Business Journal 136 by d-mars.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

December 2018

Inspire, Inform & Educate

136th Edition

The $44 Million Man How One Attorney is Using His Past Sports Training to Win Court Cases

16-17

INSIDE

08 Project Row Houses Marks 25 Years

The Black Professional Alliance 9th Annual Toy Drive

14 3rd Annual Stilettos & Champagne

December 2018 | 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE d-mars.com is proud to share the success stories of African American businesses and civic and community leaders. We know that success does not always come easy and it is not always measured in money. How have you helped your fellow entrepreneur? Have you supported your locally-owned African American business? Have you donated to a nonprofit that is working in our underserved communities? Questions to think about and actions to take. This month’s issue highlights Bryon Alfred, an attorney at VB Attorneys

"I never feared about my skills because I put in the work. Work ethic eliminates fear. So if you put forth the work, what are you fearing? You know what you're capable of doing and what you're not."

in Houston. Alfred is a former University of Houston football player, and he uses his sports skills and passion as the foundation for his law career. Besides his mission for justice, Alfred also has a desire to change how African Americans are represented in the jury process as well as a desire to encourage young athletes to plan for life after sports. As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

—Michael Jordan

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BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kendra Wiseman PROJECT COORDINATORS Lindsey Ford Carly Hammack DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Floyd and Valerie Jones Noel Pinnock Stacey M. Brown (NNPA) Harry C. Alford and Kay DeBow (NNPA)

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City of Houston

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CONTENTS

OUR SERVICES

04 Business 04 Open for Business but also open for hackers? 05 BIH 06 Commentary: From Digital Desert to an Entreprenial Hub and the Rhetoric

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

06 In the Business Community… 06 Project Row Houses Mark 25 Years 10 The Black Professionals Alliance 9th Annual Toy Drive 14 3rd Annual Stilettos & Champagne 06 12 Community 12 Old Folks Saying 15 Fighting the good fight: 5 misconceptions about U.S. poverty 14 Finances 14 Simple ways to get your budget on track this holiday season 16-17 Cover Story 16-17 The $44 Million Man: How One Attorney is Using His Past Sports Training to Win Court Cases 19 Health 16 19 6 Things you should know about your health savings account (HSA) 20 Time saving tips and healthy tricks for the holiday baking 24 Travel 24 2 Girls Who Travel take Lake Charles, Louisiana

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• Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing

27 Technology 27 3 technology challenges for entrepreneurs and how to handle them 28 Stats are in: Credit card fraud is down 75% because of chip technology

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4 | December 2018 BUSINESS

Open for business but also open for hackers? software available to help small businesses do so. Some examples include:

By d-mars.com News Provider

rotection against cyber attacks is crucial for any small business. A surprising report says that the average small business website is attacked by bots 44 times a day; however, many small businesses can’t picture themselves as a target. It’s easy to think that only large companies are subject to cyber threats, and therefore, overlook developing cybersecurity systems and tools due to cost and lack of resources. Thus, this is the exact reason why hackers will target small businesses - they are expecting to find weaknesses. It is essential for small businesses to protect their data, develop backup measures, and build recovery plans to counteract cyber threats in order to reduce the risk of losing everything they’ve worked so hard to build. As technology continues to advance, small businesses need to consider what new technologies are best to help them, and protect critical business and customer information. There are several key areas for small businesses to focus on.

• Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 provides a hardware-based approach to automatically manage user authentication, network access and data protection and can provide a higher level of security than softwarebased security. • Fingerprint readers or facial recognition software for fast identification and/or dual authentication. • A server that defends IT networks with multi-layer protection to block unwanted content.

Without previous technology experience, it can be hard for a small business to know where to start when it comes to purchasing and implementing cybersecurity solutions. Working with an IT advisor can significantly help with these decisions.

Secureaccess access Secure

Securenetwork network Secure

Customer and business data needs to be protected at all times and everywhere it lives within the business. Cyber attackers use automated-malware to constantly search for weaknesses in data security and then employ ransomware to seize data and systems to extort billions of dollars a year from businesses around the world. According to the FBI, more than 4,000 attacks occur every day. Technology features such as strong passwords, multi-factor authentication and time locks can help secure points of access, and there is a wide variety of hardware and

Along with protecting access points, network data also needs to be protected at all times. Keeping a network secure protects valuable customer data. Businesses can most effectively do so by leveraging encryption, which scrambles the data into unreadable code on your wireless network, making it more difficult for hackers to intrude on your information. Any kind of compromise to customer data can take down a small business; thus, taking strong precautions is crucial.

Data backup backup and and recovery recovery Data Small businesses often do not back up their data. According to the FCC, nearly half of small businesses report that they never back

up data. This puts small businesses at a major risk of losing key information if a data breach or disaster event ever occurs. Threats to data can come from cyber attacks, natural disasters or even user error. Making backup copies of data is like having an insurance policy to help ensure your business is able to continue operating under all types of circumstances. Proactive d at a pro tection and backup can help small bu s i ne s s e s reduce the risk of downtime, lost production and even loss of customers. Cloud backup services like MozyPro can automatically detect and back up new and changed files from laptops and servers even after the initial file is uploaded. This can provide a second line of defense against malware attacks. Management, compliance and other reporting requirements can be met, and the need for additional storage hardware can be reduced.

