Keller Williams Southwest (KWSW) is known for its training and support for agents in all phases of their careers. This culture of training helped agent Liska Sims reach her goal of being named Rookie of the Year for 2023.
“I heard great things about the company, that they have systems in place to build business, while also giving back to the community,” says Liska. “The family environment of our office helped me to achieve my goal as Rookie of the Year. Experienced agents are always willing to help contribute to your success.”
Selling both new construction and in established communities, Liska prides herself on ensuring she is the best agent for each individual client. “My previous experience in the mortgage industry contributed to my success. I had a quick learning curve,” she says. “I decided I wanted to be up close and personal with the clients, not
behind the scenes. I wanted to see them get their keys.”
Liska was asked to join the Agent Leadership Committee (ALC), a group of top 20% producers in the KWSW office –successful agents who help with growth, education, and agent culture.
Kimbra Valachovic is one of those agents serving on the ALC. A Realtor for 18 years with KWSW, Kimbra says, “I’ve grown up with the culture of KWSW. Our office has a feeling of family fostered by the leadership team. It trickles down through the agent ranks, all the way down to our clients.”
A young widow when she joined KWSW, the company’s values of God, family, then business resonated with Kimbra. “I never would have made it, not just as a Realtor, but as a single mom of three kids, without that supportive culture.” Kimbra loves working with her clients to help them find homes in
by Alisha McMillen
established Fort Bend County neighborhoods. “New residences are changing the landscape of our community. But an established neighborhood has so many benefits that buyers may not think about. Every neighborhood has its own personality. You won’t know if a new neighborhood’s long-term personality will fit your family’s needs. With an experienced agent’s guidance, clients can learn that an older home can be perfect for their family.”
“It’s incredibly rare for a new agent to find major success without the type of training and support that I received at this office,” continues Kimbra. “Now I’m one of those trainers, teaching
classes, open and honest in panel discussions, and providing encouragement. We have all sorts of agents in our hallways, from flip-flops to stilettos, to meet the needs of our diverse client base.”
KWSW enjoyed a very successful 2023, with a total closed volume of over $790 million. It’s built by agents for agents and always looking for great new and experienced talent to become part of the future of real estate. Currently, 545 agents call KWSW home…a place for successful agents to meet the needs of the diverse community it serves. KWSW is “Where Entrepreneurs Thrive.”
On December 18, 2023, Aga’s Restaurant & Catering made a $25,000 donation to the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo.
Aga’s Restaurant is locally owned by Shaukat Maredia and his family. Mr. Maredia says, “My dad always said that charity begins at home… with family, neighbors, and community. Sugar Land City Councilman Naushaud Kermally and Sugar Land Mayor Joe Zimmerman made me aware of the Fort Bend County Fair and its impact on the lives of children. I believe in education. It’s necessary to sustain future generations. This is what the fair provides for our youth. It’s mind boggling to me that I was not involved before, but I’m here now and ready to help.”
The very first Fort Bend County Fair was held back in 1933. Youth education has always been a primary focus of fair activities. It’s an opportunity for children to learn about agriculture and rodeo. Last year, more than 500 Fort Bend County youth exhibited animals in the livestock show and more than 50 local students submitted art entries. The fair’s exceptional rodeo has served more than 1000 kids…a rodeo where physically and/or intellectually challenged children and young adults are paired with professional cowboys, cowgirls, and volunteers in fun and non-competitive rodeo activities. The fair’s new Junior Leadership Council will further nurture Fort Bend County’s future leaders. Other fair events include royalty contests and a professional rodeo.
Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo President and City of Rosenberg City Councilwoman Alicia Casias and the all-volunteer fair board presented a bell to Mr. Maredia in appreciation of Aga’s Restaurant’s generous donation. “There are so many dedicated people here,” smiles Mr. Maredia. “Seeing what you do inspires me to
do more of what I love: making a difference in our community. I’ll be on the lookout for more opportunities to be involved with all of you, and my goal is to get even more local businesses involved. President Reagan said it best, ‘We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.’”
The Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo has grown to become one of the largest and most successful fairs in the State of Texas. Each year, county residents eagerly anticipate visiting with friends and neighbors at the many activities during the fair’s 10-day run. The 2024 Fort Bend County Fair is set for September 27–October 6. We’ll see y’all there!
832-786-8000
11842 Wilcrest Drive Houston, TX 77031
www.agasrestaurant.com
Ever think that’s impossible? It’s not! Dr. Shilpa Chandiwal, the driving force behind Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, stresses the significance of selecting a pediatric dentist for your child, equating it to choosing a pediatrician for their medical needs.
With additional specialized training of two to three years after dental school, pediatric dentists are dedicated to nurturing children’s oral health from infancy through adolescence. Dr. Shilpa explains, “As pediatric dentists, we understand the unique needs of children. At Healthy Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, our motto is ‘Building a Lifetime of Beautiful Smiles.’
Acknowledging the unique needs of children, we are committed to crafting a welcoming atmosphere where they feel at ease. From the moment they step through our doors, children encounter a vibrant world of color, a captivating theater area, and an enchanting, state-of-the-art office setting. Our aim is to ensure their comfort and enjoyment throughout their visit.”
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child’s dental visits are positive experiences. Dr. Shilpa advises parents to inform their child about the purpose of the visit while being mindful of the language used to avoid instilling fear. Regular check-ups rarely involve procedures like needles or drills, but if necessary, Dr. Shilpa, a board-certified pediatric dentist, employs techniques to convey information in a reassuring manner, promoting a calm and comfortable atmosphere.
Reflecting on her choice to specialize in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Shilpa expresses her passion for working with children, aiming to cultivate trust and eliminate fear. “I pursued pediatric dentistry because I adore kids! My goal is for your children to feel eager to return to our practice, free from fear and full of smiles.” By choosing a pediatric dentist like Dr. Shilpa, parents can ensure their child receives specialized care in a friendly and supportive environment.
Yby Alisha McMillen
our wedding day is sure to be filled with laughter and smiles, all of them caught on camera. “A bright, healthy smile can make you feel younger, look more vibrant, and give you the confidence to share the happiest day of your life with the world,” says Dr. Asha Patel of local Smile Solutions. Wedding season means many important photos will be taken of the couple and their loved ones… photos that will live on shelves and albums for decades to come. “We want to help everyone involved in the wedding to have the prettiest pearly whites for the big day. Brides may also wish to whiten up for engagement photo shoots,” explains Dr. Patel.
Although over-the-counter, home-whitening kits are available, seeing a dentist to have your teeth professionally whitened offers the most benefits. “In-office whitening shows more immediate results, while in-home whitening is a gradual, dedicated process,” says Dr. Patel. “Having white teeth builds
confidence by helping to remove extrinsic staining and lighten the stains that result from taking certain medication or childhood practices.”
A dentist-supervised procedure uses a stronger whitening solution and sometimes light or heat may be used to speed up the process. “When choosing in-office treatment, you’ll see results in about 60 to 90 minutes, making it a great choice for short-notice teeth whitening. And the dentist can also make sure that sensitive gums don’t get more irritated. People just feel better with whiter, brighter smiles.”
To set an appointment to see Dr. Patel for professional teeth whitening, submit an appointment request online at www. smilesolutionsrichmond.com. Dr. Patel’s staff will contact you to get a date on the books before the wedding. Feel confident in your smile on this very important day, and be ready when the photographer repeatedly says, “SMILE!”
by Amy Sharp
Last month, Dr. Rawan Abu-Elheiga joined the team of pharmacists at Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy.
A graduate of the University of Houston and Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Dr. Abu-Elheiga has always loved science and pharmacology. She says, “I chose to become a pharmacist because it’s a very cool position where you can be both a healthcare provider and be so accessible. The outreach potential is endless. I love the diversity of what we can do!”
