September 2020 UpClose Sugar Land Magazine

September 2020

Magazine

OWN D ROAD THE

LOOKING ON

OWN ROAD D THE

L

by Amy Sharp

et’s think back to February. Were you wanting to replace your aging vehicle with something bigger for your growing family? Or maybe you had decided it was finally time to get another car for your busy teenager...or you just wanted a new toy for yourself! Then, as the pandemic swept the nation, it upended virtually every plan you had made.

But it’s time to look down the road, to the days when the daily hustle and bustle return. Why? Because right now the incentives on new cars are amazing!

Maybe you’re nervous about the process of buying a car during a pandemic. That process has changed too. Tiffany and Jeff Sebastian, local owners of Classic Chevy Sugar Land and Classic Chevy HWY 6, say, “Your comfort and confidence are important. That’s why we’ve followed CDC guidelines and taken extra safety precautions to protect both you and our staff.” These precautions include an on-site, daily cleaning crew constantly wiping down surfaces, hand sanitizer kiosks,

SUGAR LAND

2 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2020

and plexiglass sneeze guards around every desk.

Social distancing guidelines are observed, and if you desire, you can take a test drive alone. “We realize you may not be comfortable driving with a stranger,” says Jeff. “But we also think you should get the opportunity to try before you buy.”

If you’re looking for a buy-at-home, completely contactless option, Classic Chevy Sugar Land and HWY 6 have you covered. Check out the Shop. Click.

Drive. program at www.classicchevysugarland. com/DealerOnlineRetailing. This program allows you to shop the Classic Chevy inventory, pick your trim and accessories, select extended limited warranties, and schedule delivery. You can also estimate your trade-in value and monthly payments, find the latest incentives, and apply for credit—right on the website. When you’re done, your vehicle will be prepped and delivered to your home. Tiffany says, “We’ve had customers narrow their choices down to two cars on the website, and then just couldn’t decide. We brought BOTH cars to their home, so they could make a choice in

HWY 6

www.upclosemagazine.com

person. We’re here to accommodate you however we can, just ask.”

Classic Chevy Sugar Land and Classic Chevy HWY 6 have the largest selection and inventory in the city, and they are open seven days a week. The Sugar Land location is open MondaySaturday, closed Sunday. The HWY 6 location is open Sunday-Friday, closed Saturday. Right now is a smart time to buy a new car. See for yourself what our local Classic Chevy locations can do for you!

Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land 13115 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-9000 www.classicchevysugarland.com Classic Chevrolet HWY 6 8100 HWY 6 South, Houston, TX 77083 281-201-1040 www.classicchevyhwy6.com

A/C Condensation Clogs

It’s a Plumbing Problem “A/C

by Amy Sharp

condensation water is acidic and causes slime and algae buildup,” says Master Plumber Luke Burkhalter with Alan’s Plumbing. “And far too often, we hear how people call their A/C guy for an A/C condensation line clog. The truth is...once A/C condensation leaves your A/C unit, it’s a plumbing issue.”

So what are we talking about here? “The drain for your A/C condensation is tied to your lavatory sink drains,” explains Luke. “If the condensation line gets clogged, your sink becomes slow to drain, and ultimately will start to fill up on its own with sandy water. Contrary to what many think, this is not your daughter’s hair clogging the drain. You have an A/C condensation clog below the sink, and you need a plumber to clear the line.”

You can also get an A/C condensation clog above the sink. “When this happens,” says Luke, “you’ll start to see water dripping outside your house, from the eaves. You’ll also find that the pan under your A/C unit contains water. In this situation, your primary A/C drain line is clogged. The dripping outside is not good, and it’s not a problem for the A/C guy. This issue should be fixed by a licensed plumber.”

“To prevent these A/C condensation issues from happening,” continues Luke, “we recommend servicing your condensation lines a couple times a year. And if you do see a bathroom sink start to fill up on its own, you can stop it by turning off your A/C. Then call your plumber immediately!”

For 25 years, Alan’s Plumbing has been the go-to, honest plumbing company here in Fort Bend. The company was founded by Luke’s father, Master Plumber Alan Burkhalter. Luke’s uncle, Chris Burkhalter, is also a Master Plumber with Alan’s Plumbing. Luke’s brother Beau is journeyman-licensed and studying for his master plumber license. His brother Jake (recently

engaged to Becca Long!) is an apprentice close to his journeyman license.

The boys’ mom Jennifer, Luke’s wife Chelsea, and Katie Johnson answer the phones. The addition of journeyman-licensed plumbers Jeff Johnson and Jaime, tradesman-licensed Trevor, and apprentice Christian make this the best and most trusted licensed plumbing company in town. Alan says, “After spending time with us as apprentices, Jaime and Trevor recently passed their licensing exams. That’s hard work. We are so proud of them!”

To schedule an A/C condensation line service (or any plumbing service!) call 281-261-1064 today.

