REAL Exclusive Magazine

Don’t Let Them Practice On Your Home

By Robbie Brown

How true? I believe all of us, at one time or another, has experienced paying a so called professional for work that we are far from being satisfied with. Some have even fallen victim to home scams! Over the years as a consultant/builder/roofer, I spend more and more time trying to teach people “How not to get ripped off in Florida”.

So what steps can a home owner or business owner take to assure his or her selection of a contractor is the right selection? Here are some steps in the “right” direction.

1 Make sure your contractor is licensed. Check your local building departments, as well as the area office of the Department of Business Regulation. Ask to see the license. It should also be displayed on their truck and business card.

2 Get recommendations from family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Ask for referrals and check them out. Don’t be pressured into a hasty decision.

3 Do not pull your own permit, unless you do your own work. You are liable for code violations and imperfections in the work. You may never get the results you are after in this case.

4 Check for Workers Comp and Liability Insurances. Homeowner’s Insurance does not protect you from damages from poor workmanship, nor being sued if a worker is hurt. You can lose it all!!!

5 Find out their history. How long in business? Do they operate in other names? Check with local suppliers. Ask if they pay their bills and do they use quality products?

6 REMEMBER: CHEAPER IS NOT BETTER!!! LONG AFTER THE SWEETNESS OF LOW PRICE IS GONE, THE BITTERNESS OF POOR QUALITY REMAINS!!! Low bids indicate short cuts, cheap products, no permitting, no insurances, no good!!

7 Get detailed scope of work, with detailed product use. How long job will take? When will the job start and finish. Get iron-clad Warranties (Including Manufacturer Warranties). Get payment terms and contractor affidavits for release of lien. Compare apples to apples not apples to crab-apples.

8 Never sign a blank form or contract. Don’t even sign with blank spaces. Make sure the permit is pulled.

9 Never give large deposits. A confident contractor will ask for zero with a draw schedule. Do not pay in full until you get your contractor’s release and you are fully pleased with the job. All labor and materials paid or you pay twice. It happens all the time!! Don’t let it happen to you.

***MOST IMPORTANT: TAKE ACTION.  As a fourth generation Builder/Consultant/Roofer I’ve seen it all. I’ve fallen through a roof and off the roof. I’ve seen men not get up!! I have burnt my arm on the kettle as a teen and my grandpa said quit crying and keep working. I have also seen a man’s arm completely burned off due to poor supervision and negligence. Safety First!!! Make sure your contractor has supervision on site. If you have a complaint call me at (727) 768-3067.

You can write to: COMPLAINT ANALYST, Department of Business & Professional Regulation, 3725 West Grace Street, Suite 500, Tampa, Florida 33607-4800. Also you can contact the Consumer Affairs office, local building officials, licensing boards, and the Better Business Bureau. To report suspected price gouging call the Florida Attorney General Hot Line at (800) 329-6969. Please take action. It solves problems and stops the cancer of scams. 

Green Roofing Technologies’ Robby Brown is a 4th generation builder/roofer. A graduate of Hardin – Simmons University in Abilene, Texas he also is an under grad certified metallurgist from Certainium Alloys and Research in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his family have owned and operated businesses on the west coast of Florida for the past 50 years. Green Roofing Technologies has completed roofing installs for well known structures such as The Don Cesar, The Vinoy, The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa and many high end residential homes. Robby may be reached at (727) 272.3801 or rooferrob123@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2011 REAL Magazine

Links to this article are encouraged

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REAL Magazine November 2010

Featuring: Robert Smithson Trinity Graphic, Juveline Diabetes Research Foundation, Lakewood Ranch and more.

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Interview With Builder John Cannon

By Ed Bertha

John Cannon graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors of Science in Building Construction and first came to Sarasota in 1979 to work for a national builder. Shortly thereafter, he and his wife Phillipa founded the firm bearing his name, and have been building luxurious custom homes for nearly 25 years in many of southwest Florida’s most prestigious communities. Sitting with John at his new Tauri model we had a chance to talk about the market and the changes John Cannon Homes has undergone. Read More

Lakewood Ranch 2010 Tour Of Homes REALTOR And Builder Kick Off Event

REALTORS were invited to attend the kickoff event for the 2010 Lakewood Ranch Tour of Homes. Taking place at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club the event featured a hand carving exhibition by the stone masons at International Artistic Stone. Read More

International Artistic Stone Event

Hosted by Linda Sloan of Prudential Palms Realty at International Artistic Stone’s fabrication shop everyone enjoyed an interactive evening of “old world” artisan stone work and experienced the craftsmanship contained in 7300 Cove Terrace. Read More

Design Lines – Buying Art

By Pamela Hughes

In a column a few months ago, I wrote about the art of framing. Now, after spending a few weeks searching the art markets for clients, it seems appropriate to write about the selection and purchasing of art.

