February/March 2014

The Hill Country’s Premier Business Publication Vo lu m e 2 : : I s s u e 1 : : Fe b r u a r y / M a r c h 2 014

TURN IT UP Craig Colvin, Owner of Branson Design Group

Technology solutions for a complex world

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actual online reviews from yelp, facebook and completegent.com

This is where leather and steel, hot lather and steamy towels; and the aroma of sage, eucalyptus, and bay rum combine with a highly professional staff to give you the best cut and shave experience ever.....definitely habit forming. – Ken S – Boerne, Texas

My son actually begs me for a haircut now. Jessica B – Boerne, Texas

If you are still telling yourself that you are a “$10 haircut kind of guy”, you have no idea what you’re missing. Seriously, you have no clue. – Michael S – San Antonio, Texas

I cannot say enough good things about Gent, except what are you waiting for - book your appointment already! – Chad C – San Antonio, Texas

Ok, I read the reviews & was skeptical. I went & the experience was as good as the reviews!

Jonathan C – Boerne, Texas

I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to GENT. Bret W – Boerne, Texas

The best haircut I’ve ever had in my life. I loved every minute of the experience. This place is amazing. – Mark L – Boerne, Texas

Great Place, Great Cuts with a Hot Shave (and a Ice Cold Shiner). I actually enjoy going to get my hair cut now. Thanks Ben, Thanks Ladies. – Alan H. – Waring, Texas

Nice upscale men’s salon. The hot towel and reclining chair was a relaxing end to a great hair cut. – Patrick A – Boerne, Texas

Great place, great people, and most importantly great haircuts.

If you haven’t been, well, you are missing out! Period. – Chad C – Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas

Awesome job! I can’t wait for m My next appointment! – Charlie B – Boerne, Texas

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CONTENTS 8

FROM THE PUBLISHER

10 CALENDAR 12 REAL ESTATE

16

Longhorn Cafe

18 TEXAS INVESTOR’S TITLE 26 FREEDOM CUP 30 THE ART BUSINESS

24

How good leaders choose new hires

Administration / Advertising Publisher Benjamin D. Schooley ben@thecompanymag.com

36

ADVERTISING SALES 210-507-5250 sales@thecompanymag.com

TURN IT UP

Craig Colvin, Owner of Branson Design Group is bringing high tech solutions to our complex world.

ART

28

The legal side of commercial real estate

6 | COMPANY MAGAZINE

Creative Director Ben Weber ben.weber@smvtexas.com thecompanymag.com

WELCOME | a letter from the publisher Dearest COMPANY Reader, A motivational speaker once said, “If you don’t build your dream someone will hire you to help build theirs.” I’ve always liked this quote because it speaks to a few fundamental truths to running a small business.

One is that if you are working for a small business owner, you are not working a “job”. Sure, you might think that you are just running the cash register, so you might see it as a “job”, but rest assured, the owner doesn’t see it that way.

You are a crucial component to his business. You are part of a team that he or she is leading. The team cannot function without you, and this is also why the expectations are very high for every team member.

The second truth is that people go into business for themselves for a variety of reasons. Income potential, freedom, lifestyle change, or career change are all reasons that can motivate someone to seek the controlled-chaos known as self-employment, but when you strip away all of the extraneous issues, at the core of a person’s central reasons for starting their own business, you are left with one reason: it’s a dream.

No, a 7th grade kid probably wasn’t day dreaming during Biology class about that day in the future when they would be able to check in every day at their insurance agency or plumbing business. They weren’t dreaming of doing cost analysis or spreadsheets. While their dream job might not match the one they currently find themselves in today as entrepreneurs, the dream of self-employment has been realized, and for most, that’s more than enough.

Craig Colvin had a dream. He might not have realized he even had this dream until he was shown what he did

NOT want to be stuck doing while working for a large employer, but once he saw his destiny as an employee, he began to make the changes necessary to change that job title from “employee” to “owner.” And since then, he’s never looked back.

Since founding Branson Design Group, Craig and his team have attacked the high-end audio/video market with a passion. After spending a lifetime teaching himself the ins and outs of electronics, Craig further perfected his business acumen with advanced degrees, laid out a business plan, took a deep breath, and began the journey of achieving his dream. Quickly eclipsing his goals for the business, Craig has remained focused on the core tenets of his business and has become one of the most respected companies in the area.

And he did all of this after working for someone else and helping them achieve THEIR dream.

Welcome to the Feb/March issue of COMPANY magazine. As always, we strive to bring you the people and businesses that truly make our small local economy function. While we attempt to celebrate the businesses that are making an impact in our community, our main focus is to turn the spotlight on the people BEHIND those businesses.

You know, the ones that are living their dreams.

Sincerely,

Benjamin D. Schooley Publisher

8 | COMPANY MAGAZINE

CALENDAR |

BUSINESS AND HILL COUNTRY EVENTS CALENDAR

February 3

Leadership Boerne Council Meeting 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

February 4

Groundbreaking ceremony Hill Country Daily Bread - New Facility 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Groundbreaking for new property for Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries

February 10

O’Brien’s Restaurant 10th Year Anniversary 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Come and celebrate O’Brien’s Restaurant 10th year Anniversary!

10 | COMPANY MAGAZINE

February 13

March 6

February 20

March 20

Business After Hours Mixer sponsored by Ye Kendall Inn 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Come mix and mingle with your fellow Chamber Member at the Business After Hours Mixer sponsored by Ye Kendall Inn. Ribbon Cutting for Hill Country Automotive 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Come and welcome this new member!

Business After Hours Mixer sponsored by Branded T Ranch 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Come mix and mingle with your fellow Chamber Members at the Business After Hours Mixer sponsored by Branded T Ranch Business After Hours Mixer sponsored by Belden’s Automotive and Tires 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Come mix and mingle with your fellow Chamber Members at the Business After Hours Mixer sponsored by Belden’s Automotive and Tires

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• Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments and obligations, and project future revenues and expenses.

• General ledger, cash receipts, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash flow management, reporting, securities tracking and reporting, and inventory of food and beverage • Payroll preparation and quarterly and yearly tax reporting, payroll taxes • Sales tax monthly and quarterly reporting, mixed beverage monthly and quarterly reporting, tax preparation and quarterly reporting • Financial loans recorded/ tracked; collections, deposits, bank reconciliation, credit card reconciliation

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REAL ESTATE |

CHOOSING THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR BUSINESS

By Kevin Manner

A New Year is upon us and things may be looking better for your business or you may want to open a new business. If you are a business owner and are beginning the process of looking for a new location to meet clients, sell your wares, perform outsourcing or manufacture a product tread cautiously. The selection of a new location is strictly a business decision, not an emotional decision and needs to be treated as such. The same adage you have heard over and over again applies to your business site selection; Location, Location, Location! Before you pick up the phone to call me to find you a new location for your business you need to reflect carefully on your business needs.