Stayingprotected protected Staying Keeping up with the fast pace of technological change can be difficult, but embracing and adapting new technologies can improve efficiency and provide a competitive advantage. Data backup and cybersecurity can protect business information from threats and keep systems running smoothly, something every small business needs. For more on how you can improve cybersecurity where you work, contact Dell Small Business and find out how smart, secure tech can empower your company. (BPT)

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December 2018 | 5 HEALTH

By Noel Pinnock Contributing Writer

ave you ever experienced from BIH? You don’t know what that is, but in this article, I believe it is incredibly important that I help expose you this chronic illness that is running rampant throughout many organization. Boss Induced Hypertension or BIH could increase the risk of coronary heart disease by one sixth and the risk of stroke by 33%. A recent study suggests that poor management increases both the amount of sick leave and creates a greater risk of heart attack. In an ongoing, global Gallup survey poorly management groups are on average 50% less productive and 44% less profitable than their well-managed and lead counterparts. One would think that your boss would be a perfect candidate to provide the support necessary for you to accomplish not only the organization’s goals but also your personal goals. I can remember one of my bosses who promoted me into my dream position but wanted to hold the reigns so tight, I truly believed he was my Siamese twin. Now, I do have a twin, but this brother was so tight and rigid, that I could do no right albeit, my accomplishments were well-felt, recognized and appreciated throughout the organization of over 20 thousand employees. He held me captive, subterfuge my authority every chance he had, and would be the source of bullshift, the “f” is silent. To make matters worse, he was blinded by his own ignorance and hubris. He created a very hostile environment and made it almost unbearable for me to enjoy my career ascent. What was apparent was that he had been exposed to the wrong style of managing people and may have abandoned some of his core principles that provided him a compass to make it as far as he did in his career, but careers shouldn’t be measured by the peaks that you reach but the people you teach and help reach their full potential. Mark Twain once stated, “The trouble with the world is not that people know too little, but they know so much STUFF that ain’t so!” This is very true today especially as it relates to building our future. It appears that we have lost the thread that was woven in the tapestry of sustaining and cultivating communities that work for the

BIH

betterment of its residing constituents. I can remember when mentoring and encouraging others was a cultural norm rather than a special event. Neighbors looked after one another and lessons from yester-years were shared openly and candidly. The African proverbial phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child,” is certainly applicable at levels of our life, and is not limited to young children, teens, or young adolescents and is by no means exclusive to a specific gender, class, or ethnic group. It originated from the Nigerian Igbo culture and proverb “Ora na azu nwa,” which means it takes the village to raise a child. The Igbo’s also name their children “Nwa ora” which means child of the community. You see, the blueprint of our existence was established on this village philosophy; whereby, everyone in the vil-

lage played an integral role in the lives of everyone in the village despite gender, class, and other demographical differences. Encouragement was a cultural norm and direction and guidance was unbiased and non-selective. Nowadays, it appears that this blueprint of building our communities has become a faded image on the easel. People really just do not care about each other anymore. Many people believe in the “me too” mentality and assisting others reach their goals, breakthrough the glass ceiling is almost extinct. We need to re-engage the people in our communities because our villages continue to expand everyday. Take the time out to mentor someone and encourage him/her to mentor someone else in the and continue this process until everyone in your sphere of influence has been reached. With the advent of social media mediums like Facebook and Linked-in as well as wireless apps, connecting with people could not be easier. It doesn’t really

take a lot of time to send a message of encouragement or offer a suggestion on an education/career decision. All it takes is an unyielding desire to sincerely care about someone else’s future. The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for the pharaohs and their queens. There are about eighty pyramids known today from ancient Egypt. The three largest and best-preserved of these were built at Giza at the beginning of the Old Kingdom. For thousands of years, the largest structures on earth were pyramids. The most well-known of these pyramids was built for the pharaoh Khufu. It is known as the ‘Great Pyramid;’ however, these pyramids cannot be rebuilt despite our technological advances and sophisticated software application because the blueprints could never be found. If the architects of one the world’s most prized wonders would have left the blueprints, then we would be able to duplicate them exactly as they were constructed in the past. So, I submit to you that these conditions can be applied to creating an epidemic of hope. We don’t have to re-invent the wheel and if we borrow the blueprints from our forefathers and mothers then unlike those who tried to reconstruct the pyramids, we will not only be able to duplicate what they did but do it even better; especially, if we want to see tangible and significant advancements for our future and our children’s future…because it was the smallest encounters in our lives that have had the most profound effect on us! Wouldn’t you agree? If you do, then ask the question, are you ready and if you are, then…#getatit

Malcolm Gladwell in the Tipping Point

Malcolm Gladwell the Tipping Point described thein conditions of described creatingthe conditions of creating an epidemic and identified three an epidemic and identified three major major factors that contribute to epidemics:

factors that contribute to epidemics:

Changedoesn’t doesn’thappen happengradually graduallybut 1. 1.Change but dramatically dramatically 2. Youhave havetotohave havesomething somethingcontagious contagious 2. You 3.3.Small Smallthings thingshave havebig bigeffects effects

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6 | December 2018 BUSINESS

Commentary: From a Digital Desert to an

Entrepreneurial Hub and the Rhetoric

Mr. Alford is the Co-Founder, President & CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. Ms. DeBow is the Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the NBCC. By Harry C. Alford & Kay DeBow NNPA

he National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has launched a prototype project that, if successful, will transform minority, lowincome and rural communities from forgotten places into entrepreneurial hubs of economic innovation. Our goal is to create communities with access to 5G technology, integrated into low-income housing, job training and access to telemedicine and social services. It will all be done with private sector resources. If this prototype is successful, it will revolutionize economic development in these distressed areas. We have narrowed the search for the city, we have political and church support. We have private sector developers who will bid on the project. The vision is to organize a private sector prototype to transform low-income, minority and rural communities from forgotten places into entrepreneurial hubs of economic innovation by creating communities with access to 5G technology that is integrated into low-income housing, job training and access to telemedicine and social services. There is an urgent need to enhance minority, low-income and rural communities. While these communities suffer from poor schools, low educational levels, high unemployment, drug abuse and many other problems, these problems can only get worse as automation and artificial intelligence further penetrate society. Moreover, recent studies indicate that in the next decade over 50% of the working population will work as “freelancers”. To address the future these minority, low-income and rural communities need to develop a path that creates jobs in their communities. The top-down approach has failed after 65 years of government funding. How would a bottom-up approach work? The foundation of the prototype is to develop technology (cell towers and small cell 5G technology) and low-income housing in a community to provide the community jobs that have access to the world. The

