Vision - Community Growth

Community Growth

April 20, 2012

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Norman 2012 VISION

ADVERTISER INDEX Animal Emergency Center. . . . . . . . . . 2 Carlson & Copeland . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Catering Creations . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 1st American Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Goodwill Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Havenbrook Funeral Home . . . . . . . . 31

Norman’s Fire Station No. 8 was built as a green project and is LEED certified. More on the move toward building green, Page 5.

Marc Heitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Norman Chamber of Commerce . . . . . 4 Norman Gold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 OG&E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Savannah House of Norman . . . . 22-23 Spaulding Family Chiropractic . . . . . . 30 The Chickasaw Nation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 The Shower Door Source. . . . . . . 18-19 Theos Market Place . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

ON THE COVER

n Clockwise from upper left: 1st American Bank, Mark Heitz, Theo’s (all

by Kyle Phillips/The Transcript) and Chickasaw Nation (Provided photo).

Transcript File Photo

Norman 2012 VISION

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Construction going increasingly green

By Caitlin Schudalla Transcript Staff Writer

Environmental consciousness has been slowly gaining ground over the past decades, prompting sweeping changes in the lifestyles and perspectives of modern consumers, and a subsequent higher demand for products that are environmentally friendly.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, modern homes are 100 percent more energy efficient than homes built in the 1970s, thanks to changes in roof coverings, better insulation in walls and windows and high-efficiency heating, cooling and water systems.

While these improvements are significant, many consumers wish to take their energy conservation a step further, seeking out third-party verification of their home’s or facility’s higher “green” standard, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

As one of Oklahoma’s few Nationally Certified Green Home Builders, Curtis McCarty of C.A. McCarty Construction LLC is closely familiar with the complexities and constant developments of modern green construction.

“A lot of people think ‘green’ is just buying green products, but to call yourself ‘green’ as a professional requires classes and annual certification — as a green builder I have to take a two-day class, take a test, and pay educational and annual fees,” McCarty said.

And that’s just for builders.

Certifying a residence, for example, is so comprehensive it requires hours of additional work for the design/building crew.

“To actually certify a house is very work intensive, we have to do lots of research on the house’s climate zone, find as many local building products as possible to cut down on gas emmissions from shipping, and investigate local vegetation for landscaping so the homeowners won’t consume too much water maintaining their property — and that’s just part of it. Just the initial paperwork took about 10 hours,” McCarty said.

All this research and product consciousness also comes with a hefty pricetag.

Small updates can help

Provided Photo

McCarty of C.A. McCarty Construction, builder of this home, is one of Oklahoma’s few Nationally Certified Green Home Builders. Green homes can add considerably to the price of a home. Industry analysts say it pays in the end.

Curtis McCarty of C.A. McCarty Construction, LLC and OU Associate Professor of Architecture David Boeck recommend these small, inexpensive updates to dramatically increase your home’s energy efficiency.

• Update Windows and doors are the next biggest leak for interior heating and cooling. Investing in modern, insulated windows and doors is a major improvement which Boeck and McCarty strongly recommend. While it is a significant investment, the savings in utility costs and repairs will compensate the initial price of the equipment.

Also, homeowners who replace heating and cooling systems or water heaters which are more than 10 years old are eligible for tax credits.

McCarty’s most recent LEED certified house, which included a state-of-the-art geothermal well system using ground temperatures to heat and cool the house, cost about $600,000 — roughly twice the cost of an average home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“I would estimate the green aspects of the home, not counting the geothermal well system, cost about $10,000, with the

• Insulate Adding insulation relieves the strain on any home’s heating and cooling system, no matter how old or new it is. Boeck and McCarty say to start in the attic, where homes typically leak the most heating and cooling.

“I reccommend adding another 12 inches of insulation, that will pay back in no time and homeowners will likely see immediate results in their interior temperature,” Boeck said.

• Save Water Instead of putting strain on the city’s water supply to maintain gardens and lawns, Boeck recommends placing buckets under the downspouts in your home’s rain gutter and saving it for a drier day.

LEED certification alone costing about $3 (thousand) to $4,000,” McCarty said.

Ideals about preserving the environment aside, consumers are justified in questioning whether such a steep investment is worth it.

“The payoff is very quick in comparing LEED construction with others, the design for higher insulation and more expensive technology pays for itself in utility costs,”

University of Oklahoma Associate Professor of Architecture David Boeck said.

“LED light bulbs, for example, are three times more expensive than incandescant lighting, but pay for themselves” because of their longevity.

LEED certification is the most recognized of national green standards, but there are a plethora of other verification sources for those interested, and certification or no, being “green” can be as varied and cost effective as each individual consumer’s needs.

“Basic industry standard is much greener, addressing the major concerns of heating and cooling efficiency and lighting,” Boeck said. “Larger buildings now use special glazing systems on their windows to reflect the sun’s UV rays and relieve interior cooling, and features like recycled carpet and motion sensor lights are becoming standard.”

As far as the future is concerned, both Boeck and McCarty forsee newer even more efficient standards and priorities in green construction and homes.

“I predict the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) index will become standard in the housing construction and real estate market,” McCarty said. “It’s much simpler than other third-party rating systems, and basically acts like a vehicle MPG rating for your house. Norman is currently working on making a HERS index listing a feature of all houses for sale.”

Boeck predicts that the next major environmental concern to affect building and lifestyles will be water conservation.

“Water is the biggest issue in my mind.

With weather in this region warming up, water consumption is a major problem for urban areas - the population continues to rise but water levels stay the same. The Garber-Wellington aquifer was once considered an unlimited source of water, but it has dropped 30 feet,” Boeck said.

Both Boeck and McCarty agree that our best weapon in the fight for environmental conservation is knowledge.

“If we can educate builders and consumers and generate a movement in the direction of research and local environmental consciousness like that which LEED seeks to establish, the less we’ll need all the certification and paperwork,” McCarty said.

Norman 2012 VISION

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Norman housing stable and growing

More first-time home buyers now able to enter the market

By Carol Cole-Frowe For the Transcript

Debra A. Parker / The Transcript

Residential sales are up this year compared with the past couple of years’ numbers. The new March numbers show residential sales up from 161 in 2011 to 180 units last month, or a 12 percent increase.

It’s still a buyers’ market, but Norman and Cleveland County residential real estate markets are strong and getting stronger, said Wendy Welcher, Norman Board of Realtors president.

“The properties are out there. ... And it doesn’t get any better than current interest rates,” Welcher said.

Residential sales are up this year compared with the past couple of years’ numbers.

NBR inventory history shows February 2012 sales up by 54 percent over February 2011, with 172 units sold versus 112 in the previous year.

The new March numbers show residential sales up from 161 in 2011 to 180 units last month, or a 12 percent increase.

“I’ll take those numbers any day,” she said.

Welcher said last year’s brutally hot summer and drought hurt sellers and if this summer is even a little milder than last, she expects sales to continue to trend upward.

“It hurt curb appeal and there were dead trees everywhere,” she said, also noting buyers weren’t excited about house hunting or moving in 110-degree heat.

Welcher said she’s seeing more firsttime home buyers getting into the market and more inventory in the under $100,000 price range to choose from.

More than a third of home sales since Jan. 1 are in the $120,000 to $159,999 range, with about 35 percent of home sales, according to NBR stats.

New home starts appear to be trending upward for 2012, said Susan Connors, City of Norman director of planning and community development. There were 92 single-home residential building permits issues since Jan. 1. There were 357 singlehome residential buildings permitted in all of 2011.

“We are not back to our high years,” Connors said. “But things are coming back.”

Welcher said Norman never suffered the deep real estate decline that hit much of the rest of the nation. She said the local economy and University of Oklahoma continues to help stabilize the local real estate market.

“It’s great to be in Norman,” she said.

She had advice for sellers thinking about putting their homes on the market.

Residential sellers need to make sure their properties are competitive, decluttering and working on curb appeal.

“The key is the property has got to be in superior condition,” Welcher said, noting many home sellers are watching HGTV shows giving tips on selling and staging. “There’s a lot more home staging.”

Buyers and sellers need to be prepared for lengthy loan qualification processes.

“Financial conditions are still extremely stressed,” Welcher said. “It takes longer to get financed. Buyers have to provide more documents.”

She advises working with local lenders, who work closely with their loan applicants, versus going online for home loans.

“We have some wonderful local lenders,” Welcher said. “But the process is definitely more difficult than it’s been in previous years.”

Conventional loans are still king when financing a house. Since Jan. 1, NBR statistics show a third of area homes were purchased using conventional loans, with FHA loans making up 28 percent; cash, 20 percent; followed by VA loans at 10 percent.

Welcher said buyers should be prepared to produce a year of bank statements, probably two years of income tax returns, verification of employment and other documents if necessary.

She’s hopeful financing homes will become easier as markets rebound.

“We’d like to see a happy medium,” she said.

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Norman 2012 VISION

Provided Photo

A recent build by Home Creations at Park Place just South of Rockwell and West of SE 12th

Home Creations Editor’s note: The Transcript took a look through the city’s building permits to get a sense of the top five most prolific builders in Norman. The list was further refined to showcase the top builders of affordable homes as well as the top custom-home builders. At the top of each list were these builders: Home Creations, Ideal Homes, Landmark Fine Homes, C.A. McCarty Construction and Westpoint Homes

Transcript Staff Since 1981, brothers Jalal and Mohammad Farzaneh have dedicated themselves to building affordable homes in Oklahoma with a lot of that activity in the Moore-Norman area. Home Creations’ main office is located in Moore.

“We sold 24 homes last week and had the best first quarter in our company’s history. The real estate market is doing great in OK,” reports Home Creations staff at the Moore office.

The brothers first came to the United States to study architecture at the University of Oklahoma. There were job shortages in their field and the pair became homebuilders. With the help of Monty Deere, president of United Bank of Norman, the

brothers bought their first lot from developer Gene McKown and built their first house at 2122 Jasmine Drive in Norman.

In the early 1990s, developer Tom Gray permitted the Farzanehs to become the exclusive builder in Norman’s Prairie Creek subdivision. In 1993, the brothers expanded their construction activities to south Oklahoma City. Later they approached Larry Shaver of McSha Properties, the owner of the Canadian Trails subdivision in Norman.

By 1999 Home Creations was building about 100 homes a year. In May of that year a massive tornado tore through Moore and South Oklahoma City, damaging or destroying hundreds of homes. That motivated the brothers to build homes that could withstand severe storms and tornadoes. They were aided by Harold Conner, former director of construction science at OU. In Norman, Creative Homes build in Deerfield, Park Place, Executive Homes and Eagle Cliff South.

In Moore, find them in Apple Village and Apple Landing.

Home Creations also believes in giving back to the community. The company

Brothers Jalal and Mohammad Farzaneh are the driving force behind Home Creations.

Provided Photo

donates to non-profit organizations like United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rebuilding Together of Cleveland County, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Tinker Air Force Base and numerous schools, sports teams and religious groups.

Awards & Community Involvement ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year 2011 No.1 Local Leader of Builders in Oklahoma No. 56 of 100 America’s Biggest Builders No.10 Professional Builder Housing Giants

Nominee — Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Home Builder of the Year 2008 Journal Record Book of Lists Two-time participant in Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s Building Blitz, working with trade partners and vendors to build a new home in five days - 2006 and 2008 Recipient — “Master Builder Award” from Owens Corning “Best Home Builder,” “Best Overall Service” and “Best Employer” annual awards from The Norman Transcript Readers’ Choice Surveys

Norman 2012 VISION

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Theo’s Marketplace: Oklahoma’s exclusive Stickley Dealer since 1992

By Jerri Culpepper Special for the Transcript

Theo’s Marketplace started in a small, wood-framed building just north of historic Campus Corner in Norman more than 40 years ago, where they were called the Now and Then Shoppe. The gleam of the brass beds and the hues from the stained glass windows illuminated the store, which was filled with beautiful antiques collected from all over the United States.

Today, Theo’s is a sprawling, 13,000-square-foot showroom. Once ensconced in Brookhaven Village at 3720 W. Robinson St., they changed their name to Theo’s Marketplace, after the owner, Theodora Crewson.

A 16,000-square-foot Warehouse Showroom has since been added; open to the public, it is located on the corner of 36th and Bart Conner Drive.

Over the years, Theo’s has built a large and loyal customer base, who enjoy not only the quality new and antique furniture they know they can find there, but also the store’s ever-growing assortment of gifts, accessories, and artwork. Many of these customers also take advantage of Theo’s talented home decorators who are ready to assist you in creating a house you will love to call home.

Theo’s also has provided furniture for large-scale commercial entities, including the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Western Heritage Museum.

Theo’s is particularly proud to be Oklahoma’s exclusive Stickley dealer since 1992.

For those not familiar with this brand and style of furniture, Stickley is a family-owned and American made product that is “built for life” and is heirloom quality. While Stickley manufactures all styles of furniture, they first gained international prominence in the early 20th century, during the Arts and Crafts movement, with their Mission Style designs. Just as in the beginning, Stickley is still made with the tra-

ditional furniture making techniques used in the early 20th century. Dovetailed cross rails, tongue

Customers who buy their furniture at Theo’s – whether they purchase pieces by Stickley or one of

For those not familiar with this brand and style of furniture, Stickley is a family-owned and American made product that is “built for life” and is heirloom quality. and groove joints, and quadralinear posts are just a few of these traditional techniques that are used.

Today, Stickley is widely known for producing premium hardwood furniture that is designed to be beautiful to look at, while also being practical to use in American family homes, today.

the other quality brands carried by this unique store – appreciate the fact they are dealing with a local business that has withstood the test of time.

We value the integrity of the product we sell, “says Theodora Crewson. “We believe in shopping local and supporting local busi-

nesses. We are devoted to our customers and our community.”

Jerry Crewson said Theo’s shoppers time and again compliment them for their professional, efficient and caring staff, as well as for their ongoing efforts to find unique, quality products.”

Theodora, Phil and Jerry invite you to learn more about Theo’s by visiting their store during their regular business hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, as well as stop by the Warehouse Showroom.

For information about sales, promotions and new products, call Theo’s Marketplace at (405) 3640728 “like” them on Facebook or join the email list; to sign up, visit www.theosmarketplace.com This is a paid advertorial by Theo’s Marketplace

Norman 2012 VISION

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Auto dealership founded on a love of cars, dogs and kids

By Jerri Culpepper Special for the Transcript

Marc Heitz Chevrolet builds loyal customer base, good will of the community.

Probably few, if any, large-scale automobile dealerships are founded on a love of cars, dogs and kids – not necessarily in that order.It’s also doubtful that many of the automobile dealerships established just prior to the downturn in the nation’s economy are still alive today, much less thriving.

But whether it was their customer-first philosophy, huge selection of Chevrolets, placement in Norman, or dedication to giving back to their community – or a combination of these and more – Marc Heitz Chevrolet in Norman today is measuring success in virtually every ways that count, including annual sales figures and the satisfaction that comes with giving back to your community.

Even if you haven’t been in the market for a new auto in the past few years, you are certain to have driven past Norman’s newest auto dealership: it’s the building at I-35 and Lindsey Street that looks a bit like a Bass Pro Shop. And even if you didn’t go to Marc Heitz Chevrolet to look at their wide selection of cars and trucks, you may have taken your children or grandchildren to the playground there. Or taken your dog to one of the two dog parks – one for big dogs, one for little ones. Or, perhaps you attended one of the concerts that in the 150seat amphitheater, also located on the property.

But that’s putting the cart before the horse, so to speak. Look further down in this story for more about the “dogs and kids” side of this unusual business.If you bought a vehicle – new or used – from Marc Heitz Chevrolet in the past few years, you were in good company. The dealership has seen steady growth since its inception in 2000, and was one of the few in the country to have increased sales in the 2008 and 2009 recession years. Marc Heitz has been the top Chevy dealer in Oklahoma four straight years (2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010), and among the top 25 Chevy dealers in the nation for the past three years.

Heitz – whose personal automotive career selling cars began while he was a student at the University of Oklahoma – credits part of this success with his leader-

ship team, which includes vice president Larry Houchins and general manager Chad Baker and his wife, Denni, controller, along with a crackerjack sales team and skilled service technicians, many of whom have been with the company since its inception.

The welltrained and highly motivated staff is treated like family.

Impromptu get-togethers on the sales floor and company social events are common. Staff are regularly sent away to receive manufacturer training and educational support. The staff is well-trained in the Heitz philosophy: treat the customer right, and honor sales and service commitments. “At Marc Heitz Chevrolet,” Heitz said, “you know what is advertised is truthful. We won’t run questionable or deceptive promotions. This transparency, this low-key approach has resulted in loyal repeat customers and customer referrals.

“Of course, selection is integral to any auto dealership’s success, and Marc Heitz Chevrolet has one of the largest selections around. Trucks are big business in Oklahoma, and there’s plenty from which to choose in this area at Marc Heitz Chevy.

They range from heavy-duty diesel models to light-duty Silverados and fuel-efficient hybrids.

Heitz said that he’s excited about the 10 Chevy models that get 30 miles per gallon or higher and new technological achievements like the electric Chevy Volt and revolutionary 2014 Impala.The dealership also offers used vehicles. Recently, they introduced the Marc Heitz Pre-Owned Platinum brand, featuring scrupulously inspected, near-perfect, high-end vehicles. These vehicle feature low mileage and have passed a rigorous 135-point inspection. Says Heitz, “These vehicles are the ideal answer to new-car luxury at a pre-owned price.”

In addition, Marc Heitz Chevrolet has been recognized as the No. 1 Chevy Certi-

fied Pre-Owned dealer in the state. Your business with Marc Heitz isn’t finished when you drive off the lot in your new or used vehicle.

The dealership has a full-service auto repair center and a new state-of-the-art body shop.And now, back to the “kids and dogs” part of the equation that was mentioned earlier.

Heitz said that in planning the new facility in Norman, auto sales were only part of the story. He said it was important to him to provide customers with a warm and inviting environment, and to give back to the community in which he and his family live.With that in mind, he incorporated several nontraditional – even surprising – features in the design of the new facility.

For example, the centerpiece of the waiting lounge is a 25-foot-high waterfall and 5,000-gallon aquarium with native freshwater fish, including bass, crappie and catfish caught by Marc Heitz staff and customers.

Customers can watch sports, their favorite news network or daytime talk show on the large, flat-screen high-definition television in the comfortable service lounge.

Wi-fi access and private workspaces allow guests to work, study or play online while they wait.Being a good neighbor today means reducing your environmental footprint. So, the facility was designed with many green features to help conserve resources and reduce waste.

Built in 2008, the store was constructed with recycled materials. A wind turbine, visible from the highway, reduces the amount of electricity required. Other green features

include less outdoor lighting, a “light-harvesting system” that adjusts lighting levels according to the sun’s brightness, and use of special fans to reduce the air conditioning needs.

There’s even a system in place that takes water from air-conditioning condensate and rainfall and captures it in a cistern for use in landscape irrigation. And the building’s climate control systems, Heitz said, are among the most efficient available.

Being a good neighbor also involves helping out local civic and nonprofit organizations. The dealership contributes to the American Red Cross, United Way, Ally House, the Family Y and the Norman Optimists. A special focus of their charitable efforts, Heitz said, are entities that help children, such as Pepper’s Ranch, Baby Steps, the Center for Children and Families, and the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Marc Heitz Chevrolet also has for years been a major sponsor of the junior livestock shows for Cleveland, McClain, Garvin and Pontotoc counties.

The dealership also sponsors and hosts a food drive, with proceeds benefitting the Regional Food Bank, and is a major sponsor of the Cleveland County Food for Kids program in the public school system.Good neighbors also have fun together. Among the events Marc Heitz hosts are: • the annual Battle of the Burger, a cook-off involving restaurants and individuals that with proceeds benefiting the Kids Korral and the Toby Keith Foundation • a Corvette Show, which draws hundreds of Corvette owners and enthusiasts from a five-state area in celebration of their shared passion, with proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots • and the popular Junior Captain program, in which several boys and girls are selected via drawings to participate in the opening of OU football games by joining the players and coaches on the field for a coin toss, then getting to sit with the team.

And as mentioned earlier, customers will find more than cars and trucks at Marc Heitz. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a dog park and amphitheater, where free events are held throughout the year – all are part of this unique auto dealership’s commitment to bringing people and the dealership together in a community spirit.Marc Heitz, Oklahoma’s largest Chevrolet dealer, invites you to see for yourself why Chevys cost less in Norman.

This is a paid advertorial by Marc Heitz

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Norman 2012 VISION

Vernon McKown

Todd Booze

Gene McKown

Ideal Homes Editor’s note: The Transcript took a look through the city’s building permits to get a sense of the top five most prolific builders in Norman. The list was further refined to showcase the top builders of affordable homes as well as the top customhome builders. At the top of each list were these builders: Home Creations, Ideal Homes, Landmark Fine Homes, C.A. McCarty Construction and Westpoint Homes

Transcript Staff Ideal Homes is one of Norman’s most prolific builders.

Founded in 1990, Ideal Homes was the first builder in America to get Energy Star rating for homes under $150,00 and the first in Oklahoma to introduce guaranteed utilities.

The company began with two college friends, Vernon McKown and Todd Booze, and Vernon’s father, Gene McKown. What started as three guys building a few houses grew into a successful homebuilding company that has built about 7,000 homes for Oklahoma families putting them at the top as Oklahoma’s most prolific builder.

Ideal Homes prides itself on: • Energy Efficiency • Proactive Customer Care • Livability: Comfortable and Functional Floor Plans • Discipline and Consistency Despite that Ideal Homes builds only in Oklahoma, the builder has picked up more several local and national accolades including America’s Best Builder 2007, several Energy Value Housing Awards, and a National Housing Quality Gold Award. Ideal Homes has also received national recognition and awards for the energy efficiency of its product, as well as the corporate culture they have created within the company — including profit sharing with all employees.

Vernon McKown is manages the sales, development, and mortgage operations for Ideal Homes.

Nationally, Vernon McKown serves is board member and past board president of the Energy and Environmental Builders Association and is a frequent speaker a the International Builder Show, the Pacific Coast Building Conference, and the Energy and Environmental Association national conference. He also served as a member of the American Lung Association technical committee for

Provided Photo

Ideal Homes Red Canyon Ranch addition. Ideal Homes was the first builder in America to get Energy Star rating for homes under $150,00 and the first in Oklahoma to introduce guaranteed utilities.

Health House.

McKown is active in the community, serving as board president of the Norman Youth Soccer Association and is a past board member of the Cleveland County YMCA, Cleveland County Christmas in April, and the Norman Chamber of Commerce. He is certified through the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission and currently teaches a free monthly continuing education class for local Real Estate professionals entitled, “Building Better Homes.” A graduate of the University of Oklahoma , he and wife Ronda Chapman McKown have two children.

Todd Booze oversees all components of production for over 300 new homes each year. He is a 21-year member of the Builder Association of South Central Oklahoma where he serves in various leadership roles, including vice president and president of the board of directors. Booze also served three terms as chairman for BASCO’s Governmental Affairs Committee and is a member of the Central Oklahoma Homebuilders Association, the Oklahoma State Homebuilders Association, and the National Association of Homebuilders . He is also a 12-year member of the national Energy and Environmental Builders Association.

He served on the board of directors for the Central Oklahoma Homeowners Warranty Corporation.

Through his involvement, he has worked diligently at the local level to raise the status of our industry and the strength of local builders associations. He earned a LIFE SPIKE designation from the NAHB by bringing 220 new members in to local builder associations.

Booze and wife Kris, and their two sons live in Norman.

A homebuilder in Norman since 1969, Gene McKown has developed and managed dozens of real estate developments in the course of his career. Gene McKown has taken great pride and interest, throughout his life, in his community and state.

He was commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for 12 years; chairman of the State Industrial Development Department from 1983 -1986; president of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, 1979 1980; and served on the Board of Directors for Security National Bank & Trust Company for 10 years. His honors include both Realtor of the Year for 1982, Big Brother of the Year for that same year, State Honorary 4H Member and State Honorary FFA Member.

He is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the OSU Extension Department.

Gene McKown serves on the Board of Directors for the Moore Home Builders Association. He is also a member of both the Norman Home Builders Association and the Norman Exchange Club.

A Premier Breeder with the Limousine Association, 1983-1986; Gene McKown currently serves on the Board of Directors for the County Livestock Show; and is founder of the County Livestock Bonus Auction. Every year he serves as auctioneer – free of charge – for 20 to 25 charities in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

He and Judy McKown live in Norman and have two grown sons: Vernon and Richard.

Norman 2012 VISION

15

Landmark Fine Homes Editor’s note: The Transcript took a look through the city’s building permits to get a sense of the top five most prolific builders in Norman. The list was further refined to showcase the top builders of affordable homes as well as the top custom-home builders. At the top of each list were these builders: Home Creations, Ideal Homes, Landmark Fine Homes, C.A. McCarty Construction and Westpoint Homes

Transcript Staff Landmark Fine Homes is a custom home builder founded 11 years ago.

Owners Dan and Amy Reeves are graduates of Moore High School and Amy Reeves serves on the board of the Moore Public School Foundation.

The company employs 13 people and was recognized early this year by Builder magazine as America’s Best Builder for 2012, among builders its size.

Landmark has four model homes with one each in Norman, Moore and in east and west Edmond. An in-house design center helps customers relieve the stress that often is associated with building a home by assisting in the many decisions that accompany the process.

Dan Reeves is a member of the Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma. Dan is highly involved with the association and is a Certified Professional Builder.

Provided Photos

Landmark has four model homes with one each in Norman, Moore and in east and west Edmond. Dan Reeves, center above and at right, and his company were recognized early this year by Builder magazine as America’s Best Builder for 2012, among builders its size.

The Reeves are involved in the community. Dan Reeve’s latest outreach has been helping build the new chapel at Camp Gruber to support returning National Guard troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.

Landmark is locally owned and operated with an office in Norman.

The company focuses on building energy efficient homes and specializes in building on acreages or larger home sites. Landmark Fine Homes is a certified professional homebuilder. Reeves said Landmark’s success is centered on a “simple formula” of building “great homes for great people.”

Landmark homes start at 1,500 square feet The company’s emphasis on green building resulted, in 2009 with a Landmark home in Norman’s Carrington Lakes being certified by the National Association Home Builders as a gold-level Green Home, at that time the second home in the state that had met the hallmarks for Model Green Building developed by NAHB. Landmark and the Reeves support or have been recognized by: American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Moore Habitat for Humanity National Foundation for Transplants The Salvation Army Advisory Board American Red Cross Spirit of Giving Moore Public Schools Foundation

OG&E SmartHours save customers money on their energy bills

By Jerri Culpepper Special for the Transcript

Miranda Kitchen, of Moore, Okla., was skeptical about how much money she could save by signing up for the SmartHours program. The stayat-home mom says she and her husband were already pinching pennies when it came to turning off lights and conserving energy in their home.

But after spending one summer on the SmartHours program, she’s changed her tune.

Thanks to the program, Kitchen and her family saved more than $50 per month during the summer of 2011.

In August, the couple’s bill was $100 less than it would have been over the standard price.

“SmartHours really makes you aware of how much energy you're using and how much money you could save,” Kitchen said. “You see the changes, the little, small things like turning off the lights and not using certain things and what a difference it makes in your monthly budget. It's huge.”

Partnering with customers like Kitchen and her fam-

ily will help OG&E reach its demand response goal to reduce demand on the grid by 70MW this summer. But it will take more than one family enrolled in the program to reach that goal. In fact, OG&E needs an additional 30,000 customers to sign up for the SmartHours program this year.

SmartHours builds on the success of OG&E’s Smart Study Together programs of 2010 and 2011. OG&E’s Smart Grid team has been studying which combination of technology and price plan helps customers shift their use outside of peak.

Analysis of interim results from both studies reveals that participants testing the programmable communicating thermostats (PCT) and those on the Variable Peak Price (VPP) plan reduced their peak electricity use the most compared to the control group.

“Smart Study TOGETHER empowered our customers by educating them about their energy use and costs,” said Ken Grant, Managing Director Customer Solutions.

“That awareness led to greater customer control over their energy bills, while allowing OG&E to learn which elements of the study are most beneficial.

“These results led to the programs now called SmartHours.

The plan is based on the fact that it costs the company more to produce

electricity during the summer months (peak) than any other time. OG&E’s peak period is 2-7 p.m. Monday thru Friday. All other times of the day, including weekends and national holidays, are considered off peak. Customers enrolled in SmartHours Plus pay 4.5¢/kWh during the offpeak hours of 7 p.m. – 2 p.m. the next day. The peak price can vary – from 4.5¢/kWh, 11.3¢/kWh, 23¢/kWh, or 46¢/kWh. Customers are notified of the price a day ahead by a method they choose, be it a phone call, text message or email. In addition to the technology and price plans, another tool to help customers take control of their energy use is the myOGEpower website.

There, customers can logon to see an estimate of their bill, compare their electricity use to that of their neighbors, and compare price plans to see how much they could save by enrolling in a price

plan different than our standard offer.

More than 90 percent of customers who tested SmartHours last summer saved when compared to what they would have paid over the standard rate. The average customer savings was around $200 for the summer.

The program is no risk to OG&E customers. During the first year on the SmartHours price plan, OG&E will make up any difference if a customer pays more on the price plan than he would have on the standard plan for electricity used.

Learn MoreTo learn more about the SmartHours program, logon to ogepet.com. Online enrollment is available at oge.com/smarthours or by calling an OG&E service representative at 877-898-3834 between 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. on weekdays.

This is a paid advertorial by OG&E

Norman 2012 VISION

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Company showers customers with service

By Jocelyn Pederson Special for the Transcript

Some people are in and out of the shower all day. David Sparks, owner of The Shower Door Source, is one of them. He has eight fully tiled master bath showers—complete with glass—installed in his showroom at 9480 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City.

Sparks and his staff custom make every shower door priding themselves on their customer service.

When clients walk into the store, they really get the personal treatment—from hands-on help with design, construction fundamentals, and even a space to lay out plans and work with staff or their own designer.

“People come to us in all stages of a project. Some come before they start. Some come in the middle and others see us at the end,” Sparks said. “When you come in here, we’re going to talk to you. We try to use our showroom for education.”

Sparks said during the process of having showers built or remodeled, customers often ask how to do things properly for the best possible result. He said he and his staff are there to help. “When clients are done, they end up with a product that is better than if they hadn’t come to us. We not only help people who have already decided what they want to do, but those who want to know all the options that pertain to their bathroom configurations,” Sparks said.

“They can see those options right here in front of them in the showroom. It’s easier to show people when they can touch it, feel it, squeeze it. Once they know their options, we can really help them determine the best configuration for their needs.”

Offering custom-cut 3/8” and 1/2” tempered glass and metal trim, Sparks says The Shower Door Source never gets a project out of a box. Each project is measured in person and painstakingly cut by hand using quality raw materials.

Glass can be cut in any size and

comes in clear, patterned or opaque varieties for privacy or a distinct look in either contemporary or traditional styles. Sparks says he’s done projects in all sizes including multiple bathrooms in the same home to multi-million dollar remodels and builds.

“We have done very large steam unit applications with glass from floor to ceiling—essentially almost totally sealed steam units,” Sparks said.

“We’ve done everything from neoangle to multi-panel customs all the way down to frameless tub sliders.”

Although designing and working on the projects is a delightful challenge, Sparks said the best thing about owning a store is the people.

“The best thing is all the relationships we’re establishing with our customers in Oklahoma City,” Sparks said.

“Oklahoma City is very diversified.

We have really enjoyed all the relationships we’ve formed with our retail customers, designers, remodel contractors and builders.”

The store is all family run—something he and his wife strove to do.

Having moved frequently with former jobs, he said his wife announced one day that she was “tired of waking up not being from somewhere.” It was then, Sparks said, they knew they had to decide whether to move every three

to five years or settle down.

“God blessed us with the ability to come back to Oklahoma,” Sparks said,

instead of the wall.

With the combination of unique hardware and deliberate customer

“People come to us in all stages of a project.

Some come before they start. Some come in the middle and others see us at the end,” Sparks said.

“When you come in here, we’re going to talk to you. We try to use our showroom for education.” adding this is where they want to stay.

“If you want to be from somewhere, you need to invest in it. That’s key for us.”

So the Sparks family looked for a business to start or acquire.

A relative who was experienced in various businesses, found a shower door company in Florida and the Sparks brought the business model to Oklahoma. Sparks says, to his knowledge, The Shower Door Source is the only place in Oklahoma to see frameless glass shower enclosures and doors.

Part of what makes Sparks’ showers unique is a proprietary hinge system. He calls it a “big deal” because the unique pivot hinge system is very strong, permitting him to hang large pieces of glass by distributing the weight to the threshold

service, things are going well for Sparks and his family. He said business has exceeded his original business plan when they opened their store in the summer of 2011.

He’s looking forward to possibly expanding in Norman where he’ll carry on his legacy of one-on-one service where he can continue to be more than just a business giving quotes. Bottom line: Sparks says he wants to ensure customers end up with a bathroom that pleases them.

For more information, visit the showroom at 9480 N. May Ave. in Oklahoma City Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., call (405) 609-0000 or visit www.theshowerdoorsource.com.

This is a paid advertorial by The Shower DoorSource

Norman 2012 VISION

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Catering Creations your one-stop-shop for busy people

By Jerri Culpepper Special for the Transcript

How many times have you heard it said? There’s just not enough time in the day to get everything done that needs done.

Well, there’s a company right here that can make life a little bit easier for you: Catering Creations and HH Concierge, located at 3750 W. Main St., Suite 3-C, in Park on Main.

The business was founded in 2009 by longtime Norman resident Kim McDade Torres and her business partner Jacob Moore.

“If you find yourself too busy to get to all your regular day-to-day tasks, or need extra help planning an event, we are your one-stop-shop,” Torres said, noting that they currently offer a range of services that includes offsite catering, take-and-bake meals, errand running, house sitting and pet sitting, a limousine service, and even commercial and residential house cleaning. Not feeling well? They will even pick up your prescriptions for you.

So, just how does one go about establishing such a unique and wideranging business?Torres said she first met Moore while working at Mr. Steak, a popular Norman eating establishment that is no longer in business, and got re-acquainted while working for the Hal Smith Restaurant Group in catering.

With the blessings of both their families and Hal Smith, in 2009 they set out to pursue the dream both had long held of owning their own company. During college, Torres had started a pet-sitting business, which she had continued as a side business because of the solid relationships she had established with her clients. The entrepreneurs deciding to start with what they knew best: catering and concierge services.

Although there is a menu to guide people when requesting catering services, Torres said they will work with customers to customize each menu to fit their tastes and budgets. They have catered hundreds of weddings, birthdays, picnics, church gatherings, and other special events, from casual to

black-tie affairs, from party and dessert trays to full menus.

They have also catered to a myriad of area businesses, schools, nonprofits and other organizations, among them Mount St. Mary Catholic High School and the Moore Chamber of Commerce, whose testimonials you can read on their website. The business is regularly lauded not only for the high quality of food prepared, but also their attention to detail, professionalism and presentation.

Six months ago, they added an event center.“I had always wanted a place to hold events that would go hand in hand with our catering,” Torres said, noting that there was an empty space next to their original store front, which she took as a sign to mean that it was meant for them.

The center seats about 80 people – less for classroom seating, more for theater seating. The venue is available for parties, rehearsal dinners, dinner theaters, reunions, baby showers, weddings, business meetings, or just about any event imaginable. Catering Creations will even handle the deco-

rations for a themed party. Booking the event center doesn’t obligate one to use Catering Creations’ services; outside caterers are allowed.

“We recently had a three-night dinner theater there featuring two amazing University of Oklahoma drama students, and for our first attempt, it was very successful. We also have a classical music dinner and show coming up on May 4 performed by Peter Zhmutski, owner of Julia’s Dance Academy.

We want the Catering Creations Events Center to be a spot that can also help contribute to the arts in Norman,” Torres said.“We also have a daily lunch bistro inside our event center,” Torres noted. “It is a light, yet inexpensive, menu where clients can come and have a quiet lunch. We also deliver lunch for a nominal fee.”

If you don’t have time to fix a proper meal and you’re tired of fast food, Catering Creations has a great option: “take and bake” meals, which can be ordered online at cateringcreationsconcierge.com.

The meals, all of which feature

fresh ingredients, can be frozen and served days or weeks later.

“Our Take and Bake menu allows people who are too busy to cook dinner to swing by our shop and have a good meal for their family,” she says.

“We take away the hassle of shopping and the prep of dinner. All you have to do is take it home and pop it in the oven. Or if you prefer, we can have it made hot and ready for you.”

Take and Bake meals can be picked up or, for a nominal fee, delivered to your home or office. Catering Creations offers both family-sized and individual portions. Among their clients are the elderly, who appreciate not having to fight traffic to get a good meal; families expecting babies; and people recovering from an illness, surgery or injury.

Recognizing that many people have special dietary needs or just want to keep on top of what they eat, she said they are in the process of developing a heart-healthy menu and are beginning to work with a local nutritionist on labeling their food with nutrition facts.

Their next big venture is to ship their Take and Bakes regionally.

Torres said the other important component of their business is giving back to the community. In addition to aiding the Norman arts scene, the business on every fourth Friday holds a “Fourth Friday Tasting” of their upcoming Take and Bake menu.

Nonprofits, civic organizations and other groups may use these functions for fundraising purposes; Torres compares it with similar “school night” events offered at local restaurants.

Groups also may purchase gift cards, which may include any of Catering Creations and HH Concierge’s services or products, with a percentage of the profits benefiting the group.

Detailed information on the company, as well as a calendar of events, testimonials, and more, can be found on their website, www.cateringcreationsconcierge.com. Or give them a call at (405) 365-1400.

This is a paid advertorial by Creative Creations

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Coming soon to West Norman: The Falls of Brookhaven

By Jerri Culpepper Special for the Transcript

The first multi-family housing complex built in west Norman in more than 25 years is now under construction. Demand for the highend apartments, with ready access to I-35 – a definite plus for Oklahoma and City commuters – is expected to be so high that a priority waiting list has already been established.

Carlsbad Management Group, LLC, and Carlsbad Construction, LLC – both Norman-based companies that build and manage multifamily communities throughout the state – and the Foster Development Group joined forces to develop this luxury apartment community, to be called The Falls of Brookhaven.

“Nestled in the one of Norman’s most distinguished neighborhoods, we feel this community will fill the growing need for housing options that west Norman has,” said Kristi Jones, co-partner with Steve Jones of the Carlsbad companies.

The Falls is not only close to 1-35, but to shopping, including Sooner Mall on West Main Street and University North Park, located between Robinson Street and Tecumseh Road, and the Norman Regional Health System Healthplex, not to mention a major golf course, swim complex, and a multitude of restaurants and other shops and businesses.

The 164-apartment community, to be located at 3730 W. Rock Creek Road, will offer two- or three-bedrooms options. Amenities will include full-sized washer-dryer connections; upgraded appliance packages, including a side-by-side refrigerator with icemaker and water dispenser in the door; and a choice of wood flooring or plush carpeting, Designed with an eye to aesthetics outside as well as inside, the apartment community will boast well-maintained lawns and lush landscaping.

Unlike many apartments in Norman, The Falls will be pet-friendly.

Tenants also will be able to avail themselves of a swimming pool, fit-

About Carlsbad Companies-Carlsbad Construction, LLC, and Carlsbad Management Group, LLC Carlsbad Management Group, LLC, provides multi-family and self-storage property management services in Lawton, Norman, Del City, Oklahoma City and Edmond.

Photo Provided

ness center and community club room. Garage parking will be available.

“A great deal of research and attention to detail went into the planning of The Falls of Brookhaven,” Steve Jones said, adding the community was designed in a manner that would ensure that the architectural integrity of the Brookhaven community would be upheld.

“The Falls at Brookhaven is a community for those who desire the very best of lifestyle and convenience,” he added. “The Falls at Brookhaven

will be a step above for beauty, for style, comfort and for extra convenience.”

They anticipate pre-leasing as the buildings become available for occupancy. “Due to the high demand for high-quality diversified housing in northwest Norman, we encourage those interested to get on our priority waiting list early,” Kristi Jones said. For more information or to add your name to the waiting list, call (405) 701-1411.

This is a paid advertorial by Carlsbad Management Group.

Photo Provided

The two partners of the Carlsbad companies, Steve and Kristi Jones, have a combined experience of more than 35 years in the multi-family industry. Carlsbad Management Group was formed in January 2008 and has continued to operate top-quality apartment communities in Oklahoma with a continued emphasis on customer service and improving the value of the asset.

The Carlsbad Companies are big supporters of Norman North High School and Norman High School academics and athletics. The company also supports several nonprofits, including ABLE (Association for Better Living and Education), the Assistance League of Norman’s May Fair Arts Festival, and the Apartment Association of Central Oklahoma.

Norman 2012 VISION

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Attorneys want everyone to know: Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy

By Jerri Culpepper Special for the Transcript

Think estate planning is only for the wealthy?

Think again, says Norman attorney Patrick Carlson. “If you own anything,” he says, “estate planning can help you save money and help protect your family.”

Carlson, of Carlson & Copeland, PLLC, explains that estate and legacy planning allows you to: • designate a guardian to care for your children • name who will manage your property after your death or if you become incapacitated or disabled • express your wishes about how your property should be divided • and even share your values with your family for generations to come.

“By developing an estate plan, you get to select the people you trust to manage your property when you die

or if you become incapacitated,” Carlson says. “When we work with clients to develop their estate plans, our goal is to make sure the plan saves as much money as possible and reflects their wishes and values.”

Estate planning, he elaborates, can save clients up to several thousand

dollars on probate costs and minimize estate and income taxes.

As with taxes, a myriad of estate planning tools are available. Understanding that each family’s needs and circumstances are unique, the attorneys work closely with each client to customize his or her plan, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

The foundation of any estate plan, Carlson explains, is the revocable trust and will, which allows your family to avoid probate. A revocable trust, as the name implies, may be changed as needed after it is initially established. Property can be added and removed from the trust as circumstances change.

A pour-over will, he says, acts as a conduit to channel your probate estate into your trust, if that becomes necessary. An estate plan may also include one or more of the following: irrevocable life insurance trust, char-

itable lead or remainder trust, marital trusts and family gift plans.

Estate planning also commonly sets up a “durable power of attorney” and directive for health care. That simply means that you may select people you trust to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so,

avoiding costly and distracting courtsupervised guardianship.

Carlson urges everyone who has not already done so, to seek out help with estate planning now, and not put it off.

“People often tell us they didn’t see the need for estate planning until someone they loved died,” he said.

“Our goal is to educate people about the need for estate planning to prevent the suffering that families endure when a loved one passes without an estate plan in place.”

Echoing his partner’s sentiments, Copeland says the firm’s goal is to bring estate planning to all Oklahoma families. “There is a myth out there that estate planning is only for the wealthy, and we are working hard to overcome that myth. It doesn’t matter how much you have. It is essential to plan now to ensure your wishes are carried out and that your family is protected.”

In addition to helping clients with everything from basic estate planning to complicated trusts for very specific situations, the law firm also recently expanded into providing pet trusts and gun trusts, which are fairly recent additions to the law and not practiced by many attorneys.

Carlson and Copeland also have the educational background and experience to handle a broad range of other tax and legal needs.

Copeland graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law with Distinction. Carlson graduated from the OU College of Law with Honors and then obtained an advanced degree specializing in taxation from the University of Florida.

Other services currently provided at Carlson & Copeland include tax planning and tax return preparation; business formation; and consumer bankruptcy (Chapter 7 and Chapter 13).

Whether a client’s needs are simple or complex, or somewhere in between, Copeland said clients can expect something that is fairly rare in the field: personalized attention.

“Many attorneys are notoriously difficult to reach,” he notes. “We

answer our own phones, are not difficult to reach, and this ensures that we provide the best and most efficient service to our clients.”

Apparently, this approach is one that is favored by their clients. The law firm recently moved into larger offices to accommodate a growth in clientele. In addition, in response to requests from clients, they will soon add a third attorney to the firm to handle family law and small criminal matters.

The law partners believe they have a responsibility to give back to their community, and have chosen the Oklahoma Lawyers for Heroes Program as their avenue of doing so.

Both participate in the program, offered through the Oklahoma Bar Association, in which attorneys provide pro bono services to veterans.

Carlson & Copeland, PLLC, is located at 105 N. University Blvd.

They can be reached at (405) 7011994. For more information, visit www.carlsoncopelandlaw.com.

This is a paid advertorial by Carlson & Copeland PLLC

Norman 2012 VISION

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The customer comes first at Norman Gold and Diamonds

By Jerri Culpepper

Good Neighbors

Special for the Transcript

At Norman Gold and Diamonds, service and integrity aren’t just words; they are the standards by which they operate.

Owners Tom Lam and Mike Blair, who together have been collecting coins for 31 years and have brokered diamonds for 14 years on a global level, opened Norman Gold and Diamonds in June 2009. The shop did such a brisk business that it quickly outgrew its space. So they moved to a location with more than double the footage; conveniently, it is only two doors down from their original site.

The new business at 522 N. Porter Avenue sports 2,600 square feet of space – enough room for a spacious front sales area as well as diamond grading and sorting areas, a private buying room for discerning customers who desire privacy, and a coin counting area.

The shop stocks a full line of designer jewelry,” but our specialty in this area is engagement rings, which we offer at true wholesale pricing,” Lam said.

“We have thousands of diamonds and over 600 rings to choose from,” he added, noting that they can also place special orders - and generally receive them the next day.

“We are distributors for Stuller and can accommodate any order, large or small,” Lam added.

By increasing their square footage, Lam said they also have been able to increase their coin inventory by 400 percent, allowing them to add bullion gold, silver, platinum and palladium (a rare and lustrous silvery-white metal).

But if diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so are they to the proprietors of Norman Gold and Diamonds.

“We are the largest buyers and sellers of gold and loose diamonds in the Norman area,” Lam said. “Direct relationships with Mumbai, Hong Kong and New York have allowed us to sell and trade diamonds at the wholesale level.

From 1,000 to 2,000 carats of diamonds are brokered through Norman Gold every month. Every customer has different needs, and we strive to fulfill all orders. … We are the highest-rated gold buyers by Google.com in Oklahoma, with over 209 positive reviews, of which 24 received the coveted ‘Best

Ever’ medallion.”

Calling Norman Gold and Diamond’s selection of diamonds “second to none,” Lam said the shop’s staff has the expertise to fulfill virtually anyone’s jewelry needs, whether they are looking to buy or sell.

“We specialize in GIA diamonds, which is the standard in the diamond grading industry,” Lam said. “GIA diamonds are commonly traded sight unseen since they are strictest graders in the business.

“We also have a $10,000 Sarin diamond colorimeter, which can accurately grade the color of diamonds; with such precision instruments, we take the guesswork out of the diamond grading, allowing us to pay the most for your diamonds.”

The shop also offers speedy jewelry repair and ring-sizing services – usually one to two days.

While the shop’s wide selection of coins, diamonds and jewelry attract new customers to the shop, Lam says many become repeat customers because of the expert, friendly service they receive from the staff. Current staff includes John Graves, a bench jeweler with more than 35 years of experience; Jason Rea, manager of Norman Gold & Diamonds (and Lam’s protégé); and Paul Erickson, the assistant manager. Lam specializes in Morgan dollars and coins that are pre-

1878 as well as high-grade diamonds.

In addition to Norman Gold and Diamonds, which Lam and Blair consider their anchor store, they own several other businesses in Oklahoma: Absolute Diamond and Gold Buyers in Oklahoma City and Moore Gold and Jewelry in Moore, and Cash for Gold and Coins in Shawnee and Midwest City.

What does the future hold for these industrious businessmen?

“Diamonds is the future of our business,” Lam said. “We are looking to build a website to sell at true wholesale to the public. Visitors will be able to select diamond size, shape, color, clarity and cut.”

Another growing focus is creating custom-built engagement rings for couples.

“We understand that we are in the lagging economy and want to provide as much value to our customers as possible,” he said, noting that they also plan to provide their services to other jewelers in the area with below-wholesale pricing on their huge stock of GIA graded diamonds.

He said they also hope in the near future to be able to hold public coin auctions.

Their more immediate plans include a grand-opening party with fine food, drinks and giveaways. Several drawings also will be held; five lucky drawers will walk away with a diamond ring, diamond

Norman Gold and Diamonds co-owner Tom Lam calls Norman home. He believes that “Normanites should take care of other Normanites.” With that philosophy in mind, Lam said he and his partner, Mike Blair, do what they can to give back to their community. They have contributed to Food and Shelter for Friends, St. Joseph’s early development center and local law enforcement. Additionally, every year they buy hundreds of toys for local children who might otherwise do without. In addition, Lam added: “We love giving coins to kids who want to learn about collecting. This encourages the youth to pursue coin collecting.” earrings or rare coins.

“Here at Norman Gold and Diamonds, our operating philosophy is that the customer comes first,” Lam said. “We strive to treat every customer with honesty, integrity and trust. We truly love the jewelry and gold business. Our customers can expect a smile and some comedy when they enter our store. We want our customers to be comfortable; we understand that selling one’s valuables can be a stressful situation.”

Norman Gold and Diamonds is not a pawn shop, he added. “We do not play the ‘what do you want for that?’ game. We simply offer you the highest prices possible — the first time and every time.”

For more information, call 364GOLD (4653) or visit www.normangoldanddiamonds.com. “Or come on in and say ‘hello.’ We would love to meet you,” Lam said, adding that during the month of April, all designer jewelry is half price.

This is a paid advertorial by Norman Gold & Diamonds

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Norman 2012 VISION

Provided Photo

Curtis McCarty, owner of C.A. McCarty Construction in Norman, works with trade partner Jory Mallory, left, in using Strongtie metal connecting straps to tie down a new home from the roof to the foundation. In 2011, McCarty’s company was the first in the state to institute high-wind construction practices within the base of a home. These practices went beyond the anchoring systems instituted after the May 3, 1999, tornado that leveled much of Moore.

C.A. McCarty Construction Curtis McCarty

Editor’s note: The Transcript took a look through the city’s building permits to get a sense of the top five most prolific builders in Norman. The list was further refined to showcase the top builders of affordable homes as well as the top custom-home builders. At the top of each list were these builders: Home Creations, Ideal Homes, Landmark Fine Homes, C.A. McCarty Construction and Westpoint Homes

Transcript Staff Curtis McCarty has been in the home building business for six years and involved in all areas of construction from overseeing the budget to hammering the nails.

McCarty was employed by one of the largest homebuilders in Okla-

homa for 11 years before following his dream of starting his own company. McCarty specializes in custom residential construction and specializes in building homes that will provide additional safety when Oklahoma’s tornado season blows through town.

C.A. McCarty Construction is a design and build firm specializing in custom residential construction in Oklahoma. Curtis McCarty carries the designation of Certified Professional Home Builder and a Nationally Certified Green Home Builder. As such, McCarty constantly strives to lead the pack in innovative energyefficient home solutions.

C.A. McCarty Construction is also leading the pack as the first home

builder in Oklahoma to institute high-wind construction practices within the base of a home.

In January 2011, C.A. McCarty Construction was named 2010's Builder of the Year by the Oklahoma State Home Builders Association — one of the highest awards a home builder can win in the state.

Presently, C.A. McCarty Construction has houses under construction from Edmond to Goldsby and in between. McCarty said his vision has never been how many homes he can build, but rather how well he can build them.

McCarty is active in the Norman community and in the state. In August 2009, he was appointed by Gov. Brad Henry to the Governor’s Uniform State Building Code Commission. This commission is tasked with determining the building codes that are used statewide.

McCarty is also the chair for the Oklahoma State Home Builders Association Code Committee.

McCarty is a Certified Professional Builder, which requires continuing education and a commitment to higher standards of operation. He is also a Nationally Certified GREEN Professional Builder, a member of the Builders Association of South Central Oklahoma — formerly known as the Norman Builders Association — and served as the president of BASCO in 2007. He is also a member of the National Association of Homebuilders.

McCarty also serves on the Norman Planning Commission, the Rebuilding Together board, and Beta Theta Pi Board of Directors. He is married with two children and lives in Norman. He enjoys OU football and basketball and watching his kids participate in sporting events.

Norman 2012 VISION

29

Westpoint Homes

Jerry Laizure / The Transcript

Silt fences line the hillside of the Las Colinas housing addition being built on the north side of 48th Avenue NW south of Tecumseh Road. Las Colinas is one of he areas being developed by Westpoint Homes. For three years running, Westpoint has won the GuildQuality award for customer service during and after the sale.

Editor’s note: The Transcript took a look through the city’s building permits to get a sense of the top five most prolific builders in Norman. The list was further refined to showcase the top builders of affordable homes as well as the top custom-home builders. At the top of each list were these builders: Home Creations, Ideal Homes, Landmark Fine Homes, C.A. McCarty Construction and Westpoint Homes

Transcript Staff Westpoint Homes owned by Anthony Mirzaie has a solid reputation built on work in the community for over twenty years of professional service.

Westpoint has consistently been on the top ten new home builder’s list for the Oklahoma City metroplex. With offices in Moore, Westpoint builds throughout the Cleveland County area and Oklahoma City area.

From a fledgling new home builder in 1985, Westpoint Homes grew to become

a leader in home building, land development, and commercial construction.

Westpoint Homes communities are located in some of the most desirable areas in Norman and Oklahoma City.

Westpoint continues to seek new products to enhance the design, decor, and structure of new homes.

They are committed to providing superior personal service and a high quality product and believe their products sell themselves.

Westpoint Homes communities in Norman include: Arbor Lake, Summit

Lakes, Cascade Estates, Summit Valley, Highland Village, Woodland Estates, and Las Colinas.

“Our customer service and our followup service, we believe is number one,” Mirzaie said.

Westpoint Homes has won the GuildQuality award for customer service during and after the sale for three years in the row and are up for a fourth year.

“After sales customer services is s top priority for Westpoint Homes,” Mirzaie said.

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Norman 2012 VISION

Commercial development strong and growing

By Joy Hampton Transcript Staff Writer

One of the most prolific commercial builders in Norman and surrounding areas is Precision Builders which was established in 1985 by Sassan Moghadam. As the company has grown through the decades, Precision has come to be responsible for a number of commercial development projects and properties throughout Norman.

Precision’s projects have included medical office buildings, dentist offices, conventional office buildings and strip retail facilities. Precision Builders have also completed numerous restaurants like Subway, Sonic and more recently, Orange Leaf Yogurt.

“Half of the work that we do are really our own projects that we own and build and lease out,” Moghadam said. “The other half of the projects are for clients.”

The commercial construction process varies widely in scope and construction time, based on the type of project. The average construction time on a convenience store build is four-to-five months.

“We have been doing 7-Eleven work since 1985,” Moghadam said. “We have done over 70 stores for them in the metroplex area.”

Currently, Precision is building a new 7-11 on the corner of Flood Avenue and Robinson Street.

“The design comes from the client,” Moghadam said. “Their stores have evolved from 2,400 square foot in 1985 to almost 4,000 square foot.”

Medical offices are a very different story.

“Our medical buildings, typically, if we are the developer and owner, we will do the interior design,” Moghadam said.

“The interior design is done based on the type of profession, and their needs and how many physicians are in there.”

Moghadam said a dentist’s office is more complicated to build than an office for a general medical practitioner, for example.

The heart plaza for Norman Regional Hospital was a designed build, he said.

“You’re looking at about six months of design because it’s a pretty complex building,” Moghadam said. “And then

History of a prolific commercial builder Precision Builders, 221 48th Ave. N.W., has been a General Contractor in Norman since 1984. It was started

by Sassan Moghadam shortly after he completed his degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

In the early years, Moghadam was a one man shop as he ran the jobs and made all the business decisions. As the years went by, Precision grew. Tim Grissom was hired by Sassan in 1993 after completing his degree in construction science from the University of Oklahoma. Grissom became a partner in 2007.

All of the employees at Precision have multiple years with the company, most with 10 years or more. The company’s completed projects list is extensive and diverse. Projects have ranged from school renovations to multi-story independent living centers and hotels.

Precision Builders is a certified STAR Building System dealer and has been recognized as an Outstanding Builder for 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Precision has completed close to 70 convenience stores through the years, most of those for one client, so there is a a track record of repeat business. In fact, a large percentage of Precision’s work comes previous clients. another 12 to 15 months for permitting and construction. It’s about a 40,000 square foot building and those things just don’t come out of the ground as quickly as some of the smaller projects.”

A project like the heart plaza “takes about 18 months from the time I hire the architect and civil engineer to the time I move a client in,” he said.

The heart plaza is a privately owned building leased to NRH for the cardiologists and diagnostics, he said.

On the other side of the equation, office buildings can go up in as little as five months.

Debra A. Parker / The Transcript

Precision Builders is constructing the new 7-Eleven at Flood Avenue and Robinson Street.

Norman 2012 VISION

31

Havenbrook Funeral Home’s Vice family views their work as a ministry to the community

By Jerri Culpepper Special for the Transcript

Brothers Shane and Chad Vice, part of the Vice Family, which has owned and operated Havenbrook Funeral Home since 2010, know that planning a loved one’s funeral may be the hardest thing anyone has to handle in their lifetime.

The brothers – both funeral directors and embalmers – are passionate about their work, which they consider to be much more than just a business; they view their efforts much as a pastor views his flock: as a “ministry to the community.”

“When someone selects Havenbrook as the funeral home to take care of their loved one, we begin by carefully listening, with the understanding that each life has a unique story to be shared,” Chad said.

“Only then can we work to create a service that is meaningful to that family.”

He added, “We know that this is an emotional time for families. We work hard to help them make informed and rational decisions, and to not spend more than they can afford. We would rather serve one family 100 times than 100 families only one time.”

He encourages couples, in particular, to pre-arrange their funerals so they are not forced to make funeral and burial arrangements while going through the grieving process.

“We plan our weddings together, we plan for retirement together, we plan our vacations together – there are so many things we do together as a couple. Some of the best and worst of our times are decided as a couple. When you lose half of your heart, and then you have to make decisions about his or her funeral, that’s incredibly hard. Why not make your plans now, together?”

Later, if circumstances change – say the family moves to another state – Chad noted that people can transfer their cremation and burial arrangements to the receiving funeral home.

Havenbrook’s roots go back to 1994 when it was established by Jeannie C. Roberts and family. “Havenbrook Funeral Home quickly became Norman’s premier funeral home, focusing on the specific needs Norman families have come to expect from a family-owned and familyoperated funeral home,” Chad says.

Upon assuming ownership of Havenbrook Funeral Home, he said, the Vice Family made it their mission to build upon

the funeral home’s good name, with a continued focus on providing consistent, reputable, professional, and fairly priced funeral and cremation services.

Chad noted that the funeral profession, “like many Norman businesses, has a long and proud history of personal service provided by families with deep roots in the local community, and a deep commitment to upholding professional standards.

“Many of the best funeral homes in the industry are continuously operated by families that make a substantial investment in the community where their funeral homes are located,” he added.

Many of the nation’s funeral providers are run by out-of-state corporations, which Chad says may not have the same level of commitment to the communities in which they are based.

“Because Havenbrook Funeral Home is locally owned and because it is a ministry-focused funeral home and cremation provider, you can rest knowing that we

will do our utmost best to meet all of your needs. We answer to you. In our family-owned funeral home, there is no pressure from corporate headquarters to increase profits by raising prices. Our family-owned funeral home is reasonably priced, and we are committed to caring for the community, understanding that, at times, situations may require the attention that only the owner can give.

“All of our attention is devoted to making Havenbrook Funeral Home the best it can be in terms of satisfying the needs of our friends and neighbors,” he added.

“We are not distracted nor bound by corporate mandates. We’re more flexible and more responsive to you and your needs.”

As noted earlier, the Vice Family and staff at Havenbrook Funeral Home are deeply rooted in the Norman community.

“We serve on local boards, support local charities, donate our time to improve the lives of others and, just like you do, turn

to our neighbors when we need help,” Chad said. “Whenever possible, we choose to do business with other familyowned-and-operated businesses, too.

Together, by focusing on the Main Street initiative, as opposed to the Wall Street initiative, we can strengthen Norman’s core, provide an abundance of opportunity for our children and grandchildren to remain at home and continue the legacy of what has strengthened our community.”

To learn more about the services available at Havenbrook Funeral Home, including funeral pre-arrangements, cremation options or funeral costs, as well as aftercare services, Chad invites you to call and speak to him or another member of the Vice Family. “Our family is available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and provide unlimited care,” he said.

This is a paid advertorial by Havenbrook Funeral Home.