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Successful Men in Business
Magazine
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Changing Lives N Through every stage of life Katie Rice
David board
early forty years ago, Dr. David F. Mobley began his urology practice in the Texas Medical Center, affiliated with The Methodist Hospital. “Coming back to Methodist and bringing our practice out to Katy feels like coming full circle,” he says. His partner, Dr. Wesley Ekeruo, adds, “I moved to Texas from California for my training. The urology services we provide make real improvements in our patients’ lives, and we’re pleased to bring our group’s expertise to Katy.” One may ask what interested Dr. Mobley about the field of urology. “Initially, it was the intriguing surgery, but my interest continued because we can help almost everyone we see and that suits my personality.” Dr. Mobley’s interests extend beyond patient care. “For the past 21 years, I’ve hosted a health-related radio show. You can tune in every Monday and Tuesday, from 1-2 p.m., on AM 700 KSEV for the Methodist Health Hour,” he says. “Call in with your questions.” Dr. Mobley has participated as principal investigator in over 100 FDA-approved medicine and medical device trials. His research is conducted at the Urology Research Center at Methodist West Houston. Wesley Ekeruo, M.D. “Urological concerns are intimate, sensitive things, and difficult for some to discuss,” Ekeruo says. “But once a patient makes the decision board certified urologist to come in for a consult, they often find there’s a treatment that will make a significant improvement and positively impact their quality of Mobley, M.D. life.” Ekeruo’s focus is minimally invasive surgery. Using the latest robot robotcertified urologist ic technology, he performs procedures that result in faster recovery times. Female patients also benefit from the newest treatments for pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence.” “Some women silently suffer with inconti incontinence for years,” says Dr. Mobley. “I just wish I could put my business card in the adult diaper section of the store, because almost everyone can be helped. This isn’t a problem you have to live with. In fact, bladder infections and incontinence are the two most common female complaints we see. We also treat men and women with kidney stones and for urological cancers of the bladder, kidney and prostate.” Primarily, these physicians see men for their annual prostate exams or for vasectomies. “I know there are differing opinions on prostate screening, how often to have them, or if they are needed at all,” Ekeruo says. “But the best thing you can do is talk with your doctor about your risk factors and treatment options.” After all, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men, despite the fact it is fully treatable when detected early. For vasectomies, Dr. Mobley and Dr. Ekeruo use a very simple, no-scalpel technique. Most men are back at work the next day. If you have an issue “down there,” don’t wait to see a specialist. “We understand that this may be embarrassing to you, but doctors don’t think it’s embarrassing,” Dr. Ekeruo says. ”What’s important to us is your qual quality of life.”
18400 Katy Freeway, Ste 350 Houston, TX 77094 | 832-522-8300 | www.methodisthealth.com
“I
’ve always been fascinated by electronics and technology,” says Nick Lekousis, owner of Home Technology Solutions, “In fact, I built my first computer from scratch parts when I was just sixteen.” Nick grew up in Chicago, where he began his career as a chemical engineer…a job that moved him to Houston. When he and his wife, Lisa, were expecting their first child, they brainstormed ways they could be flexible with their jobs, avoiding the high cost of daycare and maximizing their family time. Nick says, “It was my wife and mother-in-law’s idea to branch out…they suggested I stop providing free home electronic and techie work to all my friends, and make a part-time job of it. In 2009 I had 50 signs printed for Home Technology Solutions and posted them all around Katy and Richmond. I literally built this business from the ground up.” Just like Fort Bend, Home Technology Solutions has grown and expanded! Where he once did all of the work himself, today Nick has three full-time employees and several trusted subcontractors and partners. Home Technology Solutions is your one-stop shop for everything you see and hear in your home….home theaters, surround sound, lighting, home networks, home automation, Nick and his team are up to the task. And the “Jetsons” era has finally arrived. Control your music and TV to your lights and thermostat...with the single touch of a remote or smartphone! Why choose Home Technology Solutions? Nick says, “Unfortunately, in this business there are a lot of ‘fly by nighters.’ Someone comes in, does a haphazard-throwntogether installation in your home, and you never hear from them again.” But the team at Home Technology Solutions stays with you from conception and installation through service and maintenance. Nick says, “We strive to build a relationship with our customers. We offer free in-home consultations, where we try to understand exactly what it is you’re looking for. Everything you put into your home should have a purpose, and we only want to put in the things you need…nothing you don’t! And after we’re done, we stay in touch and we’re here when you need us!” Home Technology Solutions maintains an A rating with the BBB, is a member of CEDIA, the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association. They are also involved in several local BNI chapters and the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance…and are proud sponsors of Katy youth baseball! Even though his “part-time” job now takes more than full-time hours, Nick says, “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m in a career I love… and the flexibility still allows me to be home to care for our sons, Alex and Niko…. though now I get a little help from preschool!” Visit the Home Technology Solutions web page or Facebook page and see the endless possibilities…and let Nick and his team take your family into tomorrow!