technology without people and workers is useless. Housing without technology is just another housing project. It is the combination that provides a future to the community. The prototype financing would be provided by the developers of the specific parts of the project. The primary form of financing for the housing portion of the experiment would be the sale of federal low-income housing tax credits, a small mortgage, and hopefully the donation of the land by the city. The cell towers would be financed by the attachments to the towers. Generally, the combination of the proceeds from the sale of the tax credits along with the subsidized rents supports the entire cost of the housing. If the area is extremely poor, such as an area we are looking at in the Mississippi Delta as well as a few urban centers, there can be a 10% deficit that has to be filled with state housing tax credits, if available in the state, or by a foundation or cross-subsidy from the revenues of the cell towers. Jobs would be created in the construction of the project, the long-term management of the

housing units and with the addition of 5G technology the community would have the ability to create technology jobs and market their products to the world. Without access to high-speed broadband, minority and low-income communities will be permanently stuck in a wasteland which has few jobs, few skills, few employers and little access to education. Recent studies indicate that in the next decade over 50% of the U.S. working

population will work as “freelancers”. To address the future these minority, low-income and rural communities need to develop a path that helps them create jobs in their communities.

“...technology without people and workers is useless. Housing without technology is just another housing project or Digital Desert. It is the combination that provides a future to the community.” These minority and low-income communities do not have the money to build their own telecommunications infrastructure or housing. The federal government has talked about funding rural broadband for years but with little success. Now a bipartisan group of Senators is actively promoting the AIRWAVES Act to fund 5G technology in low-income and rural areas with revenues from the auctions that sell spectrum, the fruits of those very needed efforts are most likely years in the future. Minority and rural communities certainly do not have the time to wait for government funding. We must see if the private sector can do it now. If the prototype project is successful, the NBCC will work with communities across the country that want to overcome impediments to success. Armed with an honest assessment of what they want to become NBCC will work with them to persuade those with resources to invest in their entrepreneurial vision. Not possible? Well, every major social change starts with a different vision of the future. It’s now time to apply creative thinking to transforming these forgotten people and communities into entrepreneurial hubs. (NNPA)

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8 | December 2018

In the Business Community…

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Project Row Houses Marks 25 Years This year highlights a historic milestone for Project Row Houses. They have marked 25 years of transformation, and growth in the historic Third Ward Community of Houston, Texas. Project Row Houses stand firm on embracing African American Art, History, and Culture. Although their mission remains at the core of housing development, they are committed to being adaptive and responsive to an ever evolving community. In celebration of the 25 year milestone, the organization reflects on the past commitments, current responsibilities, and plans for the future. As a catalyst for the community, Project Row Houses will use its mark to embed longevity in the Third Ward community and continue to celebrate the culture of our shared neighborhood. Project Row Houses hosted a series of events that highlighted the history of Third Ward throughout the 2018 Year. The anniversary celebration concluded with a 25th Anniversary Gala, held November 2018

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December 2018 | 9

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In the Business Community…

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The Black Professionals Alliance 9th Annual Toy Drive The Black Professionals Alliance hosted its 9th annual Holiday Social and Toy Drive at the Revention Music Center on November 29. This event was attended by black professionals and entrepreneurs coming together to support a good cause and network with other guests. This year’s event had over 2,000 attendees and a collection of over 1,000 toys to be distributed to seven different children’s organizations in Houston including Blue Triangle, Ensemble Theatre and Congresswoman Shelia Jackson’s charity organization. Also, in attendance was special guest Dr. George C. Fraser, a renowned speaker and author dedicated to the African American community and their success in the business and financial world. This year’s event was another great success, and d-mars and the BPA are looking forward to next year!

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12 | December 2018 COMMUNITY

Many Hands Make Light Work

Jenny is the mother of a pair of beautiful twins. A boy, Jonny and a girl, Jane. Jonny and Jane play regularly in their play room, it’s their favorite room in the house. Every night before bed mom makes Jonny and Jane clean up the playroom. The two would bicker all night that each had more toys so they needed to do most of the cleaning. After a while, mom got tired of all of the relentless back and forth every night, she made a schedule. Both kids would take a turn and clean up

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each day. The new schedule lasted only a week before the two would argue again about who had more toys. Mom exclaimed, “Many hands make light work.” She then explained, if they both worked together at cleanup time it would take half of the time, and half of the effort. The next day after play time, Jonny and Jane worked as a team to pick up all of the toys in a faster time and made room for more story time with their parents.

HOW THE SEARS CATALOG REVOLUTIONIZED African American Shopping under Jim Crow

This is the story of American Capitalism. During the 1800s Sears was a common storefront for working class Americans, it was the first place people would go to get a credit card. Most department stores and banks refrained from giving access to credit for Black Americans. Regulation around Jim Crow was organized around consumption and dictating who gained access to credit programs. Sears provided a sense of safety for African Americans that was not provided by local department stores where it was a risk for Blacks to be harmed, mistreated, or told what to buy. The Sears Catalog was established in 1895, it offered clothing, shoes, tools, equipment and more for fair prices and credit. But the unique aspect was that the catalog was exclusive to blacks and other minorities, which undermined the control of Jim Crow. The catalog even included a message for immigrants that spoke a different language. The Ad expressed that at Sears they were

inclusive and hap employees that could speak every language to get them their order. Some of the challenges faced within the Shopping Revolution were within the Postal Services. Although minorities were allowed to shop through the catalog some postman would make it difficult for them to send their orders by not accepting the money orders or holding on to the deliveries. At some point they even provided incentives for citizens to turn in their catalog and not shop with Sears. In other cities the town would prepare a bonfire to burn all of the catalogs to stop blacks from gaining access to goods. None of the antics were successful and didn’t discourage African Americans from shopping. Sears efforts to resist white supremacy and increase financial access for Blacks was successful.