Many business owners head down an all too familiar path that others have traveled; they select a location for the wrong reasons. I hear the flawed reasoning from clients over and over again, what seemed like a good location at the time because of whatever reasons were in fact the kiss of death for their business. So before you decide to take one of the many spaces that seem to be a revolving door of tenants because it has great rents, landlord incen-

12 | COMPANY MAGAZINE

tives or is a cheap purchase, step back and evaluate your business needs. You must also evaluate why others may have failed before you in the same space location, because lets be honest, what sets your business apart from those that have come and gone?

Here are a few of the many questions you need to start asking yourself at the very beginning of the search process to identify a location for your business. Who are my businesses customers or clients and how do I service them? Is my business a destination location like a doctor’s office, accounting office, engineering office etc and therefore I really don’t need high traffic visibility? Do I really want to put my new restaurant in the same space where ten other restaurants have failed? Is my business highly dependant on foot and vehicle traffic? Does my business need to be in a retail area like on Main St in Boerne or The Rim where complementary businesses are located which helps generate shopper traffic? Does the location have enough parking for my customers and the other businesses already in the center? Maybe you are looking for a site to start making widgets and you have specific space dimensions, electrical needs and access requirements for trucks that will enable you to produce and distribute your goods more efficiently? What are the zoning restrictions of the site I am looking to purchase and how will they impact the future of my business? What is the process to have a piece of property rezoned so I can utilize the site I am interested in to its fullest? Will the space suit my needs today and into the future or will I have to move again? How is the area around the location of interest growing today and what are the future growth strategies for the area from the city, center owner and adjoining property owners and how will those growth plans impact my business?

Of all the reflective questions you will ask yourself when starting the site selection process for your business there is one that stands out to me above them all. Who are my businesses customers or clients and how do I service them? If you cannot drill down to the core of your business and answer this question correctly you should look for another business idea.

Because the best location in the world will not help your specific business to be successful if you do not know your customer base or clients needs. For example, if you want to open a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) selling sandwiches would you locate your store behind a Bank with no visibility, no ability to have a drive-thru lane and is difficult to get into and out of the location? No you wouldn’t if you wanted to keep the doors open and make money!

Why do I say this? Because this type of business is dependant on a specific customer type and needs to be in a location with high visibility, is easily accessible, is in close proximity to peak daytime work populations, is in a location with high traffic counts passing by, has good signage visibility for passing traffic and is in a location where impulse buyers out for a quick breakfast, lunch or dinner can see and get to your business. Knowing your business customers or clients is the key to your location choice and ultimately your business success.

Settling for anything but your ideal business location will more often then not have one of two results, either your business will out grow the space and you will need to spend a significant amount of money to move yet again (not the worst problem but an expensive one). Or the business will falter and ultimately fail because you did not select the correct property that will enable your business to have the best chance of success. Remember, don’t be fooled by reduced rents, inflated finish-out allowances or other incentives the landlord or owner may be throwing at you to sign a lease or sell a property. Step back look at the specific needs of your customers, clients and business and then consult with a real estate professional with proven experience in commercial real estate to help you through the process.

Kevin Manner, Broker Associate, Kuper Sotheby’s International Kevin@MannerPropertyGroup.com, 210-722-5822

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thecompanymag.com | 13

IN THE NEWS |

HILL COUNTRY DAILY BREAD Ground breaking ceremony for Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries’ new regional resource and training center

What: Ground Breaking for Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries new Regional Resource and Training Center – 10 acre campus with 3 facilities totaling over 40,000 sq. ft. Attendees will include Elected Officials from 8 counties in the Texas Hill Country, Donors, HCDBM Board of Directors, Pastors, volunteers, staff and community at large

When: Tuesday, February 4 at 11:30am

Where: New property - Corner of Cascade Caverns Road and Ranch Road, across from Curry Creek Baptist Church Who: Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries was created by Agnes and David Hubbard in October 2000 and began in a garage serving 30 families. Since 2002 , HCDBM has operated from their 17,500 sq. ft. headquarters in Boerne with over 5,000 volunteers. Currently, HCDBM serves over 18,000 adults, children and families in need through their unique food banking and case management model. HCDBM serves 8 Hill Country counties – Bandera, Comal, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Uvalde and Northern Bexar.

Attachments: invitation and event program agenda

HCDBM Mission Statement: To help and equip the Body of Christ with food, resources and training necessary to transform our communities and the lives of those in poverty and need through the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Ami Cheek Capital Campaign Manager ami.cheek@hillcountrydailybread.org, Office: 830-249-0025, Cell

14 | COMPANY MAGAZINE

“Learning Connections” Kathy L. Webster, LLC Opens a New Business in Boerne

Learning Connections will offer a variety of learning and enrichment opportunities for infants and children. Kathy L. Webster, a licensed speech-language pathologist and owner of Connections Speech-Language Therapy, is excited about this new business and the services she will be providing to kids from Boerne and the surrounding areas. Preschool enrichment classes will begin in January, and sign language classes for hearing babies will be offered soon. There are plans underway to provide elementary school children the opportunity to learn and practice the game of Chess. Spanish language classes for preschool and school-age children may also be provided. Mommy-and-Me music classes for preschoolers are in the works! Classes will be small (five or less) so that children can receive individualized attention, intensive instruction, and have many opportunities to respond and interact with the teacher and their classmates.

Kathy says, “I have worked with children for many years and I am always amazed by their capacity to learn and benefit from their exposure to new and interesting experiences. Researchers who have studied brain development have learned that the period of time from birth to age six is especially critical. It’s important to provide children with experiences that are enriching and stimulating to the brain because the brain is actually growing and establishing connections that will affect lifelong learning and behavior.” She cites a publication from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University which states that “the experiences children have early in life—and the environments in which they have them—shape their developing brain architecture and strongly affect whether they grow up to be healthy, productive members of society.” (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2010. Early Experiences Can Alter Gene Expression and Affect Long-Term Development: Working Paper No. 10. http://www.developingchild.net) Learning Connections wants to partner with parents to take full advantage of the critical early-learning period.

We believe we can help children reach their true cognitive

potential and have fun while learning and developing new skills. Learning Connections will utilize top-notch instructors with proven track records and years of experience in teaching children. For example, Renee Campbell, a retired Boerne ISD educator, will conduct the Preschool Enrichment classes and Baby Sign classes. Ms. Campbell is a certified teacher of the deaf/hearing impaired with many years of experience working with preschool and elementary schoolaged children. She and the other Learning Connections instructors will utilize a positive interaction style to build children’s self-esteem and interest in learning. The emphasis will be on multi-sensory, hands-on learning in a nurturing, fun environment.

Find Learning Connections on Facebook and post comments about the classes you would like to see offered in Boerne. Watch the Learning Connections website (www. learningconnections-boerne.com) for information about classes and registration. Call Kathy Webster for more information (830-755-8853).

New Holistic Treatment in the Fight Against Neuropathy What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a term used to describe a dying off of the nerves and blood vessels primarily in the lower legs and feet, but secondarily in the hands, eyes, and internal organs.

Most commonly caused by a decrease of circulation in the body, Neuropathy leads to the shrinking (atrophy) of the arteries, veins, and capillaries to such a degree that they can no longer transport enough blood to the extremities.