Taking Your Family into
“Home Technology Solutions is your one-stop shop for everything you see and hear in your home” Home Technology Solutions 281-299-5582 21115 Falcon Creek Ct Richmond, TX 77406 customhometheatershouston.com
Tomorrow
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Low T: Our Modern Epidemic M Astacia Stuart
ention the words “androgen deficienDon’t forget that Campbell’s Compounding cy” and most people will scratch their Pharmacy is your one-stop-shop for all heads. Low testosterone, which is your pharmacy needs. Conventional the hallmark of androgen deficiency, is a condition that men today have learned to dread. prescriptions, compounded medications, They associate it with decreased virility in the and over-the-counter solutions...you’ll bedroom and exhaustion at the gym. Even the find everything you need and more. Now slightest imbalance in this all-important male accepting most major insurance plans! hormone leads to muscle atrophy, weight gain, poor sleep, and a general sense of dullness...and it also impacts a man’s self-esteem. you and your family, Campbell’s “Hormones aren’t just a ‘female problem’,” Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm. Compounding Pharmacy doesn’t D., R.Ph explains. “They affect every single part of our lives from the way just dispense treatments. We administer care. We treat you and your family we think to how we behave. Men who are diagnosed with clinical depres- the way we like our own families to be treated.” Don’t accept less pleasure in life or in the bedroom as a “natural” part sion are four times as likely to be suffering not from depression, but an androgen deficiency. Hormone imbalances are not an inevitable part of of aging! When your hormones are in balance, your whole life comes into balance, too. You will look better, feel better, and play harder. Pickup games aging. They can be corrected—and at the lowest possible dosages, too.” Dr. Campbell has devoted his life’s work to doing just that: taking care of basketball with the of dads (and moms) whose job it is to take care of others. “At Campbell’s kids or a night on Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy Compounding Pharmacy, we work with both you and your doctor so we the town with your 281-980-2555 can fix the problem, not just the symptoms.” Accepting major prescription wife? You’ll be rar“If our staff can’t make it… and insurance plans and carrying commercial as well as compounded medi- ing to go! then you probably don’t need it!” cations are only two more ways Dr. Campbell and his courteous, profession4760 Sweetwater Blvd. Suite 103 al staff make sure you’re getting exactly what you need. “When it comes to www.campbellscompounding.com
Understanding Your Homeowner’s Insurance by Katie Rice andy Stacy and his wife Kim are celebrating thirty-one years of marriage and sixteen years in Fulshear this June... and they’re making a name for Texas Insurance Agency as the go-to place for the best insurance advice in town. Randy says, “Now that the kids are out of school, houses are being sold and folks are looking for good homeowner’s insurance. As an independent insurance agency, we have the freedom to work with multiple insurance carriers to bring you the best rates and the best type of policy for your home, auto and business.” “At the end of the day more than anything else, I don’t want people to wait until they’ve suffered a loss to understand the coverage they have. Going for the cheapest option out there isn’t going to do you any good in the long run if you don’t have adequate coverage. Many homeownhomeown er’s insurance policies don’t cover water damage from a leaky pipe or water backup... it’s inexpensive to add that coverage, but you have to know to do it. “Most of all, I’d like everyone to understand the differdiffer ence between insuring your home for actual cash value vs replacement cost. If you have
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4 ~ UPCLOSE Katy ~ June 2013
actual cash value and suffer a loss on your home, your check will usually be significantly less than the amount it will cost to restore, repair or replace the damage. With replacement cost coverage, the insurance company will pay what it costs to repair or replace your damaged property...end of story. We choose not to sell actual cash value policies...we want to know our clients are covered!” “As an independent insurance agency, we’re not subject to any quotas or managers pressuring us. Our first and only concern is our clients. Our job is helping you understand what your insurance is and isn’t doing for you. If you’ve already got great coverage, I’m happy to tell you...and if there’s a way to get you better coverage, I’ll recommend it. Our goal is to provide sound advice and great service!” Texas Insurance Agency 281-533-9067 30417 5th Street, Suite A, Fulshear, Texas 77441 www.FulshearInsurance.com www.TexInsuranceAgency.com
Small Town Charm, Big City Convenience
Katie Rice
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iving in Katy, we enjoy the family-friendly, good neighbor feeling of a classic American small town, with all the conveniences of the big city... from world-class medical care to highly-rated schools to historic sites and shopping opportunities. That’s the same relaxed atmosphere and community spirit you’ll find at Classic Chevrolet. Owner, Don Kerstetter says, “We’re committed to keeping car buying the fun and friendly experience it was meant to be. All of us at Classic Chevrolet want to make the process easy and enjoyable, so you’ll walk out feeling good about us and about your car. That’s why our motto is ‘Relax and Enjoy the Difference.’” You’ll see the difference when you walk onto Classic Chevy’s lot. The sales staff here wears jeans and boots in the winter, shorts in the summer. They’re approachable, not aggressive, and they genuinely want to make you happy. Don says, “When you deal with one of our sales team, they’re empowered to handle your whole transaction. We want to streamline the process, so you don’t have to wait for a lot of second-guessing and extra approvals. The person who shakes your hand when you walk onto the lot will handle the whole process until you drive back home.” Not only has Classic Chevy been recognized by its customers as a new kind of dealership (and service center), it’s also garnering national attention. Don says, “GM Dealer of the Year is the highest honor GM bestows, given to the top two percent of Chevrolet dealers in the region for excellence in customer service. Only 50 Chevy dealerships nationwide out of over 3000 received the award for 2011. Winning this award three years in a row means so much for our team because to win, a dealer must not only be a top performer in sales and customer satisfaction...but also show uncompromising dedication to their customers. The amazing people we’ve assembled at Classic Chevy earned this award...and I’d like to thank each and every one of them!”
Classic’s commitment to community involvement stays strong year after year, touching the lives of our local police, students, seniors, and families. And Don won’t let this dealership rest on its laurels. Mark Kolon, General Sales Manager says, “For the first thirty minutes of every weekly meeting for the last four years, Don speaks to us about customer service. We have the same high standards in every aspect of our business––new, pre-owned, on-site or internet sales, service, body shop, and financing. Our first priority is YOU!”
Congratulations to the Classic Chevy team!
