March faces and places by Arlington Today

Faces and Places

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

A client’s lasting impact on Private Wealth Advisor Derrick Kinney

“Derrick, I’ve got cancer and the doctor doesn’t give me long to live.” I asked my well-loved client and friend, “Bob, how can I best serve you right now?” Faced with the end of his life, Bob wanted to make sure that his family would be taken care of. I suggested we hold a family meeting to share with them what was important to him. His wife, his children, and each of his grandchildren gathered together to hear him share the values he wanted to pass to the next generation. It was one of the most difficult conversations I’ve ever led. It was an emotional time and many tears were shed, but it was one of the most rewarding moments I’ve experienced as an advisor. His family, who remain clients to this day, regularly thank me for helping their Dad speak to them in such an affirming and lasting way.

“That’s why we do what we do. One client. One family. One legacy at a time.” - Derrick Kinney Recent Accolades for Derrick Kinney & Associates Winner 2017 Readers’ Choice

All Star ARLINGTON Today your community • your magazine

“Favorite Financial Advisor” “Best Investment Firm of Tarrant County” - Fort Worth Star-Telegram “Best Financial Advisor in North Texas” - Living Magazine “Five Star Wealth Manager” - Texas Monthly Magazine

Services Provided: • Portfolio Risk Assessment • Wealth Preservation Strategies • Retirement Income Planning

DerrickKinney.com

817-419-6001

Prince Lebanese Grill P

rince Lebanese Grill has a storied history in Arlington. Francis “Prince” Kobty opened the Original Prince Restaurant on March 11, 1989, offering patrons a lunch buffet and fullservice restaurant at dinner. The winning team at “My dad was the first and only employee for Prince Lebanese Grill a long time,” says Aziz Kobty, who manages Photo: Southern Flair Photography the restaurant that evolved into the current Prince Lebanese Grill Prince Lebanese Grill. “He was a one-man 502 W. Randol Mill Road • 817-469-1811 • princelebanesegrill.com show, who did every job in the restaurant. Over the years, Prince Lebanese Grill grew more in popularity and gained critical acclaim around town. In 2007, Prince moved locations and switched to full-service to apply everything I have learned in this business to give our customers the best restaurant. Prince also added some of my grandma’s secret recipes and has overall experience possible.” never looked back. The restaurant has grown from 23 seats to 145 seats to The staff consists of some 40 employees, including part-time help. meet the demand of hungry Texans.” Management tries to provide the best work atmosphere possible. “We want The eatery now has a full staff that includes cooks, dishwashers, hostesses, it to be fun,” Aziz says. “We want you to know that we care about you, your cashiers, managers and waitresses. “We are proud to have grown this concept future. We consider every employee like family. We employ a lot of students to employ so many amazing people,” Aziz says. “It’s great to be able to share from local high schools and college. I enjoy that aspect of the job where we can our food and culture with the community every day. We recently expanded help teach kids early on the value of hard work and customer service. Our team our dining hall and menu. We have also recently remodeled. We believe in is made up of brothers and sisters of our community. At Prince one of our top investing in our business and people.” priorities is community service.” Aziz’s history in the restaurant business started at birth – literally. “My dad In turn, the Prince team treats customers like family, as well, offering great opened the Original Prince back in 1989 on the same day I was born,” he says. service with the delicious cuisine. Prince is best known for its homemade creamy “You could say that I knew my calling from the day I was born. The hospital I hummus, bite-sized falafel, crisp Tabouli salad, and fresh made Shawarma and was born in is on the other side of the street 100 yards from where I go to work Gyro plates. Dishes are all homemade with family recipes and made fast. everyday. My friends and family joke that it took me 30 years just to cross the Aziz says the philosophy at Prince is simple: Top quality ingredients, fresh street. I have been in the restaurant business my whole life. Even at a young age food, and family-style hospitality. “Our main goal is for everyone who dines with when I got out of school my mom would bring me up to the restaurant to help my us to leave happy,” he says. “We accomplish this with crazy high standards and dad at dinner. I would greet customers, refill drinks and I really just loved being great passion for our food. We commit to giving our very best to the customer a part of the team and making people feel at home. I went to a college one hour every day. What makes our restaurant special is the people. We do make great away from home to play college football. During the football offseason at Austin food, but a lot of competitors can try to copy that. What you cannot imitate is College I used to come back to work at the restaurant and help my parents out. I our people. The atmosphere, passion and attitude we strive for at Prince is also managed a restaurant for a Super Chix. I learned a lot from the people there unmatched. From the moment you walk through the door you are truly part of and even got to travel to Dubai to open restaurants and do some consulting. I try our family.”