Prolonged exposure to poor circulation literally starves the affected body parts, depriving them of oxygen, nutrients, and waste elimination. Deprived tissues begin to atrophy or die unless something is done to slow or reverse the process.

Other contributing causes of Neuropathy include: •Diabetes •Kidney problems •Peripheral Artery Disease •Obesity •Chemo Therapy •Smoking •Heart Problems •Poor Diet •Heredity •Physical Injuries Neuropathy Symptoms Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, a sharp, jabbing, electric-like prickling sensation (paresthesia), edema (swelling), sensitivity to touch, painful cramps, fasciculations (uncontrolled muscle twitching visible under the skin), and muscle weakness. More extreme symptoms include bone degeneration, changes in the skin(dark purple or black)hair or nails, loss of balance, burning pain (especially at night), muscle wasting, paralysis, and organ (i.e. bladder and bowel) or gland dysfunction that may lead to an inability to digest food easily maintain safe levels of

blood pressure, sweat normally or experience normal sexual function. In severe cases, difficulty breathing or organ failure may occur. Foot or leg ulcers which do not heal which can lead to amputations of the toes or limbs.

help pump in beneficial things like oxygen and nutrients and pump out harmful things like waste, toxins, and edema.

While the human body ultimately does the healing the Neurocare dramatically accelerates the process.

Treatment Options For those who suffer with the symptoms of Neuropathy, relief can’t come soon enough. Unfortunately, many have found little to no lasting results from medications, surgeries, or mainstream medical devices. As a result, more and more people are seeking alternative healthcare providers because they refuse to live with constant pain or the unpleasant side effects of medication and surgery.

Other Tools in Our Arsenal As a part of our assault on the cause and symptoms of Neuropathy we also utilize Whole Body Vibration, Infrared Sauna, and Self Mastery Technology as part of the 12 week program.

Scientific research has shown the favorable response to increased circulation in the limbs when a patient uses a Whole Body Vibration Machine. The Infrared Sauna is used to aid in the release of built up toxins in the body.

Self Mastery Technology a Brain Based Wellness Device developed by Dr. Patrick Porter uses deep relaxation and positive neuro feedback to change brain chemistry to aid in recovery.

There is no better alternative on the market today for helping reduce or eliminate the symptoms of Neuropathy.

For a free consultation call Dr Nigel McKay @ (210) 881-0510

12 Week Neuropathy Program This program was developed by Renua Medical, Dr Todd Singeleton Chiropractic Physician and Ceo of Club Reduce, Dr Linda Nelson Ph. D. R.N.D. CEO of Solutions4 Nutraceuticals, and Dr Patrick Porter Ph. D. CEO and inventor of Self Mastery Technology a Brain Based Wellness Device.

The program utilizes a two pronged approach internal and external.

The internal program utilizes specific proprietary nurtaceuticals by Solutions4 together with a 20 day Reuvenation Diet helps give the body it needs to enhance the body’s ability to positively respond to the symptoms of Neurapthy and dramatically accelerate results.

External program utilizes the Renua Medical Neurocare device “The world’s only true Tesla Electromuscular Stimulator.”

The application of this compact device is shown to: • Increase Local Blood Circulation • Prevent or Retard Disuse Atrophy •Relax Muscle Spasms •Re-educate Muscles •Maintain or Increase Range of Motion Electrodes placed in key sites on the lower limbs carry impulses that cause deep muscle contractions.

As muscles contact, they increase local circulation and

Have something to share?

Forward announcements, info or accomplishments to Company Magazine. info@thecompanymag.com

thecompanymag.com | 15

NEW BUSINESS |

LONGHORN CAFE & OLD No. 9 GENERAL STORE

By Jeb Wait Business Name Old No. 9 Depot, which includes the Old No. 9 General Store, the Longhorn Cafe, and the Crow’s Nest. The Crow’s Nest is the upstairs Party/Music Venue/Meeting Room.

It will accommodate 130 inside and about another 85 on the outside patio. There will be 4 large screen TVs inside and a 70 inch TV outside. The downstairs covered patio will also have a 70 inch outdoor TV, and 3 large screen indoor TVs. The enclosed play are is partially covered by a beautiful group of large oaks, under which there will be a toddler play area and picnic tables for dining in the shade. In addition toWe anticipate adding horseshoes/washers Title Developer/Owner/General Partner.

Tell us a little about the background behind this project: After discovering that the property was for sale by the City, I studied the location for several months to determine what the best overall use of it was. It is the busiest easily accessible location in Boerne that I have seen.

I ruled out traditional retail (i.e., build, put up a “For Lease” sign and wait for potential tenants to call) because it would require either: a.) an existing business to open a second location in Boerne (not very likely); or, b.) an existing business to wait for their current lease to expire before being able to relocate; or c.) a new, not currently existing business to come Boerne to open which carries a much higher failure rate.

It was determined that the best use of the land was for something that virtually everybody needs on a daily/very frequent basis. The conclusion was Fuel, Food & Drink (with a “Fun” component on top). The decision was made to develop a project which included some of each, and which lead to Old No.9 Depot Concept. The project was 16 | COMPANY MAGAZINE

essentially named before it began as it is on the Old No.9 Greenway and the Aransas Pass & San Antonio Rail Line of years ago.

Old No.9 Depot is locally owned and operated. It was built by Boerne Resident, Mark Gross, President & Owner of Concept Builders, Inc. MatkinHoover of Boerne was the Civil Engineering Firm. Longhorn has already hired many Boerne Residents and looks forward to hiring more in the future.

Why Longhorn Cafe?

The Longhorn Cafe was ideal for several reasons. One, they have 5 existing successful locations in San Antonio & New Braunfels with local name recognition and consistently finish as finalists/winners of the best hamburger/overall restaurant in San Antonio. Another was that in addition to delicious food, they offer very affordable menu price, in addition to catering.

What do you feel you’ll be adding to the community?

I believe Old No.9 Depot will add a very unique venue to Boerne for many different events and occasions, including meetings, parties, conferences, rehearsal dinners…the possibilities are unlimited. The convenience of fuel, everyday items in the General Store, great & affordable food @ Longhorn, a secure play area and the Crow’s Nest are a perfect combination for the Residents of Boerne, Kendall County and the many Visitors from all over Texas and the US who come to the unparalleled Texas Hill Country. Old No.9 Depot will also be made available as an ideal location to host fund raisers for approval local organizations, including fun walks, rides, etc.

Why Boerne?

After evaluating numerous real estate properties for

Jeb Wait, Developer, Owner, General Partner of Longhorn Cafe

several years, the Old No.9 location in Boerne was by far the most unique I had ever seen, with an unprecedented opportunity for a one-of-a-kind project. The proximity to Boerne & Champion High Schools, the Kendall County Fairgrounds, the City Soccer Fields, Cibolo Nature Center and the Agricultural Museum make it a perfect location for countless activities.

Tell us a little about your history with this project: After determining that the General Store was a starting point, we began to study what type of restaurant would be ideal for Boerne. After approaching several national chains (which I was not in favor of), I saw the menu @ Longhorn Cafe. It was the perfect combination of great food at very affordable prices.