The phrase, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” is never as true as it is with art. Even educated and totally knowledgeable art critics can have different views on a particular piece of art.

Sometimes art is selected because the viewer sees it as pleasant, calming, beautiful, technically well-produced, shocking, avant-garde, valuable, or as a good investment for resale. All of this art can be “good”, if it is simply selected due to personal preference or intent.

Generally, the person who is new to art will select a piece that is pleasant or beautiful. They may not know the techniques used or even care; they just like the art for its decorative value. This is wonderful – art should be a part of everyone’s life whether one is an art expert or not.

Some collectors like avant-garde art which can often be outrageous, sometimes arousing, or simply something new. Some of this avant-garde art is not understood by either the novice or the professional. But it is a new expression and often offers us a new way of looking at something mundane or “everyday”. New expression is good. Often it leads to greater and more accomplished expression.

This point is easy to illustrate especially with the contemporary art of the sixties and seventies. Lots of canvases were painted, some just all white or of another color, and lots of stripes (The Washington Color School) or splatters of paint (a la Jackson Pollock and Clifford Still). It is easy to say, “I could have done that,” and lots of us could have. But, the artists did it first, and by doing it first, got credit for starting the trend, helping us see things in a new way.

Then there is intellectual art, which can easily fall into the avant-garde category. Intellectual art is a thoughtful and deep manifestation by the artist which some people can comprehend and others cannot. Often, it is understood by studying or knowing the artist, so one can appreciate the elements of the art and what the artist is trying to convey.

In the upper echelons of art, technique becomes more important. Old Masters are celebrated because of breakthroughs in technique or style for their era. For instance, Vermeer used light in a new way, Renoir was a leading painter in the development of the Impressionist style, and Picasso is known for his founding role in the Cubist movement.

There is endless advice on why and how to buy art. Some people believe that art gains value when it changes hands, so there is the investment angle. Others say to buy art that challenges you, buy what makes you feel good or buy from artists you admire or know.

My advice is: buy the best art you can afford for whatever your strategy or for whatever your reasoning happens to be.

Buying art, and having art, enhances your daily life, supports the community of artists and art dealers, and opens up your world. And artists are fun and interesting people!

The next time there is an art opening on Palm Avenue or Fifth Street, take advantage of this wonderful social, intellectual, and eye-opening experience. Go and enjoy!

Visit studios, open the lines of communication with artists and dealers, and get involved.  It is great fun, stimulating and who knows! Maybe you’ll come home with the next Picasso or Renoir!

Photos:

Top:
by Hubert-Denis Etcheverry, a French artist born in 1867. The painting is large, measuring 62 inches high by 88 inches wide, and was purchased from a private collection in Paris. Titled “Confidences — The Secret”
 
Bottom:
by Wolf Kahn White House to the Left, 2006, oil on canvas, 40 x 48 inches

Pamela Hughes, the founder and owner of Hughes Design Associates, is well known nationally and internationally. Hughes Design Associates is one of the premier interior design firms known throughout North America for specializing in prestigious custom interiors. In Sarasota, Pamela has completed many exceptional projects including The Ritz-Carlton, The Members’ Beach Club, The Tower Residences, and Plaza at Five Points. Her portfolio also includes some of the most luxurious and distinctive residences in Sarasota. Pamela’s work has been published in the best interior design magazines such as Architectural Digest and Veranda, as well as numerous other publications. Also, Home and Garden Television (HGTV) featured her in the program, “Public Places, Private Spaces”, showcasing her work on the Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia, and a luxurious private home in Chicago. In addition to their work in Sarasota, Pamela and her firm design projects throughout the US, Canada, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.  Pamela may be reached at 941.922.4767 or visit www.hughesdes.com.

Copyright © 2010 REAL Magazine

Links to this article are encouraged

Increase Sales With Underused Loan Products

By C.J. Coury

With the tightening of mortgage loan underwriting criteria we have experienced a much higher percentage of cash buyers than at any time since the creation of Fannie Mae. This phenomenon will continue to forestall the housing recovery for months to come unless we work harder to find ways to provide financing to those buyers who do not have the ability to pay cash.