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Kimberly Fitzpatrick K

imberly Fitzpatrick wears a lot of hats – and wears them all with distiction. At her “day job,” Fitzpatrick is a partner at the law firm Harris Cook, LLP, where her keen legal expertise and persistent yearning for justice serves clients on a daily basis. When she’s not taking care of “civil” matters, she is addressing “civic” ones, as she also serves as the mayor of Dalworthington Gardens, a community that is embarking on a set of 2018 initiatives that includes further development of the recreational opportunities provided by the beautiful, 28-acre “Gardens Park,” along with the construction of a new City Hall both located in the center of the city. And then, of course, there’s her No. 1 priority: her family. Fitzpatrick takes great pride in being a devoted wife and mother. Fitzpatrick joined Harris Cook, LLP, in 2008 and is part of a legal team that is able to help clients with many issues such as business litigation, contract review, entity formation, employment law, family and custody issues, injury claims, wills and estate planning, and criminal matters. She manages the firm’s Arlington office. “I understand that our clients want creative and timely legal solutions from attorneys who understand their needs and challenges,” she says. “I understand that clients want responsiveness and efficiency in the delivery of legal services while not being beaten down by the ‘billable hour.’ My firm’s goal is to deliver all of these. We pride ourselves on tailoring solutions to the particular needs of a client. We offer free consultations and offer a variety of payment arrangements.” Fitzpatrick believes her best quality as an attorney is her persistence. “I’ve had more than a few reviews which compare me to a bulldog!” she says. As might be expected, Fitzpatrick’s dual duties keep her busy. Asked how she manages to thrive in both settings, she says, “I have a very patient and loving husband named Ryan.” Because of the two professional positions, she has been able to experience a number of highlight moments. In her first year as Mayor of Dalworthington Gardens, the city won the award for the most money raised per capita for the Salvation Army’s Annual Mayoral Challenge – “beating my nemesis, David Cook (her partner at the firm and mayor of Mansfield),” she adds with a laugh – as she also won the “Rookie of the Year” award, raising the most money the city has ever raised for the event. Fitzpatrick loves the pace her busy life requires. “I’m a do-er,” she says. “Both of these jobs give me a great opportunity to do important things.”

Kimberly Fitzpatrick

Harris Cook, LLP Arlington: 709 E. Abram St. • Mansfield: 309 E. Broad St. 817-275-8765 HarrisCookLaw.com

Kimberly Fitzpatrick is both an attorney and a mayor. “I’m a do-er,” she says. “Both of my jobs give me a great opportunity to do important things.”

arlingtontoday.com • March 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

The Jenkins Agency, Inc. M

s. Dale Sharpe-Jenkins, M.S., CIC, founded The Jenkins Agency in 1998 to help business owners understand and manage the risks associated with their business. This entails financing their risk through insurance but also includes helping them understand and implement risk-management strategies. “Risk management is essential to business continuity, and business Dale and Jeff Jenkins continuity is a concern for all organizations, large and small,” SharpeJenkins says. Photo: Southern Flair Photography When she started the agency, she had a strategic plan to target The Jenkins Agency, Inc. small construction companies as clients. “It seemed to make sense as I had left my position as Senior Construction Underwriter at St. Paul Celebrating 20 years of doing business in Arlington Companies to start the business,” she says. “Shortly after starting the 1161 Corporate Drive, #306 • 817-226-4311 • thejenkinsagencyinc.com business, many other opportunities came our way; opportunities that we did not know existed – particularly in the area of insurance consulting Management and Professional Development courses. Jeff also has 30-plus years’ for public sector entities.” experience in the industry. Both Dale and Jeff Jenkins, who joined the company in 2000, come from families of That expertise, coupled with a philosophy focused on taking care of customers, entrepenuers. Jeff’s dad was an engineer, and he owned and operated a construction has made the company successful. “We aim to provide every client with the highest firm in Ohio. His advice to Jeff and Dale when starting the business was to be degree of professional services and personal attention,” Dale says. “We offer the prepared at all times. “He told us that opportunities will come, we just needed to be benefits that come with dealing with a small firm, such as customer service and ready for them,” Dale says. “We’ve followed that advice for the past 20 years!” accountability, alongside the knowledge and professionalism that comes with over Jeff joined the team the same year the company was incorporated. Since 65 years of combined experience in the agency.” that time, The Jenkins Agency has sold property, casualty and employee benefit Dale says she is especially proud of the company’s caring and committed staff. products to companies of all sizes and provided consulting services to public sector “Insurance is a very important part of what allows our customers to do business and accounts throughout Texas. The company now has five employees. make money,” she says. “We recognize that, and we work to make sure we provide Both Jeff and Dale welcomed their youngest daughter, Kristen Jenkins, to the firm them with what they need in a timely and accurate manner.” last October. Kristen is an Arlington Lamar High School graduate. She completed her To that end, the agency has a user-friendly website that provides plenty of undergraduate degree at the Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas. functionality, as well as digital signature services so paperwork can be executed on CFO Dale has 30-plus years’ experience in the industry. She is also a lecturer a remote basis. at the University of North Texas College of Business, teaching Principles of Risk