Alan’s Plumbing

281-261-1064 License M-18995

WWW.ALANS.PLUMBING

UPCLOSE ~ September 2020 ~ 3

Men

Get Varicose VeinsToo

by Amy Sharp

A

s an IT consultant, Joseph Seigfried sits behind a desk all day. Last year, he started experiencing swelling in both legs. He says, “There is a stigma about varicose veins and men...that it’s a woman thing. But I was definitely having issues, and my wife convinced me to see her doctor, Dr. Ulises Baltazar.”

At his first visit, Joseph found Dr. Baltazar to be very down to earth and honest. “He told me there was no cure for my condition. But he did have a procedure that would help, and I would need to take care of my legs moving forward. I trusted him. I had one leg done in November, and the other in December. The surgery was very simple and performed in the office. Both times, I walked out an hour later with instructions to take care of my legs by wearing compression socks or athletic leggings several times a week. I did a couple of follow up appointments right after. Then I had a six month check up where everything looked good.”

Dr. Baltazar is a highly regarded vein specialist. He has extensive experience working with conditions resulting from issues of the circulatory system and is a leader in his field. Board certified by the American Board of Surgery in Vascular Surgery and General Surgery, Dr. Baltazar is a member of Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates’ Sugar Land Vein Clinic—a practice dedicated exclusively to the treatment of venous insufficiency.

“Men should not let the stigma around varicose veins being a female concern prevent them from addressing the pain and discomfort they may be feeling,” says Dr. Baltazar. “It’s not a sign of weakness

Ulises Baltazar MD, RVT, FACS now affiliated with the renowned Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates 281-240-8400 16605 Southwest Freeway Ste 505 (in the Methodist Professional Building 3) 4 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2020

www.upclosemagazine.com

to seek treatment for a condition that may be a risk to your health. Men and women alike can be affected by venous insufficiency. But as Joseph learned, there are minimally invasive treatments available that involve little to no pain or complications.”

“I’ve followed Dr. Baltazar’s instructions,” says Joseph. “I’ve taken care of myself.

Eight months later, I continue to have no swelling. Dr. Baltazar is very honest, and his staff is very nice. I feel very well received and very well informed in his office. I do recommend Dr. Baltazar.”

Very Thorough

and

Personable

by Amy Sharp

W

hen Neema and Sachin Parikh’s two 13-year-old air conditioners were nearing the end of their life, Neema did a Google search for A/C companies to install new systems. “We got quotes from several companies,” says Sachin.

“We chose Jackson Air and Heat.

Brian Jackson was clearly the most personable and willing to work with us. He gave the most background information on the different HVAC systems. The other companies gave bare bones information.”

“Brian drew a diagram of our entire system and the parts he would be replacing,” continues Neema. “He was also very accessible. When we had questions as we made our decision, we texted Brian and he responded right away. We were very impressed. We felt really comfortable that he would do a good job.”

For their new units, the Parikhs chose two Trane TruComfort Technology XV18 variable speed air conditioners. Neema says, “Brian was here the first morning, and three of his crew members did

the installs over two days. They always wore masks when in our home. Since we do not allow shoes in our house and we have a little one crawling around, we asked if they minded putting a tarp down on the floor. They were more than happy to do that.

The crew let us know when they were leaving for a lunch break, and when they would be back. Afterward, they showed us how to set up the app on our smartphones to control the systems.

Overall, the installations went great.”

After the installations, Neema and Sachin noticed there were some air flow issues... some bedrooms were hotter and others were colder. The dampers needed to be adjusted. Sachin says, “Our experience in the past has been that once a company is paid and out the door, it’s done and they’re hard to get a hold of. This was not the case with Brian. He was very easy to contact, and was more than happy to

come out and fix the issues. We were again impressed.”

Brian says, “Neema and Sachin made a great choice by selecting the Trane variable speed systems. These units are specially calibrated to give you the right amount of air conditioning precisely when it’s needed while constantly removing humidity. It’s what I have in my own home. This system is so energy efficient, it saves tons of money on energy bills. Most customers are also eligible for 0% financing or Trane instant rebates, plus generous rebates from Centerpoint.”

Neema adds, “Brian is a very friendly person, and he is very thorough. We do recommend Jackson Air and Heat.”

Jackson Air and Heat, Inc. Sugar Land’s Oldest Independent Trane Dealer License #TACLB29585 281-240-1037

www.LicenseToChill.us

Caring and Compassionate Primary Care Physicians

by Amy Sharp

L

ongtime associates Ranganath Kandala, MD and Vijay Korimilli, MD, MPH founded SLIM (Sugar Land Internal Medicine) Healthcare Associates on the basic concepts of care coupled with a caring and compassionate approach. Joining them in practice is Aparna Tamirisa, MD, Dr. Kandala’s wife (he says better half ).