Don Kerstetter, Owner Mark Kolon, General Sales Manager Stuart McMillan, Ray Aguilar, Sales and Community Pre-Owned Sales Manager Relations Manager Cindy Deis, Operations Manager Emmett Waldron, Ulises Duran, Office Manager Pre-owned Sales Manager Kevin Tvrdy, Service Manager Jerry Dixon, Internet Sales Director David Alexander, Service Director Kenny Williams, Parts Director Mike Gnader, Body Shop Director Royce Humphrey, Commercial Fleet Director Trent Gayhart, Finance Director
Classic Chevrolet Sugar Land 13115 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Sales: (281) 491-9000 Service: (866) 500-1660
www.classicchevyhouston.com
A Day at the Beach! Amy Sharp
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hat if going to the dentist was relaxed, comfortable and fun? Dr. Faisal M. Khan and his staff at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental aim to make going to the dentist a day at the beach! Dr. Khan says, “Kids are exciting. They live in the moment. I love providing a fun place for them. It’s one of the reasons I became a pediatric dentist…to live vicariously through the kids!” And he means all kids…infants, children, teens. As a BoardCertified Pediatric Dentist and a Fellow in Special Care Dentistry, Dr. Khan also understands that some kids, especially kids with special needs or dental anxiety, require unique care. Upon entering the beach-themed office, kids are treated to a floor-toceiling coral reef and fish mural…and a waiting room filled with toys, room to play and a movie. And the fun doesn’t stay in the waiting room. Teeth are cleaned while kids lay on orange and white “surf board” beds with TV screens mounted on the ceiling for the patient’s enjoyment. Dental procedures are performed in “Turtle Hut” and “Dolphin Cove”. Think your kid is too young? Dr. Khan says, “Like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, I generally recommend to parents that they bring their kids around one year old. Kids that young rarely have anything wrong, so it’s just fun all around. At that age I really spend more time educating the parents about children’s teeth…and for the child, the office and staff become a familiar environment, and that alleviates a lot of what I call ‘crazy screaming dentistry.’ When kids enjoy coming in, have a good time and then leave with a smile, it’s really easier for everyone.” Dr. Khan grew up in Detroit and began practicing in New York, before relocating to the much warmer temperatures here in Fort Bend County
with his wife––Sugar Land native, Samiha Zakaria. He is president of the Academy of Pediatric Dentists and a member of the FBISD Foundation Board of Directors. With two children of his own, Dr. Khan understands the nervousness kids experience when going to the dentist…that’s why he’s made a visit to his office like a day at the beach for kids (and their parents). Schedule an appointment today! Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental ~ Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS 832-222-TOTS (8687) 7830 W. Grand Parkway S, Suite 270, Richmond, TX 77406 www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
What Celebrity News Means to Your Health: igi G G . r gD
iuliana Rancic from E! News was in her thirties when her fertility specialist required her to get a mammogram before starting her fertility hormones...and she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. She sought treatment with a lumpectomy, radiation, and eventual double mastectomy. In February of this year, Angelina Jolie underwent a double-mastectomy after learning she had an 87 percent risk of developing breast cancer. “As celebrities keep breast cancer in the news,” says Dr. Quynh-Thu “Gigi” Doan, MD, “my patients have more and more questions about mammograms, genetic testing, and other issues. I’m dedicated to staying on top of all the latest developments, because my patients are my favorite VIPs and I want to you to have all the information!” “Jolie underwent genetic testing based on her family history...her mother had breast cancer and died of ovarian cancer and her maternal grandmother also had ovarian cancer. Having a mastectomy lowered her chances of developing breast cancer to under 5 percent. If you think you are a candidate for genetic testing, I’d strongly recommend discussing your risk factors with your doctor...and then talking with
Askin
a genetics counselor. The impact that knowledge will have on your life and your kids shouldn’t be underestimated!” “The American College of Obstetrics still recommends beginning your annual mammograms at age forty. If you have a first degree relation (your mother or sister) with breast cancer, start your mammograms five years before that person was diagnosed. At all ages, instead of a formal breast self-exam, we encourage what we call breast self-awareness. I tell my patients, I see you once a year for your in-office exam, but you take your breasts home with you! That’s why it’s important to be aware of your own “normal,” so you’ll notice anything unusual. Be aware that there are more lumps and bumps immediately before, during, and immediately after your period.”
“The most important thing to remember is that my office is a safe space for you to bring your concerns. During your exam, we’ll chat about your life, so you’ll feel comfortable enough to tell me how you really feel. Ask me anything at all, and I’ll listen and help you be proactive about your health!”
Dr. Quynh-Thu “Gigi” Doan, MD 281-717-4366 777 South Fry Road, Suite 202, Katy, Texas 77450 www.drgigidoan.com
A portion of the editorial content contained in this publication is controlled and contracted by the advertisers contained herein and is part of their advertisement. UpClose Katy Magazine is not responsible for content of these editorials or advertisements. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.
The Cande Man Can
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ho can give you a “grand-new look” at a family-friendly price? The “Cande Man Can.” Zip down the Grand Parkway or FM 723 to Grand Windows and Interiors and visit Candelario Lopez and his wife, designer Caron Lopez. Caron says, “Cande’s instrumental to the success of our business because everything he does, he does to perfection. I can design with confidence, knowing Cande’s a problem-solver who’ll make it all work. We’re a perfect match!” When you go to Grand Windows and Interiors, you’ll get quality materials, custom-made to your windows, at a competitive price. Caron says, “We had one customer come in, clearly braced for a high price based on our website and showroom. He was amazed that we beat the cost of getting shutters from the ‘Big Box’ home improvement stores. I told him, that’s really the price...with a great guarantee and no hidden fees!” “In my life,” says Cande, “I’m focused on God and family and I’m so proud of my kids and blessed to have a profession I love that helps provide for them. We never forget that your family is on a budget too. Running an efficient, local, familyowned business means we offer home improvements you can afford. Give your home a ‘Grand’ makeover with custom window treatments, metalwork, cabinetry, upholstery, granite, tile, faux painting and more!”
