SCV Community Pride 2016 - Real Estate

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R1

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

SCV

Community

Pride Real Estate

SCV Community Pride • Real Estate

Augusta Financial in it for the long term with clients

Dan Watson/The Signal

Augusta Financial Inc. staff members with the Augusta Treat Suite ice cream truck at Augusta Financial Inc. in Newhall.

R2 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Real Estate

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Augusta Financial leads the way to financial freedom

Dan Watson/The Signal

Augusta Financial Inc. professionals from left, Rachael Cleveland, Andy Boron, Augusta Financial Inc. President Mike Meena and Chelsea Rollins discuss a file at Augusta Financial Inc. in Newhall.

By Laurel Davis

USDOT 72029 CAL-T 189585

P Serving the Greater Los Angeles area Serving the Greater Los Angeles area

USDOT 72029 CAL-T 189585

art of the fallout of the 2008-2009 housing bust was a decline in the rate of homeownership.

Not only did people lose their homes but over the ensuing years since then, potential first- and second-time home buyers have been gun shy or hindered with looming student loan or other debt, and have turned to renting.

Compounding these obstacles are the stricter government guidelines imposed on the mortgage industry, along with the lack of thorough education being imparted to potential buyers and Realtors.

Fortunately, these obstacles can be overcome. Homeownership remains part of the American Dream and is “the most important ingredient to financial freedom,” according to Mike Meena, president of Augusta Financial, Inc., a mortgage company in Newhall. He insists that, when people understand the home buying process and the short- and longterm advantages of buying over renting, it becomes a more positive experience.

Providing that understanding has been a cornerstone of Mike’s success. He insists, “Honesty and good advice are what make a business grow more than just closing a loan deal. It’s not just a mortgage but a means to building each client’s long-term financial growth.”

Mike should know. He has been in the mortgage business for 25 years and has established himself and his company as the most trusted lender in the Santa Clarita Valley, says Amy Atkins, vice president of marketing

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and brand development for Augusta Financial.

That trust generates from Mike’s keen ability to explain the home loan process well and going above and beyond the loan to look at the client’s bigger financial picture. “It’s not just a transaction but a potential long-term relationship whereby I take on an advisement role without charging a fee for it.”

Client trust also comes from delivering as promised. “Clients get what we say they will get from the beginning of the process. And if we make any mistakes or if other problems show up in spite of our best efforts to predict or avoid them, we eat the mistakes.”

In considering the client’s bigger financial picture, another key factor is the education Mike provides to Realtors. With his great knowledge of the industry, “Mike empowers Realtors to be better at what they do,” Amy says. “This, in turn, allows for a smoother loan process for the client, and garners more referrals from real estate agents based on their trust of our service.”

Furthermore, Augusta Financial is a mortgage banker whereby the entire home loan process – from originating to underwriting to funding – is all executed under one roof. This ensures good communication, close file tracking, smooth processing, and time-efficiency at every step of the transaction. It also means that Augusta Financial takes the risk, which Amy notes few mortgage companies in the SCV do.

Risks are minimized when a company takes pride in what they do and in their

consistent success at doing it. “Clients and Realtors can feel at ease with us because we do this every single day,” Mike says.

Mike started Augusta Financial in 1995 with two people, and it has grown to 85 employees at two offices.

The company does not specialize in any particular type of home loan, he says. “All loans are treated the same in terms of that ultimate goal of putting people in a better financial place.” They serve all of California but are all local SCV residents.

As a local company, Mike and his team donate to several local charities, including Tidings for Teens and Spark of Love, among other local causes. In addition, they’ve developed a unique mobile marketing vehicle, a “Treat Suite Truck,” to engage loan officers and real estate agents with the community through face-to-face outreach with clients at their place of business, with complimentary ice cream and other treats to say “Thank you!” for past and future business.

Mike Meena (NMLS #241370) and the Augusta Financial (RML #01212262, NMLS #241911) team invite you to learn more about how they can help your financial future through their home loan programs and personalized attention.