Dr. Kandala says, “I like to compare what we do here to a football game. You’re the player, we’re the coaches, and we’re in this together.

You’re the one playing, but we have a slice in the game. Wellness is not a sprint, it’s a journey.”

All three doctors at SLIM Healthcare Associates are board certified in Internal Medicine. They have more than 40 years combined experience. Dr. Kandala is also board certified in Geriatric Medicine. He takes special interest in preventive care, optimal care of chronic medical conditions, and polypharmacy issues. Dr. Korimilli’s special interest is in preventive care. He employs a wholesome treatment approach to patient care. Dr. Tamirisa has extensive experience in treating all medical problems and takes special interest in the importance of diet in disease processes.

“To provide the best care, we firmly believe in getting to know the patient and the patient’s lifestyle,” continues Dr. Kandala. “We are friends first, before medicine. And while we each maintain our own roster of patients, we do collaborate and cover when needed. Dr. Korimilli and myself are also on staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land. This means that if you are admitted to the hospital, a doctor from our practice is already there to help manage your care.”

The three SLIM Healthcare Associates physicians reside in Sugar Land and they’re raising their families here. From yearly check ups and preventive care to coughs and colds, flu shots, and colonoscopies, SLIM Healthcare Associates sees patients ages 16 to end of life.

“We believe strongly that together we can collaborate and achieve better overall health and maintain wellness,” says Dr. Kandala.

“We are accepting new patients, and often have same day or next day appointments available. How can we help you?”

SLIM (Sugar Land Internal Medicine) Healthcare Associates 281-240-0311 3519 Town Center Blvd S, Ste B Sugar Land, TX 77479 www.Slimhcatx.com

WHY WAIT? COVID cases are still on the rise in Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston area. We offer easy, COVID TESTS: 15 minute test with results in 2 hours or less, $225 pre-pay, with immediate receipt provided for insurance reimbursement. Also available antibody test to show immunity and previous infection for $85. In & out testing. If you want to use insurance you must check in thru emergency room and must be experiencing symptoms. A physician will evaluate you and treat you. Make an appointment with the link below:

24hrer.com/covid-pre-screen

by Trusted homeowners

everywhere!

Nobody likes unexpected guests. Call for your Termite Inspection Today!

®

St. Michael’s Elite Hospital 16000 SW Freeway (at Hwy 6), Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-HELP (4357) 6 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2020

www.upclosemagazine.com

BUGCO Pest Control 281-240-2157 www.bugco.org 9720 Harlem Road #B3 Richmond, TX 77407

Next Stop...

Highly Recommended

By The Kermally Family

S

by Amy Sharp

ugar Land City Councilman Naushad Kermally’s family has visited St. Michael’s Elite Hospital four times in the past year.

“I’m a nurse by profession,” says Naushad.

“What I like about St. Michael’s is that they get you in and out. Before you even have a chance to fill out the paperwork, you’re in a room being seen. I myself visited when I was having chest pain and needed to rule out anything serious. There was no wait. I was in and out really fast, and they also contacted my physician with the results.”

Back in April, Naushad and his 19-year-old daughter attended a COVID-19 blood drive.

Naushad says, “While social distancing was

being enforced, they did allow my daughter and I to give blood in the same room. It was a good thing. My daughter’s eyes started to roll back, and she was not looking good. We gave her juice, and ultimately took her to St. Michael’s. They got her in quickly and hydrated her. We were in and out in a couple of hours.”

The next visit occurred when Naushad’s youngest son was exposed to COVID-19 at his internship. “We found out about the exposure at 11am,” says Naushad. “By 1pm, we were at St. Michael’s having him tested. It was quick. We drove up, they did a nasal swab in the car, and then were told to go...they

Request a rapid result COVID-19 test at 24hrer.com/covid-pre-screen

would text the results. By 1:30pm, we knew our son was negative. We were extremely relieved!”

Then last weekend, Naushad’s son got a piece of lamb chop stuck in his esophagus. “We went to St. Michael’s at 2:30am, and we saw Dr. Nelson. She’s awesome.

After having a thorough workup, it was decided my son needed to be transferred to a pediatric specialist in the Medical Center.

The entire process was seamless.

When we arrived at the pediatric hospital, St. Michael’s had set up everything. They were expecting us and knew who we were. The pediatric hospital took great care of my son, and we were home after a full day and night.”

“This is great and efficient care,” explains Naushad. “St. Michael’s Elite Hospital truly cares about our community. Dr. Shannon Orsak (St. Michael’s founder) can often be seen at local charity events giving back. After my son’s visit, I got a follow up phone call the next day.

It wasn’t a clerk or a nurse, it was the medical doctor calling to check on him. I couldn’t believe it! I highly recommend St. Michael’s.”

St. Michael’s

bills all insurances, including Medicare. 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.”