Since 2012, Dr. Abu-Elheiga has worked in the retail pharmacy community. Her first interaction with Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy was as a patient. “I needed a medication compounded for myself,” explains Dr. Abu-Elheiga. “And I found compounding fascinating. In the retail world, there are so many medications commercially available, but there are always exceptions. Sometimes a medication does not fit a patient’s needs. Compounding provides more of a Goldilocks situation. Medications can be tailored to fit exactly what a patient needs. It was so cool that Campbell’s could do that for me when I needed a medication that wasn’t commercially available.”
Dr. Abu-Elheiga is a longtime friend of Campbell’s team member, Dr. Omar Alkazzaz. She says,
“Omar and I became friends 20 years ago when we were undergraduate students at U of H. We’ve stayed in touch. Omar knew my fascination with compounding…so when a position opened at Campbell’s, he told me I should apply. I’m so excited about this new chapter. I look at all of the medications Campbell’s has compounded, and I’m amazed. So many off-label uses for different medications…the possibilities are truly endless.”
Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy was founded back in 2003 by Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm. D., R.Ph. The team includes Dr. Campbell, Dr. Omar Alkazzaz, Dr. Lisa Mathew, and Dr. Abu-Elheiga. The mission at Campbell’s remains the same that it’s been for more than two decades: to create a pharmacy environment with a family feel.
Dr. Abu-Elheiga is thrilled about the “family feel.” She says, “My husband and I have two children. I can already feel the vibe is different here. This is a better work-life balance for me and my family. I’ll be working in the Kirby location and filling in at the Sugar Land location when needed. I can’t wait to meet you all!”
Campbell’s
it… then you probably don’t need it!”
6603
It’s spaghetti time!
Once again, presenting sponsors for Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Annual Spaghetti Dinner are the Classic Elite family of dealerships and Corelli’s Italian Cafe. This is a fun evening for adults and kids alike. Just as they have for more than three decades, local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and other first responders will be on-site preparing a variety of spaghetti sauces…one of which will be awarded the coveted cook-off trophy. Beer, wine, and other libations will be available for sale.
The Spaghetti Dinner top raffle prize is once again Dinner for a Year. The winner receives a $50 gift card for every week of the year to a local restaurant ($2600
value). Your evening out at the Spaghetti Dinner includes a live auction, silent auction, and a kids’ area with fun and games.
As always, the proceeds of the raffle tickets and Spaghetti Dinner go toward supporting local charities and Exchange Club programs, including Child Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend County Women’s Center, Texana, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, Fort Bend Council on Substance Abuse, Crimestoppers, Literacy Council of Fort Bend, and many others. Our local club also supports Exchange Cooperative Community Service Projects like Santa’s Exchange, Back to School Bash, Give a Kid a Flag to Wave, Service to Seniors, Youth of the Month, the Field of Honor, and One Nation Under God breakfasts.
“Dr.Lomonte is just a fun guy,” says Lelanie Nguyen, a patient of local dentist, Dr. Thomas Lomonte, for over a decade. “He cracks his dad jokes, and it’s always like stepping into a family reunion when I visit his office.”
Recently, Dr. Lomonte performed cosmetic bonding on two of Lelanie’s retained baby teeth. The baby teeth were right in front causing irregular spaces. “Teeth are very important,” explains Lelanie. “Your smile is the first thing people see, so I was nervous about having work done. Dr. Lomonte is funny, but he also explains dental procedures very well. He’s always up-to-date with the newest technology. Dr. Lomonte made me feel like it would all go smoothly…and he was right, I didn’t feel a thing. Using cosmetic bonding, Dr. Lomonte was able to match my two baby teeth to the size and length of my other teeth. Then Dr. Lomonte used Invisalign to straighten everything. He color-matched my teeth perfectly…you can’t even tell they’re not my actual teeth.
And they feel strong, just like my natural teeth. He really added oomph to my smile!”
Dr. Lomonte says, “Cosmetic bonding is one of the most frequently performed procedures in dentistry today to enhance smiles. As Lelanie said, it’s generally not painful at all. We aren’t working anywhere close to the pain-sensing nerve inside your tooth. The process takes less than an hour. We select a shade, prepare your tooth, apply the composite resin material, and then cure the resin with a special curing light. We finish by polishing your ‘new’ tooth…and that’s it!”