Their main office is located at 24018 Lyons Avenue, Newhall 91321, with office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 6:30pm.You may also call (661) 2602970, email mike@augustfinancial.com, or visit www.mikemeena.com.

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R3

Real Estate

Santa Clarita Valley’s friendliest Realtors

By Marcie Geffner llie Lacy and Jim Frank just might be the friendliest Realtors in the Santa Clarita Valley.

They’re not only sociable and congenial. They also happen to live, work and play in a retirement community known as Friendly Valley.

Lacy, a broker-associate, has been involved in real estate since 1970. Her business partner Frank, a U.S. Air Force veteran, got his license in 1991.

The two work as a team at Kellar-Davis Real Estate in the Newhall area of Santa Clarita. Their office is located at 19310 Ave of the Oaks, Suite C, Newhall, CA 91321. Lacy’s phone number is (661) 341-6226. Frank can be reached at (661) 713-5761.

E

Friendly Valley

Most of Lacy’s and Frank’s realty business is in the Friendly Valley retirement community, which has approximately 1,200 homes. The earliest phases were built in 1962–1973. Later phases were added in the 1980s and 2005.

Living in the community gives Lacy and Frank an advantage in helping their clients.

“We always have the inside track on what’s going

on in Friendly Valley,” Lacy explains. “Many of the homes are sold before they come on the market.

We are very active and well-known in the community.”

One of only two retirement communities in the Santa Clarita Valley, Friendly Valley has “a lot to offer in terms of security, recreation and reasonable fees for owners,” Frank explains.

Those benefits matter to the community’s buyers and sellers. Lacy and Frank work with both types of customers whether they’re local, out of the area or in another state.

“We’re hands on with sellers and offer them all that they need in getting a home prepared to sell,” Frank explains. “We have the contacts with the cleaning people, painters, window cleaners and others to get things done.”

Loyal customers

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

Repeat customers and referrals from existing customers make up much of Lacy’s and Frank’s business. That strong client loyalty proves they have high standards and offer excellent service for buyers and sellers.

“We have a lot of repeat customers,” Lacy says. “They trust Jim, and they trust me. They trust

Realtors Ellie Lacey and Jim Frank sit in their Friendly Valley location. our skills and our ability to negotiate for them and keep their transaction smooth.”

Lacy and Frank also value doing business in a way that’s consistent with their personal morals.

“All I have is my good reputation,” Lacy says. “I will never do anything to

damage or harm that.”

Big-screen TV

Lacy and Frank aren’t all work and no play. In addition to their business activities, they are also generous donors to their Friendly Valley community.

“If a club needs a sponsor, we are there for

them,” Lacy says. “We also put on Mardi Gras and Halloween dances for the community every year.”

As many as 200 people have attended these fun and festive events. Decorative Mardi Gras masks and spooky Halloween costumes help everyone

get into the spirit.

Lacy and Frank’s latest project is sponsoring a new big-screen TV and protection system for the Friendly Valley community’s auditorium.

What could be friendlier than that?

– presents –

Friendly Valley Adult Community

The only senior resort of it’s kind in the L.A. County at affordable prices with two golf courses.

ellie lacy CA BRE # 0040871

(661) 341-6226

ellieclacy@yahoo.com

James t. Frank CA BRE # 01106335

(661)713-5761 jfrnkv@att.net

What Friendly Valley

has to oFFer:

• Two golf courses – 9 hole • Basic cable TV executive and an 18 hole • Trash collection pitch & putt • Year round heated pool and spa • Courtesy tram to area market places

• Clubs galore • Travel Groups • Broad price range, something for everyone

19310 Ave. of the Oaks, Ste. B, Newhall, CA 91321 • (661) 252-9000

R4 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

Poseidon Pools sticks with you as you transform your property

By Rubén J. Porras

I

magine a company so focused on customer service that they care enough to work on your project for as long as you need them, and not just one time. This is the oldfashioned customer service that you can expect from Poseidon Pools. You can count on being consulted and informed from the start to the finish of your project to ensure that you are happy.

