efforts to expand its reach within Fort Bend County and beyond, according to a Sept. 13 news release from HCSS. According to the release, Thoma Bravo will help HCSS accelerate growth for all its product on a global scale due to the company’s knowledge of international markets. HCSS has been developing software to help construction companies streamline their operations for more than 30 years, with programs to manage daily activities in the field, track labor and equipment, keep workers safe on the job, and more according to its website.

The company said it believes the

partnership will be a boon to its thousands of construction clients around the globe, which include infrastructure, highway and utility contractors.

“Through this partnership and the innovation and growth it will deliver, my vision is that foremen, superintendents and project managers will be able to easily order materials from the HCSS applications they already use and track the status of those materials at all times through final placement,” HCSS founder and CEO Mike Rydin said.

The release said HCSS customers can expect to see “innovation and more efficiencies in supply chain software” that provides information faster and dramatically reduces administrative work and errors.

“It’s a special moment for us when we have a chance to steward a legacy the likes

of which has been created,” said A.J. Rohde, a senior partner at Thoma Bravo.

“The heavy construction market is poised to undergo its most significant historical change in both innovation and industry investment, and we can’t wait to see what we can do together with HCSS to enable their customers to stay ahead.”

For more information on HCSS, visit their website at https://www.hcss.com/.

T H E M O N T H LY

BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Contact John Sazma for advertising rates

281-690-4206 • jsazma@fortbendstar.com The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

17

BUSINESS HONOR ROLL The beginnings & Growth of many of Fort Bend County’s leading businesses

CONGRATULATIONS! YOUR BUSINESS WILL HAVE AN ANNIVERSARY IN 2022!

Let all of Fort Bend County in on the celebration by placing your business name & the number of years you are celebrating in both publications.

Be part of the celebration in BOTH publications for only $125 Choose one publication for $75/each

Featured in both the Fort Bend Star Newspaper and the Fort Bend Business Journal.

Call your Marketing Consultant at

281-690-4206

Business FORT BEND

KATY

JOURNAL Publication: December 2021 THE BUSINESS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Publication: Wednesday December 29th

Deadline: Tuesday December 22nd

BUS

S INES H OF ROWT

THE B

1234

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

1234

3-45 713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Addr

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your dress Drive •4567 3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE TA ES •

Ad

1234

Your dress Drive •4567

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

2RS 4 • ESTABLISHED 1900 • YEA

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your s Drive •

42

RS YEA

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad 1234

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your dress Drive •4567 3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

39

RS YEA

40

RS YEA

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your dress Drive •4567 1234

Ad

71

3-123-

1234

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your dress Drive •4567

om

bsite.c

1234

38

67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 swebsi • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford

1234

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

1234

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

25

37

me s Na ines 2 Bus rd 7702 Your Staffo ive • 1234

s Driv 67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 si sweb

me s Na ines Bus 77022 afford Your St • ive

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford

Your dress Drive •4567

1234

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

34

RS YEA e

20

• ESTABLISHED 1900 • RS

RS YEA

RS YEA

1234

RS YEA

s Dr 67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 si sweb usines • www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

usines • www.b 1234 Address Drive • Stafford 77022 D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA s Dr 67 es 45 dr 3Ad 713-123-4567 1234 713-12 ebsite.com sw usines • www.b D 1900 www.businesswebsite.com BLISHE • ESTA

s Dr 67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 si sweb usines • www.b D 1900 HE IS BL • ESTA

October 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal Your dress Drive •4567

me s Na ines Bus 77022 afford Your e • St

me s Na ines 2 Bus rd 7702 Your Staffo • e iv

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your dress Drive •4567 1234

35

YEARS

RS YEA

RS YEA

RS YEA

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

s Driv 67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 si sweb usines • www.b D 1900 BLISHE TA ES •

s Dr 67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 si sweb usines • www.b D 1900 HE BLIS • ESTA

39Your Business Name

40

38

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your dress Drive •4567

50

1234

RS YEA

3713-12 ebsite.com sw • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

Ad

1234 Address Drive • Stafford 77022 713-123-4567 1RS 4 www.businesswebsite.com YEA 1234

s Dr 67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 si sweb usines 00 • www.b HED 19 IS BL • ESTA

