Inspire Coastal Bend Business August/September 2014 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

THE DREAM IS HERE

SCHLITTERBAHN COMES TO THE COASTAL BEND

COASTAL BEND BUSINESS

PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL DATA

WHY CYBER LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE IS NECESSARY

MAGAZINE

AUGUST.SEPTEMBER 2014

FIRM FOUNDATION

DR. DOLORES GUERRERO CREATING MEMORIES

CASEY LAIN

WINNING STRATEGY

SKIP HARMON

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE FEATURING THE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN OF ETHAN ALLEN

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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COASTAL BEND BUSINESS

MAGAZINE

AUGUST.SEPTEMBER 2014

PUBLISHER ADRIAN GARZA EDITOR Allison Alvarado

ART DIRECTOR Liv Madison

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mandy Ashcraft Theresa Bender Kristen Bily Lisa Black Kaitlin Calk Chase Carlisle Liza Crain

MICHELLE RECIO ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Connie Laughlin Ryan Moore Colette Rye Terry Schade Sarah Tindall Sarona Winfrey

PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Alaniz Dustin Ashcraft Lisa Black Edgar de la Garza

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michelle Recio Jessica Salinas COASTAL BEND BUSINESS

AND MEDICAL MAGAZINE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US AT 361.548.1044 www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

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JESSICA SALINAS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

For editorial comments and suggestions, please email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

6537 S. Staples St., #125 Corpus Christi, Texas 78413 Phone: 361.548.1044

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I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

CONTENTS

BUSINESS COACH 08

FEATURE 10 12 14

AUGUST.SEPTEMBER 2014

A Lifetime of Looking Good Going Far Beyond Heating Up

LOCAL 16

Business: The Fall Lineup

Making a Splash

LEGAL 30

Protect Your Digital Data

MONEY MATTERS 32

Risks and Rewards

REAL ESTATE 36

Distinct Style

TASTE 40

Late Summer Delight

ENTERTAINMENT 44 46

Back to His Roots A Year in Review

STYLE 52 54

18 SKIP

HARMON

He may be the new kid in town, but the president and general manager of Allen Samuels Chevrolet has already made a huge splash with a winning strategy that has taken the once failing car dealership from last to first.

22 DR. DOLORES GUERRERO The newly minted interim dean of the college of arts and sciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville lives her passion for empowering women and families and making a difference in people’s lives.

26 CASEY LAIN

The owner of House of Rock brings the amazing experience of live music to Corpus Christi, creating lasting memories for music and entertainment lovers.

The Key to Successful Style Style and Substance - Shelly Greaney - Amanda Butchee - Nicola Hanlon

NONPROFIT 62 64

Virgil’s Story Heroes Wanted

ON THE COVER Photo by: Edgar de la Garza

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I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

BUSINESS COACH

BUSINESS: THE FALL LINEUP Weighing the basics before the fourth quarter By: CONNIE LAUGHLIN

Your quarterly lineup consists of four fundamentals: 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/

Revenue and production Finance management Employee administration (human resources) Operations

It’s imperative to review each in-depth and independently. CONNIE LAUGHLIN is a business consultant for UniqueHR. For more information, you may contact her at 361852-6392 or conniel@ uniquehr.com.

NEGLECTFUL MANAGEMENT IS THE NORM WITHIN MANY BUSINESSES, AND IT CAN EASILY PUT YOU IN THE HOLE.

Going into the fourth quarter, will you be on point to hit your mark, or do you have ground to cover before 2014 ends with goals achieved and money in the bank? If you’re busier than ever due to the Eagle Ford Shale or multiple new ventures under construction, it’s mandatory to come up for air long enough to do some strategic assessments. These glory days might include a bumpy ride if you don’t. Profitability depends on executive initiatives and operations management. Before you ponder computing in the Cloud, investing in renewable energy and taking things green, let’s ensure the other green stuff is sustainable. What lingering concerns do you have internally? How could you better streamline your business? Let’s do some risk management and think strategically. Neglectful management is the norm within many businesses, and it can easily put you in the hole, even though you may have more business right now than you can say grace over. Obviously there’s a growing list of things to do today such as new computing and technology initiatives that add extra layers to our already exhausted list of things to do. But they’re not a priority if you don’t have your ducks in a row.

REVENUE, PRODUCTION AND FINANCE MANAGEMENT

You can no longer slash your fees or cut costs, so your only advantage is see how well you’ve fine-tuned your core functions in business. Let’s get creative when we look at costs, revenue and production. Are you taking advantage of every discount or rebate available and working with the best vendors? Examine all expenses and insurance providers to see how you could better streamline your entire operation with better services and processes for less money. Keep risk management in mind at all times! Enterprise resource planning (ERP) programs are great tools for tracking revenue management and production.

EMPLOYEE ADMINISTRATION (HUMAN RESOURCES) AND OPERATIONS

There might be problem areas you’re not aware of because you’ve never experienced a loss in this part of your business. You don’t know what you don’t know if you’re lacking in ex-

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pertise or training. If you’ve not had extensive formal classroom training in every department of your business, you’re not qualified. Many administrative initiatives – especially those that require claims administration or human resources knowhow – drag on unsolved. You might think you have a handle on it, but do you really? In HR administration, payroll, human resources, safety training programs and workers’ compensation insurance and claims admin can all be outsourced probably for less than what you’re currently paying to do them in-house. Take advantage of any initiative that will streamline your organization, especially one that will ensure best practices and procedures are in place. Note: If you’re outsourcing your human resources, ensure you’re working with a highly accredited professional employer organization (PEO) that has ESAC (which is like FDIC for the banking industry). The best risk management strategy is to partner with a PEO that is a “certified” self-insured workers’ compensation insurance provider. A “certified” self-insured workers’ compensation insurance program has been proven to offer the best experience modifier protection and claims administration. There is only one PEO in Texas that meets this criterion, and it is headquartered in Corpus Christi: UniqueHR. Your operations plan is very important. Don’t go without one that’s finely crafted, and update it as often as possible. Our world is changing rapidly with new technologies and market trends, so you must be ready to 360 your plan on a dime. You could have an overall operations plan of action and one for daily operations. Examine and review your current business model and your goals, and implement your strategic planning monthly. Ensure you don’t neglect any areas of the business for risk management and financial purposes. If business is booming, a review of the business plan is still mandatory. If you’re out hustling every day, juggling too many balls, and are too busy to oversee your imperative operation plans, you’re going to start dropping them eventually. In addition to outsourcing your HR (via PEO relationship), optimize all departments within your company. Streamline every detail and solution. Know each employee is up to speed with your strategic initiatives and on board with their duties and expectations, which are thoroughly outlined. Who needs training and certifications? Popular and worthwhile business software programs are ERP and customer relationship management (CRM). They can help you keep your finances, as well as your marketing plans and customer satisfaction solutions, in check. Super ideas and hard work are great – but they’re not necessarily the key to your success!

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I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

FEATURE

A LIFETIME OF LOOKING GOOD Repairs, storage, shipping and more TLC tips for your jewelry

ewelry, no matter how well crafted, requires regular maintenance and, at times, general repair. Some designs are more high maintenance than others, but you should know that if you want to keep your jewelry looking good for a lifetime, you will need to give it some TLC. Some jewelry repairs may be completed while you wait; however, most repairs will probably have to be left for a short period of time, depending on the repair. If you must leave your pieces, make sure the jeweler documents the items with as much detail as possible. This is important not only for the jeweler to protect themselves, but also for the client. You will want clear documentation on exactly what work is expected to be completed and a description of the items left. Your jeweler should be fully insured to cover any losses or damages to jewelry while it is not in your possession. If you have any doubts, you should ask your jeweler about their policy. Not all jewelry stores have a bench jeweler (repair person) onsite; many will ship your precious items off to a third party. I recommend you find a store with a bench jeweler on location, and that you ask about that bench jeweler’s credentials. We have a Gemology Institute of America (GIA) graduate jeweler gemologist with 20 years of experience on staff. Although there are other training institutions out there, GIA is considered the best of the best. An accurate and fair price quote is another really important aspect to consider. I think it is important to find a jeweler who will quote you from a price book rather than give you a best guess off the cuff. Good jewelers have researched and performed enough of the common, recurring repairs that they know what they will cost and have a price sheet or book. When you pick up your jewelry, inspect it! Make sure it is clean and that all repairs have been completed as expected. If you have any questions or concerns, have them addressed immediately. The best way to reduce costly repairs and maintenance is to appropriately store your items. Don’t leave jewelry laying around on the

THE BEST WAY TO REDUCE COSTLY REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE IS TO APPROPRIATELY STORE YOUR ITEMS.

bathroom vanity or the bedroom dresser – that’s a surefire way to scratch or fracture a precious gem (and yes, you can chip or even break a diamond). Most luxury jewelry items come in nice packaging from the store, which can be a great place to keep them. Sterling silver should be stored in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth. There are many great jewelry boxes available, depending on your jewelry collection. I know many folks like to keep heirlooms or high-dollar items in a safety deposit box or safe. This can be a great place; however, it can be harmful to delicate opals or pearls, which draw moisture from the air. If you have any doubts, visit a jeweler you trust who will be happy to lend you more specific advice. On rare occasions, you might find the need to ship jewelry. Make sure it is packed tightly and that the items do not rattle. It is best if you can pack a small box within a larger box. This not only helps protect your jewelry, but also deters theft; it is much more difficult to conceal and steal a larger box than one that will fit in the front pocket. Insure your package for the applicable amount. Lastly, eliminate any information on the package that refers to jewelry or a jeweler. An unsavory individual can be tempted by the possibility of expensive goods in the package. I hope you find this information informative and helpful. We are available at our store to answer any questions you may have regarding these specific topics or anything else jewelry related.

