Southern Tatler

Exodus Ranch People reaching people

Chef Hippely

Rustic Hidden Gem in Opelika

Kevin & David Walker Mixing Family & Business

AUBURN/OPELIKA, AL AL AUBURN/OPELIKA, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 2015 JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Furniture Accessories Interior Design Gifts

334.246.3582 oliver-henry.com 2272 Moores Mill Road Suite 210 Auburn, AL 36830

CONTENT

VISAGE

VISAGE

town

EVENTS AROUND

K I R K S TA F F O R D & B R I TTA N Y L AV I E R W E D D I N G Opelika, AL

14 TEDDY BEAR TEA Auburn University Hotel

20 NUTCRACKER Opelika Performance Arts Center

22

4 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

801 COLUMBUS PARKWAY OPELIKA, AL 3347498113 WWW.OPELIKAFORDCHRYSLER.COM

CONTENT

FEATURES

LOCAL FOCUS

FACES Ayesha Whitfield

28 LOCAL FEATURE Exodus Ranch

36 CHEF Joe Hippely

44 FEATURE STORY

LOCAL BUSINESS Opelika Ford

52

WA L K E R B R O T H E R

66 FASHION Coveted Closet

76 HOME Dilworth Development

84

T R AV E L

ITALY Venice

92

8 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

Coveted Closet

ENVYSALON

Walk Through Coveted Closet and update your wardrobe then step into Envy Salon to get makeover with latest hair style trends for 2015.

Located 829 S Railroad Ave #101 Opelika, AL 334.749.3366 Friend us on Facebook Envy Salon Auburn/Opelika and Coveted Closet Visit us on the Web ENVYSALONOPELIKA.COM and MYCOVETEDCLOSET.COM

LETTER

the

from

PUBLISHER the

TAT L E R T E A M PUBLISHER Matthew Tse O P E R AT I O N S D I R E C T O R Courtney Cantrell SALES & MARKETING Michelle Grenier L I T E R ary C O N S U L TA N T William Staggs GRAPHIC DESIGNER Cicily Williams Mia Wilson Shelby Reister Matthew Tse

PHOTOGRAPHERS Nicole Degree WRITERS William Staggs

The beginning of the New Year is a time rich with opportunities, where anything is possible.

This issue, Southern Tatler features David and Kevin Walker, the owners of Custom Trucks Unlimited. They started CTU when they were just 20 and 21, they used hard-work to build that first company, and have applied the same work ethic to their other ventures and continued success.

We also had the, pleasure of interviewing Ayesha Whitfield, the owner of Aright Ride Transportation. She transitioned from a coaching career in basketball to her transportation company that she was motivated to initiate after tragedy struck her family.

Dilworth Development a well-known home builder in Auburn, was founded by Michael Dilworth when he was only 19. He has turned his passion for excellence into a successful architecture and building company.

Chef Joe Hippely gave us a behind the scenes look at his hidden gem The Warehouse Bistro.

There is no substitute for hard work when and Southern Tatler is a great opportunity to showcase and appreciate those in our community that lend to their own success and to others.

-Matthew Tse

for questions or comments concerning advertising or general inquiries: 334.539.1780 customer.relations@southerntatler.com

The Fighter

Will O. (Trip) Walton, III 2011- 2014 Super Lawyers 334.321.3000 www.waltonlaw.net waltonlaw@waltonlaw.net

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Traumatic Brain Injury • Wrongful Death • Serious Personal Injury “The recoveries, verdicts, favorable outcomes, and testimonials described in this ad are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The evaluation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, thejurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. Furthermore, no representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater thanthe quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

VISAGE WEDDING

K I R K S TA F F O R D & B R I TTA N Y L AV I E R W E D D I N G OPELIKA, AL

September 13, 2014

Kirk Stafford and Brittany Lavier met when she stopped by his store with her friends. Kirk’s store, TWEEDS, is a clothing shop that provides a comfortable setting for men to shop and develop their own unique style. Upon leaving Brittany confessed, “I think I really like that guy.” She was, of course, referring to Kirk.

VISAGE WEDDING

K I R K S TA F F O R D & B R I TTA N Y L AV I E R W E D D I N G OPELIKA, AL

September 13, 2014

After their first date both Brittany and Kirk were extremely busy with

work, but after many quick phone calls, skype talks, one missing postcard and a few rough months the couple was stronger than ever. Both were positive they had found the one. When Brittany planned a trip to Paris and also Amsterdam to visit friends Kirk saw an opportunity for an unforgettable proposal. Upon Brittany’s arrival she was told that, “she had to see the view from the roof before sunset.” There certainly was an amazing sight on the roof. Kirk was standing on the roof, in Amsterdam, with a ring and a fistful of tulips. The speech that he had memorized and rehearsed on the flight over never got a chance. Instead Kirk went

17 J A N U ARY/ FEBRUARY

2015

K I R K S TA F F O R D & B R I TTA N Y L AV I E R W E D D I N G

VISAGE WEDDING

OPELIKA, AL

September 13, 2014

simple and from the heart. That turned out to be perfect for the couple that has always been heartfelt, and done their best to keep things simple in a complicated world.

Kirk is the President and Co-Founder of TWEEDS in Atlanta.

Brittany attended Auburn University. She works for The Johnson Studio, and designs restaurants all over the globe including the Hotel at Auburn University. They were married on September 13, 2014 at The Railyard in Opelika.

18 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

VISAGE TEDDY BEAR TEA

TEDDY BEAR TEA AUBURN UNIVERSITY HOTEL, AUBURN AL

December 22, 2014

The Teddy Bear Tea is a tradition at the Hotel at Auburn University during the month of December. The event is held for families and children to see their favorite holiday characters, drink hot chocolate and listen to stories told by theatre students from Auburn University.

VISAGE NUTCRACKER

NUTCRACKER

OPELIKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

December 13-14th, 2014

Variations studio held their third annual performance of the Nutcracker on December 13th and 14th. The Nutcracker was a display of dance skills, talent and a showcase of hard work.