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Worthington Bank

orthington National Bank formally opened for business in 2002. It is a locally owned and operated, independent, and modern-day community bank that believes in doing business the old fashioned way. It is the only national bank that is chartered and headquartered in Arlington. Our bank has grown from a dream and vision with its initial Arlington location and $8 million in assets to a Tarrant Countywide presence with $230 million in assets, four banking center locations (Downtown Arlington, Downtown Fort Worth at Sundance Square, Colleyville, and Edwards Ranch in Fort Worth), and 50-plus employees. Worthington National Bank provides a full array of deposit and lending service for commercial businesses and consumers. Commercial lending products include loans for working capital, expansion needs, equipment purchases, real estate acquisition and development are just a few of the products offered. For consumers we also offer a variety of products including vehicle loans, home improvement loans, home equity loans, single family interim construction loans and a full service residential mortgage department to assist with your home purchase or refinance. In addition to our lending services the bank provides mobile banking, online banking services, ATM services, cash management services and remote deposit capabilities for our commercial customers to name just a few of our many services. Greg Morse is our CEO and Founder. Mike Jarrett is the President of the Arlington Market, Mike Lewis is SVP – Commercial Lending, and Gena Attebery is our Lobby Services Manager. Together these four individuals have over 140 years banking experience, and our other employees – 12 in the Arlington office – have strong banking backgrounds as well. Bottom line, we know what we are doing and

Worthington National Bank 200 W. Main St. • 817-303-5900 (No 1-800 numbers here) worthingtonbank.com bring that wealth of experience and desire to make a difference in our community every single day. Our professional philosophy is that we are a modern-day bank that believes in doing business the old fashioned way. We believe in relationship banking. We believe it’s our responsibility to know our customers. Every person that comes through our door is a real person not just a name and number. When we know our customers, we can truly help them with their banking needs.

The Only Locally Owned National Bank in Arlington

WorthingtonBank.coM

817-303-5900

200 W. M ain Street - DoWntoWn a rlington 500 M ain Street - SunDance Square 4814 colleyville BlvD. - colleyville 5825 eDWarDS r anch roaD - clearfork arlingtontoday.com • March 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

Three Dog Bakery

n 1989, three dogs, two guys, and one $0.59 biscuit cutter created the world’s Photo courtesy of Three Dog Bakery first bakery for dogs. Its revolutionary Three Dog Bakery idea – 100-percent natural, wholesome, human-quality ingredients – gave pet 817 E. Lamar Blvd. • 817-795-3165 • threedog.com owners a new option in healthy feeding. What was radical then is what’s right now. Bred from a love of dogs, the concept of involving a pet pooch in the actual • Coaching franchisees on key drivers of bakery success purchasing experience seemed like a natural combination of dog and owner • Increasing awareness and protect the brand equity of Three Dog Bakery lifestyle. After all, owners know their dog is special and delight in seeing others treat Kim Harmon heads up a seven-person staff – as well as her four bakery dogs them so. Just like the company’s locations today, the original Three Dog Bakery Max, Cash, Tink and Beltre – at the new Arlington location.The 2000 square-foot store was an inviting and exciting place for pets and the people that treasure them. bakery located at Parkway Central specializes in all-natural, fresh-baked dog treats Customers still enjoy the pleasant aroma of fresh-baked pastries, treats and food and personalized celebration cakes, as well as premium dog food, toys, collars, for dogs in a comfortable setting. and accessories. The new bakery will feature many Three Dog Bakery favorites Three Dog Bakery has by far (and in dog years) the most seasoned team in the loyal fans have enjoyed over the years. Its popular bakery case treats are sure to pet bakery industry. The management team supports the company’s bakery owners’ wow canine customers, including Pupcakes®, Celebration Cakes, Peanut Mutter goals by sharing years of knowledge and experience in retail, consumer packaged Cookies, Lickety Split, Drooly Dream Bars and more. The shop will also carry goods and manufacturing to help keep each bakery on the path of continued prepackaged Three Dog Bakery items, including its top sellers, Classic Crèmes and success. That management team assists franchises in many ways, including: Wafer Cookies. • Leading culinary innovation and development of high-quality, innovative dog Three Dog Bakery has a simple philosophy: “We’ve been making tails wag since food and treats 1989, and today our mission remains the same: feed the souls of dogs and the • Collaborating with partners on site selection and bakery build-out people that love them.” • Developing training programs that include pastry techniques, product and “I have had such great feedback from customers,” Harmon says. “But this was ingredient education, customer service, and “pre-opening” operations classes our very first review: ‘They have a great selection of treats and chews for my pups. • Creating marketing programs for bakery store implementation to drive traffic The employees were also extremely kind to them and really went out of their way to and increase average ticket sales, including social media strategies make sure they felt special.’”