St. Michael’s Elite Hospital 16000 SW Freeway (at Hwy 6), Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-980-HELP (4357)

www.24hrer.com

F CUS

You’ll LOVE the Difference

by Marie Page

A

nyone can tell the difference between a packaged loaf of pre-sliced bread and a loaf that’s homemade with love. Our grandparents remember when most people did their baking at home...and got their medications from a compounding pharmacist. Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm. D., R.Ph. says, “At Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy, we fill prescriptions and dispense medication just like every pharmacy…and we’re also able to custom create medications.”

Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy is a community resource for information and products to support your total health. As more and more of your friends and neighbors realize that “business as usual” isn’t working for them, they’re turning to the classic family values and old-school customer service of the skilled compounding pharmacists at Campbell’s.

Dr. Campbell says, “Some of the common, customized medications we fill are bioidentical hormones, medications prescribed by vets for animals, medications for athletes, and pain management medications. We can change the form of a medication from a pill to a powder to a cream. We can add strawberry flavor to a medication for a child or bacon flavor for your dog. We can also change the dosage.

Getting the dose precisely calibrated by your doctor is essential, especially for those undergoing pain management or hormone therapy.”

Why settle for a cookie-cutter approach? Enjoy the personal attention and service of Campbell’s

FOREVER PLAN “Limited Time RATE LOCK”

Compounding Pharmacy. If your child has dye or additive sensitivities or your grandmother has difficulty swallowing her pills, you need a pharmacy that can meet your needs. With two locations, Campbell’s Compounding is getting back to the classic values of the pharmacies you remember while staying on top of the latest developments and innovations.

“I love making a difference and improving people’s quality of life,” says Dr. Campbell.

“During these trying times, we’re also offering free shipping on your medications. If you have any questions, please call or pay us a visit. We’d love to meet you!”

Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy “If our staff can’t make it… then you probably don’t need it!”

Sugar Land • 281-980-2555 4760 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 103 Houston • 713-668-4833 6603 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77005 www.campbellscompounding.com

Investing in Your Care and Lifestyle Pays Off At Inspired Living, the welfare of our residents, employees and families is our top priority. During these times, we are here for you as you consider whether assisted living or memory care services is the solution for you or a loved one. Our Inspired Living amenities include: Resort Style Living In-House Gourmet Meals 24/7 On-Sight Nursing Care Resident Engagement Activities Professional Maintenance Team Weekly Laundry and Housekeeping Sliding Scale Diabetic Care, Full Incontinence Care Assistance with Medication Management and Activities of Daily Living

Inspired Living at Sugar Land 6400 Oilfield Rd, Sugar Land, TX 77479 832-769-4986 Visit us at inspiredliving.care ALF#149028

8 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2020

To advertise, 281-235-0600

Forever Plan Lock-In Rates are available, in addition to current Specials offered this month.

To book a virtual tour with one of our Sales Directors, please contact us at Inspired Living!

A KW Southwest Experience

KW Southwest Experience mission: KW Southwest agents embracing the Keller Williams philosophy by serving their clients and charitable organizations “giving where we live.”

KWSW is home to more than 500 agents who embrace this philosophy.

UpClose magazine and KWSW will be featuring a different client and charity each month presented by one of KW Southwest’s agents.

Champions for

Bettiana Redczuk and Sebastian Villanueva’s Story

B

by Amy Sharp

ettiana Redczuk and Sebastian she truly understands what Bettiana wants.

Villanueva moved to Houston from We showed her pictures of kitchens and Argentina six years ago. After a few countertops, etc., and she found houses years of apartment living, the couple was that were similar. To sell our first home, she ready to buy a home in 2017. Bettiana says, helped us prepare it and make it look nice.

“We started visiting Open Houses. It was We actually had an offer on the very first day at an Open House that we met KW (Keller it was on the market!”

Williams) Southwest agent Liz Guevara “Liz understands the processes and Backman. We really liked the way she regulations around buying and selling talked and explained things, and she houses,” continues Sebastian. “She gives speaks Spanish...our native language. good advice, knows ballpark estimates I thought, ‘OK, I want her.’ At the for different repairs and upgrades, and end of the Open House, we asked she helped us deal with others, including Liz to be our real estate agent.” the mortgage company. Since she Sebastian and Bettiana were speaks both languages, that really so thrilled with Liz back in made things go smoother for us.”

2017, this summer they “Of course we recommend Liz,” asked her to help them says Bettiana. “We close on both again. They wanted to the sale of our first home and sell their first home and the purchase of our new home buy another. “She is really this week. It’s exciting, and Liz is patient,” says Sebastian. “And amazing!”

KW Agent Liz Guevara Backman

T

he mission at Sole Loved is “to bring hope to little feet, one pair of shoes at a time.” Sole Loved works closely with local schools, shelters and other public organizations to ensure that local school children and underprivileged families, including the homeless, have shoes on their feet.