One way to help combat the effects of the increased difficulty in obtaining financing is to look beyond the standard mortgage loan products to some of the less commonly used but highly valuable options available to many potential buyers in today’s market. Here are a few such programs:

HomePath by Fannie Mae

Available with as little as 3% down (10% down for second home and rental properties)
Credit scores as low as 660
No Appraisal Required
No PMI
There are 349 eligible properties in the tri-county area as of the date of this writing

USDA Rural Development Loan

No down payment required
No PMI
No minimum credit score
There are limits to income and property location – check with a knowledgeable lender to determine buyer eligibility

Florida Housing Bond Program

Conventional and Government loan types
Up to $7,500 in second mortgage funds available to use for down payment and/or closing costs
No minimum credit score
Primary residence only
Income and contract price limits apply – check with a knowledgeable lender to determine buyer eligibility

Think about the number of buyers that these financing options could add to your production and begin marketing to them today!

C. J. Coury is a Vice President with HomeBanc and oversees the Greater Sarasota market. He has been a mortgage finance professional since 1983. C. J. may be reached at (941) 730-2444 or by email at cj.coury@homebanc.com.

Copyright © 2010 REAL Magazine

Links to this article are encouraged

Go Global – Citizens of the World… Bridging The Cultural Divide

By Patricia Tan

I recently returned from marketing trips to the United Kingdom and China – two very different countries and cultures, I think you will agree. In the many hours of plane-sitting I endured, I had time to reflect upon the ways in which we work to bridge the divide that different cultures and languages often bring to us in international business situations.

“Two nations separated by a common language” is how George Bernard Shaw described the U.S.A. and U.K. It is easy to assume that, as we speak a common language, doing business in England should be the same as in America. Not so! In the world of real estate we tend to lapse into our own jargon very easily, and many of those words do not translate into English. Our problems with tainted dry wall for instance, might be referred to as “Chinese plaster board problems” in U.K. Until recently most Brits thought a short sale was one that closed (or “completed” in their jargon) in a very short time – the average time for a contract to close in England is 90 to 120 days, a lot longer than our usual 45 days for a transaction that does not involve a short sale. A foreclosed home in England would be deemed to be “repossessed” by the bank. Our survey that provides a nicely drawn picture of the land and buildings on it would only be half a U.K. survey – a survey there includes most of what we refer to as a home inspection. Nevertheless, an “almost” common language does give one a certain sense of security when working with British business associates or clients.

The same cannot be said when working in a country where English is not widely spoken. The feeling of alienation is heightened in a country where the home language uses a different alphabet or symbols. Most of us can guess at the meaning of some Spanish, French and even German words but this is much harder to do with Russian for instance, and even more so for those languages that are symbol based, such as Chinese and Japanese. Even appreciating Chinese in its spoken form can be a challenge, as there are so many different dialects and accents to deal with. Even if a conversation is held in Chinese, or with the help of interpreters, westerners need to appreciate key differences in how the different cultures express themselves. Chinese are typically less expressive of their emotions in public and in particular in a business setting. Their sentence structure may be short and to the point, minus many of the adverbs and other qualifying words we so regularly use in English. Written Chinese does not have tenses, so words will be used to explain the passage of time – tomorrow, next week, last month, etc. For those of us who speak Chinese, it may still be a challenge if it is not our first language. Each “word” can be spoken with four different tones, and mean four completely different things, so unless you are very confident in your language skills, as a foreigner, use of an interpreter may still be the best advice! Be aware that some jargon, slang and colloquialisms will simply not translate – whether into Chinese or many other languages. Examples I have encountered recently include “dumb waiter” (a server who cannot speak) and “butler’s pantry” (a food closet that belongs to a servant).

That being said, people are generally appreciative when you try to communicate with them in their own language and may forgive a transgression caused by mispronunciation. This may not be the case however, with cultural insensitivity. It is much easier to give offence through actions than words!

Take the simple act of making an introduction or greeting someone. While shaking hands is widely accepted in the west, the firm handshake preferred by most Americans may not be reciprocated in a positive manner by British business associates who prefer a lighter touch. Although many Chinese today will shake hands, their own custom is to nod or bow slightly. If you are to shake hands – allow your Chinese counterpart to extend their hand first.