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

The Law Firm of Roger ‘Rocky’ Walton, P.C. T

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

The Law Firm of Roger “Rocky” Walton, P.C. 2310 W. Interstate 20, Suite 200 • 817-429-4299 • rockywaltoninjurylawyers.com

Photo courtesy of Our Love Is

Trinity River Farm & Equestrian Center 8375 Randol Mill Road 817-683-5610 trinityriverfarmtx.com

Our Love Is ... Gift Boutique 612 Lincoln Square 682-347-4603 ourloveisboutique.com (starting March 31)

Our Love Is ...

ur Love Is… Gift Boutique was created by my sister Gabriele Morris and me (Kristal Kerley). We sat one Thanksgiving with our sisters and mother and decided to come up with something where we could really share our interest together. At the time all four sisters were planning on being involved, but in the end it was just us two and our Mother (Carmichel). We all love to shop and felt it would be a great idea to create a gift store here in Arlington, where anyone could come and shop for anyone in their life. We wanted people’s faces to light up with a “wow!” look when walking into our store and to always want to come back, no matter the holiday or occasion. We spent nights on end going through catalogs trying to see what we both liked and what we felt others would love to have. Our Love Is ... carries a special meaning to our family of being able to share what our love is in life, which is Family!

he Law Firm of Roger “Rocky” Walton, P.C., has been located in Arlington since 1975 and has been at the 2310 W. Interstate 20 location for 13 years. Rocky Walton is a specialist in Personal Injury Trial Law, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Less than 3 percent of Texas attorneys have this certification. “We work very hard for our clients and we keep them very informed,” Walton says. “We are highly qualified and know the law and best strategy to get the desired results. We are completely honest and ethical with our clients and treat them the way we would want to be treated.”

Photo: Trinity River Farm & Equestrian Center

Trinity River Farm & Equestrian Center

rinity River Farm and Equestrian Center is a unique equestrian facility and working farm that offers full-care boarding and training in dressage, hunter/ jumpers, and eventing. The facility teaches horsemanship and offers quality English riding lessons to students of all ages, summer horse camps and clinics. Trinity River Farm & Equestrian Center also represents a lovely setting for special functions and events, such as parties and other group activities. “We are committed to preserving and promoting equestrian and farm life and activities, and providing opportunities for the community to enjoy and appreciate the same, both now and for the generations to come,” says owner Julie Amendola. “At TRFEC you’re part of the family! We promote a special sense of community, responsibility and friendship with programs like our Young Riders Club and Summer Camps, and through hosting parties and events for the family.” arlingtontoday.com • March 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

John Parker, owner of the Texas Insurance Agency Mansfield office

Richard Rhodes, Arman Aransen (Owner) and Turk Blackwell of CCSI Photo: Southern Flair Photography

CCSI: Customized Computer Services, Inc. 109 W. Randol Mill Road, #102 • 817-459-4000 ccsitx.com

CCSI

CSI is celebrating its 29th year in business serving the Arlington-DFW metroplex. Founded in 1990 by Arman Aransen, the company began by building and selling personal computers but had a vision of bringing enterprise class technology to the small and medium sized local businesses. At the time, technology was viewed as something for larger companies. Smaller businesses were just beginning to replace type-writers with word processors and computers, but as the use of computers in business and everyday life continued to expand, CCSI increased its service products to include those needed by their growing customer base. CCSI has always focused its business model on customer services; as a result, most of our business is from word of mouth. This has allowed us to maintain a vested group of clients from family-owned businesses and restaurants to healthcare practices and manufacturing companies, with an average client tenure of 15 years. Our well-established team of engineers has been with the company an average of 17 years, with skills ranging from help desk to network design. Our customers trust they’ll receive the best results from a familiar team of invested technicians who’ve worked with their IT systems for years. As an IT outsourcing firm, we have two primary objectives: first, assess and manage all routine IT needs such as hardware/software issues, end-user support, data backups, etc. Second, we ensure that your IT system supports your existing business and work proactively to define future IT system needs. This distinguishes us from other service companies, as we take a personal interest in ensuring your IT systems stay current and futureproof. CCSI is now a full-service IT outsourcing firm providing organizations the opportunity to reduce and control costs by utilizing more efficient, effective and scalable IT solutions. From network planning and implementation, to help desk services and printer/plotter repair, we continue to generate successful business partnerships helping our clients with their every IT need. 38