In practice in his same location on Murphy Road since 1982, Dr. Lomonte’s office is like one big family. “It’s helpful to see the same faces every time I visit the office,” says Lelani. “The front desk
staff, his assistants, everyone…I love the familiarity and comfortable atmosphere at Dr. Lomonte’s office. I would definitely recommend others to Dr. Lomonte for any and all dental work.”
Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S.
“Come in as a patient, leave as a friend.”
12122 Murphy Rd., Stafford, TX 77477
281-530-1440
www.drthomaslomonte.com
Faheem Inayatali, founder of local Dry Eye & Wellness Center, is excited to introduce a new, comprehensive health and weight-loss program.
“The key to this program is that we don’t want the pressure to be on the patient since 40% has to do with genetics,” explains Dr. Faheem. “When you come into our clinic, we do an assessment of your BMI and discuss your goals. We also talk about some of the other aspects of healthy living, including: How much exercise are you getting? How’s your hydration? How’s your overall diet intake? We go through all of these elements, plus one thing that most people forget in wellness exams: How’s your hormone balance?”
in body fat over four to five months. This tool along with our coaching and proven supplement guide is an absolute winning combination to help reach your goals and flush out fat. We refer to this method as biohacking.”
When you reach your goal of 15% body fat reduction, you receive a nice, big check.
Dry Eye & Wellness Center’s state-of-the-art weight loss program is managed by Nurse Practitioner and weight loss specialist Kenzy Timmons. Kenzy says, “Your weight loss therapy may include a medication called semaglutide. Originally a diabetic medication, it’s now FDA-approved to help with weight loss. In most patients, we’ve seen a 15-20% reduction
“The innovative part is we’ll be interacting with you whether you’re in the office or not,” continues Dr. Faheem. “With our dynamic patient-to-doctor app, we’re able to manage your journey because you’re reporting some of your vitals and statistics from home. For example, you’ll be telling us your weight along the way; you’ll be telling us how many missed doses of your supplements you had in the month, etc. It’s a really interactive way for us to keep track of your health, view your before and after photos, and make sure you’re reaching your goals. If you have an Apple Watch, we can tap into your fitness app to track your resting heart rate…because that’s a very good indicator of your cardiorespiratory fitness.”
Dr. Faheem takes this program a step further with the “healthy wage challenge.” When you reach your goal of 15% body fat reduction,
you receive a nice, big check. He says, “It’s a $150 bonus back into your pocket. We make a huge deal about your achievement, and people who take on this challenge are five times more likely to hit their goal. We take some pictures and celebrate…because it’s a big deal! It’s not always easy going through a weight-loss journey, but we help keep it enjoyable and manageable. We want to make sure you’re always encouraged, and there is comfort in knowing we’re right by your side!”
On December 3, 2023, the staff of local Texas Gun Club (TGC) gathered for their annual Christmas Party. As the festivities got underway, tragedy struck when fellow TGC team member and firearms instructor Cindy Scott collapsed literally at the feet of Jason Short, founder and CEO of Texas Gun Club.
Jason, a retired Army MP Captain who previously trained as an Emergency Medical Technician, quickly assessed that Cindy was in full cardiac arrest and started CPR. “It was incredibly traumatic,” says Jason. “Cindy is an amazing instructor and dynamic leader. She leads the local Girls with Guns chapter in League City, and those ladies just love her.”
Soon, other staff members were by Jason’s side and assisting with the situation. Jason recalls looking up and seeing Herman Waddy, a Range Safety Officer for Texas Gun Club. “I looked at him, and it took me a minute to remember that Herman was a retired Houston firefighter. It gave me a sense of calm in such a traumatic situation.”
As they worked to save Cindy’s life, the situation seemed to go from bad to worse. Cindy was not responding. “I’ve done CPR several times before,” explains Jason. “I’ve only seen one person come back after being down for more than a few minutes. I just couldn’t get that out of my head.