Fifteen years ago Margie and Danny Meeks went in with friends to expand their hobby of antiquing into a business: Antiques Around the Corner in Rosenberg. Danny says, “We believe in familyfriendly businesses that are warm and welcoming and really add to the sense of community we have here in Fort Bend. That’s why we called Grand Windows and Interiors when we needed shutters for our own home.” Margie says, “We were extremely impressed with their honesty, personal attention and excellent work. They gave great advice and now we get so many compliments!” Danny adds, “We had the shutters done on every win window, even the unusuallyshaped garage window. Grand Windows gave us a good product at a reason reasonable price...with the peace of mind that comes from choosing a company that will stand behind their work! I grew up right here...and I think people who come from all over the world visit Rosenberg and see in it the same small towns where they grew up. You’ll get family-friendly service and expert crafts craftsmanship from the team at Grand Windows.”
Grand Windows and Interiors 281-342-9160 1405 Avenue I Rosenberg, TX 77471 grandwindows101@yahoo.com www.GrandWindows.com
Striking the right
balance L
Katie Rice
ongtime Katy resident and Co-owner of Ageless Med Spa Danielle Steel says, “What you don’t know about your health can and will kill you. Heart disease, cancer and obesity are just a few of the ailments that we put up with as a normal part of aging but are avoidable for the most part. You have to take ownership of your health, and not rely on our current healthcare system. By balancing your hormones and controlling your metabolism and diet, you can live longer, be healthier, look and feel great...well into your golden years.” “I came into this industry four years ago on my own HCG weight-loss journey. I lost seventy-six pounds...and it opened the door to a world of wellness and healthy living. As someone who’s seen the difference weight-loss makes on all areas of your life––your health, your energy, and your confidence––I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to help others reclaim their lives. Seeing the tears of joy when a patient steps onto the scale or seeing the glow in their faces makes every day exciting!” “When I met Dr. Torres, I was so impressed with the depth of his knowledge of bio-identical hormones, and women’s health topics, and his passion for helping people reclaim their wellness. There was no question that I’d found a doctor with the perfect vision...and together we opened Ageless Med Spa in Katy.” “Having both been on our own journey into health and wellness, joining forces was the logical next step. We offer all the support you need to improve your life inside and out...from comprehensive health care to bio-identical hormones, to an entire range of aesthetic services including laser hair removal, fillers, Botox, in office liposuction, and new options like our new Silhouette Lift –– an in office minimally invasive facelift that takes about one hour to perform ––and our ‘Vampire Facelift’ which uses your own platelet-rich plasma to improve the texture and color and tone of your skin, by utilizing your body’s own healing mechanisms to rejuvenate your skin.We offer massage, facials, microderm abrasion, and pharmaceutical-grade cosmetics and skincare.” Board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Torres also graduated from Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine. You can get your complete gynecological care––Well Woman exams, solutions for incontinence and pelvic prolapse, and more––as well as procedures including vaginal rejuvenation, and minimally invasive butt and breast lifts, liposuction, and other cosmetic choices in a 8 ~ UPCLOSE Katy ~ June 2013
soothing environment. Dr. E. Torres says “My personal journey started when my father was mis-diagnosed by another Doctor, and subsequently developed stage four pancreatic cancer. The oncologist in Houston gave him one month to live. I refused to accept that sentence and began my own investigation. Through prayer, a macrobiotic diet and hormone supplementation, a year and a half later he was power-washing my fence of his own accord.” “I tell my patients two things: 1) alternative care is just the medicine
“I’m going to evaluate your health carefully, because you need the right balance...not too little and definitely not too much.” that’s been practiced around the world for years, but hasn’t been accepted by the ‘traditional’ medical establishment, often simply because we don’t understand it. 2) In my father’s case I turned first to prayer and kept praying as we changed his hormones and diet. There are numerous studies supporting the health benefits of faith, diet and hormone therapy. But you will most likely never hear that from your doctor.”