Your dress Drive •4567

Your Business Name

RS YEA

1234

1234

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford

me s Na ines 2 Bus rd 7702 Your Staffo ive •

me s Na ines Bus 77022 afford Your e • St

me s Na ines 2 Bus rd 7702 Your Staffo ive •

RS YEA

SES

INES

BUS

RS YEA

RS YEA

43

RS YEA

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your dress Drive •4567

T BE FOR

RS YEA

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your ess Drive • 67

YEARS44 1234

T

TH

ROW

ND G

GS A

INNIN

EG HE B

OM OF S

’S L NTY

OU

ND C

E OF

RS YEA

67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 swebsi • usines www.b D 1900 BLISHE • ESTA

RS YEA

ES

45

50 1234

44

45

18

COU

48

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your dress Drive •4567

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your dress Drive •4567

1234

BEND

e Nam 2 ess 7702 Busin Stafford Your s Drive •

RS YEA

RS YEA

1234

FORT

ING

EAD

INESS

G BUS

ADIN

LE NTY’S

LL O R NOR O H S NES I S 42 BU 45 50

OLL

RS YEA

49

50 1234

OF SOME

G

S AND

ING EGINN

R

OR N O H

Deadline: November 24th

YEA

me s Na ines 2 Bus rd 7702 Your Staffo ive • 1234

s Dr 67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 si sweb usines 00 • www.b HED 19 IS BL • ESTA

10

RS YEA

me s Na ines 2 Bus rd 7702 Your Staffo ive • 1234

s Dr 67 Addres 3-123-45 te.com 71 si sweb usines • www.b D 1900 BLISHE TA ES •

SERVICE DIRECTORY A/C AND HEATING TAURUS MECHANICAL,INC Cell (832) 731-5256 www.houstonheatingandcooling.com Taurus Mechanical, Inc. is a locally-owned business and has been serving customers in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, and Katy in the state of Texas for the last 33 years since 1986. We provide residential services. We provide Quality and Integrity in our service.

ADOPTIONS AND COUNSELING RAINBOW OF LOVE 281 438-6588 www.rainbowoflove.org Rainbow of Love is a Social Services non-profit that specializes in Adoption, Counseling and Parenting Classes.

The agency was founded in Fort Bend County in 2003 and continues to have a Fort Bend office in Missouri City.

The Adoption program works with families and expectant parents from all over Texas and most states of the United States.

The Counseling, Parenting Classes, Case Management and Charity programs focus on local Fort Bend and Harris County communities.

ADVERTISING Fort Bend Star 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com We have been delivering a free community newspaper to homes throughout Fort Bend County longer than ANY OTHER newspaper.

Fort Bend Business Journal 281-690-4200 www.fortbendstar.com The Fort Bend Business Journal is a monthly magazine that focuses on the business community of Fort Bend County.

It is home delivered to 10,500 homes in Sugar Land and Missouri City , 500 copies to businesses in Fort Bend, and online for readers at no charge. The Business Journal features news stories about businesses, people, and events of importance to the local business community.

ALTERATIONS & TAILORING LIZ’S TAILOR and ALTERATIONS 281-242-3193 www.lizstailor.com 3626 Highway 6 South (In the Luby’s/Big Lots Shopping Center) Sugar Land, TX 77478

Our Alterations Service for Ladies and Gentlemen include: Full resizing of your dress or prom to make a perfect fit; hem pants & jeans, taper in and out; shorten jacket sleeves and zipper changes. We fix your clothes at affordable prices. We offer professional tailoring. We will make your clothes from a catalog or pattern.

For one-day or immediate service, please call Liz at 281-242-3193. We offer free estimates or visit us at www.lizstailor.com or email us at liz@lizstailor.com.

AUTO REPAIR / MAINTENANCE Charlton’s Auto Body Repair and Vehicle Detailing 281-499-1126 www.charltonsbodyrepair.com Chuck Charlton, 1131 Staffordshire @ 5th Street, Stafford, Texas 77477, Charbody@aol.com, Fax: 281-4991694, Complete collision repair. Frame & Unibody straightened. Expert computer color matching. Custom painting & pin stripping. Honest service. 79 Years Strong and 3 Generations Proud!