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Health care you can count on. 1-800-600-4441 (TTY 711)

www.myamerigroup.com/tx

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14 | December 2018 FINANCES

SIMPLE WAYS to get your budget on track this HOLIDAY SEASON By d-mars.com News Provider

mericans will have lots to celebrate this holiday season, with unemployment rates at an all-time low and consumer confidence on the rise. According to The Annual Retail Sales Forecast for the Holiday Season from Deloitte, retailers have their sights on sales of more than $1.1 trillion. We all get caught up in the spirit of giving, yet the most wonderful time of year is also one of the most stressful financially. But holiday spending doesn’t have to break the bank - a little planning can let you enjoy and be merry.

HERE’S A CHECKLIST TO GET STARTED: Budget for big purchases • Credit cards: Divide up the big-ticket items. Buy them across several off-season months and pay your balance in full. • Free shipping: Some online retailers offer free shipping with orders over a certain amount. In late December, some retailers have been known to offer free shipping days with guaranteed delivery by Christmas. • Delayed financing: Look for store credit card promotions that offer low interest rates or delayed financing on large purchases. Pay it down over time without incurring interest. • Online tools: Struggling to budget alone? Explore online services like Nummo, which can help you consolidate your accounts and keep track of your finances.

Save with coupons and deals • Save: There’s always the old-fashioned way of saving a little money each month throughout the year, and then spending what you’ve saved. Or save in advance for the more expensive items. • Credit cards: Redeem credit card points for gift cards you can use for your holiday shopping; alternatively, offer up specific store gift cards as a present. • Delayed offers: Retailers are tracking what you do online, and often if you leave something in your shopping cart, the retailer will come back with a reminder followed by a discounted offer. • In-store shopping days: Black Friday has always been a big shopping day, so you might want to ask your favorite retailers what they have planned ahead of time. Some big-box retailers begin their Black Friday promotions on the Wednesday before, with extended store hours, and might even be open on Thanksgiving. Also, don’t forget to shop local on Small Business Saturday - your favorites stores may have the best bargains yet. • Online shopping days: Online retailers offer significant discounts on days like Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday. Buy now, pay later • Credit card rates: If you are going to apply for a new card, check introductory offers for rates,

balance transfer opportunities and delayed financing options. • Store credit cards: Often when you open a card at checkout, you receive a discount on your entire purchase. Store cards also offer coupons and deals throughout the holiday season if you use your store credit card. That said, make sure not to keep a balance for long, as store credit cards can have higher interest rates. Holiday spending still causing you stress? The experts at Nummo can help you manage, maintain and improve your financial health for the holidays and beyond. (BPT)

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3rd Annual Stilettos & Champagne Stilettos & Champagne is the annual signature fundraising and relationshipbuilding gala of the year for This Woman’s Work. Inspirational and empowering to all who attend, Stilettos & Champagne highlights the importance to honor people who may often be overlooked and underappreciated in their efforts to better the community. This marks the third year for the fabulous shoe-essential gala giving fashionistas and shoe lovers a reason to get dressed up and support the empowerment of women and girls. People were cheered, loved-on and deeply appreciated for giving their three greatest gifts: time, talent, and treasure.

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December 2018â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 15 COMMUNITY

Fighting the good fight: 5 misconceptions about U.S. poverty By d-mars.com News Provider

Many Americans will pass right by the Red Kettles and ringing bells of The Salvation Army this season. Some simply have little money to spare for those in need this year. But others will consciously opt out because of misconceptions about why so many Americans - 39.7 million people, a full 12.3 percent of the U.S. population - are still living below the poverty threshold. One prevailing myth is that most of the poverty-stricken are unemployed people living off government benefits by choice. But research has repeatedly shown most Americans would prefer employment over welfare. Of U.S. residents living below the poverty line, some 25 million are adults with disabilities, 18 million are children, 6.7 million are among the "working poor" and a good number of others are struggling to recover from medical emergencies, job losses and other financial setbacks. "Ask us why the poor are poor, and we have a response quick at the ready, grasping for this palliative of explanation," Matthew Desmond notes in the New York Times. "Rather than hold itself accountable, America reverses roles by blaming the poor for their own miseries." Some other common misconceptions about poverty in the U.S.:

Myth: No one in America really goes hungry. Food stamps, food kitchens and food shelves help stem the problem, but can't eliminate hunger entirely. At least one in seven U.S. households suffered from food hardship in 2016-2017, reports the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index.

Myth: The poor are best represented by homeless people and those living on the street. In fact, many of the poverty-stricken have housing, hold down jobs and are trying their hardest to get ahead, but can't generate enough income to support their families. Myth: Poor people aren't as motivated. Research has shown over and over that poverty stems not from a lack of initiative, but from a wide scope of other factors including low wages, lack of jobs, poor school quality, high childcare costs, a racialized criminal justice system and discrimination in the labor market. "While grit may have ushered you up the socioeconomic ladder in

every American has an equal chance to succeed in life. In truth, poor children begin their journeys at high risk for physical, social, emotional and behavioral problems attributed to lack of nutrition, physical stimulation and/ or emotional development. And those challenges can be difficult to overcome as they grow up and attempt to break the cycle of poverty.

Myth: Being poor in the U.S. is better than being poor in other countries. That may be true when we compare our living conditions to those in some developing nations, but the U.S. doesn't manage its poverty problem nearly as well as most other wealthy nations. UNICEF recently reported, for example, that the U.S. has a greater percentage of "food-insecure" children than 35 of our richest neighbors. Such misconceptions may take awhile to refute, but in the meantime, compassionate organizations like The Salvation Army are fighting every day to offer Americans food, shelter, clothing, supplies and a range of other services. Last year the 153-year-old nonprofit was able to assist more than 23 million people in need in the U.S., spending an admirable 82 cents of each dollar it receives to support community service programs.

the late 19th century, it's no longer up to the task today," writes Stephen Pimpare in the Washington Post.