Poseidon Pools is a company that will keep you updated and informed while handling all your needs and, not pawning you off on outside contractors that may not fully understand your situation.

When you first contact Jason Stauffer and his team you may have a particular need in mind, but if you don’t you shouldn’t worry. Poseidon Pools handles everything you could ever need in regard to turning your backyard from a place to hang out with your family and friends, to a resort-style destination that you can be proud to share and enjoy for years to come.

Think of the last resort that you stayed at, and about your favorite features there. Poseidon Pools can bring those features to life on your property whether they upgrade an existing outdoor area or completely take

it down to make way for a brand new design concept.

According to Stauffer, working closely with customers and treating them right has kept many customers returning to the company.

“I’ve been working with a lot of my clients for a while,” said Stauffer.

“On one project in particular we built the pool with safety in mind to cater to their small children.

As the children got older we actually remodeled the pool and made it more adult friendly. Doing this made the look of the pool much nicer.”

In addition to designing and building swimming pools, Poseidon Pools can also plan the area around the pool to give your yard a finished look.

Custom barbecue and outdoor kitchen installations with a variety of options including features such as your choice of cooking surfaces and refrigeration and beer taps are available as are inground and above-ground fire pits that can also be built into furniture. The company also designs and builds custom tile and concrete installations that include driveways, retaining walls, planters, patio areas, and flagstone walkways.

Your imagination can be brought to life by

© Poolcorp

A customized infinity pool and spa designed by Poseidon Pools.

Stauffer and company.

One recent installation featured an infinity pool and attached spa lit with underwater color changing LED lighting. The design also featured a series of arched illuminated fountains. The location of the project on the client’s property was chosen to take advantage of pan-

oramic views overlooking the Santa Clarita Valley.

Energy efficiency and protecting the environment are also important to Poseidon Pools. Stauffer is happy to offer tips on saving money and leaving less of a carbon footprint with new and existing swimming pools and outdoor features. He can also

(855) 661-POOL (818) 430-6661 Locally owned and operated • Lic. #838031

Swimming Pool and Hard Scape Design Construction, Repair, and Maintenance Facebook.com/SCVPoseidonPools

explain what rebates that you may qualify for from your particular electricity provider to make your whole build more affordable when installed and in the future.

For Stauffer, building swimming pools and fantasy outdoor spaces is about much more than pouring concrete and add-

ing water. Making families happy in their space is very important to him and his company.

“I really like seeing the joy my clients’ families get out of their pool and backyard,” Stauffer explained. “It really does bring family together having something they can enjoy at home together.”

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R5

Real Estate

Couple is big help to animal lovers

By Anne Freedman

B

rooks and Kim Blaquera first learned about the ChemDry system of carpet cleaning when Kim watched a neighbor’s dog while they were on vacation. Unfortunately, the dog used her carpet as a bathroom.

Not wanting to bother the neighbors, Kim rented a carpet cleaner and cleaned the carpet herself. Within three weeks the carpet looked as bad as before she had cleaned it.

When she mentioned it to the owner, who owned Chem-Dry of Santa Clarita Valley, the neighbor explained how the Chem-Dry process works and cleaned her carpet at no charge.

When the neighbors went on vacation again, Kim and Brooks ran the business for them and were able to see its value and potential. The company Brooks worked for was moving to a distant location; not wanting to move with the company, Kim and Brooks offered to buy Chem-Dry from the neighbors in 1988. They have owned it ever since.

One of Chem-Dry’s main offerings for carpet cleanings is P.U.R.T®, a proprietary Pet Urine Removal Treatment that not only removes the smell, but extracts the residue. The carpet can then be sanitized.

Kim states that pets are a major part of many people’s lives and sometimes pets (and people) have accidents. “Urine in the carpet is a big concern,” she says.