The Schade family founded Casa de Oro Jewelers in 1979, and the company remains locally owned and operated. Terry Schade is a vice president and owner. For more information on this topic or other jewelry-related questions, you may contact Schade at 361-991-7054 or terry@casadeoro.net, or visit www.casadeorojewelers.com.

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TEENA137/BIGSTOCK.COM

By: TERRY SCHADE

THE ARGENTA PROJECT

IS TAKING SUBMISSIONS FOR YOUR NON-PROFIT CAUSE. WE PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS, SPONSER SPORTS TEAMS AS WELL AS CONTRIBUTE OUR TIME AND DIME TO SEVERAL COMMUNITIY EVENTS. SUBMIT YOURS AT: WWW.ARGENTAPROJECT.COM OR CALL

361.906.0707

THE

ARGENTA PROJECT

“INVESTING IN THE

ROOTS OF OUR COMMUNITY.”

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

FEATURE

GOING FAR BEYOND

Far Beyond Tint & Alarm: celebrating more than 27 years of providing outstanding service to the Coastal Bend By: THERESA BENDER

orpus Christi resident Barry Morgan started Far Beyond Tint & Alarm, an auto, home and commercial window tinting business, in 1987, and he continues to serve as owner/operator and automotive window film installer. In the security and window film market, Far Beyond Tint & Alarm brings unique qualities to the industry that meet the distinctly different demands across the automotive, residential and commercial spectrum. Far Beyond Tint & Alarm has been trusted by the community for more than 27 years as the best window tint, alarm and stereo dealer in the Coastal Bend. Far Beyond is now the largest supplier of all three services in Corpus Christi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and fueled by its reputation for quality and customer satisfaction, Far Beyond continues to grow.

SATISFYING PEOPLE WHO ONLY WANT THE BEST

Due to the overwhelming recent demand in South Texas for truck and Jeep accessories, Far Beyond expanded

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FAR BEYOND TINT & ALARM HAS A REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.

its services and opened a second location on May 2. Morgan is an industry leader and a trendsetter, and his hand-selected team has many years of combined experience. Far Beyond specializes in trucks, Jeeps and commercial vehicles, and they can add any accessory, including lifts, bed liners, grill guards, toolboxes, bumpers, tires, wheels, side steps, DOT lighting and so much more. Far Beyond Trucks & Accessories is where the work is done right from beginning to end. Does your truck measure up?

Far Beyond Tint & Alarm 5151 Everhart at SPID Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 361-854-8468 Far Beyond Trucks & Accessories 5734-B McArdle (McArdle and Airline) Corpus Christi, Texas 78412 361-288-7400

We are a locally owned and operated jewelry manufacturing company, established in 1979 by Gene and Dee Schade. Terry and Stefany Schade, the next generation of the Schade family are the future of Casa de Oro Jewelers. Terry is responsible for using the latest in technology for custom design and both he and Stefany have extensive experience in marketing and business management.

Casa de Oro Jewelers www.casadeorojewelers.com | 4940 Gollihar Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 | 361.991.7054 | sales@casadeoro.net

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FEATURE

HEATING UP

Back-to-school is easy at the La Palmera Shopping District, as more new tenants are set to arrive at La Palmera and The Shops at La Palmera. By: SARONA WINFREY

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Several other new tenants for the La Palmera Shopping District will soon be announced. “The La Palmera Shopping District is the most desirable location for new retail and dining in Corpus Christi,” Walters said. “The success of La Palmera, combined with the new opportunities at The Shops at La Palmera, will continue to attract national retailers looking to gain a foothold in the Coastal Bend.” Valet parking is available at La Palmera for $7 at the main entrance near P.F. Chang’s, and for added convenience, shoppers can now call in or text their valet claim number to 361-283-0777 so they can have their car waiting for them.

“

THE LA PALMERA SHOPPING DISTRICT IS THE MOST DESIRABLE LOCATION FOR NEW RETAIL AND DINING IN CORPUS CHRISTI.”

For more information on La Palmera or The Shops at La Palmera, go to www.lapalmera.com or www.theshopsatlapalmera.com, visit us on Facebook or call 361-991-3755.

SERGE BIKHUNENKO/BIGSTOCK.COM

AS SUMMER DRAWS TO A CLOSE,

marking the end of vacation for students, the La Palmera Shopping District will be heating up with annual back-to-school shopping and even more retailers to choose from this year. “The end of summer and back-to-school is one of our busiest times,” said Fred Walters, general manager of La Palmera and The Shops at La Palmera. “Being able to shop, eat and be entertained in climate-controlled comfort is always a plus, and we have even more to offer than last year at this time.” Since the completion of a $50 million renovation of the La Palmera mall, more than 40 new retail and restaurant options have opened in the La Palmera Shopping District, including the recently opened PINK and Hang 10 Yogurt and a new Express location at La Palmera, along with Dick’s Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) and DXL at The Shops at La Palmera, located across the street. Also new at The Shops at La Palmera are Gossip Nails, Great Clips and Subway, which opens in August, with Dress Barn scheduled to open in September. Construction is currently underway on the new Chipotle Mexican Grill, which is located in a new building near Dick’s Sporting Goods and scheduled to open this fall. The Beef Jerky Outlet will also open later this year near Chipotle featuring a variety of flavors from which to choose. Construction will also begin soon on Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. At La Palmera, Sun Optics, an innovative sunglass store known for its assortment of high-performance and fashion eyewear, will soon open its new store located adjacent to Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop on the mall’s upper level.

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LOCAL

MAKING A SPLASH Set to change the face of Corpus Christi as a tourist destination, Schlitterbahn finally comes to the Coastal Bend. By: COLETTE RYE

he concept of a Schlitterbahn in Corpus Christi has been a topic of conversation for many years. The community dreamed about it, city council made it a possibility and the vision of co-owner and creator, Jeff Henry, is making it a reality. Schlitterbahn Upper Padre is nearing completion and is poised to change the face of Corpus Christi as a destination for the more than eight million annual visitors, as well as provide a first-class country club on Upper Padre Island. Schlitterbahn began with humble roots in 1966 with the purchase of Camp Landa. According to company history, “along a stretch of a treelined, spring-fed river on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, Bob and Billye Henry and their three children began creating what would eventually become the world’s first water resort and the nation’s most popular summertime waterpark.” Since what they were building had never been attempted before, the Henrys relied on their own vision of combining water fun and resort accommodations into a family destination. And in 1979, Schlitterbahn opened with four water slides built around a 60-foot-tall replica of the Bergfried Tower, the guard tower of the Solms Castle in Braunfels, Germany. Fast-forward 35 years, and Schlitterbahn is opening its fifth waterpark in Corpus Christi, and it just opened Verruckt, the world’s tallest waterslide, at the Kansas City Schlitterbahn. Exceeding the heights of both Niag-

ara Falls and the Statue of Liberty and named for the German word, “insane,” Verruckt has dazzled the world as a thrill-seeker attraction with features on the Travel Channel, Good Morning America, ESPN and media outlets across the globe. Corpus Christi’s own Schlitterbahn Upper Padre was touted by the Los Angeles Times as the “No. 1 new waterpark for 2014.” The integrity of the brand continues, and Corpus Christi’s Schlitterbahn will deliver a completely unique waterpark. The original scope for the project has more than doubled to 51 acres and features the largest continuous river system in Schlitterbahn’s collection. The “transportainment” river design means that guests never have to leave the water to enjoy the rides. Instead, all rides are accessible by a series of access points throughout the more than 8,000 linear feet of river – over double the size of the New Braunfels river system. The waterpark will also include several uphill water roller coasters called “Master Blasters,” as well as a “Shoot the Chute.” Park officials anticipate the local surf community will enjoy riding the Boogie Bahn surf simulator. Jeff Henry holds the patent on developing the technology for this incredible ride featured in amusement parks and cruise ships all over the world. The main structure also features a 90-room resort, meeting and special event space with large patios on each level overlooking the waterpark and the Veranda, a culinary masterpiece overseen by Executive Chef Zelina Rodriguez.

