PROUDLY SERVING RIVERTOWN
“THERE IS NOTHING IN THE WORLD SO GOOD AS GOOD NEIGHBORS” – LAURA WILDER
DEAR NEIGHBOR,
DEAR NEIGHBOR,
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Spring is in the air, and with it comes a fresh perspective on the place we call home. This month, the link is all about Homes—the beautiful spaces that shape our daily lives and the talented professionals who bring them to life. Inside this issue, we take you on a tour of some of the most stunning homes in our community, showcasing the craftsmanship, design, and personality that make each one unique. Whether you’re looking for inspiration to refresh your own space, searching for the right experts to bring your vision to life, or simply enjoy admiring thoughtfully designed homes, this issue is packed with ideas, insights, and local stories that highlight the best in home design and renovation.
As always, we’re proud to shine a light on the talented professionals in our area and the homeowners who trust them to create something truly special. We hope you enjoy this edition and find plenty of inspiration for your own home projects.
Happy reading!
The Moss Family - Homestead
OPEN HOUSE
WELCOME to your dream RiverTown home and private backyard oasis! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a custom salt water pool with a waterfall, extended paved and screened lanai, and serene private preserve views. Inside, the open and bright family room is filled with natural light from oversized sliders extending the living space for relaxation and entertaining. Thoughtful upgrades include custom millwork, beautiful lighting fixtures, and fresh paint throughout. The kitchen is equipped with brand-new premium Samsung appliances, and double oven combining style and functionality. The flexible layout offers a downstairs flex space, a spacious loft upstairs, and a serene primary suite with dual vanities, a garden tub, a walk-in shower, and updated mirrors and lighting. Includes water softener, RO system and HVAC air scrubber. The pool pump is reversible so it can chill water in hot summers or heat in chilly winters. Located in Rivertown, residents enjoy exceptional amenities, including resort-style pools, water slides, lazy river, sand volleyball, kayak launch, fitness centers, playgrounds, walking trails, and waterfront dining. With new construction nearby priced significantly higher, this home delivers unbeatable value.
A Family AffairQ&A
Share with RiverTown a bit about the origin of the business, and the name.
The origin of our business traces back to South Florida in 2019. Before venturing out on my own, I gained valuable experience working at a renowned Fence Distributor. When COVID-19 struck, I had to adapt quickly and decided to launch my own installation company. The name of our company, “Triple Crown,” is inspired by a prestigious baseball achievement. It represents a player leading their league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in (RBI) during a single season—an honor reserved for the best in Major League Baseball (MLB). This name reflects our commitment to excellence and top performance in every project we undertake.
What is the most rewarding part of owning a family business?
The most rewarding part is having something we can truly call our own. Owning my own company is a genuine testament to the American Dream, showcasing the possibilities that come with hard work and determination. But beyond personal success, I’m building a legacy—a family business that will stand the test of time. My goal is to create something that not only provides for my family today but also establishes a foundation for future generations. I want to pass down values of integrity, innovation, and resilience, ensuring that this business continues to grow and make an impact long after I’m gone. It’s about more than just financial success; it’s about leaving behind something meaningful — a name, a reputation, and a lasting contribution to both my family and the community we serve.
What is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part is scheduling during persistent inclement weather. Weather can be unpredictable, and since our work depends on outdoor conditions, delays can be inevitable. However, we’re built to adapt and accommodate through clear and proactive communication. We keep our customers informed every step of the way, adjusting schedules as needed while ensuring minimal disruption. Our use of advanced planning tools, allows us to prepare efficiently, so when the weather clears, we’re ready to move forward without delay. Flexibility and transparency are key to maintaining trust and keeping projects on track, no matter the conditions.
What sets you folks apart from the competition?
Innovation and communication set me apart. I take great pride in delivering an exceptional customer experience. From the initial quote to the final walkthrough, I guide clients through every detail. By utilizing Augmented Reality, I provide a preview of the project before it even begins. I maintain open communication throughout the process, ensuring clients are satisfied with the result. Buying a fence is an investment and an enhancement to your property, and I strive to make every client happy with both the process and the outcome.