“It’s unsanitary, it looks bad, and it smells. It’s got everything going against it.

This process is really good at removing urine. We can also do upholstery.” Chem-

Dry of SCV also has an excellent anti-allergen treatment, another benefit for pet owners.

Pets and other animals are a big part of Kim’s professional life. She also works as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at a local clinic and is very involved in the Exotic Feline Breeding Compound.

“That’s my real passion,” she says. She is a long-time volunteer with the breeding compound and also works on the fundraising committee, currently preparing for an important event in April.

Kim is also passionate about animals in her personal life. She and Brooks have travelled extensively to enjoy exotic animals. Last year, they spent nine days in South Africa, spending time in Kruger National Park and other areas on a photographic safari. “It was amazing,” Kim says. They saw elephants, giraffes, hyenas and more. “It was only wild dogs and cheetahs that we didn’t see.” They enjoyed it so much, they will be going back to more countries in Africa this year.

Back in Santa Clarita, their animal loves are Loki, an old pit bull, and Herman, an adopted cat “who doesn’t know he’s a cat.”

Brooks has a passion for riding motorcycles and often rides along the coast for the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Brooks brings that same passion for motorcycles to his business and takes great pride in his work.

Kim and Brooks live and work in Santa Clarita, managing Chem-Dry of Santa Clarita Valley. In addition to carpets and upholstery, Chem-Dry of Santa

Dan Watson/The Signal

Brooks and Kim Blaquera with their Chem-Dry van in Canyon Country.

Clarita Valley also cleans tile, grout, flooring, and countertops.

All work is done on the homeowner’s premises using the most powerful truck-mounted system and expertly trained Five-Star master technicians. ChemDry of Santa Clarita Valley also has available exclusive protectants for carpet and furniture.

Chem-Dry is independently owned and operated. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 661-251-6051 or visit http://www.chem-dry. net/santaclaritavalley.ca

Dan Watson/The Signal

Brooks and Kim Blaquera with their dog, Loki, and cat, Herman, and their Chem-Dry van in Canyon Country.

Of Santa Clarita Valley

661-251-6051

www.chemdrysantaclaritavalley.com

            

Locally owned and independently operated by Brooks and Kim Blaquera. We have been proudly serving the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas since 1988.

Superior carpet and upholstery cleaning Tile and grout clean and seal Upholstery cleaning P.U.R.T® PET URINE REMOVAL TREATMENT Allergen Removal Area Rug Cleaning Expert stain removal including blood and wine 5 Star Certified Technicians Many of the products we use are “GREEN” Certified Safe for children and pets Open Monday –Friday Available most weekends and often same day RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL

alize al i v c o e p m s e Re We n i r tU in Pe

Chem-Dry’s hot carbonated cleaning method uses the natural cleaning power of carbonation to lift dirt and grime to the surface of the carpet or upholstery where it can be easily extracted. Our process uses 80% less water than typical “steam” cleaners.

At Chem-Dry of Santa Clarita Valley, we use the strongest most powerful equipment . This allows us to give you a superior cleaning. A clean home is a healthy home.

Call or click today 661-251-6051. www.chemdrysantaclaritavalley.com

R6 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Santa Cl H

Some of the loan programs you will find at Augusta Financial: 3.5% down up to $625,500

With as little as 3% down on loans up to $417,000 and 3.5% down to $625,500

For a unique property or a unique buyer, private money loans are usually our last resort, but it is something we specialize in.

Loans above $625,500 with as little as 15% down and loan amounts up to $5,000,000.

Up to $1,000,000

5% down up to $625,500

80/10/10

For 1st time buyers, move up buyers and investment buyer loans.

No mortgage payments for as long as you live in your home. Must be 62 or older.

If you need money for your next home and you haven’t sold your current home, a bridge loan may be the loan you need.

We can refinance your current loan with a low interest rate. Most of these loans can be done with no points and no fees!

Loans For Investment Properties You can get a loan on an investment property with just 15% down. This is a great way to jump start your retirement.