Adding another unique element to Schlitterbahn Upper Padre, this Schlitterbahn also features a country club. Schlitterbahn Beach Country Club is currently conducting a membership drive and waiving the initiation fee of $1,500. Membership is $125 per month and includes tennis, golf, a private members-only dining area and year-round access to a swim-up bar and kiddie pool, as well as discounts on family season passes and guest passes. The membership office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. As progress continues in the coming weeks, Schlitterbahn Upper Padre will continue to open new features and attractions. While the entire waterpark will not be operational for the 2014 season, this addition to the community has already generated much interest in the area and will continue to make a splash for years to come.

Colette Rye is the marketing director for Schlitterbahn Upper Padre. For more information, visit www.schlitterbahn.com/corpus-christi or call 361-589-4200.

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SCHLITTERBAHN UPPER PADRE HAS BEEN TOUTED BY THE LOS ANGELES TIMES AS THE “NO. 1 NEW WATERPARK FOR 2014.”

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK CHOOSING COLORS AND FABRICS. MEASURING FOR SIZE AND SCALE.

FIGURING OUT WHAT WORKS AND WHY. WE’LL DO ALL THIS AND MORE. JUST ASK US. OUR INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE IS COMPLIMENTARY.

CORPUS CHRISTI 4325 S PADRE ISLAND DRIVE 361.854.2391

Sky’s Limit

COVER STORY

the

Skip Harmon brings about a brand-new day at Allen Samuels Chevrolet. By: SARAH TINDALL Photos by: EDGAR DE LA GARZA

atch out, Coastal Bend: There’s a new kid in town, and he’s making some noise down at the Allen Samuels Chevrolet dealership on Crosstown at 2118 SPID. President and General Manager Skip Harmon arrived in town in November 2013 without a job or knowing a soul in town. He had moved from Dallas/Fort Worth with his wife, as she had decided to move to Ingleside to take care of her three children who lived there because she found it difficult to uproot them from their schools and friends. “It was the toughest decision I’ve ever made,” he says. “A catch 22: move away from my career and resent my family for it, or commute from D/FW on weekends and live apart from my wife all week.” He picked family over career – and the story goes like this. Harmon spent the last 15 years in D/FW working at and later managing Ford dealerships and had just recently completed Dealer Academy, where promising managers are sent to learn the ins and outs of the business so they are ready to become general managers. He wasted no time, and then, after moving here (as soon as the boxes were off the moving truck and before he even changed his scruffy clothes), he began touring dealerships incognito. The mission was to find a store where his particular expertise would be

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;

When they announced Skip was the new G.M., the attitude in the store immediately went through the roof.â&#x20AC;?

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needed. Harmon’s specialty is turning around stores in trouble – stores with low sales that need a serious change in culture and management to become ultimately successful. After posing as a customer, talking to sales staff and observing the workings of several local dealerships, Harmon stepped into the Allen Samuels Chevrolet dealership and knew within a couple of minutes that it was the right place. The dealership has been serving the Coastal Bend for more than 20 years, but when Harmon walked in that fateful day last November, it had seen better times. The dealership itself was gorgeous, and it had recently been remodeled and looked fantastic, but “it was a morgue,” Harmon says. The salesman spilled the beans, even though he thought Harmon was a potential customer: He had only sold two cars the month before, he hated his manager, he was unhappy and he was thinking

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about moving onto something else. “I knew I had found my home,” says Harmon, who emailed in his job application and got an email back 20 seconds later. Next came a call from the general manager, and after two days of interviews, he became the new general sales manager. The rest is legendary. Harmon started Dec. 2, and his first mission on the job was to change the culture at the dealership immediately. “When I walked into my first sales meeting, they thought I was crazy. I asked how many vehicles they had sold the month before, and then told them we weren’t going to spend a dime on advertising, but we were going to double our sales that month.” Harmon continues with a smile: “We didn’t double sales that month. We increased by two-and-a-half times. It was the best month the store had had in almost 10 years.” The final numbers came out Jan. 7, and Har-

mon came back from lunch that day as president and general manager of Allen Samuels Chevrolet. Steve Hindman, marketing manager for the dealership, sums it up succinctly: “When they announced Skip was the new G.M., the attitude in the store immediately went through the roof. Everyone was excited about what was happening.” The staff members at Allen Samuels were not the only ones excited about the opportunities opening up at the dealership. When the announcement was made, Harmon’s phone immediately starting ringing – folks he had worked with in D/FW wanted in. The first call was from Austin Bitner, now the new car director at Allen Samuels; he had worked with Harmon in the past, he saw those December numbers and he was ready to pack up and come down to Corpus Christi. Then Bitner’s phone started ringing; more former coworkers had heard about what was going on and were ready to sign up. All in all, 11 people from D/FW and other areas gleefully packed up themselves and their families and, with complete trust and loyalty, joined the Allen Samuels family, ready to be part of the excitement of turning an underperforming dealership into a top producer. “Those of us who were already here were just thrilled with the opportunity,” Hindman says, “and this year has proved that our trust wasn’t misplaced.” The numbers for the first half of the year are in, and it’s official: The dealership has moved from last to first. “In our chain of nine stores, we closed last year eighth after our record sales in December, and so far, for the first half of this year, we’re first,” Harmon says. “The car business is a people business. It doesn’t matter what you sell. It’s about how you take care of the people that work for you and, in turn, how they serve our customers. It’s a wonderful and very rewarding cycle for our employees and our customers. The key to success has been a combination of a sales staff with a winning attitude and a change in policy. That way, we are best serving our customers, and we’re making sure our sales staff can make money, too.” The focus on volume has also ensured that cars are moving off the lot, and as a result, Allen Samuels Chevrolet boasts the largest Chevy inventory in the Coastal Bend, along with great deals for customers on cars, trucks and SUVs. All of this is not new for Harmon, who did the same thing for his last two stores in D/FW. “My last store was in Grapevine, and it was essentially about to be closed when we arrived,” he says. “Four years later, we had made it one of the most successful stores in the U.S. The exciting thing about this store is that it is accelerating faster than that one did. The sky is the limit on what this store can be; the growth just becomes exponential.”

“

The key to our success has been a combination of a sales staff with a winning attitude and a change in policy.”

With 810 vehicles available, including the Silverado (2014 North American truck of the year) and the Corvette (2014 North American car of the year), and happy customers leaving the store every day, that promise of growth looks like it will become a reality. “We sell more Corvettes than anyone else in the Coastal Bend,” Harmon says, “so we have the biggest inventory.” With record sales also comes the opportunity to make an impact in the community. “He’s young, aggressive and understands the idea of spending money to make money, so we’ve supported the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, United Way, Universal Little League and the Rise School, among others, already this year,” Hindman says. “Our biggest impact was again at the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show and

San Patricio and Aransas Counties Agricultural & Homemakers Show.” Harmon and Hindman met Allen Samuels at the San Patricio & Aransas Counties Agricultural and Homemakers Show; the dealership had supported it before, but this year, they went all out. “We’ve never supported it at that level before,” Hindman says. “We’ve got stacks of letters from kids thanking us for making great things possible for them through our support.” “It was a surreal experience for me,” Harmon adds. “I had only been G.M. for a few days, and they tell me we have to go buy cows. The day before, they had introduced me as G.M. at the Coastal Bend Chevy Dealers Association, and then we end up at the show buying farm animals. But it was so rewarding to see what an impact we

had on the kids participating in that program.” Harmon’s favorite part of the job is juggling all the different facets of the business. Because Allen Samuels is a one-stop shop for new and used vehicles and parts and service that also has a body shop; offers prime and subprime financing; and manages an in-house accounting and advertising department, keeping all those different cogs moving forward simultaneously is challenging, but enjoyable. Harmon began meeting with all of the managers on Tuesday mornings to facilitate keeping the communication lines open so everyone can stay on track and on task. “It’s a brand-new day at Allen Samuels Chevrolet,” Harmon says, “so now’s a great time to go meet ‘your new friends in the car business.’”