This dedication is what distinguishes me from my competitors.
Let us Build Your Dream Fence!
SELLING?
Spring is a great season for selling your home, and That 1 Painter has some ideas to help you get the perfect offer. Prior to listing, place yourself in the position of a buyer. Some great action ideas include:
Power wash exterior (walkways, driveway, patio, lanai, pool deck, and house)
Paint exterior if faded or filled with cracks
Repaint front doors and shutters for curb appeal
Paint interior walls are welcoming, neutral color throughout
Paint, baseboards, trim, and/or doors if scuffed up
Have drywall repaired
Paint cabinets to brighten up kitchen and bathroom vanities
Repaint ceilings so that they are crisp and clean
That 1 Painter can help with your checklist!
Another spring is here and that means its time to get out your spring decor and add some touches around the house. Above all, do what makes you happy and brings a touch of beautiful spring to your home. Here are a few ideas!
FLOWERS – Whether fresh or faux, flowers bring a breath of freshness and color to every room. Your local craft store will have an absolutely incredible selection of silk stems.
GLASS BOTTLES – Although blues and greens may be easiest to find, any glass bottle collection will go a long way towards creating a fresh, airy feel. And they hold your flowers perfectly.
RABBITS – Yes, rabbits. There is perhaps no icon that is more indicative of the beauty of spring than this furry creature. Why not sprinkle a few throughout your main areas? Fun!
PAINT – You can choose one room or even a wall or two to bring a new freshness into your Spring home. For a couple hours of work, you’ll get a brand new outlook on your space!
HOME SERVICES
St. AuguStine OriginAl Shrimp pilAu
Over the centuries in St. Augustine, family recipes – especially with the area’s own datil pepper – have remained guarded secrets. Shrimp “perleau” is one of these secrets. This basic gem comes from a book published during the dark depression days as part of a 1934 WPA project. You’ll notice that the ingredients are truly frugal, and the hardscrabble times explain this. Feel free to bring this base recipe into the modern day with whatever techniques and ingredients you like.
Ingredients
2 lb. headed shrimp
1/3 lb. salt pork diced into small pieces
2 c yellow rice
1 sm can of tomatoes
1 med onion
1 sm green pepper or red bell pepper
1 datil pepper
1/2 tsp salt thyme to taste
Instructions
Fry salt pork then add the canned tomatoes and peppers cut fine and simmer until light brown. Add shrimp and cook for a few minutes, then add 3 ½ cups water put all together in a heavy pot. When the contents comes to a boil, add rice. Cook slowly until finished. Add thyme or any other spices to taste. Serve when the rice grains are cooked and separated.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Operation Lifeline Inc. began in 2022. Following a career of military service, Lt. Colonel Erik Saks [USAF] offered his time and experience to Saint Johns County and was appointed to the Housing Finance Authority. In this position, he was shocked to learn about the challenges our lower-income families (including many veterans) were experiencing due to the soaring housing market. He was particularly disappointed to hear the indifference expressed by many in the local communities and those in positions to help.
During his nearly 27 years of Air Force service, Lt. Colonel Saks traveled to countless countries and communities to help those in need. It was always the mission he enjoyed most, and he came to the realization that his service and mission could continue here at home. Upon founding the organization, he was floored by the immediate support Operation Lifeline received from the local governments, and quickly began finding wonderful individuals who were eager to invest their time to help veterans.
If you are like-minded, they would love your support. If you are a struggling veteran, know that you are not alone. They have a variety of programs, from affordable housing to housing rehab. There are even internships for veterans. We would love to make your home safer improving quality of life for you and yours.
Erick L. Saks, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)
BY DESIGN
When did you start the business?
