Page 1B • The Leader • September 7, 2013 • www.theleadernews.com
Surf’s still up
Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce calendar Breakfast Connection Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel 3000 North Loop West 6:30-8:30 a.m. Sept. 12 Speaker: Charles Alvarez Topic: The 3 Biggest Lead Generation Mistakes Businesses Make and How to Overcome Them
at Oak Forest institution after 45 years
Discover the equation that marketers are calling the most powerful tool in selling today. Charles will discuss the qualities that make up the key messages that every marketing campaign must have to attract more leads than ever before.
by Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com Lloyd Sandel, co-owner of the Surfhouse on West 34th Street with wife Carol, is both realistic and upbeat about the pastime that helps keep them in business. “Every place else is better [for surfing], but we’re better than Butte, Montana,” he said. For 45 years, surfers and skateboarders have come to the Surfhouse to get advice and gear for their passions. Lloyd, who spent some of his formative years surfing in California, started out fixing skateboards but soon was selling them. Carol Sandel says that with the closing of Pat Magee’s Surf Shop in Port Aransas, Texas, the Surfhouse is now the oldest surf shop in Texas. It’s the oldest skate shop, too. Three years after they married, the Sandels started their business on Spring Branch Drive. Six months later they relocated to 34th Street. “I was very familiar with Oak Forest,” said Carol. The Sandels shared the small strip mall with the Bamboo Lounge, a bakery, Oak Forest Lawn Mower Shop and Leo’s Flowers – all gone now. The candy shop has been a neighbor since 1982. Over the years, the Surfhouse has remained in business while competitors have closed their doors. “There used to be three other major shops in Houston and none in Galveston,” said Carol. “Now they’re all in Galveston.” She attributes their own perseverance to a huge surf community since the 1960s – a lot of whom still live in Houston – and the explosion of interest in skateboarding in the 1970s and 1980s. Lloyd and Carol Sandel have owned the Surfhouse since 1967. “Once you’ve been a surfer, you stay a surfer,” she said. “And when these guys are in their 40s, their kids are ready to go.” She notes the success of the (Photo by Betsy Denson) Texas Surf Camp as an example of how the younger generation is embracmaintains web cameras at Surfside and Galveston so that customers can see ing the sport. They get a lot of car guys, too. “Surfing and cars go together,” said Carol, what the surf is doing. The Sandels joke about the “rustic look” of their shop and talk about the pointing at all the model cars, which have been gifts from customers. On the skateboarding front, Carol is a big supporter of local talent. She cur- impassioned public who insists they keep the store just the way it is. “People will not let us change anything,” said Lloyd. “I attempted to change rently works with the Sowle Sisters, skateboard phenoms from Houston. What they sell the most of depends on the day. “Some days it’s all T-shirts,” the cash register, and started getting calls immediately. I had to bring the old said Carol. The Surfhouse carries their own brand now, with a logo that high- one back.” “You’ll get people who say ‘I put that sticker on the floor in 1983,’” said lights their longevity. They sell surfboards on consignment and also offer their own brand, which Carol. It’s this same nostalgia that brings fathers and grandfathers back with their Lloyd designs with a friend and gets made in California. Called Octagon, for the popular surfing site in Surfside, the boards are es- little ones. They insist that Lloyd put together their child’s first skateboard, pecially designed for Texas Gulf surf which is slow and mushy. “You need just like he did for them. Sometimes they even take pictures. One person who may, or may not, have visited the Surfhouse back in the substance under your feet,” said Carol. Lloyd says that people who are traveling for the first time to surf in Mexico day is Waltrip graduate Patrick Swayze. “He was not a surfer,” said Carol. “He or elsewhere often ask him how he thinks they’ll handle it. He tells them that was a dancer and a cowboy. But who would know? He was Buddy then, not surfing elsewhere is “too easy” after they’ve mastered our area. “You have to Patrick Swayze.” For more information about the Surfhouse, visit it on Facebook or at http:// work to be a good surfer here,” he said. He still rides the waves occasionally, when they are good. The Surfhouse www.surfhousesurfcam.com/.
Annual Meeting & Business After Hours Sponsored by St. Joseph Medical Center in the Heights 1917 Ashland St. 5-7 p.m. Sept. 19 Tour the area’s newest medical center and vote on important Chamber items at the annual meeting.
Member Orientation Heights Chamber Office 545 W. 19th St. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 25
New and veteran members can learn to maximize Chamber membership during this lunch session. Included are a review of the many opportunities to promote a business, which are automatically included in Chamber membership. No cost to attend, lunch provided. RSVP required.
Heights Young Professionals 6-8 p.m. Sept. 26 Black Finn American Grill 1910 Bagby St. Sponsored by Kress Employment Screening
Kick back with this energizing group that has a strong following. Join the social atmosphere, friendly smiles and networking opportunities.
2013 Heights Chamber Gala “Masquerade at Monte Carlo” 7 p.m. Sept. 27
Tuxedos, evening gowns and carnival masks are in order for the Chamber’s 26th annual gala, replicating the casino tables of Monte Carlo. Highlights will include awarding of first Achievement Awards and honoring charter members Contact Gala Chair Craig Atkinson at 713-864-4438 to donate or participate as a sponsor or auction item donor.
Making Waves Business Seminar Cruise Nov. 14-18
Mix business and pleasure on a Chamber-sponsored Caribbean cruise on Carnival’s recently refurbished Triumph. For information visit the Chamber website at www.heightschamber.com, or contact Doug or Kathy Burns at Culturally Creative Travel, 713-688-6793.
We have both been proud residents of Oak Forest for over 15 years. Thank you Oak Forest, Garden Oaks and The Heights for putting your trust in us to take care of your homes. Lin Fuller & Noël Paden -- Owners
Why our customers are Happy People:
713-665-MAID (6243) www.MaidHouston.com
Start by Saving
A $60 Savings
$20.00 off 1st 3 cleans New Client Weekly or Bi-Weekly service
Cannot be combined with any other discounts or coupons. Offer expires 10-31-2013
BBB Award of Excellence & A+ Rating “Happy People Promise” - 100% Guaranteed Simple Flat-Rate Pricing Keep It Local! Locally Owned & Operated Outstanding Customer Service Employees You Can Trust We’ve Got Your Back. Fully Bonded & Insured. (feel free to ask for details)