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

--- IT Support Services --CCSI: CUSTOMIZED COMPUTER SERVICES, INC.

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Texas Insurance Agency 500 E. Broad St., Mansfield • 817-226-9988 texasins.net

Texas Insurance Agency

exas Insurance Agency traces its start back to 1959 in east Texas. The agency has gone through many changes over the years and has grown to include several locations in the north Texas area. Texas Insurance Agency is locally owned and operated. “People often ask why choose a local Independent Agency?” says John Parker, who owns the TIA Mansfield operation. “Our response is we represent many different insurance companies, so we can compare coverage and price to give you the best possible value. Simply put ... we work for our clients. We also live and work in the same communities as our insured clients, and as such we are always available for a face-to-face meeting.” Texas Insurance Agency provides auto, homeowners, commercial, and life insurance. It is associated with reputable insurers, including Allstate, Hartford, Mercury, Progressive, Safeco, and Travelers. “These insurance companies allow us to offer a wide range of quality insurance products that are competitively priced,” Parker says. The company has added the ability for prospective clients to get actual real time quotes directly from its website, texasins.net. “This allows the insured to reach out to us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year,” Parker says. “The client information, as well as the policy pricing, is uploaded to us. We contact the client within 24 hours to confirm and update the information. This has been a valuable tool for prospective insureds because it gives them an idea of what their insurance costs will be.”

Photo courtesy of Urban Alchemy

Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar 403 E. Main St. • 817-617-2054 urbanalchemy.bar

Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar

hen Tony Rutigliano first suggested opening a wine bar to his wife Nicole, she loved the idea. Theoretically. “As an engineer, my whole approach to building something is to mitigate risk,” says Nicole, “so starting a business scares me. But through Tony’s enthusiasm and commitment, I’ve also come to see the many benefits this venture can bring to our family and community.” While the broader vision began in late 2015 as a wine bar, it has grown as a result of the couple’s painstaking attention to detail. Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar opened last month in downtown Arlington in what was previously Lester’s Automotive Repair. The re-envisioned space includes plenty of softseating, a patio, chef-driven fare, and spaces for special events and live music. While opening the storefront is an important milestone, it’s only part of the enterprise. Under the Urban Alchemy brand, Rutigliano offers his own line of coffees in partnership with Metro Coffee Grouppe, a Grand Prairie roaster. He hired a consultant to help develop the wine list. He also pledges to support local non-profits through an annual giving program. Tony credits his six-year stint as president and CEO of Downtown Arlington Management Corporation for planting the entrepreneurial seed. During his tenure with DAMC, a community development organization that promotes economic vitality of the city’s center, Tony worked alongside hundreds of entrepreneurs as they turned their own ideas into completed projects. “Taking this leap of faith was easy when God sent me so many gifted teachers,” says Rutigliano. “I’ve been blessed to learn from people who have both passion and know-how.” “While they’re all very different people,” Rutigliano continues, “they share one fundamental characteristic: They can see beyond what’s there. They taught me to see Urban Alchemy as a place the community owns as much as we do. It’s somewhere comfortable, where you can relax, have fun and create connections. Like your second living room.” – Amy J. Schultz

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

s Ha g d n e ri Sp rriv A

C & W Antiques 2100 N. Hwy 360, Suite 705-706 • 817-637-7637 candwantiques.com

C & W Antiques

or the past two decades, C & W Antiques has offered unique, rare and interesting furniture and accessories not found at most stores stateside. From their flagship showroom in Grand Prairie, Co-proprietors Jim Carpenter and Patrick Walsh create an inviting ambiance with fragrant Market candles, music and vignettes of old-world rooms that stimulate the senses. C & W Antiques’ philosophy is to make each customer feel welcome. With our passion for antiques, we welcome each customer and provide a friendly atmosphere for their unique shopping experience. We treat each customer like family. C & W Antiques specializes in 17th, 18th and 19th century English and French furniture. It also has an exquisite collection of original fine art by Italian, French, Russian, English and US artists, and its Faberge Collection is the largest in the state of Texas and perhaps the world. With Spring right around the corner the store is filled with Easter decorations by Mark Roberts and florals. This serves as an excellent backdrop for small events and gatherings which have become commonplace at C & W. To book a “Sip and Shop” event, please call 817-637-7637. In addition to in-store service, we offer consultations at a customer’s home by appointment. The show room is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday through Friday by appointment.