We registered Payne Interiors & Design in Florida in January 2024, knowing that we would be moving back (from Colorado) to be closer to family that summer. The plan was for me [Kailey] to quit my corporate job and do interior design full time once we moved back and got settled in. We’ve been renovating homes for years, but with our home in Colorado we had the opportunity to do a complete remodel. We tore down walls, put in doors, windows, plumbing, built a brand new deck, a beautiful bunkroom, installed a gorgeous kitchen; and I designed all of it! The funny thing about plans though- is that it’s true what they say “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”. And that seems to be the theme throughout our marriage. As fate would have it, I was laid off from my job as an Implementation Project Manager in April 2024, but it was absolutely a blessing in disguise. I had the freedom to move our family of 5 across the country, enjoy the summer with my babies, all while working on the business behind the scenes until it was ready. We officially launched in August 2024 and have been busy ever since- it’s been a whirlwind! We’ve done everything from full scale renovations, to insurance claim re-builds, virtual design, and small scale projects like pantries and accent walls.
Why did you start the business?
I [Kailey] started Payne Interiors & Design for a couple reasons.
1. I believe our homes play a significant role in our lives, and the lives of those we invite into them. Being a mom and/or wife, we have a unique opportunity to pour into others and show them the same love Christ shows us, and that almost always happens in our home. So it’s important that our homes are a sanctuary; a warm, inviting, and safe space, but it’s also imperative that they are functional so that we can host others graciously. When we feel like our home is “visitor ready” it allows us to quite literally open the door to build meaningful relationships and promotes deeper conversations.
2. As we’ve done renovations, remodels, and small house projects over the years I can’t count how many times friends, family, and even complete strangers have told us we should do this full time, that we have a talent, and that our work is high quality. I realized from watching my friends and family struggle with design decisions that creating a cohesive design that’s both beautiful and functional doesn’t come naturally to others, like it does to me. I was finally at a point in my career to make a change and I was finally at a point to give God control over my career, regardless of my fears.
The Payne Family
When did you decide to bring Shelby on and make this a family business?
This was a more challenging decision and it was one we prayed about, and continue to pray about, A LOT. Shelby is my best friend, so it was never a question of IF we could work together, but more a leap of faith with our finances. Shelby has a strong background in construction. His dad owns a construction company in Atlanta, so he grew up building and renovating homes, and he worked with a commercial electrician in college. He’s done all the remodeling work in our own homes, and others’, for the past 10 years; and like me with design, he has a talent for crafting beautiful things and understanding how stuff works and pieces together. So, obviously it seemed like the natural next step was to bring him on board, but that was a lot easier said than done. He’s been in the corporate world for the past 10 years and we’ve relied heavily on his steady income and benefits like health insurance, 401k etc. especially since we were in a season of growing our family. We spent months trying to figure out how we could split his time between working on site for my clients and working at his corporate job, but ultimately it just seemed like it was a dream we would have to revisit once the business was doing well enough to replace both of our incomes. Yet once again, God had other plans and in November 2024 Shelby got laid off; putting us in a position to trust Him even more. It hasn’t been easy and there have been moments of doubt and anxiety, but it has been incredible to see God’s faithfulness every step of the way. He has provided clients when we need them and allowed us to use the gifts we both naturally have to bless others, and build this business together.
What’s a fun fact the RT neighbors should know about y’all?
It’s probably a little cheesy, but I love our origin story. We met on a cruise in May 2010, both on it to celebrate our graduation from high school. We started dating the summer before college, which is unheard of because typically people like to go into college single, and we’ve been together ever since. I went to UGA (GO DAWGS!) and he went to the University of West Georgia, so we were about 2.5 hours apart all 4 years of college. We got married the weekend after we graduated and have moved, renovating houses as we go, every 2-3 years since. In fact this is actually our second RiverTown home, and one we hope to stay in for a while.
FAMILY SERVICES
INTRODUCING THE MULLEN FAMILY
My wife is from Albany, NY and I am from San Francisco, California
We have been Rivertown Residents since 2020.
I love taking my Family on cruise ship journeys and to see their family and cousins in Upstate NY.
Coming from City life most of my years I couldn’t imagine a better self sustaining community with all the best amazing amenities to raise my twin boys!
My Favorite restaurants are in San Francisco but my home kitchen is my all time favorite where I can create the perfect meals to fit my families needs!