CHIROPRACTOR Sugar Land Health Center 281-980-1050 www.sugarlandhealthcenter.com 3425 Hwy 6, Suite 101 Sugar Land,, TX 77478

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE Alliance Garage Doors 832-768-1897 www.alliancegaragedoorstx.com Alliance Garage Doors has been locally owned and operated for the past 25 years in the Sugar Land/Missouri City/Richmond/ Rosenberg/Katy area. We install, repair, and sell all makes and models of garage doors and openers and provide free estimates on request. For all your garage door needs, please feel free to give us a call!

INSURANCE AGENCIES Goosehead Insurance 281-643-0996 www.gooseheadinsurance.com/ andrew-haley-insurance “Goosehead Insurance brings years of experience and expertise in serving your Auto, Home, Life & Commercial Insurance needs. As your Risk Management Advisor, Andrew Haley understands the value of safeguarding what matters most to you and will work on your behalf to bring you the best insurance options based on your The Fort Bend Business Journal H October 2021

individual needs. You will be met with unmatched customer service, integrity and expediency.”

Tracy Walker Agent ChFC, CLU, CASL, CPCU

15510 Lexington Blvd., Ste. P Sugar Land, Texas 77478-4173 Bus. 281-265-0711 Toll 888-850-8491 Fax 281-466-4260 Cell 281-380-7786 Tracy@agentwalker.com JEWELERS Gold Connection Jewelers 281-344-9900 We Buy Gold www.goldconnection.net We are a full-service jewelry store in your neighborhood. We offer diamonds, gold and silver jewelry and watches. Repairs are done on our premises. Custom design is our specialty. We offer front door parking for your convenience. Our hours are M-F from 10:00-6:00 pm and again on Sat from 10:00-4:00 pm. We are located at 206 Hwy 90A, Richmond, 77406. Come see our fabulous inventory!

MACHINE TOOLS Schofield Company 281-217-4799 The Schofield Company, has been in business since 1980, in Fort Bend County, specializing in American Made Machine Tools. Primary products are Wellsaw metal cutting bandsaws, made in the Kalamazoo, Michigan since 1926. Also McEnglevan, (Mifco), melting furnaces made in Danville, Illinois, for melting non-ferrous metals such as Brass, Bronze, Aluminum, Gold, and Silver. Used primarily in college art departments to make sculptures from wax art work. Contact Mike Schofield for further details.

NETWORKING Fort Bend Chapter - BNI Fort Bend Business Network International, the oldest networking chapter in the Fort Bend Chapter - BNI network, is a group of like-minded business owners who meet to network every Thursday morning at 7 am on Zoom meeting. Membership is limited to one professional per category. However, the organization does have some open categories and is looking for entrepreneurs who want to connect with a great group of people and grow their business! For CONTINUES

19

information on how to come visit, please email jsazma@fortbendstar.com The Oyster Creek Rotary Club www.OysterCreekRotary.org This local club has been a member of Rotary International since 1979 and is a volunteer organization dedicated to serving the Missouri City and Stafford communities.

The club’s mission is to promote world peace, eradicate polio and to support various organizations within our servicing area, through our annual fund raiser. Our volunteers come from many walks of life in the business world. We welcome your visit the first Friday of every month, 12 p.m. at the City Centre, 2880 LaQuinta Dr. Missouri City, TX. 77459.

OPTOMETRIST My Eye Dr. 6026 Hwy 6 Missouri City, TX 77459 281-499-2600

PEST CONTROL Integrated Pest Management, Inc. 281-341-1761 1118​E. Highway 90A Richmond, TX 77406

PHARMACIES Ed’s Pharmacy 281-499-4555 Ed Sziy, 3740 Cartwright, Missouri City, TX 77459, Fax: 281-499-7088.

PHYSICIANS The Immunization Clinic Be wise, test and, immunize 281-313-7468 office 281-313-7470 fax www.houstonvaccines.com houstonvaccines@gmail.com 3727 Greenbriar Dr. #403 Stafford, TX 77477 CDC certified Yellow fever provider of domestic and travel vaccines, Flu vaccines, TB skin tests, Drug testing and titer testing for adults and children for college, work, travel, immigration, pre-employment and post-accident testing. Open for appts M-F and 2 Saturdays a month.You can come to our site TB skin tests, Drug testing and titer testing for adults and children for college, work, travel, immigration, pre-employment and post-accident testing. Open for appts M-F and 2 Saturdays a month.You can come to our site or we come to you for mobile testing and administration of

20

vaccines for groups and churches.