Moments later, another TGC team member, Lakeya Benton–a firearms instructor who works with Cindy–was next to me with the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Thank God she remembered we had it.”
Lakeya applied the AED pads and turned on the device. Jason says, “I was worried that it wasn’t working…but suddenly it said, ‘Standby, do not touch the victim, administering shock.’ After the first shock, we almost immediately got a pulse. That AED saved Cindy’s life. She was treated and released from the hospital just a few days later and is already back to work. It’s simply incredible.”
St. Michael’s Elite Hospital graciously provided the AED used to save Cindy’s life at Texas Gun Club. Without it, she would have passed away. Jason says, “In true St. Michael’s fashion, St. Michael’s founder Dr. Shannon Orsak called the next day to check on things. Dr. Orsak explained that the AED did precisely what it was supposed to do: It will not deliver a shock unless it detects a ‘shockable rhythm.’ This is why bystander CPR training is so necessary. Dr. Orsak expressed to both me and my team that we should be proud. We saved a life. We are so thankful for the generosity of St. Michael’s. Always here for our community, St. Michael’s is indeed a lifesaver.”
Texas Gun Club has two locations in Stafford and League City. For more information, visit texasgunclub.com.
Elite Hospital is a participating provider for Medicare and bills all insurances. Your insurance MUST pay in-network benefits at the ER of YOUR CHOICE whether the emergency room you choose is “in-network” or “out-of-network.”
No one wants unwanted water in their home. But if there’s such a thing as a “good leak,” it’s the leak that you prevent before it ever happens.
Alan Burkhalter, founder of local Alan’s Plumbing, says, “Your air conditioner’s condensate line is a good example. Condensate (liquid waste) from your air-cooling coils, air washers, evaporative coolers—any watersupplied equipment—is actually a plumbing (not an HVAC) matter. This liquid has to be collected and discharged using an approved plumbing fixture made of corrosion-resistant material. If the condensate line becomes clogged, it’s most likely either mold and mildew growing inside or dirt and debris. The most obvious sign of a condensate line leak is the appearance of water around your cooling system’s indoor system. Not sure where to look? Give us a call and we can walk you through it. And if the line is clogged, we’ll come out to clear it for you.”
“Another issue we see far too often,” says Alan, “is flooding of houses built with galvanized pipes. Galvanized pipe was the standard in homes built before 1980. With these pipes, it’s not if it’s going to leak, it’s when. They start with slow leaks...and before you know it, they’ve caused damage. Good news is, you don’t have to wait for damage to occur to remedy this problem. We can repipe your house, installing new PEX pipe on all of your supply lines. PEX pipe is made from cross-linked HDPE (high density polyethylene). We haul away all galvanized pipe removed from your home. And—as always—whether we replace your fixtures or not, every supply line valve is changed and every toilet is rebuilt. For every job we do, our aim is to leave everything in perfect working condition.”
For nearly 30 years, Alan’s Plumbing has been the go-to, honest, licensed plumbing
company here in Fort Bend. Back in the beginning, the team consisted of only Alan and his wife Jennifer. Jennifer answered the calls, and Alan provided service for those calls. Today, Alan’s brother Chris works alongside Alan’s two oldest sons, Beau and Luke, while their youngest son, Jake, does plumbing sales in Houston. This dynamic team includes longtime plumbers Jaime, Christian, Anthony, and brothers Nick and Noah. Jennifer runs the back office and longtime family friend Katie and new team member Katy are the voices behind the phones.
Alan’s Plumbing
281-261-1064
License M-18995
RMP Alan Burkhalter
by Alisha McMillen
Tairracha has been a patient of Dr. Faisal Khan, founder of local Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental, for about 15 years. But she isn’t a teenager. She’s a 33-yearold special needs patient who Dr. Khan still sees because she is so comfortable with him. “Dr. Khan is great with Tairracha,” says her grandmother, Glenda Kratzer. “Tairracha has high anxiety, and Dr. Khan knows just how to deal with it.”