VISAGE NUTCRACKER

NUTCRACKER OPELIKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

December 13-14th, 2014

2014 NUTCRACKER CONTRIBUTORS East Alabama Arthritis Center UDA Technologies Mr. and Mrs. Chad Wachter Cornerstone Family Chiropractic Dewayne and Beth Smith East Alabama Pediatric Dentistry J & M Bookstore The Hotel at Auburn University The Flower Store Dr. Michael and Mrs. Lisa Aikens Keystone Bank Auburn Bank Mr. and Mrs. Steven Glennon

BREATH

SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

FACES: Ayesha Whitfield

28

LOCAL FOCUS: Exodus Ranch

36

CHEF CORNER: Joe Hippely 44

LOCAL FOCUS AYESHA WHITFIELD

ASSISTING ON THE COURT AND IN THE

COMMUNITY AYESHA WHITFIELD HAS GONE THROUGH MANY CHANGES IN HER LIFE BOTH PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY, BUT THROUGH EVERY TWIST AND TURN ON HER JOURNEY SHE HAS HELPED PEOPLE. IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT SHE TAKES LIGHTLY, AND SHE CERTAINLY DOES NOT DO IT FOR PRAISE. SHE HELPS OTHERS BECAUSE IT IS HER RESPONSIBILITY, HER DUTY, TO HELP THOSE IN NEED. WITH HER FAITH IN GOD AND HER COMPETITIVE EDGE SHE HAS BUILT A COMPANY IN ARIGHT RIDE TRANSPORTATION THAT BRINGS REAL HOPE AND HELP INTO THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE THAT NEED IT MOST. 29 N O V EM BER/ DECEM BER

2015

Aright Ride Transportation is a non-emergency medical transportation company that operates in Lee County and all of the surrounding areas. This was not Ayesha’s plan for her life until 2011 when her personal life was struck with the loss of her father to cancer. It was a difficult time for her and the entire family, but out of that tragedy she found the inspiration to help those who needed it more than anyone else.

Before her father’s illness Ayesha had dedicated most of her life to basketball. She was a standout shooting guard during her high school years in Detroit, Michigan, and then she moved to point guard in college at the University of Minnesota. Her playing career was cut short however in her freshman year due to knee problems. Never being one to be held down, Ayesha moved to the sidelines and started coaching. The University honored her scholarship and she began coaching high school basketball in the spring and AAU in the summer while still attending school. She graduated with a degree in Materials Science and Engineering, and thought she would follow her father’s footsteps into the engineering field. Her brother is the engineer in the family, but life had other plans for Ayesha.

Before the first game she coached she was admittedly nervous, “I had no style of coaching, but once the game started I got comfortable. At one point I realized, hey I’m coaching.” It came naturally to her after years of being fully involved in the sport and playing point guard at such a high level. During her coaching career she met some of the best coaches in the game and learned from them. Ayesha spent time picking their brains and forming her own style and strategy from everything she had learned playing and coaching up to that point. Of course coaching also allowed Ayesha to do what her parents had taught her to do, and that was to help others. She has always seen coaching as a way of giving back, and a great way to teach life lessons as well as skills on the court. Whitfield says, “I stayed in college coaching to help young women, and prepare them for life after basketball. I wanted to help them be good players, but more importantly good people.”

After graduation Whitfield wanted to use the degree she had earned in school and went to work for 3M for a year, but no matter what she did she could not shake the urge to coach. All day long

she would sit in the office and look forward to coaching basketball in the evenings. After serving as an assistant coach for high school teams Whitfield moved on to Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. After her stretch there she moved on to a position at Central Michigan University.

Here she worked with one of her biggest mentors in the game of basketball and life, Sue Guevara.

Coach Guevara was the coach at the University of Michigan during Whitfield’s high school career so she had seen the young guard develop into a successful coach with loads of potential.

Coach Guevara pushed Ayesha to do more and branch out. She wanted her to better herself and as Whitfield says, “she was always willing to empower someone else.” She was the one who encouraged Ayesha to go for the open position at Auburn University and pushed her towards the school. Guevara had been an assistant at Auburn herself and knew that Coach Nell Fortner would be a positive influence on her young assistant. As it turned out Coach Fortner let Whitfield spread her wings and strike out on her own as the Recruiting Coordinator for the women’s basketball program. She describes Fortner as confident and always looking for complementary pieces to fit around her and the program. While coaching at Auburn from 2008 to 2010 the team beat Tennessee in the SEC Tournament and Whitfield met Pat Summit. After the team was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament in 2010 Ayesha had a voicemail from her mother waiting for her after the game.

Whitfield remembers everything about that night. “It was the worst lost I’ve ever been a part of. We lost by 28 points as a number two seed to Rutgers on their home court.” A voicemail from her mother was not unusual after something like this, but when her mother’s voice said her father was sick the loss did not seem that important anymore. After returning to her house in Auburn, Ayesha went straight home to Detroit the next morning. He had been diagnosed with sinus cancer and would require chemotherapy to fight it. Both her brother and mother worked full time jobs, and had no way to take their father to and from the treatments and still maintain their work schedules. Ayesha stayed as long as she could and helped with everything while she was there, but her career too needed her back.

She did her best to split her time between re-

30 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

cruiting and coaching for Auburn while still doing everything she could for her family back home.

After some time she decided that coaching and taking care of her father was too much at once.

She stopped coaching in July 2010. From 2010 to 2011 she would go back and forth between Auburn and Detroit to take her father to his therapy as often as she could, and during it all she thought to herself, “There has to be some kind of service for this.” Her father passed away in March 2011.

After her loss Ayesha was somewhat lost and looking for direction. She had left coaching but could get back into the job if she desired. All of the time spent with her parents and especially her father had reminded her what he had always taught her. When she was just a child she would witness her parents help out anybody who would come around when they were in a time of need. At the time she did not understand why her parents

would do so much for these people who could never repay the favor. Her father instilled in her the lessons of The Bible and he would say, “It is our duty as people to help others when we can.”

She learned through years of helping others that, “If you only have a little to give and you use it to help others you will be blessed with more down the road.”

The idea of a non-emergency medical transportation service had been growing in her mind since the issue of her father’s treatments had first presented itself. She asked herself, “Why is there not someone who is doing this?” Back in Auburn she knew there was no such service, and she had also become aware of the serious need for it. The need for this kind of service is difficult to observe unless it affects you or your loved ones personally.

Looking back at her decision to start Aright Ride Transportation Whitfield feels blessed to have

31 J A N U ARY/ FEBRUARY

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the opportunity to help others every day. She thinks there was a possibility that if she had stayed with coaching she could have lost sight of what her parents had taught her. She may have lost sight of what she is here to do, and that is help people.