arlingtontoday.com • March 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

Paul Alwine

Photo courtesay of Piccolo Mondo

Piccolo Mondo 829 Lamar Blvd. East • 817-265-9174 piccolomondo.com

Piccolo Mondo

iccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant was established more than three decades ago and is known as one of the more popular and famous Italian eateries in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. And, why not? The restaurant combines unique, delicious dishes with good service and an elegant atmosphere – such so that it has been honored as one of the area’s finer restaurants three straight years in Arlington Today’s Readers’ Choice poll. Soon after Antonio Capaccioli and Nicola Saracino opened Piccolo Mondo in a strip center on the farthest end of East Lamar Boulevard, patrons began visiting and returning to enjoy a little slice of Italy right here in Arlington. Capaccioli credits the outstanding cuisine to Saracino’s culinary genius, but he adds his own touch of charming hospitality to the recipe, which continues to attract customers to daily dinners and weekday lunches. The restaurant’s piano bar and banquet room are additional draws, and take-out orders aren’t just available, but quite popular. “We’re more traditional in style, I guess,” Capaccioli says. “I traveled a lot when I was younger, and when I found something I liked to eat, I took note. And when we opened here, we offered all the things I liked myself – plus what Nicola liked and liked to cook.” Dinner menu specialties include Lasagna alla Bolognese (baked with meat sauce, cheese and bechamel sauce), Capelli D’angelo alla Pescatora (angel hair pasta with fresh clams, shrimp and calamari), Eggplant Parmigiana, Gnocchi al Pomodoro (potato dumplings with fresh tomato sauce) and Penne con Broccoli (penne pasta with garlic, olive oil and fresh broccoli). Piccolo Mondo also prepares delicious veal, beef and seafood entrees. Food critics obviously approve of the menu. The Zagat Dallas-Fort Worth Restaurant Guide named Piccolo Mondo “One of the Top 10 for Food in the Fort Worth area.” The restaurant also has won other awards, such as Taste of Arlington’s People’s Choice Award, and Order – Sons of Italy in America’s Citation of Epicurean Excellence (because “it exemplifies the fine art and traditions of Italian cuisine”). 40

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

Edward Jones - Interlochen Village 1004 N. Bowen Road • 817-278-8508 Paul.alwine@edwardjones.com • edwardjones.com

Paul Alwine

aul Alwine, ChFC & CLU, is a Financial Advisor at the Edward Jones Interlochen Village branch, where he has been proudly serving the community since 2016. Alwine says his firm is based on the core belief that personal relationships are key. “Call us old-fashioned, but we prefer the face-to-face approach – that’s why Edward Jones has over 13,000 offices in communities throughout the United States and Canada,” he says. Edward Jones provides an array of financial services, each rooted in Alwine’s passion for educating clients and partnering with them to help them live better financial lives. “I’m firmly committed to long-term client relationships, and through a five step-financial planning process I partner with my clients to develop retirement, education, estate and insurance planning strategies,” he says. “Through job changes, marriage, births and deaths, I work with my clients to ensure that their investment strategy and financial plan continues to be tailored to their specific needs.” In addition to having his Series 7, 63, 65 and Life & Health Insurance licenses, Alwine hold holds the ChFC and CLU designations. “As a ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) and CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter), I continue to expand my learning so that I am able to help my clients navigate through today’s increasingly complex financial environment,” he says. “I have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and over that time I’ve partnered with my clients to help them through the ups and downs of the market.” Alwine believes it is important to invest his time in order to understand what clients are working toward before they invest their money. “It’s also important to understand the level of risk you’re comfortable accepting when investing, so that we can balance it with the steps necessary to reach your long-term goals,” he says. “Thousands of people and advanced technology support our office, so we can help ensure you receive the most current and comprehensive guidance. In addition, we welcome the opportunity to work with your attorney, accountant and other trusted professionals to deliver a comprehensive strategy that leverages everyone’s expertise. Working together, we can help you develop a complete, tailored strategy to help you achieve your financial goals.”