When I mentioned Longhorn to our Operating Partner for the General Store, Tex Farmer, he said, “Hey, I’ve know those guys for years!” After we presented the concept to the Longhorn Principals, David Wynn & Paul Weir, the stage was set for The Old No.9 Depot. After studying what is/ isn’t available in Boerne for live music, meeting, parties, etc., the decision to add the Crow’s Nest upstairs was made and the development began.

Future plans for you/the project?

After opening our doors in mid-February, we will quickly learn the seasonal patterns of our customers and adapt to their needs and requests. Football season will differ from Basketball, which will differ from the Summer months. We look forward to continuous interaction with the Boerne Chamber of Commerce and all the citizens of Boerne, Kendall County, and beyond. We will always be involved with giving back to our Community through fundraisers and as sponsors of our local educational, athletic and support programs. We anticipate a Grand Opening/Open House through the Chamber of Commerce toward the end of March to formally introduce our facilities to Boerne.

Once the Project is running smoothly, I plan to return to my Medical Legal Consulting and Law Practice. After that…who knows! thecompanymag.com | 17

BUSINESS PROFILE |

TEXAS INVESTORS TITLE

by Steve Vallone

Steve Vallone President Becky Edmiston Vice President

My partners and I had a title company in Houston for 28 years, and we sold it to Stewart Title in 2007. The conditions of the sale required me to run one of the Stewart Divisions for 3 years, and when the time was up I decided to move to the Hill Country. The business model for the Houston company was to have a group of shareholders who were active in real estate, and would make their best effort to send business to the title company. The guys were developers, at18 | COMPANY MAGAZINE

torneys and mortgage lenders, and they were very loyal and productive. We made profits 27 of our 28 years. We use the same business plan for Texas Investors Title. Our owners are developers, attorneys, realtors and lenders. They make their best effort to send their real estate transactions to us, and if we make a profit then the owners get a dividend.

At first I thought I wanted to get a ranch near Kerrville, but had second thoughts about the distance from San An-

tonio. Boerne appeared to be a good compromise. I remembered seeing a billboard on I-10 showing a photo of the 16th green at Cordillera Ranch, and decided to check it out. Once I saw Cordillera, I was hooked.

It was a bit slow for the first two years, as we were competing against a very good title company that has been in Boerne for 116 years, and we were doing homes and ranches in the immediate area which is a limited market.. We then changed our business model to reach out to some of my old customers and brought in some investors from Dallas and Houston that do large commercial deals. Then, our business took off like a rocket. During the 2013 business year we were involved in over $300 million in real estate transactions from Boerne to Charlotte, North Carolina. It has really been a lot of fun, and either Becky or I hit the road to close deals wherever it is most convenient for the parties.

We are now competing against the best closing teams from the major companies in Dallas and Houston, and the enormous resources behind them. Some of the parties have wondered how a 6 person company from a town that nobody can pronounce ended up with some of the deals and clients that we now have. But when it comes to performance, we feel we can compete with any of them.

We go to Houston and Dallas a lot, but I know that once I get the deal closed I get to return to Boerne, and that makes it worthwhile. We plan on doing the same things that are currently working for us. Our business mix is currently residential from Cordillera Ranch and northern San Antonio, ranches all over the state, and apartments and medical complexes state wide. At some point we may open branches in Dallas and Houston, but I would like to defer that as long as possible.

Being in Boerne has enabled me to find the perfect balance of a thriving business with a quality of home life. A short flight or road trip enables us to operate in major markets, but I get to come back to 6 acres in Cordillera. The competition is stuck in Houston or Dallas. I don’t mind that a bit.

Lately the legislature has left us alone, because there was nothing broken that needed to be fixed. We just hope that the Federal government will allow title insurance to continue to be regulated at the state level.

MLS # 1037232, $435,000

Custom Hill Country Home, on over an acre, in sought after Fair Oaks Ranch. This beautiful property features pecan and hickory wood floors, granite counters, 3 car garage, and gorgeous landscaping. Property is located on cul-de-sac lot with easy access to 1-10.

MLS # 1037642, $196,000

Immaculately kept 4 bedroom home located conveniently to Boerne schools and 1-10. Home is still under 10-year builder warranty. Features include an open floor plan, walk in closets in every bedroom, owned security system, covered patio, and mature landscaping.

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C: 210.912.8221 | P: 830.816.2288 | F: 830.816.5903 angela@smvtexas.com | www.boernetexashomes.com

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Kevin Manner (210) 722-5822 Kevin@MannerPropertyGroup.com

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thecompanymag.com | 23

LEADERSHIP |

MAKING GREAT HIRES (part 2)

By Paul Wilson

Every employer understands how important it is to hire great people. Unfortunately, not all of us have a great plan for doing so.

Let me ask you, “What is your strategy for hiring great employees beyond the standard approach of posting job openings, collecting resumes, conducting interviews and calling references?”

In this series of articles, I am suggesting a simple grid of three important priorities for building great teams one hire at a time.

When hiring new employees, consider their qualifications through the following grid. It’s a trustworthy equation for hiring great people.

CHARACTER – moral compass COMPETENCY – professional aptitude CHEMISTRY – personal compatibility In the first article of this series on hiring, we looked at the importance of Character.

The moral character of an employee has a profoundly influence on their professional conduct. When a person settles into the routines of their new job after “the dating game” of the hiring process, their true colors will start to show up at the office each day in numerous ways. That behavior will either help our hurt the corporate culture and public reputation of your company.

First, I recommend you hire people of character! You’ll rarely regret it.

Now let’s turn our attention to the second hiring priority, Competency.

What employer doesn’t want a team of competent people? It’s a no-brainer that business owners want to hire great people who can “do the job.”

Unfortunately when it comes to competency, most employers make the mistake of limiting their criteria to a person’s knowledge and skills. Employers scan resumes looking for the evidence that an applicant

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has the education, the training and the experience to do the job they need done.

However, competency is more than just experience, knowledge and expertise. While each of these are necessary to doing a job right, they are not the only qualifications for determining if a person is right for that job.

Competency require a proficiency in at least three important areas.

Capability – the ability to understand and perform the job.

Discipline – the ability to manage oneself as a professional.

Diplomacy – the ability to interface with others professionally.

Maybe you’ve had a physician who had a terrible “bedside manner.” She might have been a medical genius when it comes to knowledge and skill (aptitude), but when it came to her professional presence (diplomacy) she came across as inconsiderate or uncaring. Or how about a service technician who could repair a broken appliance (aptitude) with his eyes closed, but his unprofessional work habits (discipline) left you feeling disappointed with your service experience.

Why? Because there’s more to competency than just knowledge and skill!

Employers need to think through everything related to a particular position beyond just having the smartest doing the job.

Beyond smarts and skills, what other competencies are required for the position you are hiring? The answers to this question ought to become the essence of the job description posted with your search. That same list of competencies should also guide what questions you ask in the interview process and reference checks.

One critical aspect of competency is capacity. Capacity is about whether or not a person has the personal and professional bandwidth to handle the job you need them to do. Many people may possess the education, training and skills to perform a particular job. However, not all of them may have the capacity to do the job you need them to do.