Whitfield believes that Aright Ride Transportation was what she has been put here to do, and although the idea came from sorrow she has learned to take the good out of difficult situations. If her father had not passed away she does not know where in her life, or even the country she might be today.

This business venture is what she calls, “Faith in action,” and through every transition, challenge and bump in the road she pushed forward with faith. The lessons she learned during her youth, playing days and coaching career had shown her that everyone has to do something, and this is what she has to do.

Aright Ride Transportation provides services that range from trips to the grocery store or work to prescription pickup and rehabilitation appointments. They provide affordable, safe and reliable service to East Alabama, and work closely with the Lee County Department of Human Resources. Recently Aright Ride has started a shuttle service that picks up people at scheduled stops and takes them to Wal-Mart.

Ò IT IS OUR DUTYAS PEOPLE

TO HELP OTHERS

WHEN WE CAN.

IF YOU ONLY HAVE

A LITTLE TO GIVE AND YOU USE IT TO HELP

OTHERS YOU WILL BE BLESSED WITH MORE DOWN THE ROAD. 32 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

Ó

She has also started to provide transportation services to college students to and from church. The shuttle runs the first Saturday of the month, every month, and is on a first come first serve basis.

The company has three vehicles in its fleet. A van is used for smaller groups of people that do not require any special accommodations, and their five passenger truck serves the same purpose but with a higher occupancy. Aright Ride does have a shuttle bus with a wheelchair lift to accommodate anyone, and this is also the vehicle used for the shuttle rides around town.

Today’s Aright Ride Transportation is much different than it was a few short years ago.

Ayesha was starting a business from scratch with no entrepreneurial experience, and only a vision and faith to lead her. Starting the service was extremely difficult and Whitfield admits that she could have given up and thrown in the towel at any time during the beginning. She didn’t quit though, and with a combination of her parents’ lessons, faith in God and her own toughness she forged on through the oncoming trials. Whitfield remembers walking to school in snow up to her knees and says, “That’s how you build toughness.”

She didn’t want to quit because this service was something the area needed, and she would not let a few struggles stop her. “I just continued to have faith,” says Whitfield. This is not a job to her. It’s a calling to help people and she says it is, “the most rewarding and gratifying job I have ever had.”

Aright Ride is not the only place Whitfield feels gratified, however. She is living proof that you can take the coach away from the game but you can’t take the game away from the coach.

Ayesha has been a volunteer youth basketball coach in Tuskegee for three years. She coaches a group of 7th and 8th grade boys about the game of basketball and life. Her main points of emphasis are not dribbling, passing and shooting. They are taught, of course, but she focuses on character, discipline and respect. She talks about each of these characteristics with reverence, “Character is doing what is right when no one is watching, discipline is training yourself to do what is right all of the time and respect is earned after it is given.”

Whitfield also has clinics for local athletes and coaches free of charge. She uses these to pass on techniques for both coaches and players that

she accumulated during her career. Several coaches do not have the experience that she has, and it is a wonderful opportunity to pass on the elite level coaching she has absorbed. The lessons from Nell Fortner, Sue Guevara, Pat Summit and others are being infused into the local area. There is no other way for this kind of teaching to reach these coaches or players without the help of Whitfield and other volunteers.

That is not her only connection with her past coaching experience. Whitfield still has relationships with players that she coached years ago. Her former players are still part of her life and she genuinely wants to be a part of their lives and guide them. Ayesha is happy to provide them with free advice that she had learned the hard way. If she can help a young woman avoid a mistake that she had made then whatever price she paid was worth it. Recently she even hosted one of her former players for Thanksgiving dinner with her family.

After hearing Ayesha Whitfield’s story and what led her to starting Aright Ride Transportation the only question left is, “Why Auburn?” She was born and raised in Detroit and lived most of her life in the Minnesota and Michigan region.

Her answer is simple, “It’s comfortable.” She comments about the happiness that she feels around the area, and how she is at ease here in a way that she wasn’t in other places. “When I started Aright Ride I still had my home in Auburn and decided to stay,” explains Whitfield. She admits the climate doesn’t hurt either compared to Michigan. She has found a church home, and with the excellent school system her niece and nephew moved down to attend the schools. They were followed closely by her mother, brother and best friend. Ayesha Whitfield has established a business that serves the community while setting down roots that are here to stay.

If there’s any message that is picked up around her it’s that, “There are many more possibilities than uncertainties, so never fear the unknown.” She never felt scared during any of the uncertain times because of the almost infinite possibilities made her feel safe. She was secure knowing that anything can happen and most of those things are positive.

33 J A N U ARY/ FEBRUARY

2015

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LOCAL FOCUS

EXODUS RANCH

STAND

and

HAVE

Faith The Exodus Ranch

Left untouched for years is a beautiful home in Opelika. Today, however, that house is standing strong and being renovated. The amount of

volunteers and pure generosity flowing towards this project is awe

inspiring, and one of the many examples of this community’s kindness

and heart. The Exodus Ranch is probably the purest example of people

reaching out to help their neighbors and children who need it the most.

he Exodus Ranch serves the children that God brings to its door. It is a massive undertaking which requires countless hours of work and time. One of the challenges facing Exodus Ranch is limited space. Joe and Shelly Tufts, the founders of Exodus Ranch, currently live and operate this endeavor in a four bedroom residence. They have seven children who live with them full time,

but also welcome others who may stay with them only briefly. With so many hearts being placed in one location by God, it became clear to the Tufts that they needed to search for a larger home to carry out their calling.

Joe and Shelly had taken notice of a home that had been sitting for 13 years and was a little dilapidated. Upon closer inspection it was evident that most of the home was in dire need of repair. Shelley and Joe knew that bringing this house to livable conditions would be a monumental challenge. The only thing they could do was stand strong and know that God would deliver. They had faith and knew that He would bring talented, hardworking and generous people to their door.

Built in the late 1800s by the Frederick family in historic downtown Opelika, the structure had to be moved 13 years ago to avoid demolition. The house had been donated to Trinity Methodist Church.

However, when the church decided to expand in 2000, it did not fit in the plans. The Price family then bought the house and moved it to its current location. The purchase price was modest but the moving price was extremely expensive. The former Frederick House sits on a piece of land that was also home to historic Lake Condy, Opelika’s first recreational area. The house began undergoing renovations two years ago, but there are still some major components that need to be completed before it can be lived in. Every year the Tufts get closer and closer, “we always pray that we can move in before Christmas,” said Mrs. Tufts.