KW Southwest agent Liz Guevara Backman says, “I love this organization and what it does for the children of Fort Bend County. A new pair of shoes can make you feel like a million bucks and every child deserves to feel that!” Since January 2019, Sole Loved has provided over 2,000 pairs of shoes to children from 11 local schools across four districts. To learn more, volunteer or donate, visit www.soleloved.org.

Sole Loved 281-844-7735 www.soleloved.org

281-265-0000 • 1650 Highway 6, Ste 350 • Sugar Land, TX 77478

Your local destination for your real estate needs. KWSW.com provides comprehensive school, master planned communities, and neighborhood information on homes for sale in our hometown.

www.upclosemagazine.com

UPCLOSE ~ September 2020 ~ 9

The Hidden Dangers of Crooked Teeth

M

by Sarah Warburton

aybe you thought a few crooked or misaligned teeth were just a cosmetic issue, but think about these questions: Have you noticed your teeth drifting more and more over time? Where do you have the most trouble flossing? Are your gums most sensitive and prone to bleeding around your crowded, crooked teeth? Dr. Thomas Lomonte says, “Crooked teeth or malocclusion isn’t just a question of how your teeth look...it’s an important health issue. After all, your mouth is a mirror, reflecting the general health or disease of your entire body.”

Just taking a “wait and see” approach could really cause big problems. Dr. Lomonte says, “Crowded or crooked teeth are at a greater risk for plaque build-up, are harder to clean, have poor root support, and have more toxic bacteria around them. Why does that concern me? Because gum disease has overtaken tooth decay as the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. And gum disease plays a role in diabetes, respiratory illness, pregnancy complications and heart disease. In fact, people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to die from heart disease than those with healthy teeth and gums. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the surface probteeth–will lead to tooth or bone leave as a lem–crooked loss and affect your total health.” friend!

Want to be worry-free? Straighter teeth have healthier gums, easier cleanings, and a decreased risk of trauma and abnormal wear...and the solution’s super-simple. Dr. Lomonte recommends Invisalign®, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Completely clear and easily removable, Invisalign® realigns your teeth and

Come in as a patient and

invisalign $2,999 FULL TREATMENT

Secure your fixed price on complete treatment with unlimited trays and FREE consultation. For new costomers only.

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

In-office financing options for monthly payments of $250/month

works with your busy life. Dr. Lomonte says, “We often see results quickly and patients love how easy it is to wear. I love knowing that straightening their teeth could be saving their lives!”

Taking the first step to a straighter, brighter smile will put you on the road to better health.

Dr. Lomonte says, “I want all my patients to enjoy showing the world their happy, healthy smiles!”

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

TIDY HOUSE, Tidy Mind

C

by Amy Sharp

olorful, labeled bins storing sorted supplies, visual schedules hanging for all to see... there are many reasons elementary classrooms are super organized, but one you may not have thought of: mental health. The human mind works better in an environment that’s not filled with chaos and disarray. And now, many of you find yourselves schooling at home. There just aren’t enough hours in the day for mom to keep the house-turned-school clean in addition to her work and family commitments.

Mahoney’s House Cleaning Services to the rescue! Locally owned by Imelda Mahoney and her daughter Casandra, the Mahoney’s cleaning teams understand just how important a clean environment is to the households they serve. So much so, they’ve taken extra precautions, including daily staff temperature checks and the use of face masks, disposable gloves and disposable shoe covers.

Casandra says, “We work on your schedule: weekly, biweekly, monthly, or whatever you like. If you are working and/or schooling from home, there is no need to leave when we arrive. We can clean one part of the house while your family works and schools in another. Or you can take a break in the backyard or a walk to the park. We can also come by during your child’s lunch break to clean the area where they are working first so they can work without interruption. Each of our cleaning teams has three to four members...that means we get the job done fast. The professionals that enter your home wash their hands before, during and after cleaning. Touchpoints are wiped down, including light switches, remotes, door knobs, faucets and knobs. If you like, we can use your cleaning supplies, mops and vacuum. We’re also selling mops and cleaning cloths to keep in a customer’s home for future use. If you decide to allow us to use our own equipment, we are spraying vacuums down with MicroBan and wiping everything down with Clorox.”

Need help organizing? Mahoney’s can help with that too! “We never turned down a project,” says Casandra. “We can organize pantries, offices, refrigerators, garages, and even your child’s school work area. I’m a mom too, and this is a challenging time. Your child will be better able to focus in a clean and organized environment. Let us know how we can help.”