What about giving and receiving business cards? Use of a business card when meeting with Brits is not considered essential by them. They will happily exchange cards and place your card in their pocket or casually place it on the table in front of them. Not so in China, where business cards are an essential component of a first meeting. Cards must be presented using both hands to hold the top of the card at the corners, so it can be easily read by the person you are presenting it to. The Chinese will accept the card using both hands, take a few moments to study it and then place it reverently in front of them so they can refer to it during the meeting. Having received a card from a Chinese associate, one should NEVER disregard it, place it in a pocket or folder, cover it on the table and most certainly not write notes on it!

Once a relationship has been established with a British person, and depending upon the circumstances, it may acceptable to greet them with a light kiss on both cheeks at future meetings. The Chinese, however, prefer not to be touched by people they do not know. A kiss or a hug would not be warmly received!

Gift giving in other countries can also present challenges. If you are invited to the home of a British person, it would be appropriate to take a gift of chocolates, liquor or flowers, but don’t take while lilies as these signify death and could bring an early end to any business discussions! The Chinese will refuse to accept your gift, but be persistent. They will take it only after you insist at least three times. At this point you should say you are pleased they have accepted your gift. They will not open the gift while you are present, to avoid any potential embarrassment. Care should be taken also not to indicate death by your gift – do not wrap it in white paper. Choose a happy or lucky color – red, pink or yellow.

How can you avoid making these and similar mistakes when you travel or meet natives of other countries here in U.S.A? Get educated! Do some research before you travel. The internet is a great tool for this. Find someone from that country who lives in the U.S. and can brief you on local customs and how they may differ from things we do here.
 
Technology and easy travel options are making the world smaller. When you are presented with an opportunity to get to know someone from another culture, I urge you to bridge the gap between your two cultures. Let us all take a lesson from Socrates who said “I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world”.

Patricia Tan was born in England, and moved to Sarasota in 1997. Her career afforded her the opportunity to live and work in many countries around the world, including Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. She spent five years as a Director of an American real estate franchise in England in 1990s. Patricia has served as Chairperson of Sarasota Association of REALTORS®’ International Council, and serves on Florida Association of REALTORS®’ International Operations Committee. She currently works as International Sales Director for Prudential Palms Realty. Patricia may be reached at 941-487-5107 or patriciatan@prudentialpalmsrealty.com.

Copyright © 2010 REAL Magazine

Links to this article are encouraged

Developing Better Balance During Your Golf Swing

By Chad Jones

What is balance, and why is it important to the golf swing? According to experts at the Titleist Performance Institute, balance is one of the key physical factors needed to produce an efficient golf swing. Balance is the ability of the human neuromuscular system to maintain proper alignment, posture, center of gravity, and coordination. Throughout the golf swing, a golfer must maintain the proper spine angle, transfer power and coordinate movements. In order to do this properly, a golfer is required to maintain balance of the body and control the arms and legs.

Below is a 5 -8 minute routine to perform 3 times per week to help develop balance like a PGA tour player! The following exercises will help build better balance in your golf swing. Perform each exercise without looking at your feet. Do not let your eyes tell your brain where you are in space. Instead, let your nerves and joints do the work. Make sure you have plenty of space and go slowly.
 
Single Leg Balance – Perform for 60 seconds on each leg.  Once mastered, try it with your eyes closed.

Torso Turns One Leg – Try 15 torso turns each direction in golf posture on each leg.

Lateral Bounding – Do 15 jumps in each direction, bounding from 1 foot to the other with a stick.

Stork Turns – Try 15 rotations on each leg, rotating the pelvis/hips while stabilizing the upper torso.

Have Fun!

Chad Jones is the Director Of Elite Junior Golf for the Jonathan Yarwood Golf Academy located at The Concession Golf Club. He is a PGA of America certified instructor and has certifications in junior golf and golf fitness from the Titleist Performance Institute and was a 2010 US Kids Top 50 Coach. ChadJones@pga.com

Copyright © 2010 REAL Magazine

Links to this article are encouraged

Mortgage Shopping 101 – Making Sense of the Mortgage Market

By Jim Soda

Shopping for a mortgage can be time-consuming and difficult for homebuyers, especially in today’s market where many buyers don’t know where to begin. The Federal Reserve Board has put together the following tips so that you can make sense of the mortgage market and be sure you are getting the mortgage that is right for you.