OUR BUSINESS...

Augusta Financial is a service-oriented mortgage broker and mortgage banker specializing in residential financing. Mike Meena opened Augusta Financial in 1995 in the Santa Clarita Valley. In today’s tough lending environment you need a company that is well versed in all areas of lending.

They must understand the intricacies of the business including underwriting and what an underwriter looks for to get a loan approved. Here at Augusta Financial our Loan Professionals go through extensive training to make sure they understand the loan programs that are available to their clients. When you are making what is usually the largest purchase of your life, you want to make sure you are in good hands and that your loan will close in a timely manner.

24018 Lyons Avenue - Newhall CA 91

Augusta Financial, Inc. is Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight und Real Estate Broker - CA Bureau of

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R7

larita’s Hometown Home Loan Source Since 1995 “It’s more than just a home loan. It’s an investment to creating long term security and wealth. Get the best advice.”

TOP 100

MORTGAGE COMPANIES

In America 2015 Mortgage Executive Magazine • Spring 2016

“Call us today to go over your situation and see what we can do to help you or anyone you know that needs a home loan.”

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der the California Residential Mortgage Lender Act. #4131305 & NMLS #241911 Real Estate #01212262 v3 .0316

R8 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Real Estate

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Marine turned Realtor works like a trooper but is a softy with kids

By David Heitz

W

hen homebuyers and sellers in the Santa Clarita Valley choose Realty Executives, they can rest assured that the force is with them.

Albert Rodriguez, a partner in the agency, even has been known to dress up as Darth Vader. A Marine Corps veteran who also designs costumes, Rodriguez posed as the force of darkness during the holidays to bring light, happiness, and 4,000 toys into the lives of children during Toys for Tots.

Rodriguez is a recognizable face around town, as his double-exposure yard signs show him dressed as both a Realtor and a Marine. After 12 years in service to his country, he brings the same sort of discipline, hard work, and dependability to his real estate business.

Rodriguez’s business partner, Stephanie Danyluk, is the other half of Realty Executives. A Santa Clarita Valley native who has been in the real estate business 30 years, there aren’t many people, places or things in the valley that she doesn’t know a lot about.

Together, Rodriguez and Danyluk make a real estate team that’s hard to beat. “We work very hard and we treat all of our clients the same, whether we’re selling a $90,000 condominium or a $2 million custom estate,” Danyluk said. “We dress and act the same for every appointment.”

Even though he’s no longer in the Marines, Rodriguez’ dedication to his fellow servicemen and women is unending. He takes special care of military clients and even has been known to encourage and advise them on how to cut through the red tape of the VA when they are in need of health care.

Beyond the VA and the Marines’ Toys for Tots

program, they support UCLA Children’s Hospital, where Rodriguez has worn his movie-quality costumes. He has dressed as Santa Claus for Carousel Ranch, a nonprofit organization in Santa Clarita that provides equestrian therapy to disabled children.

They are known as the “A-Rod” team, serving many different types of clients with a variety of interests. While Rodriguez was born and reared in New York and graduated from the High School of Art and Design, Danyluk graduated from Saugus High School and joined Realty Executives as a receptionist while attending College of the Canyons. They bring a bicoastal sensibility to doing business.

“We have lots of repeat business,” Danyluk said.

“Maybe somebody’s mom passed away and (the children selling the home) know nothing about the area, but they don’t care because they trust us.”

Danyluk said Rodriguez runs the office “like the military,” adding, “he dots all the ‘I’s and crosses all the ‘T’s and no man is left behind.”

Realty Executives’ comprehensive website includes a search engine for MLS listings, a regularly updated blog with helpful information about home ownership, and much more.

But it’s the personal interaction that makes the A-Rod team so popular.

Rodriguez this past holiday season enjoyed dressing up as Iron Man and participating in the Michael Hoefflin Foundation Walk/Run for Kids with Cancer, UCLA’s run to bring awareness to children with epilepsy, and many other events.