Mahoney’s House Cleaning Services • 281-777-1526 mahoneyshousecleaning@yahoo.com • www.mahoneyshousecleaningservices.com 10 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2020

www.upclosemagazine.com

Efficient and

Beautiful

by Amy Sharp

E

velyn’s kitchen had not been updated in 30 at 8:30, took a one hour lunch, years. “I was putting it off,” says Evelyn. and left between 5:30 and “Back in 2008, I had my master bathroom 6:45. They sealed off the remodeled. It was a nightmare. I said, rest of the house from Your ‘Never again.’ A friend recommended Teri Gilberg the dust and protected the (better known as the Re-Modelista), and I had floors. When issues did seen one of her advertisements. I finally called for arise, and they were all an estimate. When Teri came out, we really hit it minor, Teri responded to my Specialist off. I learned from Teri that she was remodeling a texts immediately. When bathroom for another friend, and that friend also I say immediately, I don’t recommended her. I wanted someone I could trust to mean minutes. I mean within do the job right. Teri was highly recommended by two seconds. The work was done friends, and that was good enough for me.” efficiently, and I ended up spending a The work in Evelyn’s kitchen was extensive. It included repainting little less money than I expected!” the walls and cabinets, replacing the formica countertops with Evelyn loves her new kitchen. “I knew it was quartz, new flooring, an apron sink, new faucet, replacing the good when my artistic son from Austin walked backsplash with subway tile, removing a big box light, installing can in and his mouth dropped. The expression on lights, pendants, and under counter lighting, and new hardware. his face said it all. It’s so pretty. My 90-year-old Evelyn says, “At first I thought I wanted gray cabinets. Then I thought dad says it’s the most beautiful kitchen he’s maybe blue. Teri suggested using two colors: darker on bottom and ever seen. I highly recommend Teri. She will be lighter on top. I started looking for this trend on HGTV, and I liked rebuilding the stairs to my garage apartment it. To help with design, Teri suggested I visit Christine at ProSource. soon, and in the spring I’m going to see She was amazing! We went with a blue on the bottom cabinets and about remodeling the upstairs bath.” a champagne color on top. She helped coordinate the subway tile, and told me what kind of pendant lights to purchase (which I ordered Re-Modelista: online). I wanted the countertops to look like marble. I had narrowed Your Home Renovation Specialist down my choices online. Then Teri sent me to a granite yard where I Specializes in Kitchen and Bath Remodels found five quartz slabs of exactly what I wanted.”

“Teri and her crew worked hard and did a great job. I like people “She Gets the Job Done!” 832-535-2501 • cell: 832-731-3191 that show up on time, and they do. They were here every morning www.theremodelista.com

&

Kitchen Bath

UPCLOSE ~ September 2020 ~ 11

Very Fair, Outstanding Service

by Amy Sharp

W

hen Mark and Cynthia Hilliard wanted to replace all of their carpet flooring, they called on local Lone Star Floors. Mark says, “A neighbor referred us. They’ve had a lot of work done by Lone Star Floors over the years. We stopped by the showroom thinking we wanted to replace the carpet with wood floors. Mohamed Naser (one of the owners) showed us other options. We have dogs and a swimming pool. Ultimately, we decided on a waterproof, vinyl laminate that looks just like wood. We needed waterproof, dog-proof, and kid-proof!”

The Hilliards flooring project was big. It included most of the downstairs, the master bedroom and closet, the stairs, and the entire upstairs. “We wanted to get the downstairs done quickly,” continues Mark. “We were preparing to host a baby shower for our oldest daughter. Though the shower didn’t happen due to COVID, Lone Star did get it done quickly. The upstairs was done in two stages. As the Lone Star crews finished one room, we moved back into it and emptied another room.”

“I was very happy with the budget, and I’m very happy with the job. The only issue we had was the glue was not holding to our bullnose stairs. I called Mohamed a couple of times, and he always responded immediately. Eventually, they found an adhesive that worked. This company is very fair and the service is outstanding. I absolutely recommend Lone Star Floors to others.”

Mohamed owns Lone Star Floors together with his cousins Ziad Mukhaimer and Imad Mansour. This family-owned and operated business has enjoyed an A+ rating with the BBB every year since its inception 25 years ago. In addition to flooring, Lone Star Floors does full kitchen and bathroom remodeling--including plumbing, shower glass, painting and granite. Visit a showroom today to see the possibilities!

Lone Star Floors • 3 Locations • www.lonestarfloors.com Sugar Land: 281-564-1345 10009 Highway 6 South Sugar Land, TX

Katy: 281-398-2319 873 South Mason Rd. #300 Katy, TX

Woodlands: 832-813-0813 24627 I-45 North Suite # A The Woodlands/Spring, TX

G E T

M O R E

FLOORS

Expert ear, nose and throat care

CLOSE TO HOME

NY

.

VD BL

59

SUGAR LAND

FI R

ST C

LO

6 LV D

.

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING 1

B R TE

LV D B N

M

LIA

G TO XI

N

59

EE TW AT ER

AC

.

EN C N TO W

SW

• Pediatric otolaryngology • Salivary stones and salivary gland disorders • Sinusitis and sinonasal disorders • Snoring and sleep apnea

D.