To find out more, visit www.allensamuelscc.com, stop by the store at 2118 South Padre Island Drive or call 361-884-5234. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

MAKING A

DIFFERENCE As the interim dean of the college of arts and sciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Dr. Dolores Guerrero is proud to provide students with a firm foundation and to make a difference in people’s lives. By: SARAH TINDALL Photos by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT

Dr. Dolores Guerrero, the newly minted interim dean of the college of arts and sciences at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), quotes university president Dr. Steven Tallant to sum up her dedication to her profession: “You can lose a lot of things in life – your house, your car – but you can never lose your education. It’s that foundation that education can give a person that can make all the difference in their lives.” Guerrero, who was born and raised in Alice, Texas, and raised by a single mom, didn’t start her career as a college professor. After graduating high school in Alice, she went to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. “But after a few months, I knew it wasn’t for me,” she admits – it was too theoretical, and she wanted hands-on work. She spent her formative years following her mother around and seeing the plight of the poor, so she knew she needed a career in which she made a difference. After taking a social work class and realizing social work was the practical application of psychology, she was hooked: She changed her major to social work, and she finished in three years. She then moved to Arlington to attain her master’s in social work at the University of Texas-Arlington. While she was pursuing the degree, she got married and had her daughter – a preemie she refers to as a “miracle baby” born in 1989. After graduation, she first began her career as a Child Protective Services investigator and later became a medical soI N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

“

I like building things from the ground up, so I’ve enjoyed these opportunities.”

cial worker for the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. After she had served almost 10 years in that job, her husband was transferred to McAllen, and the family moved from the top of the state to the bottom in 1996. Then an opportunity came up for Guerrero to be an emergency lecturer at UT-Pan Am. She decided to try it for a year to see if she enjoyed it, and if she did, she’d pursue the Ph.D. “I really connected to the students,” she says. “They were 95 percent Latina and had similar upbringings to mine. I never thought I would come back to school, but I loved the teaching – loved being able to share my hands-on experience, and also just connected with the students themselves. They would come visit with me, and I’d help them as they were planning for the next step. Just talking about my life and my career path made them feel like they could do it, too.” So she applied for and was accepted to the doctoral program at the University of Houston, and she commuted for two years to take all her courses. After completing them, she taught for two years more at Pan Am before her husband took a job back in Alice, so she began commuting back-and-forth to McAllen to continue teaching. She never thought she’d end up back in Alice, but she says it’s been the best thing she could have done. Shortly after she moved there, her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2004, and she found herself responsible for her sister, who has Down syndrome, and caring for her mother in addition to teaching and being involved in the community. Then an opportunity came up to teach at TAMUK in 2002, and she was hired to get the university’s social work program off the ground. She completed that project with the program receiving initial accreditation in 2004, and she has been at the university ever since, getting tenured in 2008 and her program reaffirmed for eight more years. In 2009, she was named interim assistant dean for the college of arts and sciences, and in 2010, she was named founding dean of the honors college. She began to notice a pattern in her career choices: “I like building things from the ground up,” she admits, “so I’ve enjoyed these opportunities.” The program took off, and now, four years in, it has its own residence hall

and is a living/learning community comprised of more than 200 students. “We have a real relationship with these students,” she says. “I’ve always had an open-door policy, and access is important for them to build a connection to the university. We’re really proud of where this has gone.” The students come from all colleges of the university: About 40 percent are from the arts and sciences, 35 percent are from the engineering program and the rest are agriculture students. “The program really engages the students,” Guerrero says. “They’re doing research and working with the professors and even going to national presentations with their faculty. It’s an amazing opportunity for them.” This summer, however, Guerrero was offered the chance to build something again: The university tapped her to serve as interim dean of the college of arts and sciences, overseeing 10 departments and almost 170 faculty members. She’s looking forward to the challenge – as she says, “That’s the diversity of my life.” As part of her role as interim dean, she is involved with the new Tejano Civic Museum, which is a collaboration between TAMUK and

“

all about making a difference in people’s lives. “We’ve all had our share of life experiences and disappointments, but I like to think of them as opportunities to grow, and I’ve tried to make the most of those as things I learn from and I grow from. Compassion for others is one of the basics of social work, and the goal is to start where the client is. I try to live my life that way – starting where people are.” At the core, for Guerrero, it’s all about making a difference in people’s lives in her community. “When I do community work, I feel that I’ve been given certain skills that are meant to be shared,” she says. “It wouldn’t be right for me not to help when I can. I have a passion for empowering women and families, and if you look at what I volunteer for, you see that’s what I do. It’s all about making a positive difference in our community.” Guerrero says people always ask where she gets this drive, and she always answers that she learned it watching her mom as a child. And then, when her mother struggled with Alzheimer’s, she learned to take advantage of opportunities when they come – to just jump into things when they are offered to you and never miss a chance to learn and grow. “I went to Australia last year by myself, even rented a car there by myself, because I wanted to see the outback,” she says. “In life, we have to face fear; we don’t know if there’s going to be a tomorrow. Accepting risk is a big part of what I’ve learned. Sometimes you fail, but it’s what you do with that that can make you a bet-

We’ve all had our share of experiences and disappointments, but I like to think of them as opportunities to grow.”

the League of United Latin American Citizens. She also serves as the president of the board at the YWCA, a chair of the board at the Women’s Shelter of South Texas and a trustee of the board at Behavioral Health Services of Nueces County. She attributes her career choices and her motivation to make a difference in her community by serving on these boards to her mom, who was a community activist in the ‘60s. “She started her career working as a teacher’s aide in a Head Start program, but because she worked hard, she worked herself up to be an area director for a couple of counties,” Guerrero says. “She was a role model for me, advocated education, but also took me to the projects to see the need for action in our community. I look at the world and the way we’re all interconnected, and for me, it’s

ter person. You have to learn to say, ‘This didn’t work,’ and learn from it, pick yourself up and keep going.” Guerrero feels grateful to have been given such a chance to make a difference through her work in higher education. “Education is so important – the foundation for our youth – and I feel like I can make difference here,” she says. “If I have one young lady who comes in my office and says, ‘If she can do it, I can do it,’ I’m successful. It’s empowering someone to say, ‘It’s possible’ – to make them understand that they have that potential to grab the opportunities, take the risk and face the fear. You never know what’s behind that door unless you try. It’s a privilege to make a difference in people’s lives.”

For more information about Texas A&M University-Kingsville, go to www.tamuk.edu.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

People are always striving for something unique, and we provide that for them here.

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I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

g n i z Ama iences r e p Ex Casey Lain crea

tes lasting memo ries by bringing in entertainment to credible live musi Corpus Christi at c and House of Rock. By: SARAH TINDA LL Photos by: DUST IN ASHCRAFT

ouse of Rock Owner Casey Lain has been a fixture in the Corpus Christi music scene for decades. Lain, who grew up on a dairy farm an hour outside of town, has lived in Corpus Christi since high school, arriving in 1990. His introduction to the bar and restaurant scene was a summer job as a bartender at the Lighthouse Restaurant in the downtown Corpus Christi Marina. It was followed by a summer job at the Executive Surf Club, which stretched into a nine-year stint there, as he moved up from bartender to top-level management. “I became a dad really young, and so working in the restaurants gave me the chance I needed,” he explains. “I showed up on time and did my job, and next thing I knew, I was general manager at the Executive Surf Club and in charge of hiring talent to perform there. In those early days, we focused on Texas country – Robert Earl Keen, Kevin Fowler, Ragweed, Randy Rogers, Miranda Lambert – and rock and punk rock. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

They were a good fit for the surf club.” After nine years, Lain left on good terms to move onto Concrete Street Amphitheater, where he managed their food and beverage and also hired all the talent to perform at the venue. After two years working at Concrete Street, Lain moved to House of Rock for a year, followed by Brewster Street. He was booking the talent for Brewster Street and Concrete Street, as well as House of Rock, and presenting everything from fairs and festivals to the rodeo in Kingsville and the Buc Days festival, along with private corporate events. “I worked there a couple years, really enjoyed it, but swore I’d never get back into

the bar business when I was done,” Lain says. Then House of Rock came calling, and Lain decided it would be a great fit for him. “The owners called me nine years ago – they knew how to run a bar, but needed help getting bands to perform at the space,” he says. “We decided to focus on rock, since Concrete Street and the Executive Surf Club had their specific types of music that they played. I knew that hard rock was the best fit for us.” But after some time, he decided to branch out to singer/songwriters, punk rock, reggae, indie rock and even pop – according to him, “any genre fits as long as it’s good music.”

And it’s worked. Now the owner of House of Rock, Lain is very involved in the downtown scene, serving as chairman of the Downtown Management District Board; supporting projects like Art Walk; and working with local organizations like After Dark Revue Burlesque, Corpus Christi 7-Day Film Festival and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for their Ink Slingers Ball, creating a great experience for each organization with their events. “We’ve had tons of support from the art and music community and even the community itself here in Corpus Christi,” he says. “It was unexpected – it wasn’t our business model to do so many events. But people are loving our event space. We’re doing everything from baby showers to weddings to corporate parties. People are always striving for something unique, and we provide that for them here.” In the next few months, Lain plans to renovate several rooms of the space to update the look, and he expects that will only make it more appealing for folks planning an event there. July 28 marked the nine-year anniversary for House of Rock, and Lain made sure they celebrated with a bang – and with the kitchen that opened in the space about four months ago, serving salads, sandwiches, meatballs, pizza, etc., he’s enjoyed branching out to serve both the downtown lunch crowd and his late-night regulars. Lain intends to use the new kitchen to cater events at the venue, as well as to grow the menu to both accommodate the lunch crowd and appeal to evening diners. He also boasts an impressive fall lineup at House of Rock, with Black Flag on Aug. 7, a burlesque show on Sept. 6 and the 10th annual Zombie Prom in October. “We create memories here,” Lain says. “Everybody remembers seeing their favorite band or experiencing an amazing concert. I’ve had people come up to me and tell me that they had the time of their lives at one of my shows 10 years ago and they still remember it. Whether you’ve got a show for 50 or 500, it’s a rewarding spot to be in.” Lain remembers his favorite moment at work: booking his favorite band, Social Distortion, to perform at Concrete Street several years ago. He jokes that he got a wife and son out of his time at House of Rock, so it must be time well spent. For the 10-year anniversary next year, look out for a huge celebration, as Lain will pull out all the stops for an all-out bash – a great way for Lain to celebrate a career of bringing the amazing experience of live music to his hometown.