Dr. Khan hasn’t always been Tairracha’s dentist. “We tried other dental offices before finding Dr. Khan,” says Glenda. “We’ve never looked back.”
Tairracha sees Dr. Khan for regular cleanings, in addition to fillings and other dental needs. “His interaction with Tairracha is great,” explains Glenda. “When he sees her in the lobby, he comes out to say hello. He’s awesome.”
Glenda has lived in Katy with Tairracha and her father Billy since she retired about 20 years ago. Glenda has four children, five grandchildren and five great-grand-
children. Even though there are closer dentists, the family drives more than 10 miles to see Dr. Khan. “We’d drive 50 miles to see him,” says Glenda. “We couldn’t ask for a better dentist. The staff treats Tairracha like everything is normal, which is perfect when you have a special needs child.”
Dr. Khan and his team, including Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik, Dr. Annie Zheng, and Dr. Khadija Khan, are committed to making your child’s dental care as comfortable and easy as possible. “My staff understands that some kids are sensitive to touch, new people, or a change of envi ronment or routine. Tell us about your child’s limitations, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them,” says Dr. Khan. “A pleasant bedside manner and office atmosphere is crucial for patients with special needs.”
From Tairracha’s point of view, she likes Dr. Khan very much. She says, “My teeth feel strong after they are cleaned.”
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental
Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS
832-246-7255
7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406
www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
The Re-Modelista provides three hours of design services by a professional designer on every project at no charge!
Whether you’re struggling with design, or you have a great idea that you’re just not sure how to complete, complimentary design services will bring your remodel to life in a way you're sure to love
hen Teri Gilberg (better known as The Re-Modelista) began remodeling a Sugar Land home, she didn’t know it would turn into a family affair. Teri first remodeled several rooms in Deepak’s home. Then with Deepak’s referral, his sister Bhoonita and younger brother Parvin teamed up to ensure their 90-year-old mother, Molina, received the same expert treatment from Teri in a bathroom remodel.
Your Kitchen Bath Specialist &
Molina moved into her newly constructed home back in 1998 with her husband of 54 years, Gobind. The couple met at a hospital in Bombay, India where Molina was a physician. When Gobind’s job transferred him to the U.S. in 1970, they lived in Kentucky, Illinois, Connecticut, and New Jersey before settling in Houston. “I like Sugar Land. Everything I need is nearby,” says Molina. “I have very good and helpful neighbors who even drive me to the temple every week.”
“Since Gobind worked long hours as an engineer with Bechtel, we never updated our home,” continues Molina. “After losing Gobind three years ago, my children thought I should have a comfortable bathroom.”
The remodel included both the master bathroom and the powder room. Parvin worked directly with Teri to choose the tile and other materials. “Teri would text me and my children at the same time to discuss plans, so I always knew what was happening,” explains Molina. The family chose white marble floors with coordinating chrome hardware and gray/ blue accents for both. “We had just purchased new commodes for both bathrooms, and Teri used them in the new layout to avoid extra expense. We also added motion-sensing automatic lights in both lavatories.”
by Alisha McMillen“The original shower in the master bathroom was a small standing shower without seating,” continues Molina. “Teri made it bigger and more accessible, with a long, tiled bench and a wand shower head.” To extend the shower, space was taken from a large double closet. Teri added grab bars and a curbless shower entry. She upgraded the glass to a special shower glass that only needs to be cleaned once a month with a dry cloth. At 4’11”, Molina struggled to see in the vanity mirrors. Teri suggested mirrors that tilt down. “The mirrors are helpful for me to see!” says Molina.
“Bhoonita now prefers to use my bathroom,” Molina says of her daughter who currently resides with her. “We like Teri very much. So much, she will also be remodeling Bhoonita’s upstairs bathroom this spring!”
The Re-Modelista
Your Home Renovation Specialist
Serving Fort Bend County For More Than 10 Years 832-535-2501 • cell: 832-731-3191 www.theremodelista.com
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