www.upclosemagazine.com
Dr. E. Torres along with Clinical Director of Ageless MedSpa Danielle Steel and the Ageless Med Spa Team
“Danielle and I believe in optimum health, not just being disease free!” “We don’t want to make you look like someone else...we want you to look and feel your best self. If a patient comes to me for a procedure and it isn’t in their best interests, I’ll turn them down. I tell my patients that the most important patient I have is the one sitting right in front of me. When you see me, I’m going to give you my undivided attention and really listen. Some patients have been with me for seventeen years, others fly from New York to see me. Having loyal patients from the Ukraine, Scotland, Italy, South America, and right here in Texas come to me and refer their friends and family is the best compliment!” “Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a doctor. When I went to medical school, I found my calling in women’s health. Once I opened my own practice 17 years ago, my patients began asking for additional procedures. In fact, many said that if I didn’t do the procedure, they just wouldn’t get it done at all. I started with training in Botox and fillers, then added laser hair removal, and more procedures over the years. Now at Ageless Med Spa we meet all your health, wellness, and beauty needs.” Dr. Torres is a member of the International Society of Cosmetogynecology and is trained in advanced anti-aging techniques, tumescent liposuction, and is a certified laser specialist. He says, “We moved to Katy about a year and a half ago and we’re planning to opening other locations in the Houston area to serve our loyal clientele. The real reward in what we do is seeing people’s lives transformed and seeing them regain control of their lives.” “Danielle and I know that when you enjoy total wellness, your health and beauty go hand-in-hand!” Ageless MedSpa ~ 281-392-3700 414 West Grand Parkway South #115, Katy, TX 77494 www.agelesscenter.com
Our Services HCG Weight Loss Programs Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Laser Hair Removal Well Women’s Exams Silhouette Face Lifts In-office Liposuction Fat Transfers Botox/Juvederm Laser Vein Removal Laser Skin Tightening Facials, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion Clear Light Acne Treatment Butt Lifts Massage Therapy Vampire Face Lifts Lunch time Face Lifts Cosmetic Gynecology Nutritional & Food Allergy Testing Vitamin Deficiency Testing Xymogen Vitamin & Nutritional Supplements Glo Therapeutic Skin Care & Glo Mineral Makeup Obagi Skin Care 14 Day Paleo Detox Cleanse UPCLOSE Katy ~ June 2013 ~ 9
Making You Feel at Home
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f there’s one place in the world you should feel comfortable 100% of the time, it’s in your own home. When heat, humidity, and ever increasing utility bills make you “sweat it out” this summer, give True Fix A/C & Heating a call. Our family-based business is the oldest Independent Trane Comfort Specialist Dealer in Katy. Owner and Katy resident, Gerald Svetlik wants you to know: “We’re in your neighborhood and we’ll be here when you need us!” If you still have your home’s original air conditioning system, the temperatures throughout your home may not only be too hot, too cold, or too humid, but the efficiency of your air conditioning system is minimal. This can cause utility bills to skyrocket and shorten the life of your system. All air conditioning systems should be checked annually to perform at optimum levels. New energy-efficient Trane A/C systems can use much less energy than a ten-year-old system... and we have plenty of options! Give us a call and we can talk with you about the current tax credits, rebates, and special financing currently available for Trane equipment. Transitioning to a new unit will provide your home an air conditioner that cools and de-humidifies the air, making your family much more comfortable over the summer months. In the end, this can even save you $$
over the long haul. The trusted team at True Fix will always treat you like family. Gerald says, “We do not use subcontractors and we are proud to say many of our employees have been with us for over ten years.” These guys don’t cut any corners – they are perfectionists that understand the only job worth doing is a job done right! Our motto we work by is “Every job should be picture perfect.” With Trane products at True Fix you will receive a 100% performance guarantee to provide peace of mind to all concerned homeowners. True Fix is a member of the Katy We’re in your neighborhood Chamber of Commerce, a Gold Star BBB , and we’ll be he re when you member, a member of the Air Conditioning need us! Contractors of America, EPA and NATE certified. You can always be comfortable with your decision to call us for any of your air conditioning needs. Thank you Katy for voting True Fix “Best of Best” in the Heating and Air Conditioning category of the Katy Times for two years in a row! True Fix A/C & Heating 281-392-9334 Greenbusch, Katy, TX 77494 www.truefix.com
The Expertise of a Dealership at Your Neighborhood Shop
Amy Sharp
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hen my daughter went off to college, she wanted to get her car work done at a place located up the street from where she lived,” says Christian Brothers Automotive owner Rob Woodall, “I told her, ‘No, you always go to the dealership. Dealerships are the only place with the correct training and factory-standard tools for your car.’ Now my daughter laughs at how much I’ve changed my tune!” Rob has been in the car business for 28 years and he worked his way up through a dealership in Plano. He says, “Dealerships do send technicians through a lot of schooling. There is no hands-on, trial-and-error, they are professionally trained to work on your car.” But when Rob’s brother-in-law opened a Christian Brothers franchise, Rob was surprised at the level of training and tools this franchise provided to their technicians. Rob says, “Christian Brothers is really like a family-owned mini-dealership. They’ve
10 ~ UPCLOSE Katy ~ June 2013
got the same manufacturer recommended equipment and diagnostics for every make and model on site, and the technicians spend just as much time in the classroom as the factory guys. Christian Brothers offers the friendliness of a mom-and-pop shop with the talent and tools of a dealership!” When Rob heard of a Christian Brothers franchise opportunity in Katy, he jumped on it. Rob says, “Lydia and I moved our family from Plano to Katy. We knew Katy and Katy ISD would be a wonderful place for our tenyear-old son, and I could live the dream of owning a business I believe in...with the confidence that we do the work right!” Conveniently located off the Katy Freeway at Westgreen, Christian Brothers is your neighborhood expert for all auto repairs and
services. With local ties and industry partnerships, Christian Brothers often offers better prices than the dealerships. Rob says, “Visit the Christian Brothers web page or Facebook page and read reviews from customers in Katy and all around the country. We really believe that every visit to our shop should end in a happy car and a happy customer!” Call Christian Brothers today or schedule an appointment online! Christian Brothers Automotive – Westgreen 281-579-2900 500 Westgreen Blvd Katy, TX 77450 www.cbac.com/store/westgreen-tx
Inspector Plumber, At Your Service
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ome plumbing problems can be solved with a wrench and a washer...others need specialized equipment. When you need a plumber who can handle gas lines, sewer lines, water lines, tunneling, rerouting lines (even digging around tree roots!), or detecting issues under your slab, choose the plumbing company recommended by other plumbers. Just like doctors refer patients to a specialists, excellent local plumbers refer their customers to Select Plumbing. How do you become a plumbing inspector? “As a teenager in Guatemala” says Master Plumber (and Primary Inspector) Eddy Santizo of Select Plumbing, “I went to two years of a technical institute and then got a job in technical construction. I worked as an assistant to an engineer from Switzerland who barely spoke Spanish and I took intensive English lessons. In 1982 a military coup took the president out of power and construction in Guatemala came to a stop. Instead of a car for graduation, I asked my dad to find me a place to stay in the United States. They found me a sponsor through a church in San Antonio. I was only seventeen, but I was determined to enter America the right way, work hard, and succeed. Once I got my residence papers, I went back to construction, landscaping, and plumbing. With every choice I made, I considered whether or not it would make my parents proud. I was fortunate to have so many opportunities, and I always wanted to open my
own business.” Since Eddy opened Select Plumbing in 1992, he’s built its reputation as the go-to company for hard-tosolve plumbing problems. When the problem requires expert knowledge and hightech plumbing gadgets, you need someone who’s determined to get to the bottom of every plumbing mystery. Eddy says, “We specialize in hydrostatic testing, expert leak detection on foundation sewer links. We won’t just inspect your plumbing...we’ll get to the heart of the problem and solve it!” For over twenty years Select Plumbing’s offered expert plumbing services to the residents and businesses of Greater Houston seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. Eddy wants you to have total peace of mind, so his plumbers are licensed and uniformed, as well as prompt, courteous and professional. You won’t have to worry about hidhid den fees...and Select Plumbing will provide you with diagnostic maps of your plumbing system and an itemized summary of their findfind ings, so you won’t have to worry about hidden leaks, either!