Myth: Growing up in poverty has no lasting effect on children. Many believe in the outmoded idea that

This season, join the #FightForGood by donating to The Salvation Army's 128th Annual Red Kettle Campaign whenever you see bell ringers out and about. You can also donate online throughout the year, or contribute over the phone by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. (BPT)

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16 | December 2018

The $44

How One Attorney is Usin By Carly Hammack Staff Writer

yron Alfred’s life was dedicated to sports. He played football throughout college as a starting offensive lineman for the University of Houston and even had NFL aspirations. But when knee and shoulder injuries derailed that dream, Alfred was faced with the daunting question of “what am I going to do now?” Being from the refinery town of Port Arthur, his

“I don’t attribute my success to being this super smart lawyer or a guy that was just destined to have this type of success,” he said. “Really, I just have a relentless work ethic, and I always try to out work my opponents.” Byron Alfred

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initial plan was to pursue a career in electrical engineering, but when that did not work out he decided law school was his next step. “I went to law school without any kind of understanding of what it meant to be an attorney,” Alfred said. “I did not have any lawyers in my family, and I hadn’t been raised up around any attorneys. But my brother and I decided we were going to go to law school together. We took every class together, and we are now both practicing attorneys in Houston.” Alfred went to South Texas College of Law where he passed the bar exam in December 2012 and completed him law degree in 2013. While attending law school he competed in and won championships in his school’s Moot Court program, while also holding a full-time job. His first job in the field of law was with Judge Alex SmootsThomas, a judge in the 164th District Court in Harris County. Here, Alfred was able to get his first taste of a career in the court room. He had the opportunity to watch around 30 to 40 trials from start to finish, and this experience is what helped him decide that litigation was what he wanted to pursue. After he stopped working for the judge, he went to work for the oldest personal injury law firm in the state of Texas. There Alfred worked with some of the top attorneys in Texas and looked to them for career mentorship. Upon graduation, Alfred accepted a job at VB Attorneys and has been working there for the past six years. With the help and guidance of some very successful

4 Million Man December 2018 | 17

ing His Past Sports Training to Win Court Cases attorneys at this firm, he has established himself as an accomplished and sought-after attorney with a reputation for regularly achieving seven-figure verdicts and settlements for his clients. His largest recovery to date was a total of $44,370,000 for a case regarding a fatality at the ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery. “About two and half years of work went into this case. It was a very substantial verdict and outcome for this family,” Alfred said. “I was fortunate to try this case as co-lead attorney with Vuk Vujasinovic. It was a tough fought case with three different defendants. This was our first trial together, and it turned out to be both of our largest verdicts. I’d say we made a great trial team.” Some of Alfred’s other multi-million-dollar settlements and recoveries include one with another major refinery after several workers were injured in a catastrophic explosion and another that ended up being one of the largest settlements in Texas in 2015, which involved a pool drowning incident that happened here in Houston. Alfred credits a lot of his success to his sports background, saying that all the training he endured instilled in him an untraditional work ethic that allows him to approach his cases with the same intensity and dedication he had while playing football. “I don’t attribute my success to being this super smart lawyer or a guy that was just destined to have this type of success,” he said. “Really, I just have a relentless work ethic,

“And to see a half black jury, in a case as difficult as this one, come out with this result, I was just so proud for them.” Byron Alfred

and I always try to out work my opponents.” Although attaining such large recoveries for his clients is a great achievement for Alfred, he also has another passion: getting more African Americans to participate in the jury process. “I usually don’t get a chance to see many people of color in the jury pool, so that amounts to us not having as many people of color on the actual jury,” Alfred said. Progress is being made, however. In the $44 million case against the ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery, there were six African American members on the jury, an amount that is almost unheard of.

“It is a passion of mine to involve as many people of color as possible, particularly African American people, in the legal process,” he said. “And to see a half black jury, in a case as difficult as this one, come out with this result, I was just so proud for them.” Alfred chooses to take a personal approach to all his cases. Refinery cases represent a large portion of his practice, and refineries are something he has been around his entire life. His father is retiring from the same refinery that Alfred’s grandfather retired from. “For about the last 75 years, there has been an Alfred man working in the refineries down in Port Arthur,” Alfred said. “So, when I’ve taken these refinery cases, I take a little bit of a personal approach to them. I have a lot of experience to draw from after hearing my dad talk about these things throughout my life. Living with a refinery worker and always being concerned with refinery work safety gave me a bit of a head start.” Alfred also finds that

getting to know the family members involved in his cases and, to a certain extent, mourning alongside them motivates him to work as hard as he does. He also has his wife, Talia, and 2-year old daughter, Giselle, to keep him going through all the legal work and time constraints that come in addition to the emotional toll from his cases. “There is no way possible that I could do anything I’ve done without Talia being as dedicated and supportive as she is to me and our family,” Alfred said. When Alfred isn’t working on a case, he is back home in Port Arthur helping the community. His main community interest is mentoring high school and college athletes on life after sports and maximizing the things they learned and can apply to their work life. “I want these athletes to see that they can be successful even after their sports career is over,” Alfred said. “I’ve found that a lot of the guys I played sports with are doing extremely well in their careers, and I think that is a testament to the training we’ve all endured and the good habits we’ve picked up from sports.” Whether he is in the courtroom or out in the field helping the community, Alfred uses his passion and training from sports as the foundation for how he operates. He uses the same intensity and strength needed to win a championship football game to bring home a $44, 370,000 verdict. He has established a reputation of not only being a hard worker but also a winner, and he is just getting started.