“We are mindful and determined not to let technology take over touch,” Danyluk said. “Personal connection and service to our clients will always remain a hallmark of our service.”

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SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R9

The Few...

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R10 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

Real Estate

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Husband-wife realty team keeps homes moving, helps clients move

Photo by Thomas James Photography

Matt and Meray Gregory of the Gregory Real Estate Group.

By David Heitz

W

hen it comes to selling a home today, it’s always open house.

That’s because busy Southern Californians generally look to buy a home first on the Internet. Most people don’t want to spend time driving around town only to wind up at properties that don’t serve their needs, according to real estate broker Matt Gregory.

APRIL 9, 2016 Go to scvTICKETS.COM to sign up before all the slots are filled!

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Do you have what it takes to be crowned the “King of Santa Clarita”?

orys want getting from point A to point B to be as easy and financially rewarding for their clients as possible.

“We work with clients from beginning to end by helping to get their property ready for sale, getting top dollar for their home, and paying for the seller to have professional movers move them,” Gregory said. “When it comes to moving, nobody likes to bug their friends for that.”

We work with clients from beginning to end by helping to get their property ready for sale, getting top dollar for their home, and paying for the seller to have professional movers move them.”

– Matt Gregory Gregory and his wife, Meray, own Gregory Real Estate Group. Matt Gregory’s dad, Pete Gregory, also is a part of their team. Pete Gregory plays an important role in making sure a client’s home moves at the best possible price, Matt Gregory said.

And once the Gregorys sell a property, they help their client ease into the next chapter of the American dream, even paying for a professional move that includes de-cluttering and packing. Whether it’s an empty nester looking to downsize or a growing family seeking a larger home, the Greg-

Gregory jokes he does not own a truck for that very reason.

Selling the house beforehand not only results from the hard work of Matt and Meray. The Gregorys embrace technology and use an innovative marketing approach.

That’s where Pete Gregory comes in.

Pete Gregory harnesses the power of the Internet and social media to get the “sold” sign in the yard as quickly as possible. “We use professional photographers so the pictures will be top-notch for online marketing,” Matt Gregory said, explaining

the importance of quality images for the “24/7” online open house. “Some agents snap a photo with their cell phone. We came across a listing online the other day with upside down photos.”

The Gregory listings include a variety of properties, and they enjoy working with clients in all phases of home ownership. “We work with everyone from first-time home buyers, resale, and new home construction to luxury homes,” Gregory said.

Each month, the Gregorys find a way to give back to the community to help keep the Santa Clarita Valley strong.

They have collected food for the Santa Clarita Valley Food Drive, adopted a family during the holiday season from the Santa Clarita Valley Domestic Violence Center, and sponsored ice cream socials at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center. At Valentine’s Day, they give each mother at the senior center a rose.

Gregory said customers are sometimes surprised to learn that the elder Gregory handles the online end of things. He said his dad is a retired football coach who always “did stuff that works” and has no problems making deft changes to properly market a property, just like he strategized winning plays.

“He always has been one to learn and adapt,” Gregory said. “I think a lot of it comes from having worked with kids.”

THE SIGNAL . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . R11

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Contact your local experts Matt & Meray with the Gregory Real Estate Group at iRealty for a FREE home value report and learn more about how you can move for FREE!

Contact us!

AV E

NU

STE VEN SO N

E

RA NC H

HEMINGWAY

PA RK W AY

info@GregoryRealEstateGroup.com (661) 977-9728 www.GregoryRealEstateGroup.com

ST AF FO RD AD

LD THE O

ON R O NY CA

D ROA

Matt & Meray Gregory

info@GregoryRealEstateGroup.com (661) 977-9728 www.GregoryRealEstateGroup.com

POE PAR KWA Y

N ROAD CANYO PICO

*If your home is currently listed with another broker, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of another broker.

Certain limitations and restrictions apply to our Move for FREE program, but there are very few. Call for details.