Select Plumbing 281-561-9651
www.MySelectPlumbing.com
Money
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Money
Money
Katie Rice oney is more than dollars and cents... it’s your plans to grow your business, a college education for your kids, and all your dreams for the future. You need a bank that offers high-tech solutions, but also works for you as a person. For 146 years First Victoria Bank, the oldest independent bank in Texas, has never forgotten that there’s a person behind every account number. The Managers of our Katy banking centers, Gilbert Limones and DeJuan Edwards say, “We invite you to drop in and get to know us!” At First Victoria Bank old-fashioned customer service comes with a wide range of modern banking amenities including free checking, free online banking and free online bill pay, free mobile banking, and free ATMs nationwide, if an account is open in any of our Fort Bend locations. Whatever you need, First Victoria delivers...commercial lending, and even LifeLock, the identity theft protection and restoration service. The First Victoria difference is the extremely personalized service. Every decision is made inhouse and if you open a consumer or business account, you’ll get a free gift! If you ever need to talk with someone at First Victoria, you don’t have to ask for a ‘manager’...go ahead and ask for DeJuan or Gilbert!
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DeJuan says, “We work with several Katy ISD schools through the Junior Achievement program, career days, and even a financial literacy program. Students (with their parents permission) can open a savings account and we come to their school to allow them to make deposits.” Gilbert says, “We’re encouraged to be active in our community. That helps to make banking really work for you and your community!” Gilbert’s on the Board of Directors of the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance, in the Hispanic Business Division, graduated as “Leader of the Year” for 2011-2012 from the Fort Bend Leadership Program, serves on the Advisory Council for Access Health in Richmond and is Vice President of the Fort Bend Business Networking International. You’ll also see DeJuan at the Katy Chamber of Commerce, as an Ambassador for the Katy Professional Group, and in other local networking groups. “At First Victoria,” says Gilbert, “we’ll treat you right. Our level of customer service and our relationship with our customers make all the difference!”
Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender First Victoria Bank 877-496-6500 9610 Spring Green Blvd., Katy, Texas 77494 Branch Manager: Gilbert Limones First Victoria Bank 5005 S. Mason, Katy, Texas Branch Manager: DeJuan Edwards www.FirstVictoria.com
Our Backyard Gourmet W
here do friends and neighbors gather to enjoy the taste of Texas and a good time? At the Texas Mesquite Grill. Owner Austin Yates, a Katy resident for over a decade, says, “After twenty years of experience in food (including years as General Manager at Pappas), I was ready to open my own place. I believe in using as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible, keeping it fresh, and delivering the big, bright flavors that really bring Texas cuisine to life!” Walk in the door and say “Hey” to Austin before grabbing a seat inside or out on the spacious patio. Instead of bread or chips and salsa, you’ll kick off your meal with “Texas Cavier,” a candied jalapeno and cheese dip that’s seriously addicting. You’ll want to come with friends so you can share an appetizer like the Fifty/Fifty, a mix of fried pickles and Texas Armadillo’s (fried stuffed jalapeno sticks) and still have room for chocolate graham cracker s’more pie after dinner. Austin says, “My personal favorite appetizer (and I hear I’m not alone in this) is our bacon-wrapped quail breast stuffed with jalapeños and jack cheese. For the main course we’ve got slow smoked rack of ribs, Tex Mex options, shrimp and catfish (and often crawfish), and our got-to-taste-’em-to-believe-’em burgers. They’re all good, but I think it’s hard to beat a great burger and a great beer!” You’ll always find a good time at the Texas Mesquite Grill like the recent “pit stop tire-changing competition” with James Buescher, prior to his race at the Winstar World Casino 400 at the Texas Motor Speedway. Enjoy Happy Hour Specials Monday through Friday from 3-7pm when you sit at the bar or on the spacious patio. Other perks include a full
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bar, thoughtful wine selection, by Katie Rice and plenty of interesting draft and bottled beers including some limited editions and local brews. ‘Like’ Texas Mesquite Grill on Facebook to get all the news! Once you get a taste of the big flavors and down-home welcome at Texas Mesquite Grill, you’ll be hooked. Remember, they can accommodate your special events and do off-site catering...with mesquite grilling! Austin says, “Drop in anytime...we can’t wait to meet you!”