W

S

E

V BL

TR

IL

LE

Dr. Wang’s expertise includes: • General otolaryngology • Hearing loss and tinnitus • In-office sinus/nasal procedures • Minimally invasive salivary gland procedures

O

Houston Methodist Welcomes Dr. Brian Wang Brian Wang, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist joining Houston Methodist ENT Specialists at the new practice in Sugar Land. Dr. Wang offers the most advanced techniques to diagnose and treat both simple and complex disorders of the ear, nose and throat.

BL VD

F R O M

LONE STAR

.

16651 Southwest Fwy. Medical Office Building1, Suite 320 Sugar Land, TX 77479 346.245.5329 houstonmethodist.org/spg

Our specialists are available to safely see patients in person or virtually, as needed.

A portion of the editorial content contained in this publication is controlled and contracted by the advertisers contained herein and is part of their advertisement. UpClose Magazine is not responsible for content of these editorials or advertisements. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Cool S

ame great service, new location!

All Cool A/C & Heating is settled into their new digs on FM359 and ready to see what the future holds.

“We are excited about our growth and this beautiful, new facility,” says owner Bryan Bellamy. As he should be. Longtime Fort Bend County resident Bryan opened All Cool back in 1989 with his own truck and a dream. Today, he has a fleet of 10 service vehicles and a staff of more than 15 field and office personnel, including his son Cody.

“Cody started working with me back when he was in high school. After graduating from Texas A&M University, he joined me full time. Today, Cody’s vice president of the company.”

So what’s Bryan’s recipe for success? He provides highly-skilled services in a familyoriented manner. “I believe in honesty, dependability, respect, gratitude, and a tremendous work ethic,” says Bryan. “And I demand these traits of each and every one of my employees.” All Cool team members complete hundreds of hours of training and attend several hours of required continuing education each year. These hours include technical training, customer service training, and product training. “We aim to ensure that our customers receive the highest level of service with the most up-to-date knowledge in the industry.”

Bryan’s crews are provided with all the equipment they need to get the job done

New Digs

by Amy Sharp right and fast. Technicians Eric and Justin describe Bryan as being involved, committed to professionalism, and very family-oriented. Service Manager Michael says, “Bryan never settles. He’s always improving our craft, and he has a big heart.”

The All Cool A/C & Heating service area includes Fort Bend County, Katy, Sugar Land, as well as the communities in and around west and southwest Houston. With both residential and commercial A/C and heating specialists on staff, All Cool services all brands.

Bryan says, “We are a familyowned and operated company that cares deeply about our customers and has a passion for our profession. Whatever the circumstance, be it maintenance, repairs or replacement, we give you options. We are committed to guiding you through every decision to ensure your family’s comfort and peace of mind are always the top priorities... and rest assured, during these trying times of COVID-19 we are also heeding all CDC safety guidelines.”

Schedule an appointment with All Cool A/C & Heating today by calling 281-ALL-COOL or visiting www.allcoolac.com.

“I believe in honesty, dependability, respect, gratitude, and a tremendous work ethic,” says Bryan.

www.upclosemagazine.com

All Cool A/C & Heating (281) ALL-COOL or 281-238-9292 www.allcoolac.com TACLA8300E UPCLOSE ~ September 2020 ~ 13

by Amy Sharp

Knowledge Is Power On Both Sides

A

s you may have noticed, we are in an election year. Come November, not only will the American people be selecting who will be President for the next four years, we’ll also be making decisions on who represents us on the state and local levels.

But how do you become informed about the candidates? And how do the candidates know what’s important to you? There are many avenues for this flow of information.

One of them is market research. Patricia Pratt, owner of local Creative Consumer Research (CCR), says, “Market research is not the same as political polling. Political polling is meant to predict outcomes.

Market research is meant to inform decisions.”

“Let’s talk about a political candidate,” continues Patricia. “Say you’re running for county judge. Market research can conduct a phone survey that uncovers the attitudes, behaviors, values and opinions of voters in your county. This data can be broken

down by different demographics, making the information invaluable to your platform and your campaign. And since knowledge is power on both sides, it’s also extremely important that voters learn about you as a candidate. Market research is a great way to interact with your political market to achieve your goals. While the obvious goal may be winning the election, the finer goals can include voter education and encouraging participation.”

CCR, located right here in Stafford, has a 40-year, impeccable reputation for providing top-notch market research services locally, across the state, nationally, and internationally. “Right now,” says Patricia, “it’s political market research season. But that’s only a small sector of what we do. For nearly every industry and market, we utilize focus groups, phone interviews, product tests and more to gather the opinions of people like you.

We’ve had people come in just to smell laundry detergent and tell us which they like best. Others test the effectiveness

of products like diapers. A few months ago, we completed a big study for a new company on Highway 6. We tested all of their new products. The list is endless, and every job is unique and different.”

Want to participate in market research?

CCR has lots of projects in the pipeline!