As important as the history of the property is, the future of this place is possibly brighter. By God’s hand the Exodus Ranch can change a child’s life forever in a relatively brief amount of time. Shelley Tufts has seen it with her own eyes and thanks God every day that she may watch His work. She has seen a young woman come through her doors, and helped her become independently confident just three weeks later. That young woman has a child of her own now and still talks to Mrs. Tufts about parenthood and what it takes to be a mother. Three weeks was all it took for someone to change their outlook on life and pick up a lifelong role model.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” she says, “to watch God work and see the change in the children’s lives.”

Obviously, Joe and Shelley Tufts are truly special people to take on such an endeavor. Their hearts are even bigger than the house itself. In their eyes, there aren’t any differences between their biological children and the children they foster. They raise all of the children that come through their doors the same.

They are expected to get part time jobs when they turn 16, the family has relationships with established businesses in the community to help foster this work ethic. They pay for their own gas and car insurance, which not only teaches them fiscal responsibility but makes them drive safer and slower. Shelley says, “We

38 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

use their senior year of high school as a transition period for them.” The Tufts give the children more freedom, but also more responsibility. “If they want to go to the midnight showing of a movie that’s fine, but they have to wake up in the morning to go to school or work,” she notes. Joe and Shelley are fully aware that once the kids turn 18 and leave the house they will not be able to hold their hand, but as Shelley said, “If the kids see us walk humbly with God then they will hopefully learn and walk the same.”

Summer and Christmas breaks tend to be a busy time around the Tufts’ home with the return of those who have gone off to college. It can get a little cramped during these times of the year, but the family would rather be together and crowded than apart.

For this reason, several of the rooms of the renovated home are going to be equipped with bunk beds to accommodate extra house guests for a night or two.

If there is anything God has taught Joe and Shelley Tufts it is to take things one at a time. With all of the recitals, games and appointments the family has to keep up with, it is easy to get overwhelmed. By walking in faith and taking one thing at a time, the Tufts manage to lower their stress and control what they can. “We do not want to isolate the children from the community,” says Shelley, “in fact we love when the community gets involved with the house

and children. After all, it really does take a village.”

Part of that village is a hard-working, faithful board of directors that help to support the Tufts.

The house was designed and built a long time ago and since then, a lot has changed. For instance there is no longer a need for a fireplace in every room, and people prefer closets to wardrobes. Also at the time of the Frederick House’s construction, windows were different sizes than they are today. All of the windows for the Exodus Ranch had to be custom made to fit the existing openings. All of the exterior walls need insulation, which requires a great amount of work just to get them prepared. The wiring in the house had to be completely redone. The floor needed to be leveled, and since the house was moved to its current location, running water had to be installed.

These are only a few of the updates, alterations and renovations that were needed. Some of them have been finished, some are currently being done and others have yet to be started. The Exodus Ranch’s renovations heavily depend on donations and volunteers. Almost every donation or volunteer has a story about how this project affects them.

Shelley recalls encounters with some of the best people in their field from our area including electricians, cabinet makers, plumbers, carpenters and interior designers. “God has definitely brought

39 J A N U ARY/ FEBRUARY

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talents to our door,” says Tufts. The electrician was one of the first people to confirm God’s work on the house when he said, “I do not have money but God gave me a talent,” at the front door of the house. For Shelley Tufts this was confirmation that God was certainly bringing talents to their door. Interior designers have jumped at the opportunity to help with the Exodus Ranch. “They have been a huge help in getting things planned, organized and done,” she says. Just as important as the talented individuals who donate their time are those who donate financially. The Exodus Ranch would require a brand new $25,000 fire safety system, with running water pipes and sprinklers throughout the house to meet code. The Tufts knew this would be a massive hill to climb. It was installed at the end of the year after a single donation. After giving a gentleman a tour of the home and explaining their mission, he offered to help.

Shelley says, “He wanted to do something special, ‘I really want to help. What can I do? What do you need?’ I was in shock he wanted to pay for the whole system. It was truly a blessing.” The family had prayed for the resources to fund the fire safety system, and the meeting and donation had taken place on the national day of prayer. Yet, there was still a hurdle to overcome for the Tufts and the fire safety system: running water.

Pipes had to be run 800 feet from the house to the road. In the middle of June, Shelley and all of the children went to work on the trench.

Through hard red clay, and the occasional yellow jacket’s nest, the family labored dragging pipe and fastening them together. What Joe and Shelley thought of as a learning opportunity for the children about hard work and perseverance turned out to be several of the younger boys’ favorite part so far. What young boy doesn’t like playing in the dirt and getting dirty?

Having many children in one home creates challenges that some people would not think of at first. Laundry, for example, is one of the biggest undertakings in the house. The Exodus Ranch will be installing two washers and dryers to accommodate the volume of clothes, with all of the acreage to explore some of the children manage to get their clothes really dirty. An area that requires a

40 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

lot of attention for many different reasons is the kitchen. Shelley says, “For some reason everybody gathers in the kitchen. It doesn’t matter how nice the other rooms are, and what there is to do in them the family will ultimately end up in the kitchen.”

So, with that in mind they have been putting a lot of energy into making the kitchen entire-family-friendly.

Finding a balance between want and need is always difficult when designing, but with the Exodus Ranch there are many more factors and variables

than with other homes. Shelley wants the family to continue to gather in the kitchen. She wants the children to do their homework, receive help from the other children and simply tell her and Joe about their day. “The kitchen is about more than just food.

The kids are being fed spiritually and many other ways here. It is the most important room in the house,” says Shelley.

Walking through the old house it is clear to see that an awful lot of work has already been done, but there are still several jobs that need to be completed.

By God’s hand the Exodus Ranch can change a child’s life forever

in a relatively brief amount of time.

The work outside and inside the house can be seen in a number of different ways and there are many lessons to be learned from it. Lessons about God, life, community and giving are very evident as the family works on the Exodus Ranch home. All while getting one week closer to moving into the house.

Looking at the half demolished walls Mrs. Tufts can see similarities with some of the children who find themselves at their home. The old walls made of hard sheetrock and plaster were incredibly difficult to get through. With every swing of the hammer the wall comes down in small pieces. That process is something the Tufts have become familiar with over the years when taking in children. Some of the kids come to them with thick walls to defend themselves.