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December 2018 | 19 HEALTH

6 things you should know about your health savings account (HSA) are also income tax free. Depending on how much is set aside (for 2019, contribution limits are $3,500 for an individual and $7,000 for a family, over 55 can add an additional $1,000), these cumulative tax savings can add up to serious money over time.

By d-mars.com News Provider

or many families, health care is a major expense, even with health insurance coverage. There’s a great solution that can help financially prepare you for out-of-pocket costs, and it may be right there in your wallet: A health savings account. “A health savings account is a valuable tool that can help you manage health care expenses for you and your family,” says Deb Culhane, President and CEO, Optum Bank. “If your employer offers health savings accounts, or HSAs, it’s well worth looking into how this account can help you save and pay for your family’s health care needs today and in the future, income tax free.” Perhaps you’re one of the people who recently enrolled in a health savings account under a qualifying highdeductible health plan, but you’re not exactly sure how it works or how to use it. With these tips and insights, you can reap the most benefit from your health savings account.

1. Familiarize yourself with your plan. If you have a health insurance plan with a health savings account, make sure you know how to check your balance and use the money toward your next prescription refill or doctor visit. If you’re unsure, your employer’s human resources department can help you.

2. Once you start saving, the money is there to pay your health expenses As the name implies, money in a health savings account can help you pay out-of-pocket costs for a doctor’s visit,

5. It can help you plan for retirement hospital stay and prescription drugs. It can also be used for other qualified medical expenses related to dental and vision. What many people don’t realize, though, is health savings account funds can be used for your family’s well-being. Contact lens solution and acupuncture are just a couple of the qualified medical expense uses for health savings account funds. (For a complete list, visit www.irs.gov or https://optum.co/429fz.)

3. The money you save stays with you If you have experience with a similar benefit known as the flexible spending account (FSA), you may be concerned about meeting an annual deadline to spend all your money in the account. The upside of health savings accounts is that you don’t “use it or lose it.” If you don’t spend it, you can keep it. Even if you change jobs, move or get married, your health savings account goes with you.

4. Did you know there are triple tax savings? First, each contribution - which can be withdrawn from the paycheck and deposited into the health savings account - is pre-tax. Second, any interest earnings are also income tax-free. Finally, unlike some retirement accounts, fund withdrawals to pay for health care costs

Learn about your plan’s investment options, because this is where your savings can really take off. Turning 65 unlocks more benefits, including the ability to use health savings account funds to pay for some Medicare premiums or long-term care.

6. You can shop around to find a plan that’s best for you You can open your own health savings account as long as you have a qualifying health insurance plan. When shopping around, comparing details, such as access to low-fee investment options, accounts with no surprise fees, and the availability of tech tools like Alexa or Google Home or an easy-to-use mobile app, can help you reach your decision. Bottom line, a health savings account is a valuable tool to help you manage your health care costs and plan for your future. It’s worth talking to your human resources representative and your financial planner to make sure you’re getting the most from your health savings account. If you’re interested in learning if an Optum Bank health savings account is right for you, start by visiting OptumBank.com. (BPT)

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20 | December 2018 HEALTH

TIME-SAVING TIPS AND HEALTHY TRICKS FOR HOLIDAY BAKING

‘Tis the season for cookies, cakes, candies and more! By d-mars.com News Provider

hose delectable treats are an iconic part of celebrations big and small. Whether you want to cozy up by the fire with your favorite confection or bring a few batches to the school bake sale, you’re bound to be baking like crazy this time of year. With visions of holiday cookies dancing in your head, you know that means you’ll have to carve out time to make all those goodies. Don’t stress at the thought of a packed schedule and the temptation of too many unhealthy treats. Registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner shares some smart tips to save time while also creating better baking that provides rich flavors and higher quality nutrients.

Streamline by planning ahead

First, consider designating a part of your cabinet or pantry to your holiday baking supplies and let family members know it’s off limits. There’s nothing worse than starting a recipe only to realize an ingredient you need became a snack two days prior. Those nuts, dried fruit and chocolate can be tempting! So, stock up on high-quality ingredients and add a note to deter tempted snackers if necessary. Another tip: Bake what you can ahead of time. “There are many holiday cookies that freeze beautifully,” says Blatner. “That means you can start your baking weeks ahead of time and be ready for celebrations of all kinds. Just remember to thaw the day prior so that your baked goods are ready to go.”

Get better results with better eggs

“Fresh ingredients are the key to superior baking and eggs are the perfect example,” says Blatner. She recommends Eggland’s Best eggs because they are the only eggs that have double the omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs. Omega-3s are classified as “essential” fatty acids because they are important for maintaining good health and the body cannot make them on its own. Omega-3s also enhance baking as they improve emulsifying qualities. More than just Omega-3s, Eggland’s Best eggs have 25 percent less saturated fat, six times more vitamin D, 10 times more vitamin E and more than double the amount of vitamin B12. That means no matter what recipe you use them in, you’ll be improving the nutritional profile of your holiday treats.

Use simple swaps for healthier results

Making more nutritious cookies can be as simple as swapping out a few key ingredients. Consider chocolate, a popular ingredient in holiday desserts. Instead of buying milk or white chocolate, use dark chocolate in recipes. “Dark chocolate is lower in sugar content and contains important antioxidants that are good for your heart,” Blatner says. Another smart swap is to switch out some or all of your recipe’s white all-purpose flour for whole-wheat alternatives. This pumps up the fiber content of your recipes. “Whole-wheat flour is a good option to keep on hand in the pantry,” says Blatner. “For cookies with a more delicate texture, consider using a finely milled whole-wheat pastry flour.”

Find recipes with low prep time or prepahead qualities

Holiday baking is a fun tradition whether you do it solo or plan a cookie day with the kids. To save time and reduce stress, look for simpler recipes or ones that offer you the ability to do steps ahead of time. With this Eggland’s Best recipe for classic cut-out sugar cookies, you can make the dough the day before so you’re ready to dive into the fun the day of, baking and decorating the cookies.