For more information about House of Rock or to buy tickets to an upcoming event, go to www.texashouseofrock.com or call 361-882-7625.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

LEGAL

PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL DATA

The importance of attaining cyber liability insurance coverage in our increasingly connected world

MANY BUSINESS OWNERS

have heard the term, “cyber liability,” without fully knowing what it means. We live in a world where everyone’s information is accessible online and data breaches are becoming increasingly frequent. Therefore, everyone should learn the definition of cyber liability insurance coverage (CLIC) and why it is an important part of every business insurance plan. CLIC protects you in the event of a cyber attack and insures you against potential liabilities resulting from unauthorized access or use of your company’s electronic data or software. Essentially, CLIC will protect you and your company if a hacker obtains access to your customers’ information or any of your company’s data. In addition, CLIC provides coverage for computer viruses, theft and unintentional mistakes made by employees. Today, many companies store their valuable assets and material online. Information such as customer lists, books, financial records, receipts, tax documents, intellectual property and more are at risk if anyone gains unauthorized

access to your company’s network or data. Companies should protect their information and the information of their customers. Thus, CLIC is extremely important for small and large companies alike. Even if your company’s information is hosted by an outside contractor or stored in a data cloud, you will be liable for the loss of that information in the event of a data breach. You cannot always control how outside companies handle your information. If they make any mistakes, you will pay if you are not covered by CLIC. So why should you buy CLIC for your company? Most general liability policies for companies do not include losses that happen online or on a computer. A good CLIC plan can cover every bit of technology, including mobile phones, to ensure your company is covered in every way possible. Adding CLIC to your current insurance program not only is economical, but can also end up saving your business during a crisis. Business insurance policies are built around the needs of a company. CLIC can be customized to cover any and

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

A GOOD

CLIC PLAN CAN COVER EVERY BIT OF TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE YOUR COMPANY IS COVERED IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE.

every potential issue for your business. Some companies offer first party coverage in which the insurance company will pay you for the interruption of your business and the cost of notifying customers during a potential breach. This type of coverage can even protect your company from any fines or penalties you may face because of a data breach. An insurance plan such as this would ease the burden off of your company so that you can focus on fixing the issue, rather than managing the difficult effects of the problem. Cyber liability is still a relatively new concept as far as business insurance goes. As the Internet grows larger, all companies must recognize the importance of understanding their cyber security needs. More importantly, every company should make sure that in the event of a data breach, they will be covered. Talk to your insurance provider to see how you can add CLIC to your plan and work to better protect your customers and your information. For more information, contact Carlisle Insurance online at www.carlisleins.com.

SERGEY NIVENS/BIGSTOCK.COM

By: CHASE CARLISLE

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Best Views in Town! I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

MONEY MATTERS

INFLATION TODAY IS AROUND 3 PERCENT.

RISKS AND REWARDS By: RYAN MOORE

IT’S SUMMER TIME – the time for family vacations, beach trips, fresh money into cash, I am not keeping up with inflation at all. What other fruit drinks and … renewing CDs? choices do I have? We are still in a pretty low interest rate environment, which has its Precious metals? I once heard an interesting fact that if you took all of perks, but also some downsides. I visited Bankrate.com on July 2, and the gold ever mined and put it all together, it would form one giant cube the highest interest rate I found in the nation on a five-year Jumbo CD with dimensions of about 60 feet each way. That just seems small to me. I was 2.30 percent. Now, that’s not too bad of growth, considering that it’s still have one big concern: Where do I put gold? Do I pay someone to store insured and guaranteed. I’m not too big on the whole it for me? Do I buy a giant safe? Do I go dig a hole, “risk versus reward” concept. I love the rewards; it’s practice “midnight gardening” and draw a treasure the risk part I have problems with. Maybe I’m a sore map? I don’t like those options. Movies about pirates First Fidelity Tax loser? and thieves like “Treasure Island” and “The Italian & Insurance The market has been going up, up and up to new Job” always come to mind. 5262 South Staples St., all-time highs; what’s that old saying again? What If I have a portion of my assets that I want to protect Ste. 300 goes up must go ______? Down, right? I won’t say the from the possibility of market decline, but still beat the Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 market is going to go down – I’m not an expert with a rising cost of living, I typically lean toward investing 361-288-7995 crystal ball; I’ll let you be the expert. But I don’t think with insurance companies. How much better can I get Toll-free: 800-215-6339 after all-new highs that it’s going to keep going up. So than to insure my money from loss? Now, the most I think the odds are that that big reward is going down common objection I get with this logic is that I’ll lose and risk of loss is going up. That makes those safe money choices much some earning opportunities, and that may indeed be the case. I’m OK with more appealing to me. giving up a little bit of those rewards in exchange for having peace of The problem with CDs? In my opinion, they are not keeping up with mind. the cost of living today. Inflation is around 3 percent. I don’t need a calcuThe real questions I always ask are, “What’s the purpose of the monlator to understand that 2 percent is less than 3. That means in just over ey?” and “What do I want this money to do for me?” Money, after all, is 20 years, the spending power of those dollars has cut in half. If I put my just a tool, and investments are just a vehicle to accomplish the end goal. For more information, contact Ryan Moore at ryan@firstfidelityamerica.com or visit www.firstfidelityamerica.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NITO/BIGSTOCK.COM

Considering the pros and cons of CD renewal

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Go ahead and

indulge We are the first self-ser ve frozen yogurt shop in Alice

Locally-owned and operated Flavors rotating weekly, offering fat-free and no sugar added options. 214 E. Main St. / Alice, TX 78333 (361) 664-5999 Hours: Noon-9pm Like us on Facebook

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

REAL ESTATE

DISTINCT STYLE

Ethan Allen: making homes beautiful, comfortable reflections of clients in the Coastal Bend for more than 40 years

EACH HOME WILL ALWAYS HAVE ITS OWN STYLE BECAUSE WE NEVER DUPLICATE DESIGNS.

IT REALLY CAN BE an enjoyable experience to work with a professional designer if you want your home to be a reflection of you. We can collaborate on the design style that you want to enjoy. This look, while vibrant and exciting, is still very distinct with its fabric choices and layers of different pieces. Every piece has a purpose and is inviting to the eye. The other point to make about this room is that all key seating in the space is brought close together for an intimate setting. The flow for your guests in and out of the room is easy. Also, when choosing the seating in the room, make sure it is both beautiful

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

and comfortable. When building off of the key pieces in the space, you should pick pieces that enhance look. Some clients like the most current trends, but others prefer the room to be timeless. We love to do both. Artwork is personal to most people, so you should make sure you always enjoy looking at the pieces you select. Lighting is key for the ambiance of the room in the evening. Accent tables should also be functional rather than just added for the look. Area rugs anchor the room and offer more coziness to spaces. Drapery is often added to accent the win-

PHOTO COURTESY OF ETHAN ALLEN

By: LIZA CRAIN

PHOTO COURTESY OF ETHAN ALLEN

YOUR HOME IS AN INVESTMENT, AND SO IS WHAT YOU PUT IN IT.

dows, so it is not overly formal or embellished as in the past. All of that said, we usually pick colors for the furniture based on a chosen wall color to really plan for a cohesive and beautiful room. They say your home is an investment, and I say so is what you put in it. One rule to follow is to have fun during this process. It should never be daunting or frustrating. Pick colors that are pleasing to your eye and patterns that you enjoy looking at. To reiterate, take time to try your seating selections for everyday comfort. Families with young children have to make their space usable and livable – and we cannot forget that pets are family, too. The fabric choices should be taken into consideration for constant use. This does not mean you can’t make the room

true to your style. If you can imagine your room, we can design it! At Ethan Allen, you truly do become family when we venture into your project together. I enjoy meeting the client for the first time and visiting their home to start planning what room or rooms they want transformed. I really listen to their needs first and foremost before I even begin to create floor plans for the space. It is not about just filling a room with furniture; it is about the everyday use and the enjoyment of the room. The bonus, of course, is the beauty of it in the end. We can create any look the client desires, which most people don’t know about us. We create beautiful coastal looks, luxurious ranch styles, sophisticated sanctuaries and modern lofts. We do it all.