The winning team at Parker & Richardson

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

Parker & Richardson 500 E. Broad St., Mansfield • 817-226-6622 parkercpas.com

Parker & Richardson

arker & Richardson, a certified public accountant firm, opened in 2004, but its origination dates back to the solo CPA practice owner John Parker started in 1995. Over the years the practice has evolved into a boutique CPA practice that specializes in catering to the distinct needs of business owners. Whether you need tax planning, tax return preparation, strategic or transactional consulting, small business consulting, business valuation, state and local tax assistance, or a full complement of other individualized services, Parker & Richardson has the people and capabilities to respond effectively and efficiently to your needs. “As both entrepreneurs and business owners, we understand the issues associated with owning and operating a business,” Parker says. “This experience, coupled with our tax expertise, allows us to be as tax efficient as possible when assisting clients.” Parker & Richardson provides tax planning and tax preparation, as well as accounting and consulting. “We have several clients that have us handle all facets of their accounting needs,” Parker says, also noting that the firm’s staff strives to provide great service and always do what is best for the client. “These two principles have been emphasized from day one and continue to be our focus on a daily basis,” Parker says. “We truly care about our clients and their businesses.” To help clients reduce their taxes, make better business decisions, and learn how to grow their wealth the firm provides reports on financial strategies for business owners, individuals and investors. Clients also receive the latest breaking tax saving strategies in the company’s monthly newsletter. Parker says the firm has had numerous clients over the years praise its work. “They tell us what a great job we have done for them and that they trusted us enough to refer their family members to us,” he says. “We appreciate the faith and trust that our clients place in us, and we work extremely hard to provide them with superior service.”

Linda Magazzine “All Star Real Estate Professional” Winner 2017

Readers’ Choice

Michael Cunningham “All Star Real Estate Professional” Honorable Mention

2017

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arlingtontoday.com • March 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

Melissa Danchak

elissa Danchak, owner of Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids, teams with fellow doctors Marc Gracia and Alexandra Harris to provide a valuable service to the North Texas area: helping people hear the best they can every day! Danchak says there are two key factors that separate her practice from others in the area that provide audiology testing and hearing aid dispensing services. “First,” she says, “we know that people want good, consistent service. They want to meet with professionals that have proven their value to the community. We have more than 50 ‘5-star’ reviews on Google, Facebook and HealthyHearing.com - that gives those in need of hearing health care services a sense of confidence in us before their first appointment.” “Second, we provide the most comprehensive hearing health care program in North Texas. Our Complete Hearing Health Care Program includes all of the followup services someone needs to be successful with their investment in better hearing and with Kos/ Danchak Audiology - including free batteries for the lifetime of your hearing aids!” Danchak began working at Melissa KDA in 1997 and has owned the Danchak practice since 2002. “Susanne Kos, the original owner of the Kos/Danchak practice, was very well respected Audiology & Hearing Aids and trusted by many area 101 W. Randol Mill Road physicians,” Danchak says. 817-277-7039 “Those physicians referred northtxhearing.com patients to her on a monthly basis and continue to refer to us today. We are proud and certainly humbled by the trust these physicians place in us and maybe even more excited than anything else as physicians are paying close attention to the hearing health care needs of their patients - more than ever before! This practice has been helping people in North Texas hear the best they can for over 32 years. We’ve seen – and unfortunately continue to see – cheap imitations of hearing care come and go. We believe the consistency of these physicians referring to us has to do with our education, experience and success in helping people hear better.” The mission at Kos/Danchak Audiology is to provide comprehensive and individual hearing health care, while building long-term relationships with patients and their families based upon honesty, integrity, and respect. “We have over 32 successful years helping people hear better,” says Danchak. “Physicians in and around our community trust us. Our current patients refer their friends and family members to us every day. Our goal is to live our mission each day with the people we meet with. To walk with our patients along their better hearing journey, providing them, and their loved ones, with a better hearing experience for life.”