HOLIDAY CUT-OUT SUGAR COOKIES Ingredients: COOKIES: ¾ cup butter (softened) ¾ cup vegetable oil 1 cup white sugar 2 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large) 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup sour cream 6 cups white flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

Directions: COOKIES:

In a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, shortening and sugar until fluffy and pale in color. Add in the eggs, vanilla and sour cream and mix until combined. Add the baking powder, salt and flour (one cup at a time), mixing until everything is evenly incorporated. Cover and chill the dough, preferably overnight for best results. Preheat the oven to 350 F. On a lightly floured surface roll the dough out to a ¼ - or ½-inch thickness. Cut into holiday shapes with a cookie cutter. Transfer cookies to a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and move cookies to a rack to cool.

FROSTING:

In a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, and mix until combined. Add the salt, egg whites, vanilla and lemon juice and beat until ingredients are incorporated. Spread over cooled cookies, sprinkle with colored sugar and serve immediately. (BPT)

FROSTING: ½ cup vegetable shortening 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

pinch of salt ⅓ cup Eggland’s Best Liquid Egg Whites 1 teaspoon vanilla small squeeze of lemon juice

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22â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; December 2018

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24 | December 2018 TRAVEL

2 Girls Who Travel Take Lake Charles, Louisiana By Valerie Jones and Kim Floyd 2 Girls Who Travel

hen people think of good food and fun in Louisiana, the first city that usually springs to mind is New Orleans. Now don’t get us wrong, we LOVE New Orleans, but a slightly closer drive down I-10 from Houston (only 2.5 hours) in Southwest Louisiana is Lake Charles. Lake Charles has great food, casinos and some pretty cool things to do! Take a look at our guide for places to stay, things to do and what to eat.

WHERE WHERETOTOSTAY: STAY 1. L’Auberge Casino Resort, 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601

– Well-appointed rooms, a casino, Contraband Bayou Golf Club, an 18-hole championship Tom Fazio course, eight restaurants, a world class spa and fantastic outdoor pool area… What more could you want?

WHERE TOTO EAT:EAT WHERE 1. Jack Daniels Bar & Grill, L’Auberge Casino Resort,

777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles – Definitely have the chargrilled oysters or the baked au gratin oysters with shrimp, crawfish and blue crab on top! Yes, please!

2. The Bekery, 206 W. 11th St., Lake Charles, LA

70601 - The quiche is absolutely delicious and definitely try the cinnamon rolls. Plus they have a super cute patio for dining al fresco.

3. Crying Eagle Brewing Co, 1165 E. McNeese St.,

Lake Charles, LA 70607 – Yes, they have excellent craft beer… but don’t sleep on their “What the Fig?!” pizza with black mission figs, prosciutto, bacon jam, mozzarella, goat sheet and topped with arugula! Amazing!

4. Blue Dog Cafe, 609 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA 2. Golden Nugget Lake Charles, 2550 70601 – To start, get the bag of cracklin’, seafood

Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601 – This Landry’s family hotel has a casino, some great restaurants (Vic & Anthony’s, Saltgrass, Cadillac Mexican Kitchen and more), an 18hole golf course, and a lazy river, beach and marina!

3. Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, 2717 Delta Downs Drive, Vinton, LA

70668 – Horse racing, slot and video machines, cool live entertainment calendar, aquatic center and tasty dining options. Our favorite was the Lookout Restaurant. Be sure to stop in for drinks at the Rosewater Grill & Tavern.

wontons and the cast-iron heirloom cornbread. For an entrée, you really can’t go wrong - our favorite was the crawfish enchiladas.

5. La Truffe Savage, 7076, 815 W Bayou Pines Dr,

Lake Charles, LA 70601 – Fine dining in Southwest Louisiana. Have the pan sautéed crab cake and the pan roasted wild gulf red snapper. The slow braised beef short rib is also a winner!

4. The Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel, 100 Westlake Ave., Westlake, LA 70669 – It’s all about fun at the Isle of Capri! There are slots, gaming tables and video poker plus free live entertainment every Friday and Saturday.

WHAT WHAT TO TO DO: DO 1. Creole Nature Trail, 180 miles of vast marshlands, Gulf beaches, alligators, birds and wildflowers. It’s been called a “Louisiana Outback.”

2. Mardi Gras Museum, 809 Kirby, Lake Charles, LA 70601 – Museum has a large collection of intricate and detailed Mardi Gras costumes through the years from various krewes. 3. Grosse Savanne Eco-tours, 1730 Big Pasture Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70607 – Unlimited access to a both fresh and salt water marshes, cypress swamps, native coastal prairies, pine forest plantations and agricultural lands. You can hike on the private nature trails, schedule a marsh tour or do some insta-worthy photography of some rare wildlife. 4. Visit the Bayou Rum Distillery, 20909 South I-10 Frontage Road, Lacassine, LA 70650 – It’s the largest private rum distillery in the US. They offer free distillery tours, a rum tasting bar and fully-stocked gift shop. Armed with a love for culture, adventure, food, arts and entertainment – and equipped with a laptop, camera and multiple cellular devices – 2 Girls Who Travel has a mission to share their journey with the world. Throughout their travels, they conduct exclusive interviews, write about cool finds, give destination-specific travel tips and provide their takes on the best food and drinks and so much more. Follow us at www.2GirlsWhoTravel.com!

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December 2018 | 25

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December 2018 | 27 TECHNOLOGY

3 technology challenges

for entrepreneurs and how to handle them By d-mars.com News Provider

s a small business owner, you face many challenges. From stiff competition for customers to getting your name out there in a crowded marketplace and of course, balancing your budget, there’s always something new that needs your attention. Investing in technology can help alleviate many of the concerns your small business faces, but if not approached properly, a tech investment can open your company up to an entirely new set of problems. With that in mind, this article takes a strategic look at some of the most common technology problems small business owners face and provides you with tips to tackle them, and get back to running and growing your business to be everything you imagined.