Capacity is often tested in three ways.

Pace: Some people just can’t keep up with the speed of a job.

A very talented physician who performs well in the day-to-day routines of general practice just might not be able to cut it in the fast-paced environment of an emergency room.

Scope: Some people just can’t stay on top of all that comes with a job.

A salesperson may be a genius when it comes to cultivating relationships with customers. However, keeping up with the numerous administrative and logistical details of all the accounts he is responsible to manage just might more than he can handle.

Understanding: Some people just can’t comprehend the complexities of a job or the larger organization it serves.

We often see this tension in the gap that exists between executives and employees.

While some of the workers on the assembly line are often tempted to think they could run the company better than those in management, their place on the corporate ladder does not afford them a perspective on ALL that comes with keeping the ship pointed in the right direction. Simply promoting a laborer to management could reveal a drastic inability to negotiate all the ins and outs of leadership. They just might not be able to make the leap from the assembly line to the corporate office due to a lack of dexterity in negotiating the multiple layers of organizational life. That is an issue of capacity,

Relationships: Some people just can’t manage all of the interpersonal dynamics of a job.

If you put the best technician from your Information Technology department in management, you might quickly discover that she just doesn’t have the same magic touch with relationships that she has with computers.

Hiring people with the capacity to do the job you need done is crucial to your team’s success. The employee who lacks the capacity for the job they have been given will, in time, either explode or implode under the stress of their responsibilities.

This self-destruction looks like a bad attitude, an inability to get along with others, overlooked details and missed deadlines.

All of which will ultimately sabotage your company’s productivity.

It is very important that you define all of the unique competencies that a certain position requires and then hire accordingly.

For instance, if you need a technician who is great with customers, you need to define that as an expectation and then hire a person with those competencies. Whatever you do, don’t insist that a technical genius be good at both repairs and relationships if he, by nature, is not much of a people-person.

As we have all learned somewhere along the way, the true nature of a person’s competency is best discerned prior to their hire rather than afterwards. If you go into the hiring process with an eye out for something bigger than smarts and skills, you’re more likely to find people with the discipline and diplomacy you need in talented teammates with whom to build an outstanding company.

Paul Wilson is the Senior Pastor of Cibolo Creek Community Church in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas.

Launched in 1996, Cibolo Creek is committed to the challenging mission of creating a church unchurched people love to attend. A Masters degree in Theology and thirty years of leadership experience in non-profit organizations have granted Paul a unique perspective on what it takes to lead people effectively. Paul and his wife, Charlotte, and their two teenage sons make their home in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas.

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BUSINESS PROFILE |

FREEDOM CUP Shane and Stephanie Menn Owners

The idea of opening a coffee shop here in Boerne seemed like a no-brainer. Boerne is such a beautiful town with rich history, authentic people, and a thriving community. We love our community of Boerne for several reasons, but especially because of the community fellowship and small town camaraderie.

We feel incredibly blessed to be a part of this community.

We moved to Boerne about 8 years ago and are raising 3 children in this little slice of heaven. Our 3 children have food allergies, and unfortunately eating out at restaurants can sometimes be difficult and frustrating. We were having 26 | COMPANY MAGAZINE

to travel at least 30 minutes away from Boerne to find an allergy friendly bakery. As a personal certified trainer, Stephanie is very passionate about health and diet. Because of our family’s food allergies and her passion for health, Stephanie spent years developing, creating, and testing allergy friendly baked items. The outcome was a success and it was time to share these delicious treats with our community. We decided a coffee shop would be the perfect atmosphere to showcase these items. We chose the “off the beaten path” location on Old San Antonio road to cater to our local community.

Freedom Cup was created to provide a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere with delicious coffee, exceptional service, and quality food with allergy friendly options. We have a full service espresso bar with specialty lattes and frappes. Our menu also includes smoothies, fruit cups, breakfast sandwiches, homemade quiche, and a variety of bakery items, including various allergy friendly options. Our display case is filled with gluten free specialty items such as Chocolate Chip Scones, Orange Brownies, Lemon Pound Cake, Cinnamon Rolls, and many more. We also serve sandwich and soup options for lunch. Our convenient drive thru makes a grab and go snack easy and delicious for our community.

Our hope is that this will be a place where our community can fellowship and encourage one another. We also desire to be a vehicle for helping people in need. Our slogan is “Coffee with a Purpose”. Freedom Cup exists to provide for a greater cause. Together, we can help change lives. The coffee that we brew at Freedom Cup is from a non-profit organization, Just Love Coffee. This organization helps financially support families in the process of adopting an orphan.

Unfortunately, so many people today are held captive to poverty. Because of this, there are currently over 167 million orphans in our world. The numbers are staggering. We can be a piece of the solution, one child at a time.

Just Love Coffee has dug even deeper into the mission to help prevent children in developing worlds from becoming orphaned. This launched the Beans for Streams program that promotes clean water projects in developing countries. Together, we can make a difference. When you purchase our coffee, you are directly impacting the lives of many orphans around the world.

We appreciate your support and are so blessed by your desire to drink our coffee…with a purpose.

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim FREEDOM for the captives…”

Isaiah 61:1

Your Local Professional Employer Organization Experts Payroll Worker’s Compensation Employee Benefits Human Resources Time & Attendance

www.thePEOguys.com :: www.facebook.com/thePEOguys phone 210-787-1071 :: toll free 866-654-0191 :: 210-787-2860

LEGAL |

HOME AWAY FROM HOME Commercial Leases in Texas

By Bob Ogle

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Unless you do business from home, you will eventually need to be educated about commercial real estate leases.

The commercial lease is very different from a residential lease, is governed by a separate set of rules, and unlike a residential lease, there is no “standard form” of commercial lease. When you review a commercial lease, consider the following: What is in your lease?

Commercial leases vary greatly depending on the bargaining power of landlord and tenant. A lease in downtown Houston will be far different than one in a remote suburban strip mall. The most important thing to remember is to read the lease. These leases are commonly negotiated through real estate brokers, so you need to be certain you have read and understood every word of the lease, because much can be misunderstood when you are negotiating through third parties.

Basic Terms Be certain you know the basic terms: What is the term (length) of the lease? If you sign the lease, you are on the hook for the entire amount of rent through the end of the term. Don’t assume that the landlord will re-let the space and let you off the hook if you leave early.

What is your rent payment? There is more to a commercial lease than rent. Many commercial leases require additional payments to be made monthly or quarterly for reimbursement of the landlord’s costs of taxes, insurance and common area maintenance. These leases are sometimes referred to as “triple net” leases, but if a broker or landlord uses that term, don’t assume that you both have a common understanding of the term. It is not uncommon that these additional amounts will vary and may be almost as much as monthly rent.

Will the landlord pay for construction, or “finish-out” of the space? Some leases provide that the landlord will give

the tenant an allowance for completion of the space to suit the tenant’s needs. These provisions should be very specific about who performs construction, who pays costs, when it will be completed, and what the space will look like. If finish-out is required it is possible that the tenant will not be able to occupy the space for a period of months, but will be paying rent, nonetheless.