If you’re over 18 and open to giving your opinion, you can participate. Patricia says, “The criteria for every study is different, so the more people we have in our database the better. If you fit the criteria for a study, we will contact you and see if you’re available... and we always compensate for your time.”

This opportunity is completely confidential. CCR never sells names and will sign any non-disclosure agreement. If you would like to participate in research at CCR, visit www.ccrsurveys.com and fill out the form.

Creative Consumer Research 281-240-9646 3945 Greenbriar Dr., Stafford, TX 77477 www.ccrsurveys.com

Visit www.ccrsurveys.com today to sign up.

We are deciding what our post-pandemic world looks like, and we want YOU to play a part!

14 ~ UPCLOSE ~ September 2020

www.upclosemagazine.com

HEALTH MATTERS WITH DRS. STEVE HARRIS AND ZACK BRAZZELL, DOCTORS OF CHIROPRACTIC WHERE PAIN RELIEF COMES NATURALLY

QUICK RELIEF & ROTATOR CUFF IMPROVEMENT

V

by Amy Sharp

icki Hill is a longtime friend of Dr. Steve Harris at Sugar Land Health Center. For more than ten years, Vicki has sought help from Dr. Harris for different aches and pains. “My first chiropractic treatment was for neck pain caused by an auto accident,” says Vicki. “Another time while on vacation with Dr. Harris’s family, I fell down a flight of stairs and twisted my ankle really bad. Dr. Harris told me he had something for that...which I thought was crazy since I think of chiropractors as neck and back doctors. But his treatment was amazing. He got the swelling down quickly, and I could walk without issue!” Most recently, Vicki suffered a minor tear in her right rotator cuff. “I was not a candidate for surgery. I figured I would go see Dr. Harris. I knew if anyone could fix it, he could.”

Since Vicki had last visited, Dr. Harris had expanded his practice. Dr. Zack Brazzell, Dr. Harris’s son-in-law, joined Sugar Land Health Center in the summer of 2019. Vicki says, “Dr. Brazzell told me he has new techniques to help my rotator cuff: pressure wave and laser therapy to expedite healing. I did nine sessions, alternating between Dr. Brazzell and Dr. Harris. I felt better after one treatment, and after nine the change was miraculous! My range of motion has greatly improved.”

Open since 1982, Sugar Land Health Center offers a wide variety of chiropractic care modalities and associated therapies to help people with pain find relief and improve their overall health. Through his 40 plus years as a chiropractor, Dr. Harris has developed his own methods and treatments for every layer of the body to promote healing. Dr. Brazzell complements Dr. Harris’s years of knowledge with cutting-edge treatment options.

Vicki says, “I highly recommend Sugar Land Health Center to anyone. Dr. Harris and Dr. Brazzell are very generous and giving to our community. Both have a great demeanor and are amazingly-gifted doctors.

They take the time to do thorough examinations and help fix what’s bothering you. The entire staff at Sugar Land Health Center is very friendly. I’ve taken my kids for sports-related Dr. Steve Harris and the newest member of SLHC, Dr. Zack Brazzell

Follow us! sugarlandhealthcenter @sugarlandhealthcenter DrSteveHarrisDC Check out our new look!

www.sugarlandhealthcenter.com

www.upclosemagazine.com

pain, I’ve referred my mom, my friends and all have seen lasting improvements!

It’s just a pleasure to go there. It’s a great resource right here in our area.”

New Patient Special

COMPLIMENTARY Exam & Consultation

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(. .$125 . . . . .VALUE . . . . . . . .) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you live in pain, we are here to help.

281-980-1050 - Does not apply to Medicare or Personal Injury.

- X-rays at regular charge.

- Additional charges may apply.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CODE: . . . . . . .HILL20UP .......................

Bring this publication to receive the offer.

Sugar Land Health Center 281-980-1050 3425 Highway 6, Suite 101 (behind McDonalds near Williams Trace Blvd) Sugar Land, TX 77478 UPCLOSE ~ September 2020 ~ 15

You don’t have to live with

BACK AND NECK PAIN

Our spine experts serving Sugar Land can see you safely.

59

D. LV

6

HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL R

B

LV D.

Whether you are experiencing everyday discomfort or severe pain from a complex condition or injury, our specialists provide advanced, personalized care – so you can get back to an active life.

59

G TO N

BL VD

AM

LI

XI

EE TW AT ER

N

TO W

SW

C RA

B

N

C

LV D

.

EN

TE

.

LE

You can be confident that we are taking every necessary precaution to keep you safe during your visit. Our specialists are available to see patients in person or virtually, when needed.

B

FI R S TC

OL ON Y

If you suffer from back or neck pain, you have options when it comes to treatment. The specialists at Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land are experts in treating back and neck disorders.

W

IL

S

E

VD BL

T

.

Learn more about our comprehensive spine care: houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl 281.675.2491