Challenge 1: Finding the right technology The technology offerings available in today’s market have grown exponentially. That’s good news for your business but it can also make finding the right solution for your needs more challenging. To solve this problem, focus on tried-and-true methods. Read reviews, pay attention to professional reports and listen to what experts are saying on social media. You can also speak to current and former colleagues to learn more about what types of systems they utilize. And if you need comprehensive support beyond those options, you can also partner with a technology advisor to outfit your business with the appropriate solutions. The right partner prioritizes and determines the necessary solutions that build a foundation for current growth and future innovation. Dell Small Business advisors, for example, are available to answer your questions and offer you advice, no matter the size of your company. Engage the team in a live chat on Dell’s Small Business website to find the right solution for your needs.

Challenge 2: Solving the money issue The financial implication of every decision is always a focal point for any small business, but this is especially true when it comes to your technology spend. After all, as technology improves, businesses need to know they are purchasing tech that will support their needs for as long as possible, helping them to remain relevant. In fact, a recent study from SMB Group found 72 percent of respondents felt that using new technology effectively is key to the company’s survival and growth. Partnering with an established small business advisor - as discussed above - can deliver on this need, but you can also ensure you’re using the latest tech by opting to utilize leasing solutions. Instead of buying in particular cases, leasing allows you to maintain the competitive advantage cutting-edge technology provides you at a fraction of the cost. And, when your lease ends, it’s easy to move on to the next solution.

Challenge 3: Integrating a new solution with your existing systems When you add a new employee to your staff there’s always a certain gelling period. The same is true with new technology. It isn’t always a given that a new solution will integrate with your older existing systems. Therefore, this digital transformation challenge is one many small businesses face. According to the same SMB Group study, only 21 percent of small businesses strongly agree that they have a well-defined strategy for digital transformation. To help simplify transformation in your company, Dell business laptops, such as Latitude and Vostro, include a variety of connection ports, enabling them to work with more of your existing systems and streamline your company’s integration needs as much as possible.

Finding solutions to your small business’s technology needs today In today’s highly competitive market, your small business can’t afford to ignore any potential advantage. While many of these are tied to technology, you don’t have to let concern over making the wrong decision bar you from exploring your options. Apply the tips above and don’t be afraid to seek professional advice. Your business and its tech will be better for it. (BPT) Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

28 | December 2018 TECHNOLOGY

THE STATS ARE IN: 75 percent because of chip technology

CREDIT CARD FRAUD IS DOWN By d-mars.com News Provider

he whole idea behind integrating EMV® chips into credit and debit cards was to make transactions safer and more secure for consumers and merchants. A recent report by Visa shows that it has hit the mark. Visa took a look at the numbers, comparing chip card use by consumers and adoption by merchants from the initial rollout of chip cards in 2015 to now. What they found is pretty staggering. Counterfeit fraud, where a criminal steals your payment card number and imprints it onto another card to use in-person at their favorite store, is down 75 percent from September 2015 to March 2018 at U.S. merchants that are chip-enabled. [i] The sharp drop illustrates that the chip technology is doing its job as intended. That’s important, because criminals are always on the prowl searching for an easy way to get money. Data that travels through a payment network when you insert your chip card is different than the data that is sent when you swipe your payment card using its magnetic stripe. The chip generates a one-time code that can only be used for one transaction. If cybercriminals steal your card number from the merchant’s system or from a data breach, it is essentially impossible to commit counterfeit payment card fraud because

the one-time code cannot be re-used and the card number alone is not enough to complete a transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) machine. So chip cards and terminals protect the customer from his or her stolen payment card number being counterfeited and protect the merchant from having to refund the money while losing their merchandise. In the end, everyone wins except for the fraudster. Some other findings from the Visa study include: More than 3.1 million U.S. merchant locations or 67 percent of U.S. storefronts are now fully chip-enabled and accepting chip cards. As recently as September 2015, on ly 392 ,0 0 0 merchants were accepting chip transactions. That’s a 680 percent increase since chip technology debuted in the U.S.[ii]97 percent of overall U.S. payment volume in June 2018 was on chipenabled cards.[iii]In September 2015, $4.8 billion was spent on chip transactions. In June 2018, that figure had jumped to $76.7 billion.[iv]Reasons for merchants to switch to the chip More and more merchants are accepting chip card transactions, but some, especially smaller merchants, have been slow to adopt the technology. But there are good reasons for updating to accept chip card payments, not the least of which is customer expectation. People who have chip cards expect the payment security they provide, and not accepting chip payments might be seen as a negative with consumers.

Other reasons for adopting chip technology include: Implementing chip-based POS terminals is easier than ever before. It has become standard technology among many merchants and their technology suppliers. Transactions involving chip-based payment cards at many merchants are faster than when EMV chip cards first became available thanks to Visa Quick Chip technology. Implementing and investing in chip-based POS systems in many cases can also support new payment technologies like contactless payments.For more information about the study, or to read the findings, visit Visa, Inc. at https:// usa.visa.com/visaeverywhere/security/ visa-chip-card-stats. html. EMV® is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries and an unregistered trademark elsewhere. The EMV trademark is owned by EMVCo, LLC. [i] Counterfeit fraud reduction at fully chip-enabled U.S. merchants for the quarter ended March 2018 compared to the quarter ended September 2015. [ii] Fully chip-enabled merchants defined as locations where 75% of card present payment volume is chip-on-chip for the quarter ended June 2018. [iii] Overall U.S. payment volume on EMV cards includes transactions made on all terminals (chip-enabled and nonchip) for the quarter ended June 2018. [iv] Transaction volume based on VisaNet data for U.S. locations with chip transactions as of quarter ended June 2018.

(BPT)

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30â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; December 2018

T H E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

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