Shelley and Joe use guidance from God, love and caring to break down those walls. The children’s defenses come down piece by piece and slowly but surely, just like inside the house, the walls yield to show the beauty they’ve been hiding.

When approaching the Exodus Ranch, a large cross is the first thing the children or any visitor sees. This is important to the Tufts because the cross symbolizes everything they believe in. The Exodus Ranch has been extremely blessed with volunteers and donations. Since the renovation project started there have been over 2,000 volunteer workers in the past two years. Many local churches have created groups to work at the home and recently the Opelika High School Football Team volunteered their help, becoming a special treat for the kids of the house. Volunteering help or donations are always appreciated, but prayer is the greatest need and gift. for more information on Exodus Ranch, visit www.theexodusranch.com or follow us on facebook

41 J A N U ARY/ FEBRUARY

2015

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S O U T H E R N TAT L E R . C O M Your C I T Y Your M A G A Z I N E

LOCAL FOCUS CHEF

JOE HIPPELY

Chef

Joe Hippely There are several hidden gems in a city like Opelika. The city itself has been described as a hidden jewel in the state of Alabama. The Warehouse Bistro truly is a diamond among the coals, and it is concealed behind enormous industrial buildings that hide one of the finest dining experiences in East Alabama. On approach one might think they have taken a wrong turn, but The Warehouse Bistro is aptly named. Finding the bistro nestled there might seem odd until you learn about the building’s fascinating history, and upon meeting the Owner/Executive Chef Joe Hippely you begin to understand just how Warehouse Bistro has gained its sterling reputation.

The bistro’s exterior is not gaudy or flamboyant, and you would not expect much more than that after learning its history. The building was first used as a prisoner of war camp during World War II, and you can even find a picture of it hanging on the wall of the dining room. In the 1980s it was known as Eagle Budweiser, a distribution center for the southeast.

The majority of the dĂŠcor is hidden behind the wooden privacy fence that encloses the patio dining area. Here you will find chandeliers and other ornaments composed of fine wine bottles. Antiques that have been collected from all over the region are scattered about the patio reminding guests that fine dining does not necessarily have to be over bearing. The furniture is reminiscent of a backyard get together with family and friends, but unless there is a professional chef in your family the experience is quite different.

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Once inside The Warehouse Bistro the atmosphere becomes more intimate. The main dining room is comfortable with a natural and warming glow that seems to radiate throughout the entire building. This is in stark contrast with the cold, hard metal buildings that surround the bistro. Once inside for a few minutes it is easy to forget the industrial setting outside, and become totally enveloped by the soft, cozy dining area. Most guests spend two to three hours inside Warehouse Bistro because it is an experience, and the majority of them are out for a special occasion. Chef Hippely and his staff strive to create an experience for their guests, and that is exactly what they deliver.

One of the unique features offered by The Warehouse Bistro is the opportunity to make special requests ahead of time with a reservation. Some

in traditional etiquette so that there is nothing that takes away from the fine dining experience. This is a serious matter to The Warehouse Bistro family because all it takes is one or two errors from a waiter, or other staff member, to detract from the evening.

Also, the term ‘family’ is not thrown around carelessly at the bistro. Chef Hippely genuinely considers his staff part of his family, and the feeling is obviously mutual. Many of his employees stay on to work at The Warehouse Bistro for three or four years; which can be a long time in the restaurant industry. When these employees do move on to different challenges they each sign the wall in the dessert preparation room. Here they leave a small message of gratitude, advice or encouragement behind for all employees to read.

“You can learn from anybody.

You're always learning.” requests include a specific floral arrangement placed on the table and special dishes or desserts for anniversaries and birthdays. All of these things go into creating the perfect experience for each dining guest.

A meal at the Warehouse Bistro is not meant to be a simple dinner out, but an event, an occasion that will be remembered for years to come.

The staff at The Warehouse Bistro are top notch.

They make a point to treat every single guest equally and with attention to all details surrounding dining at Warehouse Bistro. The wait staff is trained

Fond memories of The Warehouse Bistro are extremely important to the staff and Chef Hippely because instead of advertising the bistro relies on the word of mouth from their patrons. Word of the experience has obviously spread very well. Guests have come from all over the area including Columbus, Georgia to Montgomery, and Atlanta. While the ambiance is attractive to many, the environment itself seems to be designed to allow the food and beverages be the highlight of the evening. The menu is eclectic and the wine list is one of the best in the

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state. One of the entrees The Warehouse Bistro is most well-known for is the New Zealand Rack of Lamb served on a cabernet reduction with tomato orzo and vegetable du jou. However, one of the biggest draws on the entire menu is the bread pudding.

Guests have come from all over specifically to try the staple dessert.

The mastermind behind this hidden jewel is Owner and Executive Chef Joe Hippely. He brings an attention to detail that is seen in only the finest of kitchens around the world, but unlike most executive chefs today he was not trained in any culinary school.

No, this chef has been learning about the restaurant business since he could barely walk, and has not stopped his education since. Hippely is from a small town in Ohio where his father owned a restaurant.

He says, “I was helping him in the restaurant when I was still in diapers, and as I got older I became more involved.” His father was not the main culinary talent in the family however; he was more of the business mind, the owner side of the restaurant industry. To find inspiration for cooking Hippely had to look one generation older for the woman who would spark his, career and love for food.

Chef Hippely’s grandmother was the real cook in the family, and his first real inspiration and mentor in the kitchen. “Boy could she cook,” Hippely says as he reminisces on days spent with her in the kitchen.

One dish in particular stands out to him today as he looks back on the time spent with her. The two of them used to make a Bailey’s Irish Cream torte.

He picked up lessons from his grandmother that he still employs today. She was the one who instilled in him that the freshest ingredients make the best final dishes. To this day Chef Hippely has his own herb garden, and he does everything he can to only use locally sourced produce from farmers in the area. The Warehouse Bistro has fresh fish and seafood delivered four times a week. He did not learn everything he knows from his grandmother and father though.

Chef Hippely has been working in the restaurant business since 1985 and has learned from some fantastic chefs from all over the world.

He has worked with Greek, French and Italian chefs and cooks throughout his career. In Macon, Georgia he worked at Natalia’s where he absorbed

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everything he could, from the passion of taking care of guests to the wine list. One of his primary professional mentors however was Daniel Fuchs.