What happens in the event of a dispute between tenant and landlord? You should know precisely how a lease can be terminated, and what will happen in the event that one party claims the other has breached the lease agreement.

Consider Your Needs as a Tenant Only you know your business. In commercial leases, there is no such thing as ‘one size fits all’. Think about your hours of operation, your clientele, your parking needs, your technological requirements, your access to the space, your neighboring businesses, and your signage.

Pay Attention to Detail Commercial landlords commonly assume that their tenants are experienced business owners, and may include overbearing terms, expecting to negotiate. Don’t assume that any provision is non-negotiable or standard. For example, a lease may state that in the event of fire or flood, a tenant must continue to pay rent even if it takes the Landlord six months or more to restore the property. Many businesses could not survive this type of event. Look at your lease in terms of “what is the worst thing that could happen?” and be certain that you are protected if those events occur.

Don’t Make Commitments You Can’t Keep Over the years I have seen many types of leases. You don’t have to be a lawyer to know if a lease is fair. There are some high traffic office spaces that require a business to pay a portion of profits as additional rent to the landlord. These landlords require their tenants to submit regular financials.

If you are budgeting based upon projections, give yourself some space at the beginning of the lease to make a smaller payment. Your business can’t thrive if you are struggling to pay the rent each month.

Educate Yourself The Commercial Tenancy Laws of Texas are contained in Chapters 91 and 93 of the Texas Property Code, which can be easily accessed online. Empower yourself to negotiate wisely, and remember that your lease space and location should be an asset to your business, not a liability.

Bob Ogle has had a Law Practice in Boerne for 25 years. His practice includes business formation, business operation, real estate, oil and gas, estate planning and probate, and litigation.

Know Your Requirements You will be required to purchase and provide proof of insurance, do some part of the total maintenance and repairs, and be responsible for the acts of your clientele. Don’t let yourself be surprised with a letter from the landlord because you have failed to perform an obligation.

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ART |

ARTIST -NOUN [C] CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR A TALE OF TWO ARTISTS’ DRIVEN PASSIONS FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

By Gabriel Diego Delgado

In the world of art galleries, art museums, non-profits, co-ops, and various other art showing venues, the life of an artist isn’t all about making art in the studio – a mythic life of a reclusive non-conformist. Today’s artist has to be a smart businessman/woman, taking into account all the corporate models followed by successful small business owners and tweak the industry standards to fit their own unique “products”; utilizing all social medias, networking and market evaluations.

Local San Antonio artists, Cliff Cavin and Russell Stephenson, have individualistic outlooks on how to run their successful art careers. Cliff Cavin, a regionally recognized mid-career impressionistic painter has logged more than 35 years of being an artist, while Russell Stephenson is a younger emergent contemporary sensation, currently represented by 5 galleries in Texas. Both know the competitive nature of the art business and constantly strive to be flexible in the ongoing rollercoaster we know as the economic climate of the art business.

Still in high school, Cavin knew he was better at art than anything else. After graduation he enrolled in the Warren Hunter School of Art, a private two year program under the renowned San Antonio painter, Warren Hunter. Landing a job as a commercial artist, Cavin spent the next 4 years being a commercial artist, not a studio artist. With a small stint in the valley working on the sidelines of the art world, Cavin entered into the family trade- United Tile, a business run by his father; only to retire from that same business in 2013 with about 40 years of Project Management in construction. Now what does that have to do with art? -- Nothing. That’s the point. For Cavin, the financial demands of a family warranted the need for a day job that “paid the bills”; meaning economic stability. His initial emergence in to the

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art world of San Antonio was not financially stable. “I sold paintings here and there, but I remember selling my first big painting in 1988 for $3,000 at 37 years old”, he says.

1988 was a turning point for Cavin. His first trip to New Mexico transformed everything. “I fell in love with New Mexico, the colors were spectacular; my paintings changed overnight”, Cavin recalls.

Cavin went from being a draftsman to a watercolorist to an oil painter in the mid to late 80’s. “I knew I could make

more money from oil paintings”, he confessed. “There were a lot of watercolorists in San Antonio at the time, and it was everywhere. I visited an exhibition of the Cowboy Artists of

America and saw that their paintings were going for $50,000 and $60,000 to $100,000, so I decided to change my tactic. I knew I could paint great pictures of the things I was already painting in watercolor.”

With a host of gallery representations including Nanette Richardson Fine Art, San Antonio; Mountain Trails, Santa Fe; Southwest Gallery, Dallas; Bill Zaner Studio & Gallery, Boerne and J.R. Mooney Galleries, San Antonio/Boerne, among several others – Cavin painted what he found inspiring, seeking success by way of “painting what I liked”.

“You don’t have to worry about styles, you just do it. As you grow you will see people always copy other people’s art, that’s part of learning, but eventually you develop your own style…even without knowing you did”, he explains.

“I found the colors of my surroundings, Texas and New Mexico to be my muse and hoped my audience felt the same; evolving in style and aesthetic along the way.”

With an artistic resume that spotlights exhibitions at the Dallas Heritage Museum, the Briscoe Western Art Museum, the Kerrville Cultural Center, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Mexico; and 14 years with the Alamo Kiwanis Club Western Art Invitational coupled an 8 year history at the National Western Art Foundation Night of Artists: Museum Exhibition, Cavin’s history showcases clients from McAllen to Dallas, from San Antonio to Mexico City.

“I have a love for painting, for art. I think people are born with it.

I love doing it”, he states. “When I have too many commitments, my paintings suffer; it becomes a job not a dream world where you can create. You become directed by your obligations”, he confesses. However his understanding of whom he is and where he wants to be are completely justified in his mind. “There are a lot of people better than me {at art}, but I am a lot better than others”, he insists.

That understanding is what has made him successful. Cavin knew if he was in larger galleries, he would not float to the top of the pool, but by being in more intimate galleries, his work would have more opportunity. “If you start selling in the $100,000

price bracket, you limit yourself to a certain demographic, but if the price of the art is lower, theoretically there are more people who can afford your work”, he concludes.

Russell Stephenson, on the other hand, is beginning to establish his business models and understand the unpredictable demands of the art market. Born into art, Stephenson was always drawing and coloring; insisting these are “developing aspects of mark making and creativity. “It is a primordial urge…my parents encouraged me and I did it for fun, but with time I got good at it. I never thought of art as a career and business”, he says. He started selling drawings in the 4th grade to classmates for lunch money. In the later part of high school he fell deeply in love with art and that was the only thing he wanted to do.

After high school Stevenson applied to the Art Institute of Seattle, Washington and received a full scholarship. Being a commercially driven art program, he felt his passions

were elsewhere. “This was the beginning of commercially designed graphic technology in the early 1990’s”, he says.

“I had never worked on a computer art, never experienced a commercial art environment, and I found myself wanting to explore the more traditional art methods and explore a more personal interpretation of the work around me”, he attests. He left the Art Institute after a year, opening his own art studio and lived the starving artist life for a few years in Amarillo, Texas. After researching art schools that lent themselves to the curriculum he desired, Stephenson arrived at Pacific Northwest College of Art with a duffle bag, suitcase and a portfolio. He married in 1999 and graduated in 2001.