1. Know what you can afford. Review your monthly spending plan to estimate what you can afford to pay for a home, including the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and monthly maintenance and utilities. A worksheet for developing your monthly spending plan can be helpful so that you can plan ahead and save for emergencies as well as be sure you will be able to afford your monthly payments for several years. Be sure to check your credit report to make sure that the information in it is accurate.

2. Shop around. Compare loans from lenders and brokers. Shopping takes time and energy, but not shopping around can cost you thousands of dollars. You can get a mortgage loan from mortgage lenders or mortgage brokers. Brokers arrange mortgage loans with a lender rather than lend money directly; in other words, brokers sell you a loan from a lender. Neither lenders nor brokers have to find the best loan for you—to find the best loan, you have to do the shopping

3. Understand loan prices and fees. Many consumers accept the first loan they are offered and don’t realize that they may be able to get a better loan. On any given day, lenders and brokers may offer different interest rates and fees to different consumers for the same loan, even when those consumers have the same loan qualifications. Keep in mind that lenders and brokers also consider the profit they receive if you agree to the terms of a loan with higher fees, higher points, or a higher interest rate. Shopping around is your best way to avoid more expensive loans.

4. Know the risks and benefits of loan options. Mortgages have many features–some have fixed interest rates and some have adjustable rates; some have payment adjustments; on some you pay only the interest on the loan for a while and then you pay down the principal (the loan amount); some charge you a penalty for paying the loan off early; and some have a large payment due at the end of the loan (a balloon payment). Consider all mortgage features, the APR (annual percentage rate), and the settlement costs. Ask your lender to calculate how much your monthly payments could be a year from now, and five or 10 years from now.

5. Get advice from trusted sources. A mortgage loan is one of the most complex, most expensive financial commitments you will ever assume–it’s okay to ask for help. Talk with a trusted housing counselor or a real estate attorney that you hire to review your documents before you sign them.

Jim Soda, leader of the Jim Soda Group at Prudential Lakewood Ranch Realty, is a consistent member of the Prudential Chairman’s Circle, ranking among the top 2 percent of Prudential agents nationwide. He earned Prudential’s prestigious Legend’s Award for being in the Chairman’s Circle five years in a row. He is a member of the Top5 Real Estate Network. Soda may be reached at (941) 961-5857, (941) 809-7759 or jim@jimsoda.com.

Copyright © 2010 REAL Magazine

Links to this article are encouraged

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REAL Magazine October 2010

Featuring: Ron McCarty Ca’ d’Zan, American Cancer Society, Xena Vallone Realty and more.

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Xena Vallone Realty: A Boutique Agency With Substance

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

Photography by Chad Spencer

As a successful agent with a nationally-recognized franchise, Xena Vallone had the opportunity to build a strong understanding of the real estate business.  Unfortunately, much of what she learned involved the politicking and agent hierarchy of importance that is frequently based on individual production levels.  An entrepreneur with a knack for problem solving, Xena formulated a solution to what she viewed as a lack of opportunity for real estate professionals: she opened her own brokerage. Read More

Networking On The Water With Karen Greco

725 Mangrove Point Road

 
Karen Greco of Michael Saunders & Company hosted a wonderful REAL Magazine event at her impressive Siesta Key waterfront listing at 725 Mangrove Point Road. Is the estate home in the Key West tradition or does its architecture pay homage to West Indies design? Each guest had their own viewpoint.  Once the crowd settled in Guest Speaker: Angela Massaro-Fain of Grapevine Communications gave an informative overview of Microsoft TAGs which are rapidly gaining popularity in our area. Read More

Design Lines – Embellished Surfaces

By Pamela Hughes

It is amazing how intertwined art is with design. The two words are almost synonymous. In previous columns, I’ve written about buying art and how to frame it, and we have had numerous columns about various facets of design. In this column, I’d like to write about having art actually created on the surface of our interiors: truly blending art with design.

We have long been an admirer and proponent of painted surfaces and have often used artists and craftsmen to embellish limited surfaces of a home. Like most things, if overdone, they lose their impact. So when we have used them to make a statement, we surround them with more subtle surfaces; when we use them more prolifically, we make them more background, using less bold tone-on-tone glazes and finishes.

The menu of painted surfaces and techniques is vast, varying from simple glazing; to stippling and sponging; applying metallic leafing; and painting murals or designs on the wall or ceiling. Other techniques include venetian plaster which is a special plaster material incorporating finely ground marble to give a surface that is almost as smooth as glass, yet has the look of some dimension and the mark of the craftsman’s trowel throughout. Here are a few examples of what we have done to demonstrate these techniques.