CalBRE# 01463326 / 01831112

R12 . SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 . THE SIGNAL

SCV Community Pride • REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

Green Thumb Nursery marks 46 years of friendly service, environmental commitment

By Kateri Wozny

G

rowing plants to life takes dedication and no one understands the root of this better than Green Thumb Nursery.

The nursery - owned and operated by the Bergquist family since 1946 - has five locations throughout Southern California, with the Santa Clarita location opening in 1970 and managed by Bryan Payne. “[We have a reputation for] being one of the longest lasting businesses in Santa Clarita,” said John Windsor, spokesperson for Green Thumb Nursery. “We have earned the respect and business of customers throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley and San Fernando Valley.”

On average, Green Thumb Nursery has 21 plant and garden experts who are certified by the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers to ensure customer satisfaction. In the garden shop, the nursery has a certified arborist and employee, Alberta Martinez, who has been with the company since the beginning. Classes are also taught by the nursery’s educational expert at Golden Oak Adult School and through the City of Santa Clarita Parks, Recreation and Community Services department.

“We are proud to em-

ploy some of the most knowledgeable plant experts in all of Southern California,” Windsor said.

The nursery’s plants grow out of a yard in Canoga Park in order to help keep the prices low and maintain superior quality, according to the company’s website. The nursery sells popular flowers such as Cyclamen and Primrose during the winter season while Petunias, Marigolds and Vincas are some of the most popular flowers sold during the spring season.

Green Thumb Nursery also carries a variety of Perennial flowering plants and the largest assortment of succulents and pottery in the area.

Prices range from $1.99 for an individual flower or vegetable to $2.99 for a six-pack of flowers or vegetables. As a commitment to the environment, the nursery also carries a large selection of natural and organic fertilizers and insecticides as well as many beneficial insects such as Ladybugs, Praying Mantids and Predatory Snails.

“Green Thumb prides itself on the quality of the products it sells and the broad selection of merchandise,” Windsor said.

With the California drought being in its fifth year, Green Thumb Nursery also specializes in drought tolerant plants

Katharine Lotze/The Signal

John Windsor of Green Thumb International in Newhall stands with a selection of perennials. and trees.

“We continue to help our customers with the problems involved in surviving this drought,” Windsor said. “By providing a large selection of water-wise plants we are able to keep our customers’ yards looking beautiful while using reduced amounts of water.”

Windsor also helps by teaching water conservation classes for the Casta-

ic Lake Water Agency at the Rio Vista Water Treatment Plant.

“We support the governor and the local water districts in their attempt to educate the public regarding water conservation,” Windsor said.

Green Thumb Nursery also supports the community by donating to clubs and societies such as the Santa Clarita Garden Club, High Desert Garden

Club and the Santa Clarita Rose Society.

The nursery will also be celebrating its 46th anniversary on Saturday, March 26 with refreshments, hourly drawings, vendor demonstrations, seminars and a 10 percent savings on all purchases made on that day.

“It’ll be a fun time,” Windsor said. “We are able to create a peaceful and beautiful place for

Green Thumb Garden Center’s

n i v n e r A s a 6 4 Serving Santa Clarita 1970 - 2016 ry Spring Opening th

Saturday, March 26, 2016 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Come celebrate with us Saturday, March 26th • Refreshments • Hand Tool Sharpening by Accurate Edge (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

• Hourly Drawings • Vendor Demonstrations • Seminar - Garden Design (9:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.)

• Special one day pricing throughout the store (3-26-16)

Green Thumb Garden Center 23734 Newhall Ave., Old Town Newhall (661) 259-1072 • OPEN DAILY 9-5:30PM

our customers to shop.

Many of our customers are lifelong customers who come in to see the constantly changing merchandise and speak with staff that treats them like family and friends.”

Green Thumb Nursery 23134 Newhall Ave. Newhall, Calif. 91321 (661) 259-1071 www.greenthumb.com Open Sunday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.