LIZA CRAIN studied fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design in New York, N.Y. Having worked with Ethan Allen for more than six years, she utilizes her fashion design background to enhance her work in interiors. She takes a unique approach to her projects and details them with fashionable sensibility. Crain designs a room for each individual client with their best interest at heart. She is very in tune with current trends, and she does not shy away from reinventing a client’s space. She values each client and the individual style they wish to create for their space.

Each home will always have its own style because we never duplicate designs. That is what I love the most about working with Ethan Allen. It allows our clients to really make selections that represent who they are, and as a designer, I get to tie the whole look together. As a project progresses, the client can see how much time and care we place with them and their home, which creates a bond. We enjoy seeing a client come in five – sometimes even 20 – years later for some designers and tell us they are ready to do another home or another room. We especially are complimented when a client refers us to friends or family. I truly enjoy working with Ethan Allen’s beautiful design center and my fellow extremely talented designers. I hope you will come and visit us and join the Ethan Allen family. Mr. Thompson brought Ethan Allen to this city more than 40 years ago with a clear vision. We are so grateful he did. His desire to offer such beauty and quality to our clients is clearly seen in thousands of homes and businesses all over. We hope you will visit our design center, see all of the beautiful selections we have to offer and start on your project soon.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Your city. Your students. Your support.

Our Future.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Visit ccef-ccisd.org

Putting our best foot forward TX License #1665838

5262 South Staples St. Suite 300 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Ryan@FirstFidelityAmerica.com www.FirstFidelityAmerica.com

(361) 288-7995 Phone

(800) 215-6339 Toll Free

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TASTE

Late Summer Delight Send off the summer in style by treating yourself to some delicious roasted tomatillo salsa verde. By: MANDY ASHCRAFT // Photo by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT

INGREDIENTS:

INSTRUCTIONS:

6 tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed 4 ripe red tomatoes 2 poblano peppers 3 jalapeño peppers 1 large sweet yellow onion, cut into wedges 2 cloves minced garlic 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon oregano 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar Juice of 1 large lime Olive oil Optional: cilantro, to taste

1/ Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place whole tomatillos, tomatoes, poblanos, jalapeños and wedges of onion onto large foil-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Place into oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the peppers are charred and the tomatillos begin turning black.

2/ Remove from oven. Place poblanos and jalapeños in a bowl, and seal with plastic wrap for five minutes. Then remove them and peel the outer skin away; it will remove easily. Allow all of the vegetables to cool. 3/ In a food processor, add tomatillos, tomatoes, poblanos, onion wedges and jalapeños. Be sure to remove the stems first. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. Process until you have a very chunky mixture. 4/ Add garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, oregano, vinegar, cilantro (optional) and lime juice to the food processor. 5/ Process until the salsa is the consistency you prefer. Refrigerate for two to three hours before serving to allow flavors to marinate. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator if it is well sealed for up to two weeks.

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Building your man cave just got easier

Mantiques Man Cave MeMorabilia

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MEMORABILIA:

- Sports Teams - Beer Related Items - Arcade Games - Road Signs - Movie Props

4639 Corona Suite 7 Corpus Christi, TX 78411

361.452.0034

www.mantiquesofcorpuschristi.com mantiquescc@gmail.com Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday: 10:00am - 6:00pm I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ENTERTAINMENT

BACK TO HIS ROOTS

Steven James of popular local rock band The Shake Down releases his solo album, a more personal collection of songs he’s excited to share with the world. SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND Photos by: ERIC ALANIZ, BACK TO LIFE PRODUCTIONS

South Texas singer-songwriter Steven James hangs outside Cassidy’s Irish Pub on Water Street, the first place to give him a shot performing after he moved to Corpus Christi. “They’ve always done a great job of supporting local artists and giving new bands a chance,” he said.

It’s an exciting time to be playing music in South Texas, according to Steven James. An unprecedented economic boom and an influx of new visitors have created a vibrant music scene.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ive years ago, Steven James came to Corpus Christi as an Austin transplant looking for a new start by the bay. Within just a few weeks, he got his first shot at performing live in South Texas thanks to the folks at Cassidy’s Irish Pub on Water Street, which he still fondly calls his “home stadium.” James fell in with a group of local musicians and soon formed popular Corpus Christi rock band The Shake Down, which toured Texas the past few years. The Shake Down’s well-received debut album was recorded with acclaimed Corpus Christi producer Dylan Ely of Loop Studios, who has produced records for Linkin Park, the Backstreet Boys, All-American Rejects and more. When two band members took time off this summer to welcome new additions to their families, James got to work on his solo debut, releasing a fresh batch of alternative country songs that had sat on the back burner, waiting to be heard. He got back to his roots, returning to his former producer in Austin, Lars Goransson at Sounds Outrageous Studios. Goransson has produced hit records from groups including The Cardigans, and Austin music royalty including What Made Milwaukee Famous, Alpha Rev and Fastball. “It’s exciting to share these new songs with the world,” James said. “I feel like they are more personal – they’re about my life, my relationships and good times.” This summer, James released his debut single, “Best of Your Love,” and hosted CD release parties in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Houston and Los Angeles. And he’s just getting started. The single’s debut music video, filmed by Reagan Johnson, features beautiful footage of the Corpus Christi bay front, and it received 1,000 views in its first week alone. It’s an exciting time to be playing music in South Texas, according to James, as an unprecedented economic boom and an influx of new visitors have created a vibrant live music scene. This fall, he plans to release more music both as a solo artist and with his band, The Shake Down, while continuing to tour between Texas, Nashville and Los Angeles. And it all started with that first shot at Cassidy’s Irish Pub and the support from his adopted home. “There’s so much talent here in Corpus Christi; I just feel lucky I got here when I did,” James added. “We’ve got one of the best music scenes in Texas right now.”

“

CORPUS CHRISTI HAS ONE OF THE BEST MUSIC SCENES IN TEXAS RIGHT NOW.”

For more information, follow Steven James online at www.facebook. com/stevenjamestx or www.twitter.com/stevenjamestx. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ENTERTAINMENT

A YEAR IN REVIEW

My year to date at SMG-managed American Bank Center

here has the time gone? It seems like it was just yesterday when I started my position as the marketing and media relations manager at SMG-managed American Bank Center, but it has actually been a whirlwind year. This field is fast-paced, exciting and a true adrenaline rush. It is amazing to be able to work with all of the talent that comes to perform at the American Bank Center Arena, Selena Auditorium and convention center, and the best part is that the experience covers a wide spectrum of entertainment from comedy, country music and rock ‘n’ roll to professional wrestling, Celtic Woman and the Blue Man Group. One thing I can say is you never get bored! I feel like I am growing professionally each and every day. The days can be long, from starting at the morning news interviews to closing down the venue after the evening concert, but the hours are filled with excitement.

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I have definitely learned so much already at SMG-managed American Bank Center that I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring! The thing I most love about public relations is that you are constantly juggling multiple projects, along with their different deadlines, at the same time. I also love staying up-to-date on the latest music news, sometimes across multiple channels, all while dealing with different personalities and keeping on top of the latest trends in marketing and social media. When I discuss my position as the marketing and media relations manager, one of the most common questions I get asked is what my days look like on show days or even on a weekly basis. I thought I would share with those who love marketing and public relations; maybe I can even inspire someone who is looking into this field of work and ignite a fire that makes them want to follow their passion. I have found that my day on a show

THE THING I MOST LOVE ABOUT PUBLIC RELATIONS IS THAT I AM CONSTANTLY JUGGLING MULTIPLE PROJECTS AT THE SAME TIME.