We recently had a client that adored embellished surfaces. So almost every surface of the home has some sort of applied special paint finish, even all the baseboards, floor casings and crown mouldings. In order to do that amount of work we had to make sure the painting was subtle and added nuance and elegance, and that the surfaces did not compete with one another. So, we had artisans do a gentle striee technique which involves painting a glaze onto the already painted base, door casing and trim, and then dragging a dry brush through the glaze to give it direction and a vague texture. We even had them mask the various boards of the door casing and wainscoting so that the vertical boards have a vertical striee and the horizontal boards have a horizontal striee. It is subtle, of course, but it almost unconsciously informs the eye of the nature of the trim and wainscot, giving a richer environment. It doesn’t shout at all, and from across the room is not noticeable, yet as you walk down the hall and your hand and eye touch the casing or chair rail, you have a little “aha” that says someone took some special care and attention here. It is very lovely.

For yet another project, we are having a venetian plaster applied to a vaulted ceiling in a large vestibule between the great room and the foyer. It has a detailed moulding at the perimeter of the curving ceiling surface where it meets the walls, but the ceiling itself will have a lovely sheen almost like a rich damask. The color is tone-on-tone so it too adds detail without clamour.

At The Cloister at Sea Island, we designed cast plaster shapes on the ceiling of the library. Then we painted, glazed and stenciled the shapes to give the look of Renaissance plaster. The embellished surface then gained the luster and glow that comes with age.

Something totally glamorous that we have done is applying an ethereal mural to a single wall in a small room whether it be a bath, powder room or dressing area. On one project, the artist painted a wall with a gradual shading, starting with a soft yellow at the ceiling and descending to a more pronounced gold at the base. On this was painted a graceful branching of forsythia with delicate leaves and clusters of voluptuous blossoms cascading. This room may have been small, but it was bursting with character and charm.

For a bar area at one of the larger homes we have designed, we had artisans stencil rugged dark beams with a low contrast design. The pattern was a series of scrolls and leaves of a dark fern green and muted ochre that blended well with the grain of the wood, but did not jump to the eye.

Another way we used venetian plaster was on the walls of the entrance foyer at The Concession.  When entering The Concession, one passes through heavy mahogany double doors into a foyer with a double vaulted ceiling. The feeling of spaciousness and grace is as if one has entered a lovely Tuscan villa. The subtle beige of the venetian plaster walls adds to this image of rich elegance.

As you can see, the variety and palette is essentially infinite. It’s part of what makes our work so much fun and interesting- we like using the broad spectrum of fabrics, materials and the talent of artisans to customize the homes of our clients. The embellished surfaces truly blend art with design, and we are all richer for it.

Photos:
Top: The Cloister at Sea Island library
Bottom: The Concession golf clubhouse entryway foyer 

Pamela Hughes, the founder and owner of Hughes Design Associates, is well known nationally and internationally. Hughes Design Associates is one of the premier interior design firms known throughout North America for specializing in prestigious custom interiors. In Sarasota, Pamela has completed many exceptional projects including The Ritz-Carlton, The Members’ Beach Club, The Tower Residences, and Plaza at Five Points. Her portfolio also includes some of the most luxurious and distinctive residences in Sarasota. Pamela’s work has been published in the best interior design magazines such as Architectural Digest and Veranda, as well as numerous other publications. Also, Home and Garden Television (HGTV) featured her in the program, “Public Places, Private Spaces”, showcasing her work on the Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia, and a luxurious private home in Chicago. In addition to their work in Sarasota, Pamela and her firm design projects throughout the US, Canada, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.  Pamela may be reached at 941.922.4767 or visit www.hughesdes.com.

View From The Top: Passion And Excellence

By Robbie Brown

Can anyone really say they set out from the start to be mediocre? I mean how many stories do you hear or read about where the contractor or skilled professional has left such a mess for a home owner that regulatory boards and legal entities have stepped in. I understand the different budgeting involved in low income and high income projects, but as a skilled craftsman couldn’t a builder say “I built that house to the best of my ability with attention to detail.”

Since 1980 Anmar Builders/Green Roofing Technologies believes there is no room for mediocrity; you’re either good or bad. Excellence is something that our oldest partner, Fred Rizk, has preached from day one. After 30,000 apartment units including the famous Three Trees in Houston, Texas, Fred’s statement is so true. It’s either done right or done wrong. There is no in between. When asked how did you build a $500 million empire Fred replies “The first six units I built were for my parents and I wanted to please them. That was over 30,000 units ago.”