Chef Hippely says, “I got most of my sauces and stocks from him. He taught me pretty much everything you would learn at culinary school.” Instead of learning technique and flavor profiles in a controlled educational setting Chef Hippely learned how to be an executive chef while on the job at several restaurants and hotels in New York, Florida and Georgia.

Working in the hotel in Clearwater, Florida was an enormous opportunity to learn from a variety of chef from different backgrounds and styles. “I was a sponge, taking in anything and everything I could.

The hotel was such a melting pot and there was a lot to learn from everybody there,” says Hippely. In his experience nobody knows everything and those that close themselves off from learning new things are missing out on glorious opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills or palate. Hippely explains

that, “You can learn from anybody. You’re always learning.”

When asked about the differences between being the Owner/Executive Chef and just chef or owner Hippely answered simply, “You have to wear all of the hats.” He enjoys the responsibilities of the two positions combined and welcomes all challenges, old and new. Chef Hippely takes pride in hiring the right people for the right positions, and he makes sure that they have the correct personality to fit in with the existing Warehouse Bistro family.

Ever since he saw the bistro for the first time when he moved to Opelika he knew there was something great about it, and he saw the potential everywhere he looked. The building, the clientele, the staff, the location, the city of Opelika and the surrounding areas all had exactly what he was looking for in a restaurant.

As Chef Hippely took over The Warehouse Bistro he instituted changes. The chef also added

Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate Velvet Torte

(topping for Chocolate Torte)

1 Tablespoon instant coffee 1 cup of hot water 1 ¼ cups sugar 2 ½ cups of shaved chocolate 1 ½ cups of melted butter (Not drawn butter) 6 whole eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 325 degree F

10 oz. shaved chocolate 1 Cup heavy cream Bring heavy cream to a boil.

Take off heat, add shaved chocolate, and whisk until smooth.

Combine water, coffee, and sugar and boil until all is dissolved.

In separate bowl, melt white chocolate in double boiler, not high heat.

Do not over stir. This is for decoration.

In a food processor combine the above ingredients with the shaved chocolate and blend until smooth.

Leave food processor running and add the 6 whole eggs one at a time until they are combined. Add melted butter and vanilla last while processor is on.

Line a spring form pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with Pam. Pour in mixture. Place on baking sheet and cook for 35 minutes. Check to be sure torte is not too soft in the middle. If not cooked through the check every 10 minutes there after.

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the Pub which is used primarily for private parties, or the weekends when seating is at a premium. He expanded the menu to include some of his signature and favorite dishes. The wine list grew exponentially and today it boasts 328 different bottles which is no small feat in itself. In fact The Warehouse Bistro’s wine list has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 2005 thanks to Chef Hippely and his tireless efforts to bring the finest wines to his guests. He also added nightly chef specials to bring variety and spontaneity to the menu.

You can find classic French style dishes, Russian, Italian and American classics all through the menu selections.

All of the changes, improvements and additions that Chef Hippely has made over the years have been focused on the experience of his guests and their enjoyment. Nothing makes him happier than seeing the smiles on the faces of the patrons of The Warehouse Bistro. The smallest details add to guest experience, for example the wooden privacy fence

that encloses the dining patio has angled beams so that when other guest arrive their headlights do not shine through and bother the guests seated outside.

The music that plays throughout the entire establishment is hand selected by Chef Hippely himself, he for specific times of day or night, and for special occasions he always compiles music that lends to the thoughtful dining experience at the bistro.

More than just the bistro itself Chef Hippely has also fallen in love with Opelika. “It reminds me of my hometown where I grew up in Ohio,” he says.

The family atmosphere where everyone to knows everyone has made it easy to make a home here. The people of the Opelika-Auburn area make it truly special, and they have come out to support this local eatery. Most nights The Warehouse Bistro is filled to capacity. Reservations are not required but they are recommended. for more information on Joe Hippley orWarehouse Bistro, visit www.warehousebistro.comm

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6�����������66�������� Join us on Facebook and make plans for Valentines Day gifting or Romantic Getaway

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F

SOUTHERN

TAT L E R

EATURES

David & Kevin Walker 52 Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

66

FEATURE DAV I D &

KEVIN

WALKER

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D

avid evin &

K

Walker

David and Kevin Walker are the owners of several successful businesses in Lee County. The two brothers built Custom Trucks Unlimited (CTU) from the ground up, literally.

CTU’s new location on Opelika Road was built by WB Construction, one of their companies. By taking the business philosophies that made CTU successful and applying them to their other ventures the Walker brothers are expanding their reach and fostering small business growth in the area. All the while they have maintained balance between their work and personal lives. The strength of the Walker family has been key to David and Kevin’s success and the well maintained balance has allowed them to start several businesses in nine years.

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S

ome say that the combination of business and family doesn’t work. In some cases they may be correct, but not here.

With the Walkers it is just as important as work. It started that way with their grandparents and that’s how they were raised by their mother and father. This equilibrium is achieved by David and Kevin because the two of them are able to split time between companies, and they complement each other perfectly. The two of them work like hands on a clock; precise, with a constant knowledge of the other’s actions, and each one with a common goal in mind. Businesses can change, be left, or sold, but family is permanent, and at the end of the day that’s all they have. Truth be told, that is all they really need.

At the office they dress like most people do on the weekends; comfortable and casual. Although the brothers may appear like a couple of unassuming good ole boys, below the surface they are intelligent and savvy businessmen who find joy in hard work and earning everything they have.

Those traits make them different from other people, and their work ethic and integrity is passed on to their businesses, partners and employees.

Growing up as the oldest two of five children gave the Walker boys responsibilities early on, and they picked up life lessons from their father and grandfather all the time. Their father worked in corporate sales. That meant the family moved around the country several times during Kevin and David’s lives. Every move to a new place brought the family closer together because everyone had to be there for each other. The Walker’s were, and still are, a family that takes care of everyone, shares responsibilities and shares rewards. They acted as a single unit and kept a close knit, family atmosphere that they have maintained throughout the years. That strong bond is still prevalent today when talking to them. It is obvious that the Walker brothers are committed to family, and they took the lessons learned in their youth to heart.