Texas Mesquite Grill ~ 281-829-0444 20095 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77450 (Southwest corner of Fry & I-10 – next to Conn’s) www.texasmesquitegrill.com
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When Your Roof Says “Ouch!” W Katie Rice
hen a hailstorm or hurricanes hit your car, you can see every ding and dent for yourself. When baseball-sized hunks of ice hit your roof, it’s harder to tell the extent of the damage. When’s the worst time to realize your roof’s been damaged? When the next storm sweeps through and the rest of your home suffers water damage! Make sure you’re covered—whatever the weather—with a free inspection from Ameristar, the company your neighbors trust to keep them covered. Hurricane season is no time to take chances. Sure, everything looks okay from the ground, but you can’t get a bird’s eye view of the big picture. The experts at Ameristar will go up, walk around, and take a good hard look at what’s hanging over your head. Hurricane season doesn’t actually end until November 30…don’t wait until the weather punches a hole in your worn-out roof. Nobody want to live under a blue-tarp! The free 2013 Texas Hurricane Guide is available at the City of Katy Fire Department. Ameristar Owner Reuben Stafford says, “We’re an active member of the Better Business Bureau and the Katy Chamber of Commerce. Building our reputation as a responsible community partner is something we take very seriously. When we come out to your home, you can ask us for recommendation and references…we’re happy to share information about the kind of company we are. We carry two million dollars worth of general liability insurance, so you won’t have to worry. And we won’t ask for a cent until the job is completed to your satisfaction.” Everyone—the management, sales team, and installers—at Ameristar has passed the CertainTeed Quality Master Exam and the Master Shingle Applicator Exam. Since Ameristar’s earned the elite certification of “Shingle Master Company,” (something only one
percent of roofers nationwide can say), they can offer CertainTeed’s 3 Star, 4 Star, and 5 Star Extended Warranties— the gold standard in shingle protection. Ameristar customers get the best products with the highest available warranty… and stellar service every time! Not only that, but Reuben says, “Several members of our staff were insurance adjusters in former lives…so we’ve seen both sides of the fence. Ameristar has helped with literally thousands of homeowner’s insurance claims…it’s part of our job. We work on your behalf to make sure any loss or damage your roof has suffered is recovered.” NOAA predicts another active hurricane season…can your roof take the pressure? Give Ameristar a call today for your free inspection and get to know the roofing company that’s endorsed throughout our community—and by your Katy friends and neighbors, too! Ameristar Roofing 281-410-5995 www.ameristarroofing.com
ROOF REPAIR & REPLACEMENT Quality Wormanship You Can Trust
Houston is known for its sudden storms that bring high winds, drenching rain, hail and even an occasional tornado. All these can cause serious damage to your roof. Let Ameristar Roofing assist you with your claim; we can help take the headache out of dealing with insurance adjusters. • Free Roof Inspection & Estimates • Roof Insurance Claim Recovery • Roof Warranty Coverage • Certified Installers/Bonded & Insured • Roof Hail Damage • Leaky Roofs • Roof Restoration • Re-Roofing
$250 OFF NEW ROOF • $50 OFF ROOF REPAIR Must present ad at write-up, cannot be combined with any other offer. Roof Repair & Replacement Quality Workmanship You Can Trust
281-410-5995
1006 FM 359, Richmond email:ameristarroofing@gmail.com
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The Secret to Changing Your Life wanted...quickly and effectively!” Transformation is possible! Instead of using therapeutic tools to treat a perceived disorder, Dr. Schreiber uses the tools of her profession to remove your inner roadblocks, so you can live with passion and joy. Through her group sessions, you’ll learn to cre identify what you want to create in your life, understand your current symptoms of distress and how to resolve them, uncover your core beliefs, and remove your personal barriers. All this happens in a full four-month sesses sion with six or seven people. Dr. Schreiber says, “The two most important benefits of the group sessions are the encourencour aging support you receive from the five other people sharing this amazing journey with you and that the group members witness your new reality—the new you––which actually cements the changes you are desiring.” Are you ready to create the life you want to live? In addition to her group therapy sessions, Dr. Schreiber also offers one-day workshops and seminars on toptop ics like “Accessing Your Full Potential”, “Creating the Love You Crave”, and “Mothers and Their Adolescent Daughters.” She says, “Abundance, productivity, renewed energy, understanding, and peace are all possible through empowerment therapy. My pledge is to honor, empower, and support you in accessing your full potential. Visit www. empowermenttherapist.com or call 281-531-8766 for to secure your space in an open program and receive a free initial consultation.” “If this calls to you, then contact me and we will figure out the rest from there. Until then...”
Y D A E R U O Y E R A TO CREATETHE LIFE
T N A W U O Y TO LIVE?
Katie Rice
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re you tired of living a “less-than” life? Have you put your dreams––of better health, deeper relationships, more fulfilling work––on hold? Instead of settling for living in a rut, you could experience significant and lasting change...in a surprisingly short amount of time. If you want to change your life, start by changing the way you think. Time, attention, and repetition actually create physical changes in your brain. With twenty-two years in the field of psychology, Licensed Psychologist, lecturer, and author Dr. Roxanne Schreiber has designed a program that uses these recent scientific discoveries to create group sessions that change lives. She says, “It’s a myth that change comes from years of slow, painful, and difficult work. With the right tools and in the right setting, you can identify and overcome the barriers between you and the life you’ve always 14 ~ UPCLOSE Katy ~ June 2013
Roxanne Schreiber, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist 281-531-8766 www.empowermenttherapist.com
To advertise call 281-235-0600
Hello Neighbors.