With a spousal tradeoff of school/job dealings, Stephenson and his wife planned out their life goals, roadmaps, and career potentials; formulating relocations, stability, and security while expecting their first child. “I worked in various galleries doing framing and in construction for

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extra money”, Stephenson admits. “I went back to school at UTSA in their Graduate studies for printmaking to get my Master’s Degree so I could teach. I played by the rules, if I wanted to make art as a career I had to get the advanced degree to be able to pave the way to where I wanted to go”, he explains. After graduation, Stephenson found a job as an Adjunct Professor at the International Academy of Design and Technology teaching the fundamental like Color Theory and Drawing. “As a professor, I have the flexibility to be in the studio, and be serious about what I want to do with the work, I am not dictated by my sales”, he says.

“However I understand I have to be always researching, learning and knowing what galleries would be a good fit for my work…sure I went through the make work, make work, make work and show work stage, you have to in order to get your name out there; but there is also a time when you become more selective of where you exhibit.

With exhibitions at Bihl Haus Gallery in San Antonio to Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum as well as formulating an art collective, the Texas Cannons of Proportions, Stephenson launched himself into the San Antonio art community and within five years not only developed his voice but garnered the attention of gallerist Lisa Ortiz and Ana Montoya.

However, as an artist making artwork in a era of social media, Stephenson knew the need to address all avenues of online marketing. “I had to go to where the people are” he quips. “They are on Linkedin™, Facebook©, Instagram©, Pintrest™, so I knew I had to be on there as well. With an internet presence it is real easy to refer people to your artwork, to your gallery, to your images” he says. “When we look at the new generation of business models with new 32 | COMPANY MAGAZINE

technology and the need to model our own art businesses out of these models we have to utilize these advances.”

Coupled with this online existence, Stephenson saw a need to educate the public as well as the art collectors on his new type of contemporary work and explain the bridging of traditional impressionism and abstraction with his neocontemporary landscapes.

Debunking the stereotypes of an artist, Stephenson knows the fundamentals of any business; the follow-ups, the need

for punctuality at appointments and meeting, stating your attitude is as good as your work.

With branching out to galleries in Dallas, Amarillo, Houston as well as San Antonio and Boerne has increased Stephenson’s demand, but has allowed a certain flexibility in making several bodies of work that are individually successful in different cities and markets. He began to learn valuable lessons on demand, rotation of inventory, client relationships, among other necessities. “How much

can you do without compromising the work”, he comments as he discusses inventory levels and supply and demand across Texas.

Fighting being pigeon-holed, Stephenson knows his art will change as life changes, as he changes, and understands most of the work will be developed through the process of making it.

“I learn to let go, to let the painting be the teacher”, he says.

Once again Stephenson and his wife set realistic goals for education and career advancement. He says he will start researching his next level of art making and gallery representations, and teaching.

Cavin and Stephenson both are aware of how to promote their artwork, aka business, but with generational concerns --each striving to become a successful business person; whether it is through technological advancements in communication, word of mouth, or branding namesake.

Although the art market is sometimes unforgiving, Cavin has met challenges and has kept his artistic integrity, still painting the beautiful landscapes awarded by Texas and New Mexico, staying true to the initial love of painting and sticking to what he likes. Stephenson lays out the road ahead --formulating and balancing his career advancement, family life, and studio time in confidence; giving rise to various bodies of artwork that have a proven track record throughout Texas –evolving, experimenting, and creating.

“There is always something I borrow from the last painting and add it to the new discovery”, Stephenson says.

I think that is what makes us all successful, we learn from our own lessons and keep moving forward, financially as well as metaphysically—the life of an artist, I mean business owner and leader.

Welcome to Boerne

Bluebonnet Realty Serving Boerne area since 1989 Sales Listings Leasing Property Management VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.BOERNETEXASHOMES.COM or scan our QR code (right) to go directly to our website. Be sure and check out our full page ad in Explore Magazine or call any of our agents for information on any properties in the Boerne or surrounding areas.

Judy Filingeri

830-816-2288

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210-912-8221

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830-370-2011 thecompanymag.com | 33

TURN IT UP

Craig Colvin, Owner of Branson Design Group

By Ben Schooley :: Photography By Ben Weber

Craig Colvin and his team at Branson Design Group have quickly established themselves as one of the most respected and trusted audio/video experts in the Hill Country. A small team of die-hard technology enthusiasts, Craig and his team continue to push the envelope in terms of high-end technology, and strive to provide systems that are not always about the latest and greatest feature, but rather, systems that simply perform flawlessly.

Born in El Paso to a veterinarian father and a florist mother, Craig had an interest in technology early on. “I really had no clue what I was going to do after high school.

I thought I might be a video game programmer because I was always into computers and technology. I wasn’t a nerd, but I was a technology geek, and that interest followed me to Tech.” Enrolling in Texas Tech, Craig initially majored in Computer Sciences. “I lasted about a semester doing that, and then switched to Management Information Systems. Computer Sciences was way too technology based, and MIS was more solution based. I enjoyed the MIS program as it was more focused on creating solutions to systems as opposed to creating new systems.”

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While at Texas Tech, Colvin worked throughout college at COMP USA, and was set to graduate early in ’99. He even had his first job lined up upon graduation.

Ernst & Young had a recruiting day on campus and they had an interviewing session and there were probably 300 people in the room. They asked for a volunteer to go through some mock interview questions, and I volunteered. After that, they pulled me aside, told me they’d like to talk to me some more, and shortly afterward, I had a job.”

Having moved to Dallas, Colvin embarked on his career, although he learned quickly what he did not like about working for a large employer. “I hated working at Ernst & Young. I instantly became an employee with a six digit number . There were over 100,000 employees at Ernst, and I was miserable. They paid me too much to make it easy to leave, and I was also stuck in Dallas, which is entirely too full of concrete. The job was decent, though. It was a pretty interesting area to work: Accelerated Solutions Environment. There was a bunch of consultants that would bring in other companies – large corporate companies – they would bring in 30 of their folks and we would put them through a 3 day workshop to help them solve problems in their jobs. It was problem solving from the top to the bottom. I really enjoyed that.

I ran the technologies that facilitated those workshops.

That’s how I got into audio/video. We got into presentations, broadcasts, recording, etc. Ernst had built a $2m audio/video system, and nobody knew how to run it after it had been installed. The company that installed it left, and so I just started tinkering with the equipment, and over 5 years, I just became the expert.”

After marrying his wife Jennica in 2002, the Colvins began to seek a fresh start and a new direction. The Colvins were in the process of buying a home in Flower Mound, and Ernst & Young was acquired by a new company. The day after the Colvins closed on their new home, his new employers sat him down and told him that his job was being terminated, but that he could become a contractor and they would keep him busy. There

was one catch: he had to quit his current job in order to be re-hired. Without understanding the consequences, Craig agreed and in doing so, virtually burned his 401k that he was due to be vested shortly.