Before they were at Auburn University, the boys worked full time during the summers so that school could be a primary focus. One summer during his college experience, David wanted to get a summer job to make

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“Integrity and credibility are the most important aspects in business and in life� - Kevin Walker

some extra money for the fall semester. Initially he began working at Pet Palace on South College Street because he loved animals, but after some time of cleaning up after the animals he decided to move on. He chose another one of his passions for his next job, automotive customization. David began working at a truck performance shop in Auburn and in four months he doubled their sales. As he puts it, “I found my calling there.� After some time there David was asked if he knew anyone who was as good as he was at this kind of work. Immediately his brother, Kevin, sprung to mind and in no time the two brothers were handling almost all of the managerial responsibilities.

Since they were the oldest of five children it was important to set a good example. It was imperative that they get an education, so they stopped working at the shop to focus on school during the fall and spring semesters. However, they had done such great work and been so helpful that the customers had taken notice. Many people wanted the brothers to do more work on their trucks even though they no longer worked at the shop. At the time, they did not think much of it and started to order parts to their apartment. They would install them in their parking lot, or in a local shop after hours. This new venture got too large to control and manage out of their college apartment. They knew that if they wanted to keep doing this work they would have to start taking things more seriously and expand into their own shop.

As David and Kevin began looking for a larger facility, their father became more concerned with

their plans and asked them to prepare a business plan for him. He promised the boys that he would consider investing some money if they could put one together. He actually had no intention of investing money into the business, his real motivation was to try to make the boys realize, during the process that this endeavor would be very difficult.

It took Kevin and David 12 hours to come up with a business plan, and they took it to their father.

He was impressed by the work his sons had put together and kept his promise, to invest. CTU took off in a way no one had expected, they brought new life and energy into the market and what they may have lacked in experience they made up for in hard work.

Despite their success with CTU the brothers faced a mountain of challenges just like any other young business, but in this case the issues were compounded by midterms, finals and homework.

David and Kevin wanted to finish school and earn their degrees just like their parents wanted them to do, however they also had a growing business to

58 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

tend to while they were full-time students. In the very beginning both brothers went to school and managed the company at the same time, but they came to find out that they were both spreading themselves too thin. The Walkers do not like to do things halfway, instead they would rather focus on one thing and put all of their energy into it. So, with that in mind Kevin and David started alternating school schedules and managing CTU. One brother would focus on school while the other would manage the business, and vice versa. This strategy allowed the brothers to complete their education and keep the business running smoothly.

Like most other small businesses mistakes were made in the beginning. The Walkers admit that they did not do everything right at first, but they were 20 and 21 years old when they started.

So, errors were probably inevitable. Starting out as a young business with very little experience CTU were eager to earn the business that walked through the door. David and Kevin wanted to create a business model that would outwork its competition and provide the customer with integrity, honesty and a comfort level that sets them apart.

Ever since CTU’s first year the Walkers have purchased new tools saying that, “we were not going to be limited by our tools and equipment.”

The state of the art equipment is another form of their reinvestment strategy. They will do everything in their power to make the process smoother for employees and customers. Another key to the success of CTU was the partnership with Line-X spray on bed liners. Line-X has been rated number one spray-on bed liner in customer satisfaction for over ten years. It’s not just truck beds that are getting sprayed. Brush guards for foreign security forces, interiors to SUV’s and even whole trucks are being sprayed.

Today Custom Trucks Unlimited is known for its great products offered at a great price, extensive knowledge and the best service in the business.

They value customers and sell based on expertise of the products. You know exactly what you’re getting. Their knowledge becomes the customers’

knowledge and unlike other businesses in the market, CTU’s number one priority is customer satisfaction. The one-on-one personal attention that every customer receives is what sets CTU apart.

Needless to say CTU began operating on a larger scale and grew too large for the facilities it occupied when it started. The problem was that there was no piece of property that already had a showroom and vehicle bays, and instead of hiring someone to build their dream location the Walker’s did it themselves. WB Construction started out of the need for a new facility for CTU. Their new location is at 1817 Opelika Road and is part of a six and a half acre development that includes the CTU facility and two additional buildings that have rental space for tenants. Since beginning the company for their own construction projects WB has worked on contracts for Auburn University, Alabama Power and many others.

When it is all said and done the businesses are about family. The two brothers work extremely well together because they trust each other and when either of them makes a decision the other goes along with it. They have no reason to second guess each other. Kevin recently returned from a leave of absence during which he earned his law degree from the Northwestern University School of Law. His understanding of the legal issues that businesses face has added to their arsenal of expertise and business acumen. During Kevin’s absence, David ran the companies independently.

Next year looks to be an even bigger year for the Walker brothers as they plan to open CTU’s second retail location in Columbus, Georgia and begin phase II of their development on Opelika Road. Phase II of the development will include larger office space and commercial properties behind CTU for small businesses to develop. The facilities will be configured so that expanding on the property will not be a problem for the tenants.

David and Kevin want to build a place for businesses to grow in Auburn. They remember what it was like finding a place to start, and the difficulties

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“I am not afraid to make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.” - David Walker

that a small, developing business can face. CTU started in Opelika because there were no affordable spaces available in Auburn for a company like that. By providing affordable spaces in Auburn the Walker brothers are giving other entrepreneurs the opportunities to turn an idea into a thriving business.

It is always challenging to keep up with expectations and trying to improve on the stellar reputation they have built throughout the years but the only thing the Walker brothers can do is keep working. Being your own boss is great and having control over the decisions your company makes is even better. It’s not like other jobs where managers are out of touch with the front lines but still make all the decisions. The Walkers have a more hands on approach but not to the point of micromanaging. They have a skill for finding talented people and placing them in a position to

succeed and over the years they have learned that finding people that complement each other is extremely important. David and Kevin want to hire people who not only do exceptional work but also fit the role. They see this in almost every business, team or family, and they believe that balance is the key to success.

Plenty of business owners say that they consider their employees family, but David and Kevin Walker truly mean it. The brothers believe that many small business owners have a negative outlook on payroll, but for them high payroll is a positive. “We’re not just making business decisions for our families. We have to make the right moves for all of our employees’ families,” says David.

Because David and Kevin are so close with their employees, they know how much every paycheck means to them. “It’s one of the most rewarding things we do,” admits David. This keeps their

employees’ spirits high and with less financial stress everyone can smile a little more. David and Kevin see payroll as a performance metric for their companies, because they care about creating value for all of the company’s stakeholders, not just the stockholders.