In the Information Age, where do you go to find out about local people and businesses? With so much instant access to world events, it’s easy to pass over things that are happening Food in your backyard. Wine There was a time when you could lean over your fence, talk Events to your neighbor, and find out about what’s new in town. Farmers Well fences are higher and schedules are busier, how do market Brasserie you get the word of mouth started? Eighteen years ago, Sugar Land Town Square I recognized that same dilemma. As a business owner, I experienced first hand the challenge of driving traffic to my doorstep and letting people in my immediate area know what set my business apart. That was when I came up with restaurant listings with the idea for UpClose Magazine. reviews & in Fort Bend maps UpClose introduces area businesses and their owners with stories that are light and informative. Written as a quick read for people on the go, the magazine provides the human element we sometimes miss with the sound-bites and chatter of To advertise in UpClose Dining, other media. In the past few years Katy and its surrounding The official Dining Guide of Fort communities has become such a fast growing place. We built a mall, new hospitals, and multiple neighborhoods! It is a good Bend please call (832) 449-6911 thing to do business with neighbors that might have kids that or visit us at UpCloseDining.Com attend school with your kids and/or friends that may be in your same book club or Bunko group. It is more likely that they will have better service after the sale and keeps dollars in our own backyard. Spend it with the very people that live here and give back. In 1995 UpClose was mailing 15,000 copies to area homes in Fort Bend County and today we mail 75,000 to both the Sugar Land and Katy area for a grand total delivered right to the mailbox’s of 150,000 homes. A lot has changed in Fort Bend County and the entire Katy area in the past eighteen years but one thing hasn’t, people like doing business with people they know. That’s why there is UpClose Magazine; it brings you up close and personal to people doing business right here in your own backyard! The Official Dining Guide of Fort Bend
Summer 2013
&
Aura
Night 300 Life
Happy reading! Gina Pizzini And the rest of the UpClose team.
281.235.0600 www.UpCloseMagazine.com
On The Cover Successful Men in Business Publisher ~ Gina Pizzini Editor ~ Gina Pizzini Layout and Design ~ Night Sky Creative Account Executives Sara Adams Jennifer Pappas-Blancas Stephanie Sherrill Business Editor ~ Sarah Warburton Writers Maggie Beil Stacey Keith, Courtney Mcllvoy Amy Sharp Photography ~ J. Thomas “Jay” Ford is published monthly and direct mailed to 150,000 homes. For information on having your business featured in UpClose call Gina Pizzini at 281.235.0600. is not responsible for any claims made by its advertisers, and the views expressed herein do not neccesarily reflect those of UPCLOSE Magazine.
All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.
Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer before he was President. When asked how to succeed in the law, Lincoln wrote, “Work, work, work is the main thing.”
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hat kind of work ethic does “Texas Super Lawyer” S. Scott West have? He got his first job washing windows before he was a teenager . . . and he’s been working hard ever since. West says, “I’ve dedicated one hundred percent of myself to the job at hand my entire life. I went to UT and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. For three years after college I worked as a design engineer in the aerospace, petrochemical and transportation industries during the day and went to law school at night. I’ve been a lawyer now for over twenty-three years, and I have yet to meet anyone who will out-work me.” “As a Board Certified Trial Lawyer,” says Scott, “my job is to help people and manage crisis. My empathy for my clients fuels my passion for the law . . . whether I’m helping a client who’s been severely injured or lost a family member due to negligence or a defective product, or whether I’m handling a commercial case involving theft of trade secrets or breach of contract. I tell my clients I can’t change what has happened in the past, but hopefully I can resolve a dispute that will positively affect their future. If the case cannot be settled to my client’s satisfaction, we go to trial.
S. Scott West Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer Texas Board of Legal Specialization Board Certified Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate National Board of Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy Board Certified Civil Trial Specialist National Board of Trial Advocacy
Giving clients sound advice, managing their expectations, and speaking on their behalf are awesome responsibilities, which I take seriously.” “The cases I handle allow me to explain the unique, personal nature of
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relationships––spouses, parent and child, business associates––in a way that the jury can understand and embrace. I’m fortunate to maintain relationships with clients from years ago . . . and to have strong relationships within our community. One such project, The Fort Bend Lawyers Care, allows local lawyers to volunteer their time and expertise to the low-income families of Fort Bend.” Why does Scott work so hard? He says, “From a professional standpoint there’s nothing I’d rather be doing. This is why I’m here, this is my passion!” Since 1992 Scott West has lived in Fort Bend County with his wife, KK, an active volunteer in our community. They have a twenty-nine year-old daughter (Tiffany) living with her husband (Matt) and their baby boy (Grayson) in Chicago, a daughter (Maddi) who’s a Junior at SMU (pre-law!), and twin boys (Garret and Gunner) who are Juniors at Fort Bend Christian Academy. S. Scott West The West Law Firm 281-277-1500 1600 Highway Six • Suite 450 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 www.westfirm.com
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Methodist West Houston Hospital offers the most technologically advanced, personalized health care available in the West Houston and Katy communities. From our 24/7 emergency services and world-class cardiovascular capabilities to our state-of-the-art birthing center and advanced sports medicine program, we offer the care you want for your family—close to home.
18500 I-10 (@ Barker Cypress) | 832-522-8300 | methodistwesthouston.com