By: KRISTEN BILY

day often consists of constant movement from beginning to end, but I can honestly say that show days are one of the most exciting and one of my favorite parts of the job. On most show days, my morning starts at 2 a.m. to get to work by 4 a.m. We usually have talent come in in the morning to interview for the live morning newscasts. Although it is quite early, it has continued to be one of my favorite activities because that is where we are able to get creative with the visiting talent and get people’s day started by stirring excitement for the upcoming day’s event. The rest of the day consists of speaking with tour managers, getting content for our social media and setting up media that will happen that day. As the day winds into the afternoon, it is back to the office for emails on other upcoming events, phone calls and preparing for show time. The afternoon is when the butterflies begin because when you hear the

trucks roll in and start setup and sound check, that anticipation is the best feeling. As show time nears, security and operations meetings take place to get a runthrough of the show and prepare for all media from TV cameras to photographers. The magic happens in the evening just prior to the show when there are planned meet-and-greet events with the exciting talent that is about to grace our stages. Seeing the fans interact with celebrity performers they have only previously seen on TV, or possibly at an earlier concert from 40 rows away, is one of the job’s true rewards. Recently, at the Backstreet Boys concert, I met an Avril Lavigne fan who actually had Lavigne’s face shaved on the back of her head! It’s those fans who make the work completely worth it. As the lights go down and the show begins, I love being on the floor around all the fans as their excitement builds. It is the best feeling, and I think my favorite part of my job! Even with the perks and excitement, as with any job, there are challenges. Often, we work up to five events at a time, so the pace is hectic and there is always a whirlwind of activity for the events that are all at different stages of planning and execution. In the field of public relations, you need to find your center and zone, and not stress at the frenetic pace that seems to follow you every day. You need to assimilate the required information as expeditiously as possible while ensuring that you do not miss important, but often obscure details for the events. Have you ever heard the saying that patience is a virtue? Well, in public relations, patience is a requirement! One challenge I love is how technology is always changing. I am amazed at the

constant changes in social media and how we share things with so many different people. Whether it is answering a simple question, doing a contest or giving the public a behind-the-scenes look at things they would not usually see, I love engaging with patrons on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Social media is constantly progressing, and I enjoy seeing us grow right along with the technology. With every challenge faced in any job, there are always skills for one to keep in mind to do the best job possible. Public relations and marketing is said to be creative and exciting, while at the same time, fast-paced and stressful. One of the things I have learned is to always pay attention to as many details as you can, but to also look at the big picture. I feel like the best advice I can give to someone looking to go into public relations and marketing is to be in the moment – to not stress the inevitable, but focus on the present. I am constantly reminding our marketing interns to not over-think the tasks at hand, but to accomplish each task one by one. When you succeed, it is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment knowing that you had a small part in bringing some fabulous entertainment to the great city of Corpus Christi. Come on out and join us for an event sometime!

I FEEL LIKE I AM GROWING PROFESSIONALLY EACH AND EVERY DAY.

SMG-managed American Bank Center is Corpus Christi’s premier event center providing unprecedented guest experiences. For more information, visit www.americanbankcenter. com, www.facebook.com/ americanbankcenter, www. twitter.com (@AmericanBankCtr) or www.instagram.com (@AmericanBankCenter).

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SPECIAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS COMMERCIAL INSURANCE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT S PERSONAL INSURANCE CARLISLEINS.COM

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STYLE

THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL STYLE Update your relationship status … with Hair Peace Salon! By: LISA BLACK // Photos by: LISA BLACK

MOST OF US REMEMBER the theme song from the ‘80s TV show, “Cheers” (from reruns, of course). Just like the gang at Cheers, the friendly, professional staff at Hair Peace Salon would like to invite you to be part of our family, to take a break from all your worries and to go where everybody knows your name. Building a solid relationship with your hairstylist is a fundamental step in your hair care regimen. At Hair Peace Salon, we believe a one-onone consultation at every visit that covers your current or recent changes to your lifestyle, budAMY

get, styling regimen and maintenance plan is key to having and maintaining a successful style. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day, right? Acquiring “Hey, Norm” or “Steel Magnolias” relationship status with each and every client who walks through our doors is of utmost importance to us. Fine-tuning client relationships by listening to your needs and wants is an essential tool in knowing when to deliver that trendy new style and when to let you know that A-line bob or shaved side style won’t fit your needs. We know relationships can be hard work, and

VAL

BEFORE AFTER

STYLIST: Paige Stevenson CLIENT TESTIMONY: “My old style didn’t reflect my personality very well. I gave Paige full creative license. The results are so dramatically different, but my personality really shines through. I am super happy with what she did, and the atmosphere was quite relaxing. I can’t wait ‘til my next appointment with Paige at Hair Peace Salon.”

TASIA

BEFORE AFTER

STYLIST: Liz Vazquez CLIENT TESTIMONY: “I don’t change my style as often as I should. My style was rather outdated. I really enjoyed my experience; it inspired me to feel beautiful in my own skin. I will be making regular appointments. Everything was awesome!”

we are up for the job. We don’t expect our clients to do all the work. Our stylists regularly attend continuing education classes and skill-building workshops to stay on top of current trends, as well as to stay informed about new products and techniques that will help you keep your style on point. We know you’ll feel right at home here, so come on in and sit for a spell – it would be our pleasure treat you like the star you are. Go ahead: Change your relationship status to “taken.” We will be glad to help you make peace with your hair!

BRITTANY

BEFORE

AFTER

STYLIST: Sandra Glover CLIENT TESTIMONY: “I am a local business owner and rarely have time for myself. I felt very ‘blah’ about my style when I came in. I wanted something fun, trendy and easy that would work well with my natural curls. My experience was so awesome at Hair Peace Salon, and I love my new style. Sandra nailed it!”

BUILDING A SOLID RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR HAIRSTYLIST IS A FUNDAMENTAL STEP IN YOUR HAIR CARE REGIMEN.

AFTER

STYLIST: Elika Rodenhurst CLIENT TESTIMONY: “As a working mom, I don’t find the time to change my style as often as I would like. My style was pretty boring. Elika blew me away with her creativity. I just love my new style. I feel so fun and fresh.”

“

“I REALLY ENJOYED MY EXPERIENCE AT HAIR PEACE SALON. IT INSPIRED ME TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL IN MY OWN SKIN.”

For more information, contact Hair Peace Salon at 361-851-8541, or visit the salon at 3636 S. Alameda St., Ste. K, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

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5440 Everhart st 7 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 / 361.947.6274 / like us on facebook / la boutique classy & fabulous

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

e l sty andnce a t s b u s by: Photos FT ASHCRA DUSTIN

shelly greaney Design Consultant Ethan Allen Retail Inc.

quote to

I am a South Texas native, born and raised locally. I grew up just 30 miles south of Corpus Christi in the community of Bishop, where both my father and grandfather farmed for over 70 years. I am a graduate of Texas State University – back in my day, it was known as Southwest Texas State University. I majored in interior design and minored in art and received a B.S. in home economics. For the last 25 years, I have had the pleasure of honing my design skills while working at Ethan Allen Home Interiors/Design Centers in several Texas cities. For the last 13 years, I have been right here in Corpus Christi. I absolutely love my job and enjoy the varied clientele that I work with. For me, it is not about how much money I make; it is about spending every day enjoying what I do to earn a living. Currently, I live on the beautiful North Padre Island with my adorable husband and our 10-yearold son. These two make my life complete.

About Me:

: y b ve

“

In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.” – Thomas Jefferson

my philosophy: I believe if we all followed the Golden Rule, our world would be a far better place. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” – Luke 6:31

Makeup and Hair by: VBAR Wardrobe by: INSP I R MOSAIC E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M 56

amanda butchee

my philosophy: I believe that hard work and honesty are key in any environment. You have to have a good understanding of your strengths, as well as your weaknesses, and be able to use them to your advantage. Never miss a chance to capitalize on a learning experience. And most importantly, be adaptable.

Design Consultant Ethan Allen Retail Inc.

About Me:

A fool with a plan can outsmart a genius with no plan any day.” – T. boone pickens

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Makeup and Hair by: VBAR // Wardrobe by: MOSAIC

“

quote t o by: live

I was born and raised in Tulsa, Okla. Growing up, I was all about being creative and unique (as my mom would call it). When it came time for college, I knew I wanted to stick with a field I could continue to explore my creativeness in, so I ventured off to Stillwater, Okla., and earned my B.S. in design, housing and merchandising from Oklahoma State University. Straight out of college, I joined the Ethan Allen team in Oklahoma City. I have worn many hats throughout my three years with Ethan Allen such as client service specialist, stand-in operations administrator and visual merchandiser. This experience has given me great insight into many different departments of Ethan Allen and the services and products we offer, so that I can better serve my new clientele as I begin a new journey here in Corpus Christi as a design consultant with Ethan Allen Corpus Christi. I am excited to explore yet another facet of my creative career.

nicola hanlon my philosophy:

quote to

Live life in the moment, and try new things every once in a while. Life goes by in the blink of an eye, so don’t worry about the end of the road. It’s the wonderful, sometimes crazy, journey you create that really counts. “Always do what you are afraid to do.” – R. Emerson

: y b ve

“

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” – albert einstein

Makeup and Hair by: VBAR

I N S Pby: IRE CO A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M 58 Wardrobe LA BOUTIQUE

Design Consultant Ethan Allen Retail Inc.