PREGNANCY RESOURCES Pregnancy Resource Medical Center 281-232-2375 www.prmcfortbend.org The Pregnancy Resource Medical Center is a nonprofit that helps women by offering free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, peer consultations, classes and parenting resources. We are looking for volunteers, financial partners and church liaisons to help us reach our community. You can share the joy of helping hurt hearts and saving lives. We are located at 4411 Avenue N Rosenberg, TX 77471

REAL ESTATE Colliers International, formerly Curtice Commercial Real Estate 281-494-4769 kolbe.curtice@colliers.com Kolbe M. Curtice, CCIM, CLS, 15999 City Walk, Suite 250, Sugar Land Square located at U.S. Highway 59 & State Highway 6, Fax: 281-494-3227, Brokerage, Development, Investment and Tenant Representation, 30 years experience in Fort Bend.

Johnson Development Corp.

713-960-9977 www.johnsondevelopment.com More top-selling communities than any other developer in America.

Larry Johnson 5005 Riverway Dr., Suite 500 Houston, TX 77056`

RESTAURANTS AKI Steak and Sushi 281-565-1110 www.akisteakandsushi.com 510 Highway 6, Suite #180 King’s BBQ 832-532-7816 Kingsbbqcatering.net 9920 Hwy 90A Suite # D- 120 Sugar Land, TX 77478 Las Haciendas Mexican Bar & Grill 281-240-3060 LasHaciendasGrill.com 12821 Southwest Freeway Stafford, TX 77477

COUNTY’S LARGEST SCRAP DEALER serving Fort Bend and surrounding counties for the past 31 years. As a proud and responsible member of the Fort Bend, Texas business community, we accept aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, vehicle radiators, air conditioning coils, lead and other scrap metal. We seek to protect the environment through our intake and processing of scrap metal product usually destined for landfills. Our friendly staff values you as a customer and provides the VIP treatment to make your experience with us a profitable and efficient one. If you’re not selling me your metal, we both lose money!

VETERINARIAN Sugar Creek Animal Clinic 281-242-9070 www.sugarcreekanimalclinic.com​ 14015 S.W. Freeway, Bldg. 2 Sugar Land, TX 77478

VIDEO SERVICES Star Digital Studios 281-690-4280 www.starvideoproductions.com A full service video production studio providing all phases of video production including professional writing, videography, editing, DVD duplication, distribution; also video deposition services to the legal community. For video needed for a TV commercial, website posting, employee training, promotional DVDs, special presentations, coverage of live events/ trade shows, or corporate videos, give us a call. If you are interested in something you do not see on our website, let us know and we’re ready to accommodate your needs!

Every Home Every Week

Your County-wide newspaper 281-690-4200 fortbendstar.com Stafford football is postseason bound - Page 4

SCRAP DEALER/METAL RECYCLING Julius Metals 281-499-6400 www.juliusmetals.com 3018 5th St., Stafford, TX 77477 Julius Metals has been FT. BEND October 2021 H The Fort Bend Business Journal

Honoring Our Veterans on pages 2 & 3

WEDNESDAY • NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Fort Bend / Southwest • Volume 44 • No. 12

Visit www.FortBendStar.com

Nehls tops Kulkarni to succeed Olson in Congress

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

We Cook! You Eat! Family Holiday Package Call for Details

Rustika Rustika Rustika Café & Bakery 9920 Hwy 90A Suite #D-120 Sugar Land, TX 77478 832-532-7816

Café & Café Bakery & Bakery NOWOPEN NOWOPEN Next to Corelli’s Italian NOWOPEN GO ONLINE Next to Corelli’s Italian

Nehls

CUSTOM CAKES + PASTRIES + COOKIES + COFFEE + SOUPS + SANDWICHES

& PLACE YOUR Next to Corelli’s Italian HOLIDAY ORDER CUSTOM CAKES + PASTRIES + COOKIES + COFFEE + SOUPS + SANDWICHES TODAY! CUSTOM CAKES + PASTRIES + COOKIES + COFFEE + SOUPS + SANDWICHES

RUSTIKACAFE.COM • 281-494-4230 3227 HWY.6 SUGAR LAND, TX 77478

One of the most hotly-contested and high-profile races in Fort Bend County history is over.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls, a Republican, defeated Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni to assume U.S. Rep. Pete Olson’s seat in Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, which includes Fort Bend County and parts of Harris County and Brazoria County.