ARLINGTON TODAY • March 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

Photo courtesy of Gino’s East

Gino’s East Arlington 1360 E. Copeland Road • 817-200-6834 Ginoseast.com

Gino’s East Arlington

hen Kay Duggan and her daughter Lauren purchased Gino’s East in June 2016, their quest was to offer “Real Deep Dish Pizza in the Heart of Texas.” “Although the restaurant has a 50-year history in Chicago, we are the only Gino’s East in Texas,” Kay says. “It is a scratch kitchen – the dough, sauce, dressings are made in-house daily, and we have focused on hiring experts that can all create our signature Deep Dish pizzas.” Since purchasing the restaurant, Kay and Lauren have added a hugely popular private dining room for parties or business meetings. “In addition to our private room that can accommodate 50 people,” Kay says, “we have also reserved the entire restaurant for large parties.” Gino’s East offers a range of unique, Deep Dish options, including Meaty Legend, Chorizo, BBQ Brisket Za, Jalapeño Blue and the new “Double Deep Dish,” which is already gaining popularity. “‘DDD’ is a delicious upgrade on our medium pizzas,” Kay says. “There’s 33 percent more dough, 75 percent more cheese, double the toppings – a burst of rich flavor in every bite.” The eatery also has options for those who want something lighter. Its thin crust pizza, appetizers and salads are very popular. Gino’s East also offers frozen par-baked pizza to take and bake at home. “Our regular customers pre-order their pizzas, so they are ready for them at their table when they arrive,” Kay says, adding that she, Lauren and the 30plus staff members take special pride in taking care of everyone who visits the restaurant. All of the managers have trained in the original Chicago location on the Magnificent Mile, and two of the staff members, Keila and Hector Campos, have been with Gino’s East since the opening and are “our ‘Maestro Pizzaiolo’ master pizza makers,” Kay says. In addition to the veteran kitchen staff many Gino’s East servers are University of Texas at Arlington students. Kay says one word encapsulates Gino’s East’s philosophy: service. “Service to our customer through providing an exceptional experience based on quality food and a warm and welcoming environment, to our employees that are critical to our success and to the great Arlington community.”

Photo courtesy of Nicky Austin

The Austin Group - Ebby Halliday Realtors 1201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-229-7408 (Nicky) 817-229-0570 (Mike) • theaustingroup.ebby.com

Dan and Susan Serna at Globe Life Park

The Austin Group T

Ebby Halliday Realtors

he Austin Group with Ebby Halliday Realtors was founded in 1999 by Nicky Austin, and it became a family affair nine years later when Mike Austin came onboard. Nicky is a Broker Associate, while Mike is a Realtor. The company offers real estate services/consultation, selling residential real estate primarily in Tarrant County. Nicky says both she and Mike have a passion for building relationships with their clients, a trait that has made The Austin Group one of North Texas’ premier real estate companies. “It is not just bricks and mortar. It is about helping to guide clients through the biggest financial decision that most will ever make,” she says. “We believe that it is essential to tell clients what they need to hear rather than always what they want to hear. Our goal is to navigate the process to the point where the client can only focus on the excitement of the sale. They are not just a number or a sale ... we tend to get attached to our clients. We help them with referrals for just about any services you can imagine (from doctors to retail to kid activities and events). We want to be their resource and help to connect them to others.” Both longtime Arlington residents are extremely civically active. “We believe that you have to give back to your community to help continuously make it better for all who live, work and play there,” Nicky says. “You really do a disservice if you are not plugged in and know what is happening behind the scenes. I am kind of a numbers nerd. I study the Tarrant County Market daily. I feel like we have to be able to trend for our clients in order to help them make a sound investment. We tend to sell outside of the ‘box.’ If we have a client with a need/want and it is not something currently listed, then we research the area, identify the potential prospects and solicit those homes to see if they are interested in selling. It is a win/win for all involved.”

Remembering Dan Serna

rlington has lost one of the community’s consummate public servants. Dan Serna died last month after a long illness. Serna was a former member of the Arlington City Council serving during pivotal years that shaped the city’s future. Challenges to keep the Texas Rangers and the General Motors Plant operating in Arlington were met with the result being both of these critical resources expanding and thriving in the years that followed. After helping win voter approval for the development of a new ballpark for the Rangers, Serna was named a director of the Arlington Sports Facilities Development Corporation and was the ideal member of the entity that would arrange financing for the project. The result of its careful management was to see the debt repaid in less than half the time originally scheduled. That meant a new opportunity being available that would attract the attention of the Dallas Cowboys. Serna was among those who first spent time with the Cowboys, explaining why Arlington would be the best place for their new stadium and the expansion of the city’s tourism and entertainment economy. In addition to running a successful public accounting and auditing firm, he somehow found time to serve as a member of the Texas Tech Board of Regents, and as a director of JPS Hospital, Arlington Memorial Hospital, and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. And that was in addition to a number of other non-profit and community service organizations he served and supported throughout his life. Dan and his wife Susan enjoyed traveling together, but their greatest joy in recent years was to see both of their children happily married and the arrival of two grandsons. It was a natural extension of his love for baseball that memories would be made with them attending Rangers games. Former mayor Richard Greene summed up Dan’s impact on the community: “Arlington is a better place because Dan came our way. His legacy of service will live forever as an exemplary role model for others to follow.” arlingtontoday.com • March 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY