GREATER HEIGHTS
1 2 3
N E W L O O K , S A M E 5 - S T A R S E R V I C E !
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HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE US:
We sell homes on average for 5.5% higher or $21,831 more than the competition.
We sell homes on average 33 days or 19% faster than the competition.
How you compare to your competition in the current market will make ALL the difference!
We understand how to maximize your profit in a new market with growing inventory.
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EDITOR’S NOTE SPRING 2015 ISSUE BLOKHEAD SCOTT TALLEY SCOTT@OURBLOK.COM
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS HOLLY GRAJALES HOLLY@OURBLOK.COM
DIRECTOR OF WEB DEVT DANIELO ROJAS DANIELO@OURBLOK.COM
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANGELA PENNINGTON INFO@OURBLOK.COM
FOR ADVERTISING RATES INFO@OURBLOK.COM 713-868-2002
OurBlok.com has made all reasonable efforts to verify the accuracy of articles and information within. Responsibilities for accuracy of claims and information of our advertisers lie solely with them. Editorial content does not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. Editorial or advertising does not constitute advice, but is considered information. Copyright 2015 by OurBlok.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the written permission from OurBlok.com. OurBlok.com is published quarterly by OurBlok.com at 4920 Center St., Houston, Texas 77007.
2 OurBlok Spring 2 OurBlok Fall
A little over 6 years ago I told my wife I wanted to build a widget that would connect local business owners with the residents in the Greater Heights. I can still remember the first few businesses I ran this idea by. Luckily for me, they were much more enthusiastic than my wife! My reasons were selfish. I wanted to get to know as many people in the area as I could as well as help small businesses grow their enterprises. Well, here we are distributing our 25th publication and my!!! how the area has changed! One of our first cover photos was the Caceres development of Feagan St. and West End. Today, if we tried to cover every development in the area, we would need a phone book! In fact, our small team of 3 were just forced out of our Center St. office for a new development. Speaking of staff, I get a kick out of other publications that have more staff than advertisers! One local publication has thirty two people on their staff page and only 68 ads. While another accounts 48 contributors and 47 advertisers. Makes me proud of what we accomplish each quarter. Our widget, “Heights OurBlok” continues to offer a great website for Heights residents with Heights related info, a weekly email notice that is sent out to 10,000 residents in 77007, 77008 and 77018 zip codes, free articles or ads for non-profits and tons of fun for me, the owner. And now one apology. I love women, always have and always will. I love my Mom, my wife and my 3 incredible daughters. My regret is that this is the first issue we have ever produced with women on the cover. Hard to believe. So to all the women in the Greater Heights, my apologies. I can guarantee you, if we are fortunate enough to produce another twenty-five issues, we will do better. Hope you enjoy our feature article on the great work these great women are doing!
this issue Just Desserts
7
FEATURES 7
Just Desserts
16 Life’s A Beach 20 Something Old, Something New 26 Heights Builders 24
20
Planning Your Exit Strategy
DEPARTMENTS Something Old , Something New
10 Whats New In The Heights 12 Restaurant Review 41 Heights Business Profile 42 Events in the Heights
24 Business Exit Strategy OurBlokWinter Spring 664OurBlok OurBlok Spring 6 OurBlok
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Most travelers return from vacations with a souvenir or two. But when Christina Logan and Kelli Johnson visited a sweetFrogŽ Premium Frozen Yogurt shop in Kelli’s hometown of Sulphur Springs, Texas, they came home with a dream and a drive to open their own franchise right here in Oak Forest. OurBlok Spring OurBlok Winter7 9
“ The quality of the yogurt was unmatched,” says Logan. The yogurt boasts active probiotic cultures and numerous vitamins, including C, D and B12, and with the variety of options available, the treat can be enjoyed by nearly everyone. “Flavors and toppings often include varieties that are gluten free, sugar free or dairy free,” says Logan, “and as far as a location for the new shop? That was a no-brainer.” Logan and Johnson were familiar with the explosion of growth that Oak Forest has been experiencing , both with residents and new businesses and concepts, and opening a sweetFrog® allowed them to join other local, excited entrepreneurs. “We were most looking forward to providing the neighborhood with a fun, clean and happy environment that would also serve as an outlet for fundraising opportunities.” In the short time they have been open, the duo has proven to be a huge asset to the community, not only through raising funds for schools, churches and other non-profits, but also through hands-on work to improve the area. Attend a festival in the neighborhood, and chances are you might run into the iconic giant frog! And Logan is no stranger to philanthropy. She spends much of her free time raising funds for, and subsequently drilling , water wells in third world countries, with emphasis on Ghana, Africa and Leon, Nicaragua. She also works closely with Mack Haik Realty, where she is Vice President, on numerous other projects. In her leftover time, she is an avid sand volleyball and basketball player. Also keen on sports, Johnson enjoys tennis 8 OurBlok Spring
and golf. She gives her energy and time on a more local level, serving on the board of The Oaks Business Association. Professionally, she has served Harris County for over 15 years as a Chief Felony Prosecutor for the District Attorney ’s office, and before attending law school, she worked for the White House for two years. Both owners are residents of Oak Forest and are staunch supporters of their local schools. In the fall, their 5 year old son will be attending Oak Forest Elementary and their 11 year old will attend Frank Black Middle School.
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s ’ l e d San ach! e B a s i e f i L
He
is a native Hous-
tonian, was once By Sally Adams andDavidLorms considered to be a part of a
“bad boy” industry, fell in love with his wife while on vacation and has been doing business at the same Houston location since 1967. Lloyd Sandel of Houston’s Surfhouse was a recent guest on radio program and podcast Make It Happen with David Lorms.
Lloyd Sandel and his wife, Carol, own the Surfhouse, Texas’ oldest surf and skateboard shop and one of only two in Houston. Visit www.surfhousesurfcam.com to learn all about the shop and check on the surf conditions in both Galveston and Surfside beaches. Sandel was a north Houston kid who went to college at Pasadena City College in California. He began to surf while in Southern California and came back to Houston for a vacation. There he met a girl named Carol, saw that surfing had come to town and never went back. While working for the postal system, he started repairing surfboards for BJ’s Surf Shop and the rest is Houston surfing history. They first had a shop in the Memorial area, “that’s where the surfers lived,” Sandel explained. The couple moved their business to its present location on 34th and Ella in 1967. Early in the business Carol became involved in the clothing and accessories side and he happily ran the surf and now surf and skateboard interest. Lorms told Sandel that he loved the shop and especially the variety of mostly surf and skateboarding stickers on the floor. How did that get started? “I really don’t know who put down the first one, but over the years more and more get added as customers and friends bring in unusual bumper stickers and decals they find during their travels,” he smiles. “And we like the way it looks!” Sandel loves surfing and still rides the waves on select days. “It’s funny, once I opened a surf shop, I didn’t have very much time to surf any more! But once you are a skater or surfer - you do it until you can’t!” Lorms and Sandel discussed the evolution of surfing. “In the 60s long boards were in and perfect for the gulf coast’s slower surf. But then short boards were the trend in the late 70s and by the 80s surfing was almost dead in Texas because surfboards were the size of potato chips! It was just not cool to be seen with a long board on the beach,” Sandel laughed. Luckily for Texas surfers, long boards came back with a vintage style that is hot even among really young surfers. There are currently ten surf shops in Galveston and two in Houston. Lorms mentioned that as a high school non-surfer, he wore Ocean Pacific (OP) clothing. “Surfing apparel, mostly baggies [loose shorts] and T-shirts, helped save the sport,” commented Sandel. Now surf wear and skate wear are available everywhere - even in land-locked states! And surfing has helped many a small beach community all over the world. And skate boarding is big all over the world - even in war-torn areas” he commented. 16 OurBlok Spring
Sandel bases his store’s success while others failed on catching the skateboard trend in the 70s. “The 80s brought in the Golden Age of Skateboarding with pros, high dollar competitions and major sponsorships” he added. Very big in the Houston skateboard community, he is involved in the Thanksgiving Turkey Jam which is in its 31st year. Proceeds go to Public Use Skateboarding of Houston which was behind the first Houston public skate park which boasts over 30,000 square feet and is a top rated American park. “The Jam started as a way for skaters to get away from helping with the dishes on Thanksgiving Day,” he laughed. Now it’s on Thanksgiving weekend because it got too big for just one day. The Jam is held at 43rd and TC Jester which is called “The Easy 7 Drain Run” because skaters can make 7 easy passes until they get to the water. “When we originally skated on public property we were chased off by police. It was considered a ‘bad boy sport’. Now the city embraces it,” Sandel was happy to say. He still tools around on his long board - but isn’t allowed to teach kids how to ‘Pop an Ollie’ any more. Must be Carol’s influence there! His friends and customers often keep him up to date on trends and new products before his manufacturers let him know. “Board making is light years ahead of the old days,” he said. “Epoxy foam instead of polyester. Not much has changed in the actual sport. Kids continue to embarrass us older guys.”
Advice Regarding Owning Your Own Business? Be knowledgeable and skilled about what you love and stick to it! Be prepared to work twice the hours of a 9 to 5 job. Example: we never sold in-line skates or windsurfing, paddle surfing or kite surfing because we aren’t experts in those fields.
His Biggest Surprise About the Last 47 Years: I still love this! It’s fun and it makes me happy. If I’m able to put a sentence together when I wake up, I’m good to go! Carol and I are both “pseudo-grandparents” to so many kids and have enjoyed watching them grow up.
1729 W 34th Street surfhousesurfcam.com 713.686.3300 About the author: David Lorms hosts Make It Happen With David Lorms, an internet radio show on www. KBREEZSports.com live every Wednesday at noon about entrepreneurs, business owners, and successful people, their challenges and failures turned into success, and advice for people to better their lives and careers. OurBlok Spring 17
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Something Old, Something New By Angela Pennington
L
ike its namesake sandwich, Houston Panini and Provisions is the perfect meld of ingredients. Two popcorn guys and two restaurant guys, plus a landmark storefront and the drive to serve the community with fresh, local ingredients—it’s a no fail recipe for success. You know the corner. The Popcorn, Nuts, Etc. sign still graces the store at the corner of 34th and Ella, where the shop sat empty for years. What some saw as a potential eyesore, brothers David and Alex Colby saw it as a spot to expand their already growing popcorn business. The two had been perfecting a twenty year old family recipe of their grandfather’s, and after selling in box stores, as well as at Urban Harvest farmer’s market, the Colbys had quite a following. So when they approached buddy Charles Martin, it was a no brainer—and Houston Panini and Provisions was born. “We wanted a sandwich shop with local ingredients and fresh, good produce,” says David. “We put it all in the pot, but it was like the Wild West over here!” The trio then brought in fourth partner Scott Dolman, who brought the business to the next level, both professionally and gastronomically.
The Paninis Suffice it to say, these guys know how to throw down a killer Panini. They just rolled out a new menu, keeping some favorites, like the chicken cilantro and the tuna, and adding some others as the season dictates. Just in time for the Houston summer—the goat cheese and veggie Panini, chock full of fresh, sautéed garden vegetables and loaded with flavor. Prefer a meatier sandwich? Try the venison sausage Panini with pineapple. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected, and sandwich battles between
the owners often dictate what combinations will end up on the menu. “We like taking flavor profiles we know and putting them together in the freshest, best way possible,” says Scott, who has worked in some of Houston’s most elite kitchens. Take the tuna melt, for example—no tin cans of Starkist here. A friend of the guys catches the tuna, which is cooked, shredded and used along with cheese from Houston Dairy Maids. Herbs are grown on property and the bread is purchased locally to be the freshest possible. Gluten free bread is also available upon request. “We are here in the midst of tons of fast food joints,” says Scott, “and while we don’t have a drive through, we will get you your lunch super fast.” A box lunch includes a Panini, a side of popcorn, and an artisan soda for just $11, and the guys will deliver orders of at least $100. Catering is offered, and the guys also encourage local high schoolers to eat a fresh, more nutritious lunch. 20 OurBlok Spring
The Popcorn If some of the popcorn seems familiar, don’t be surprised. The former owner and master popper bequeathed his flavorings to the guys—along with his 30-year kettles, which are rarely used by other popcorn purveyors. Offerings include dry seasoned popcorn—think lemon and dill—as well as candied or chocolate covered kernels. Local faves are Nutter Butter and Houston style, an unusual combination of candied caramel and tongue awakening habanero. The popcorn is gluten free, and the guys source local, sustainable heirloom corn from Rockdale, Texas. Their colorful snacks are quickly becoming the new go-to choice for birthday celebrations both in homes and for school birthday treats.
The Provisions Aside from grabbing a delicious lunch or dinner, locals now have the option of popping in and purchasing ingredients to cook with at home. The shop carries Tavola artisan pasta, Heart of Texas olive oil and balsamic, Java Pura coffee and tons of other groceries from local distributors. One of their hottest items is the local honey from Mindful Honey, sold by local resident Sean Pessara. “It’s like Black Friday when Sean brings in his first batch of honey of the season.” You’ll also see a large display of shop’s personal pit master. Barbecue other condiments are sold—and after you’ll want to take a few jars home.
Back 40 products, bottled by the sauce, salsas, pickled carrots and tasting many of these on the Paninis,
The Future The quartet has big plans for Houston Panini and Provisions, such as more dining space, a bigger patio and pop-up brunches showcasing the amazing talent of local chefs. They encourage neighbors to walk up, bring a bottle of wine, and hang out while enjoying their Paninis. As for the famous sign, its future is still undecided.
Houston Panini & Provisions 1727 W. 34th | 713-681-4500 www.HoustonPanini.com
Leaving Your Business? By Gary Cooper CPA Having defined goals and objectives help business owners increase net worth and plan a timely and organized succession strategy. A succession plan can actually start the day you open your business. Planning, organization and timely execution of processes can increase the value of your business. Approximately 78 million boomers are expected to exit the workforce over the next 10-15 years, many of them entrepreneurs who will be looking to cash in on their successful businesses to enjoy the fruits of retirement or other endeavors. In comparison with previous generations, the sheer number of boomers will create the largest transfer of business equity our country has ever seen in an age-driven cycle.
24 OurBlok Spring
Like it or not, there comes a time when everyone will face a transition. The subject of exit planning can be one that triggers a huge amount of angst and internal resistance in business owners, a kickthe-can-down-the-road attitude. In fact business brokers report that almost 90% of their clients walk in the door ready to sell even though they have made only minimal preparations. This attitude contributes to the reality that many owners find themselves receiving only as much as 5070% of the true business value at the time of sale. Allowing yourself time to make your business attractive to buyers, set up appropriate structures to protect you from the tax monster, and make any course corrections, can add millions to your bottom line.
“There are about 85 flavors of exiting,” says Gary Cooper, president of Cooper CPA Group, PC. “It’s not necessarily about what you get for the company; it’s about what you keep, and taxes are a big part of that. So some of the preparation can involve the time it takes to set up entities or family limited partnerships to make sure that you keep everything you get. The fact is you can grow 20% this year and if taxes change, then all of that evaporates.” A second consideration is timing, and how to put yourself in the driver ’s seat so you can proactively control the sale process versus getting forced into a reactive corner. Getting the best value for a business is the ultimate end game for the owner who has worked long and hard to build their operation. It’s likely the most important transition and transaction you will ever negotiate. They say time is money, but a solid and well executed exit plan is what will secure the money to ensure your retirement is the best time of your life no matter what you choose to do. The Cooper CPA Group team and associated advisors works with business owners to develop an exit strategy tailored to fit each owner ’s specific needs and secure their financial future. Cooper CPA Group, PC was organized in 1990 to assist business owners with, accounting, taxes, specialized consulting services, and the exit planning process. The staff and collective team of professionals has over 100 years of experience in the following areas: accounting, auditing, legal, investment banking, wealth management, human resources, risk management, and strategic consulting. With such a vast experiencebase, the team is fully equipped to handle all aspects of the exit process.
B a s e d in Ho u s t o n , Te xa s a n d wit h m o r e t h a n 3 5 y e a r s o f a c c o u n t in g e x p e r ie n c e, Ga r y N. Co o p e r, CPA , p r e si d e n t/ CE O o f Co o p e r CPA Gr o u p , P C, e s t a b lis h e d h is f u ll- se r vi ce a c c o u n t in g a n d c o n s u lti n g fi r m in 2 0 0 4 a n d s e r v e s in d i vi d u a l s a n d m id - m a r k e t c o m p an i e s i n a b r o a d r a n g e o f in d u str i e s in c lu d in g m e d ic a l, r e ta i l , c o m m e r c ia l, h o s p it a li ty a n d m a n u f a c t u r in g . F o r m o r e in f o r m a t io n v is it :
www.CooperCPAGroup.com 1 7 0 3 W 1 2 t h S t. Ho u s t o n , Te x a s 7 70 0 8 (713) 243-8590 info@garycoopercpa.com
OurBlok Spring 25
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“Our primary goal is quality craftsmanship; we pride ourselves on building homes that are affordable while never skimping on quality”
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earl Developments was born from extensive home building and company growth experience. In addition to building custom homes independently, they have experience that comes from years of working with some of the largest most respected builders in Texas and as such, have extensive experience building in Texas and most notably Houston. Founded in 2012, Pearl Developments builds unique, custom single family homes and high-quality semi-custom Single Family & Patio Home communities in the Houston area.
Philosophy… Our primary goal is quality craftsmanship; we pride ourselves on building homes that are affordable while never skimping on quality. Our attention to detail is not just in what you see it is also in what you do not see from architectural and structural to plumbing and electrical. We labor over every detail so you do not have to! We build what buyers are looking for with an eye on efficient design that makes the best use of the space available, offering must-haves such as roof-top decks and yards and custom features such as floating staircases, wine bars and coffee nooks. Our designs are on trend without being “trendy”, our homes will fit the most current styles of today while remaining timeless for years to come. We are focused and committed to delivering an exceptionally built home with great quality in the heart of Houston’s inner loop. We understand that exceeding customer expectation is what separates the exMain Office traordinary from 2233 Yale St. Houston, TX 77008 the average. Our phone: 832-683-5966 customers are the fax: 281-213-0573 driving force behind everything we Email do. sales@pearldevelopments.com 28 OurBlok Winter
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1807 Candlelight Place Dr. Houston TX 77018 www.lancasterhomesusa.com Colette Franz 713-416-4257 Lancaster Homes is a family business since 1974 which is an important component for our company’s past, present & future. “Our family created this business, and our business is creating the family dream…through exceptional homes.”
“We build each home as if it were our own.” Chris Franz and his wife Colette Franz work together daily on building this company for both of their son’s futures. The same way that Chris’s parents Eddie & Evonne Franz did for him. Currently, Lancaster Homes is located in Oak Forest just Northwest of the Heights in their 61-lot subdivision of newly constructed homes, built exclusively by Lancaster Homes. With only a dozen lots left, they are building custom homes that range between 4,000-5,000 square feet. The entire subdivision is zoned to Oak Forest Elementary which is one of Houston’s top rated primary schools. Each and every house is completely unique. From the exterior elevations to the detailed custom touches on the inside. **Thermador appliances, open floor plans, three car garages, custom trim & beams, engineered, Energy Star Certified, deed Restricted and all yards have space for Pools.
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At Kristian Bell Construction...
“We are working to transform the contracting process through integrity, passion and unique design capabilities. We work closely with our clients through a painless, collaborative process to ensure that we are able to deliver the perfect finished project!” — Kristian Bell
When it’s time for a change, it’s time for a change! Whether you have something specific in mind or not quite sure what you want done, we at Kristian Bell Construction are here to help. We can walk you through the design process to smoothly achieve your dream renovation.
Are you looking for that unique space that sets your home apart? At Kristian Bell Construction we can take your most beloved space and make it spectacular. We have created Wine Cellars, Media Rooms, Bar Areas and Outdoor Living Spaces that will make your neighbors drool!
Just can’t seem to find that perfect piece? We can create it for you! Design is our passion and sometimes that perfect piece just brings it all together. At Kristian Bell Construction we are proud to not only employ design specialists, but have a wide community of artists that we can reach out to so we can create the perfect piece for you.
Kristian Bell Construction
1107 Upland Dr. Suite B
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(713) 385-0156 www.KristianBellConstruction.com
OurBlok Spring 33
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4720 Washington Ave., Ste D 40 OurBlok Spring
H
ouston is home to a great many artistic landmarks. From the presidential statues of David Adickes, to the Beer Can House of John Milkovisch. We enjoy these artistic oddities in our neighborhoods and on our commutes. Even the OurBlok offices caught some artistic attention when our (literally) flamboyant bovine statue - aptly named, Thunder - was stolen and later found half a county away.
The Walls O
ur favorite landmark however, is only one block from us. It is The Graffiti-covered murals of Shepherd Dr. and Center St. It’s a spectacle, really, graced by the colorful musings of Houston’s most talented and elusive street artists today. And unlike most of these other landmarks, the scene changes throughout the year. It’s an urban mecca, of sorts…, a place where graffiti artists congregate to “represent.”
The Story Goes
O
nce upon a time Alva Graphics had received an interesting proposal from a young man named Chus to paint a mural on our south wall. This project resulted in the amazing graffiti park at that location. Eventually, every outside wall of every building on that corner was buffed and painted with aerosol. The outer walls of the property became home to the work of some of the most talented graffiti artists in H-Town. This location became an “art park” for street artists to come and flex their skills. The birth of The Great Graffiti Park was a result of a collaboration between Alva Graphics and the graffiti writers. Why would any business owner participate in this? Art is their business! “Alva Graphics is an art store.” While that description might seem open-ended, it is an appropriate one since their goods and services are somewhat all-encompassing for artists and collectors. The versatility of Alva Graphics ranges from art supplies to custom art, custom framing, printing, limited edition prints and, needless to say, spray paintings. The list goes on. They are a business staffed by artists in their framing, printing and art supply departments. Any success is based on their ability to create and stock distinctive and imaginative items for their clientele.
M
aking Alva Graphics a public mural has drawn the attention of amateur to professional artists all throughout Houston. In doing so, they have organically created a symbiotic relationship with their clientele. The murals change seasonally and continue to be graced by the work of more and more impressive artists. One day, the mural has you in awe spectating at the manifestation of a spaceman floating somewhere in between the galaxies of some celestial universe. The next day it’s gone. Then you find yourself scratching your head at the sight of what appears to be a tank plowing through the wall. Alva Graphics saw the beauty of the street stuff, supplied the talent and gave them a place to shine. This is a deed that won’t be forgotten soon by Houston’s artistic enthusiasts.
A
lva Graphics has since relocated a mere 1 mile away. At their new location in a shopping center located at 910-D North Durham, they have only a glass storefront, no outside walls. However, the inside walls at their new location are even better than before. Take a step inside. You will be greeted with the same plethora of artistic promise that Alva Graphics is known for. Here are all the tools you need. They beckon to your imagination, you are surrounded by objects that challenge your potential, and you are inspired. Go!
910 N Durham Dr | (713) 863-1211 | www.AlvaGraphicscom OurBlok Winter
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46 OurBlok Winter 42 OurBlok Spring
OurBlok Winter
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44 OurBlok Winter
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