Per the Texas Secretary of State, Nehls prevailed by a margin of 50 percent to 45 percent, or 155,809 votes to 138,694 votes.

“I want to personally send heartfelt thanks and sincere gratitude to the many volunteers who made calls, worked the polls, and served on advisory committees,” Nehls said in a Nov. 8 Facebook post. “This is a tremendous team effort and I could not be more appreciative to you. I’m especially proud of our interns for getting involved and learning more about

the political process. Lastly, thank you to all who cast votes.

I will work tirelessly to represent

the best interests of all residents in our district.”

In a Nov. 6 message to his supporters on Facebook, Kulkarni said he was “not done fighting for our future.”

“Our campaign in (Texas’ 22nd Congressional District) has always been about bringing real representation to our communities and ensuring everyone has a voice in our political system,”

Kulkarni said. “Over the past three years, we built the most diverse and inclusive grassroots campaign for Congress Texas has ever seen, with more faiths and ethnic and linguistic communities than anything we have ever seen before. This campaign was about all of us, not any one person running for office, and about the potential we have to restore reason, compassion and

Safe haven

SEE NEHLS PAGE 7

We Are Building Solutions

NOW HIRING Assemblers, Operators, and Material Handlers

for our East Bernard facility located at 16856 Cabinet Road, East Bernard, Texas 77435.

If interested email lperaza@leedo.com

Fort Bend couple to open winery, bistro

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Candice and Eric Elliott are no ordinary business partners.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, and throughout the various stages of their new business venture, the two have learned a lot about each other both personally as a married couple and professionally.

Together they are franchising a Waters Edge Winery & Bistro location in Richmond, which is set to open Nov. 24.

“I think it’s kind of like

Kids residing at Parks Youth Ranch, a nonprofit homeless shelter in Richmond, hold “thank you” signs to honor volunteers and donors who helped them with snacks and activities in July. (Contributed photo)

Parks Youth Ranch offers respite for homeless kids, teens

By Stefan Modrich SMODRICH@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Nearly 7,000 children, or 2 percent of all students in Fort Bend County, are affected by or are in some proximity to experiencing homelessness, according to data from the Coalition for the Homeless.

executive director of the Parks Youth Ranch in Richmond, the county’s only nonprofit emergency shelter for children ages 7-17.

The organization’s mission, Stavinoha said, is to “serve abused and neglected youth by providing a safe and supportive environment.”

The Parks Youth Ranch is

over the past few years to exceed that mark,” Stavinoha said.

“So this year if we could make $100,000, I would just be over the moon.”

Those who are interested in sponsorships or volunteering can visit parksyouthranch.org.

The children served by the Parks Youth Ranch, which has a capacity of 28 beds, come from

(3,607 students) had as well.

Through interviews with students, the coalition determined 1,091 FBISD students and 88 SMSD students were in doubled-up or unsuitable housing, meaning the number of occupants exceeded the number that was designated for the type of dwelling or it did not contain electricity.

to find another voucher so they can live in Fort Bend County,” Stavinoha said. “It’s a struggle.”

In addition, she said the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult to track down students who are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Social workers and truancy officers are reporting to the last known address of the student if

RE/MAX Hall of Fame RE/MAX Titan Club 2018 RE/MAX Chairman’s Club 2017 & 2019 RE/MAX Platinum Award Winner 2015, 2016 RE/MAX of Texas Top 250

Looking to Buy, Sell or Rent a Home?

JERRY FLOWERS Simplifying the Process Real Estate Agent MBA, CNE, ABE Retired Army Veteran 832-702-5241 Jerry@dreamhomesbyjerry.com www.Jerry.HoustonTxHomeSearcher.com

4500 Highway 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478

CODE: MATYTSINJOURNAL