A little beaten and bruised, the Colvins came to visit family in Boerne, and found their new direction. “We came to Boerne and had lunch at the Scenic Loop Café to visit my aunt. It was just a beautiful day, and we sat outside having drinks, and both of us just fell in love with the whole area. We had a 4 hour drive up I35 to get home, and by the time we returned home, we had the whole plan put together. We put the house up for sale, and we were gone.

Jennica found employment using her Occupational Therapist degree, and Craig found a job with a local audio/video company. Craig continues, “We got to Boerne, moved into an apartment, and I got a job on with a local audio/video company. I started up their residential side of the business. Home automation was exploding, and I was excited to use my experiences inside people’s homes.” With this new direction, Craig found his passion. “I was loving the job and doing very well at it. So well, in fact, that the owner told me that I was making more than he was, and he wanted to re-negotiate our agreement. I obviously disagreed. I continued growing my client list, and one of my largest clients was AT&T when they were located here in San Antonio. When they moved to Dallas, we lost them, and for the 2nd time, the owner tried to re-negotiate. I gave him a 6 month notice that I was leaving, and, well, it ended poorly. However, I told him I would honor my 9 month non-compete agreement, and I did.”

During the 9 month hiatus, Craig enrolled at UTSA for his Master’s Degree, and used the time to craft a business plan. The day after his non-compete expired in 2010, Branson Design Group was born, and he has yet to look back. “I got back all the clients that I wanted from my previous job. It was me doing sales, and I had 1 technician, Marshall, who is still with me today. We were doing it out of the garage, and from the get-go, it went thecompanymag.com | 37

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fantastic. My goal my first year was $500k in sales. I could make a go of it if we did 500k. We did that by the end of our first month. I did some really large jobs, and they landed in my lap at the perfect times, and they helped us get started perfectly.”

The team added Al, who is an Electrical Engineer, and Chris, an Audio Engineer. While they do utilize subcontractors for some portions of jobs, the core group of these 4 professionals is the driving force behind Branson Design Group, and they like it that way. “My team is the best in the industry. They are all highly, highly educated, trained, and come with an extraordinary amount of experience. These are the guys that I would want working on my own home. I trust them implicitly.”

With the team in place, business has been robust. “We’re doing $1m-$1.2m per year now. It’s a healthy number for the size of our company. When I left the other company, if it had a dollar figure and the client wanted it, we’d go get it. I don’t pursue that type of work anymore. We are able to be a little more discretionary. That’s not who we want to be – we don’t want to come hang your TV. There’s no business model that can support that. We see it all the time – two guys that are running around installing cheap speakers in a cheap home theatre set up, and then they end up getting called on service calls to death. We like harder, more sophisticated projects; things that require knowledge and certifications.

That is our niche. We do corporate, board rooms, gymnasiums, churches, sanctuaries, and high-end residential; these are the types of projects we’re seeking right now. Most of our residential projects are $35,000 and up, and many are six figure whole-home solutions.”

As the business has grown and the team can be a little more discretionary in the jobs they take, they have also been able to focus their energies almost exclusively on the Hill Country, which is just the way they like it. “It’s been great for us – when I moved here, we were mainly doing stuff in

San Antonio. We didn’t give the Hill Country much attention, even though we lived here. I realized there was a great opportunity here, and now 90% of our work is here.” And that local involvement isn’t exclusively professional. The Colvins are heavily involved in the First United Methodist Church, the Boerne Emmaeus Group, and Hill Country Mission for Health.

While Branson Design Group has grown, so has the Colvin family. Jennica and Craig have welcomed Cannon (7), Bryn (4), and Juliette (2) and continue to focus on their careers. Craig continues, “I want to grow in margin, and not necessarily in staff and projects. I want to do more complex and cutting-edge jobs, not necessarily just to increase the number of projects. I’m really enjoying larger-scale stuff. They’re harder to do because a lot of that type of work is consultant driven, and we aren’t involved in the initial design, but we are a design/build team, and I’d prefer to do it all myself. I can do it for them, but if I had my way, I would be involved from the onset. “ As Branson Design Group evolves, so does the industry. “The technology is changing so fast, and things are different every day. If anyone ever figures out how to make every device seamlessly work with every other device, we’d be out of business. Everything is getting more elaborate, and there will always be a need for what we do. Everyone thinks that things should be cheap, and that everything should work with all of their devices seamlessly, and we know that’s not always the case.

That’s where we come in: It’s the solution behind things – they don’t care what brand speakers I put in the ceiling, they just want to know that it’s going to work properly, and without frustration. It’s the WHY you should buy it, not the price or name. We’re solution-selling, not feature-selling, and that’s a core difference between us and our competition.”

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Boerne Kitchens and Baths

The Luxuries of Life Brought to Your Home Call Mark Burns today at 830-446-1506 for a free consultation.

Remodel – Renovate – Refresh Boerne, Texas thecompanymag.com | 41

TEXAS INVESTORS TITLE Performance is ourPriority

Commercial, Ranch and Residential Title Transactions

Steve Vallone President

steve@texasinvestorstitle.com

116 Blanco Rd. Ste 102

Becky Edmiston

Boerne, TX 78006

Vice President/Escrow Officer becky@texasinvestorstitle.com

p. (830) 816-5888 f. (830) 816-5889

Monteola Development Indulge your passion for fine living at Monteola, the San Antonio area’s most unique and breathtaking private gated community.

The landscape offers a variety of country living options with rolling hills reminiscent of traditional Spanish cordilleras, 360° views, heavily wooded lots, and savanna style lots.

5 to 7 Acre Estate Lots • Exclusive 47 Lot Community Upscale Contemporary Architectural Style Controlled Access with Video Surveillance and Guardhouse Sculptured Street Markers and Entrance Gates

by Acclaimed Artist George Schroeder, Jr. Underground Utilities • Lighted Esplanades Stained Flat Ribbon Curbs • Native Landscaping Quality Building Restrictions Choose Your Own Builder • Lower Comal County Taxes

With only 38 remaining properties, Monteola is a tranquil Hill Country retreat for those who value privacy, security and one of a kind beauty.

Auto, Home, Umbrella & Business For more information, or a personalized tour of the property, call us at

210-254-0240 www.monteola.net

We specialize in you & your needs.

136 Old San Antonio Rd. Suite 306 Boerne, TX 78006 p: 830-816-5272 :: f: 830-816-5274

thecompanymag.com | 43

Earning your business everyday.

Barrett Houser 210-364-6184 barrett.houser@gmail.com

Lucy K. Ziegler, MA, LPC, LLC Licensed Professional Counselor

COPING SKILLS COMPANY magazine is published by Schooley Media Ventures in Boerne, TX. COMPANY Magazine and Schooley Media Ventures are not responsible for any inaccuracies, erroneous information, or typographical errors contained in this publication submitted by advertisers. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of COMPANY and/or Schooley Media Ventures. Copyright 2013 Schooley Media Ventures, 930 E. Blanco, Boerne, TX 78006

Relationships • Grief • Depression • Anxiety • Trauma

830-249-4777 1001 S. Main, Ste 4 Boerne, TX 78006

210-289-6066

7201 Broadway, Ste 218 SA, Texas 78209

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