About Me: Well, firstly, I’m a Brit in Texas. I was born and raised in beautiful Scotland. I studied interior design at university in Edinburgh. Wanting to experience something different, I moved to Dubai, UAE, where I lived for 10 years and traveled the world in that time, then moved to the USA, which I now call home. My years traveling and living in the Middle East have given me more of an education than I could ever have dreamed of as a “wee” girl growing up in the Scottish countryside. The architecture, design, local traditions and local artists I encountered on my travels, whether it be those of Africa, Europe, Russia, etc., have given me a deep appreciation and understanding of different cultures and customs, and have greatly broadened my own design outlook. Corpus Christi is still relatively new to me, and so far, so good! The beach at sunset has to rank up there on my “favorite things” list. I get to wake up and go to work every day to do something I love, and I feel very lucky to be able to do that.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

5433 S. STAPLES ST. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78411

361.991.2559

TELL A SECRET, cause a scene, flirt with disaster, buy something frivolous,

get fabulously carried away,

and shop at Le’vu VISIT US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

“

VIRGIL LOVED HIS DOGS, AND THEY LOVED HIM.”

VIRGIL’S STORY When selfless love saves lives By: KAITLIN CALK

IF YOU KEEP UP WITH THE NEWS, you probably know almost everything about celebrities and politicians. This is understandable; their stories are either very interesting or glamourized to be. What people fail to see are the stories that are much closer to home. Virgil Coffey was a man you probably haven’t heard of. He wasn’t a celebrity or important in the world of politics, but he has an amazing story. Coffey was a man who, despite being a college graduate, became homeless after he was unable to find work in Corpus Christi. He never begged for money, but instead, would go through dumpsters to collect cans and food. He was also an animal lover; he had a pack of five dogs named Max, Julius, Cocoa, Paco and Lilly. He loved them and cared for them as if they were his children, but he knew they deserved more. In hopes of finding them a better

life, he reached out to Sara Kuris-Morgan and Jennifer Diaz, two women who are involved with Taking it to the Streets, which is an event benefiting the homeless hosted by Bay Area Fellowship West Side Campus. “He was sitting alone at a table bundled up in several coats with hoods,” says Kuris-Morgan of the first time she met him. “We noticed that he had several dogs and asked him if we could help him get the dogs spayed/ neutered. At first he was reluctant, but agreed to let us. With the help of Oso Creek Hospital, PAAC and the Cattery, we were able to get all of his pack vetted. Going to his camp to pick up the dogs for their appointment was a wake-up call for both Jennifer and I. He was living in a field in a dangerous part of town, and it was very cold. He was sleeping on some cushions on the ground. It really broke my heart to see him living like this.” On Feb. 22, Coffey asked Kuris-Morgan if she could help him find homes for them, so she posted a picture of him and his dogs on Facebook. Robin Gentry, the vice president of the board at the Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS), contacted her and said GCHS would take three of his dogs. “On our way to meet Virgil, I thought I would take Robin on a short tour of Virgil’s neighborhood and show her where he lived,” Kuris-Morgan says. “We looked across the field and saw Virgil sitting on a bench near his camp. As we got closer, we realized that he was very sick. Robin is a nurse and said that we needed to get him to a hospital as soon as possible. She immediately said that GCHS would take all of the dogs so we could get Virgil to the hospital. He fought a long, hard battle against pneumonia, but unfortunately, he passed away on May 7, 2014.” Kuris-Morgan describes Coffey as a very kind, gentle man to whom dogs simply gravitated. “They all cuddled up together at night to keep each other warm,” she says. “He had one dog on each side of him when he slept. Virgil loved his dogs, and they loved him. He loved to read and always had a Bible at his camp. There were many times when his camp was robbed or destroyed, but he always found another Bible to keep with him.” This experience has had a big impact on Kuris-Morgan’s life. “This experience has opened my eyes to the tremendous amount of need in our own community,” she says. “I began this journey by trying to help the homeless get their dogs spayed, neutered and vaccinated. It has grown into a great passion for me. Every day when I get up, I am so thankful for my many blessings … wonderful healthy family, roof over my head, food on the table and good job. What else can you ask for?” As of June 14, all five of Coffey’s dogs have found their forever homes through GCHS. Coffey’s story will most likely never have a place in history books or national news, but Coffey already has a place in the hearts of all five of his dogs as a hero.

Bay Area Fellowship West Side Campus hosts Taking it to the Streets on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month at city hall at 5 p.m. They provide a meal and a bag with grocery items, clothes and toiletries. During winter, blankets are also given away. For more information, visit www.bayareafellowship.com/westside.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

HEROES WANTED

Methodist Children’s Home: offering hope since 1890 SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

lence, homelessness, additions, no support system for family and incarceration. There are more than 30,000 children in foster care in Texas. When family members are not found or are not a current option, children are placed in foster homes licensed by the state. When foster homes are not available, children are placed in emergency shelters, residential treatment centers or other facilities. Foster homes are preferred, but there are a limited number of families willing and/ or licensed to take on this responsibility in our area. All children need loving, nurturing, stable families who can walk alongside them as they journey through the unknown, protecting them from further abuse and neglect.

WHO ARE WE?

THERE ARE MORE THAN

30,000

CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE IN TEXAS.

Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) provides services to more than 1,400 children and youth daily through residential care at the Waco campus and Boys Ranch near Axtell, as well as foster care and other services. MCH Family Outreach offices are located in Abilene; Albuquerque, N.M.; Corpus Christi; Dallas; El Paso; Houston; Lubbock; Lufkin; North Richland Hills; San Antonio; Tyler; and Waco. MCH Family Outreach offers services to help meet the needs of children and families, including family solutions, the Grandparents as Parents program (GAPP), parent education (the Nurturing Parenting program) and foster care. Services are designed to help meet the needs of families with one or more children between the ages of 0 and 17. Whether it is illness, conflict, school difficulties or parenting challenges, families facing these situations can turn to the caring, professional staff at MCH Family Outreach.

WHAT IS FOSTER CARE?

Foster care is a protective service for children, adolescents and families. The children and adolescents are provided with a substitute or supplemental family life experience in an agency-approved or licensed home for a temporary, set period of time. Parents of these children and adolescents should receive support in working toward family reunification – which is the primary goal of foster care – or an alternate permanent plan for their children. Foster parenting is not a lifetime commitment to a child, but a commitment to being meaningful in a child’s lifetime. Foster care often means families helping families. Factors that lead to out-of-home placement are poverty, unemployment, underemployment, mental health issues, abuse/neglect, family vioFor more information about scheduling or attending an orientation, contact the director, Marisol Gomez, at 361-334-2255 or mgomez@mch.org, or visit www.mch.org.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Foster parents must pass a series of background and criminal history checks, and must provide evidence of a responsible and stable home environment and lifestyle. They also must adhere to state guidelines for foster homes, as well as MCH policy and procedures. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a foster parent, consider attending a foster parent orientation. Orientation is held on the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the MCH Family Outreach office located at 3833 South Staples St., Ste. N218, in Corpus Christi.

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HOW DO YOU START?

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The destination venue for LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC in Corpus Christi! ✪✪✪

FAMILY LAW

• Divorces • Child Support/Custody • Modifications/Enforcements

CRIMINAL LAW • • • • •

Felonies and Misdemeaners Bond Reductions Revocation Hearings Expunctions Occupational License

PERSONAL INJURY • • • •

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ASK ABOUT

• Flat Fee Pricing • Affordable Payment Plans

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WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE GOT A LOAN FOR THAT! WHY GO ANYWHERE ELSE?

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Class A in just CDL 3 WEEKS 3-week Day Courses

Six-week Night Courses Refresher Courses for current CDL holders

Job-Placement Assistance after you complete the program. State-of-the-Art Equipment and Simulators.

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(361) 698-2707

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Town & Country Cafe Breakfast served all day / Meeting room available upon request 4228 S. Alameda / Corpus Christi, TX 78412

361.992.0360 Hours: Mon-Fri: 6am-3:30pm, Sat: 6am-4pm, Sun: 6am-3pm

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

RELAX

KNOWING YOUR COMPANY IS IN EXCELLENT HANDS www.ortizcenter.com

Full service event planning and production for corporate events and business entertaining! Let the professionals at ortiz center customize your meeting plans.

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NEW NAME. NEW LOOK. SAME GREAT CONTENT!

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WANT A CHEAPER ELECTRIC BILL? The money we save you is worth investigating.

• Commercial & residential rates • We shop multiple electricity providers, and provide a comprehensive quote for you, usually within 24 hours. COASTAL BEND BUSINESS

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“WHERE FRAMING IS AN ART”

Every Moment. Every Detail. Capure it Forever. 5503 SOUTH STAPLES ST. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78411 361.991.4967 FAX: 361.991.2361 TOLL FREE: 866.991.4967 WWW.THEFRAMEUPCC.COM

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Call 361-334-2255 or visit us in Corpus Christi at 3833 S. Staples, Suite N 218 www.methodistchildrenshome.org OFFICES LOCATED IN:

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sNo-balls aRe Not just FoR summeR!

By becoming a foster parent through MCH Family Outreach, you can offer hope by walking beside a child who needs assurance in the midst of the unknown. If you have room in your heart and your home, call our Corpus Christi office today.

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