It is that simple. Having built thousands of homes, dozens of gated communities and masterpiece roofs like the Don Cesar, Vinoy and Safety Harbor Resort we still strive for that child like desire for perfection to please our parents.

I can humbly tell you that my success at Green Roofing Technologies has been in part because of the ability to surround myself with more talented individuals than myself. God has blessed me over and over with super individuals in my professional life. Kelly Jackson is one of the most amazing roofers God has put on this earth. Everyone has a purpose and Kelly’s is roofing without a doubt. George Nicholas of Anmar Builders and owner/developer of Quail Ridge Golf Course has such a solid character both in his personal and business life the he sets the precedent for us. He is a strong man. John Karaphylles, CGC, has a true heart of God. He makes each of us put people first, not the almighty dollar. Although the dollar is important it becomes secondary in our lives. I thank God each day for them all.

It has truly been an honor and a pleasure to meet the people at REAL Magazine and its participants from month to month. I can truly say that everyone we’ve met have been not only professionals but heads and shoulders above most in their fields. In my walk through life I remember meeting people that had “something” that I wanted.

Whether you call it a spiritual thing, indeed sometimes it is, or just a sense for being a winner the group that REAL Magazine is circulating breeds success. Of course success comes with a price. Hard work? Of course. Luck? I don’t think so. However success is not something that just happens. Some are just blessed with God given talent. Combine that with hard work, recognizing opportunity and the next thing you know the Pamela Hughes’, the Deborah Beacham’s, the Cliff Scholz’s and so on are all around you. I’d love to hear about each one’s story about the journey to today; Pamela’s first design, Deborah’s first sale, Cliff’s first drawing, etc.

I know in my story it began with a goal and a desire to build. They say in business “don’t take it personally.” I dare to say for all of the above individuals it is a story of success that was very personal. I take each and every single job personally. Thousands of loving homes later, dozens of gated communities, masterpiece roofs on hotels, restaurants, condos and shopping malls, they all were personal. Oh yes let’s not forget REAL Magazine’s main man, Ed Bertha’s home too.

Whether it be Spanish Capestrano style tile, state of the art steel roofing, conventional shingles or old fashion Key West style we do it all. We are a REAL roofer. There is no type of roofing that we don’t do. Our skilled installers are of the best caliber in each of their respective fields. Highly qualified factory trained and certified our team at Anmar Builders/Green Roofing Technologies keeps ahead of all of the rest by continually raising the bar. Cutting edge is our hobby!

Our next venture, the Bayfront Towers in St. Pete is sure to be exciting. Having been selected by Crawford Ker, former Dallas Cowboys player, to roof the “Wing Houses” of Florida as well as many of the Louie Pappas’ Pappas Properties projects, Baywest Condos, Bell Shoals Baptist Campus, Bon Aire Motel, Wendy’s restaurants as well as many others, our commercial activity is strong.

Our residential accomplishments include the first metal roof in the Placido Bayou gated community which was a stone coated metal Girard roof on attorney Bill Saron’s home (Author of Florida’s Personal Injury Law) and the first stone coated metal Girard roof in Ashley on Ed Bertha’s home. Such prestigious areas such as Pass a Grill, Tierra Verde, Weatherstone, Treasure Island, East Lake Woodlands, St Pete Beach, Vina Del Mar, West Chase, Redgemoore and Innsbrook is where we have made our homes and left a permanent signature of our work.

My father was a professional athlete and then did motivational speaking for success with Paul J. Meyer. One of Paul’s quotes has always been a principle in my life:

“Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and enthusiastically act upon must inevitably come to pass.”

Set a goal and act upon it with a passion. We do!

Green Roofing Technologies’ Robby Brown is a 4th generation builder/roofer. A graduate of Hardin – Simmons University in Abilene, Texas he also is an under grad certified metallurgist from Certainium Alloys and Research in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his family have owned and operated businesses on the west coast of Florida for the past 50 years. Green Roofing Technologies has completed roofing installs for well known structures such as The Don Cesar, The Vinoy and The Safety Harbor Resort and Spa. One of Robby’s most recent residential projects was the installation of a state of the art Girard stone coated metal roof on REAL Magazine publisher Ed Bertha’s home. Robby may be reached at (727) 272.3801 or rooferrob123@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2010 REAL Magazine

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