Success in business and family can be difficult to achieve, but much like the vehicles they love, balance is key. If the tires, driveshaft or suspension is off balance then the whole vehicle is in trouble. The same applies to David and Kevin’s lives as business owners, family men, and community leaders. David takes his wife out to dinner every Thursday night by themselves not matter what else is going on in their lives, and Kevin makes it a point to take is wife out to dinner at least once a week. The whole Walker family has been actively involved in K-9 Assistants in Atlanta since 2002 when their mother got involved with

the program. They hold speaking engagements at schools all over the area, and have established one of the only collegiate programs with Auburn University’s School of Nursing. David himself owns two ‘spokesdogs’ and takes them to local hospitals for animal assisted therapy.

Running a business, no matter the size or market, it is extremely difficult and time consuming work. The stress and responsibilities that come with such an undertaking can crush people.

Just one business is too much for some. David and Kevin Walker own and operate several, and they are expanding. From their first CTU store, to Kevin’s return from law school, to WB, to their new store and on to their future expansion, the Walkers have been through it all together. They work hard and love their family and as always the brothers have maintained a balance that keeps everything running smoothly.

DRINKS & EATS

IRISH BRED PUB O

P

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L

I

K

A

,

A

L

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B

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A great place to meet friends old & new! Awesome food, drinks, service & atmosphere! Come hang out in Historic Downtown Opelika's premier restaurant!

WWW.IRISHBREDOPELIKA.COM

OUR

HOMETOWN CAR DEALER VAST SELECTION | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION | INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING

O

pelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has been a respected institution in the Opelika-Auburn community and automotive market since July 2013. From its first year of business the dealership has put an emphasis on building relationships and delivering the highest degree of customer service in the business. It doesn’t matter what kind of vehicle you are looking for because all of their customers are treated equally well, and if you bring your current automobile into the fullline service center it does not matter where it was purchased. Customer service takes a front seat at Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Take a look at how this business has become more than just a car dealership. From management changes to evolving with new technologies, Opelika Ford has put the customer and community first.

The dealership began as Fuller Ford bought by

James Snell, Mike Patton and Ken Boggs. It became Hometown Ford when it was purchased by Charles Lawler Jr. and Jeff Hilyer. Today, however, Opelika Ford Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is owned by the Greenway Corporation. They have 42 locations across the United States and now multiple branches in China.

Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is locally owned and operated and employs over 80 people from around the community. Hiring and retaining the best employees is a key component in Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s proven success.

Attracting talented and driven people to the company is only half of the equation. Once the right employees are in place, they are provided with the necessary resources to flourish in the business as well as serve their community.

Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has a strong and committed staff with years of experience.

They fulfill the needs of every customer who walks through their doors and they are constantly striving each day to be better than they were yesterday. Building and fostering relationships is extremely import-

68 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

ant to Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Few things make them happier than assisting a customer with his or her car buying and servicing needs for years, and then helping their children find their first automobile. The team at Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is honored to have that trust and respect from their longtime customers. The emphasis on hard work and customer satisfaction comes straight from the top of the corporation, but at Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram the managers do not require any extra push because they, too, believe that customer satisfaction is the first priority.

Earl Hudson, the General Manager, was born and raised in Phenix City and graduated from Central High School. He has successfully managed three of the largest automotive dealerships in the area and loves the dynamic nature of the automotive business.

He says, “It is always changing and evolving and it’s not a cookie cutter business.” Hudson also enjoys the relationships he has built throughout the years and is always looking forward to starting new ones.

“The market has changed, but the key elements to

sales have not. It is still customer service driven and grows around the relationships that you build,” says Hudson. The General Sales Manager, Chris Gamble, was born and raised in Opelika and graduated from Opelika High School. He has been in the automotive business for 14 years and he enjoys helping people reach their goals and assisting them with their car buying needs. At the end of the day Chris loves to see the smile on a customer’s face.

Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has more than an outstanding sales and management staff who have pushed it to the top. Since they opened in July of 2013 with the new name, Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, the sales style of its employees has contributed to becoming one of the leading automotive dealer in the Southeast. Here they employ several marketing strategies that attract a wide variety of customers who want great cars, trucks and SUV’s for all purposes.These strategies help bring in new customers to shop for a new or used automobile and have their current vehicles serviced at the service center because they believe

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that there is not a better offering or experience on the market today. They have custom deals with a variety of lending institutes to suit many financial needs and budgets, and a continuous effort to have the best customer service standards in the business.

The service department at Opelika Ford and Opelika Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram offers full-line service for your vehicle no matter where you purchased it, and that is another important aspect of the dealership. They want to help you get back into your automobile whether it needs regularly scheduled maintenance or something more drastic is necessary. The people at Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram are there to help the customers get back to their lives in today’s fast paced world. The main goal of the Parts and Service departments (as well as the dealership as a whole) is, again, customer service. All of the employees are dedicated to making sure your experience is enjoyable. They also have a large online presence lead by Lauren Dailey Hudson, the Internet Manager. She is an Auburn Graduate with a degree in Radio Television, Film and a minor in business. Lauren drives one of the largest internet focused businesses in the industry.

Every year Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram gives back to the community through local charitable organizations such as Storybook Farms,

and Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is a member of both the Opelika and Auburn Chambers of Commerce. They also are official providers for Wounded Warriors and Vets-Cars.com. VetsCars is the only auto dealer association committed to serving U.S. Veteran and Military Families, and it is, “a veteran owned and operated association of select auto dealers who want to earn your business for all the right reasons.” The Wounded Warrior Project is on a mission “to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.” Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has had two campaigns with Wounded Warriors which have benefitted the local organization at Fort Benning. Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is the main sponsor for the Bulls, Bands and Barrels rodeo event which in turn benefits Storybook Farm, an organization benefitting children with special needs.

As the New Year begins there is a lot of excitement buzzing around the five major offerings of Fords, Dodges, Chryslers, Jeeps and Rams. The Ford F-150 has been the number one selling truck in America for 37 years and the 2015 model has a totally new design featuring new and improved interiors and enhanced aesthetics. The exterior has been redesigned as well and the truck has even

lost some weight while increasing power to allow it to haul much more than some of its competitors.

Also new for 2015 are the freshly redesigned Ford Mustang, Charger, Chrysler 200 and others. The new Dodge Ram is slightly different from years past but when you have been rated number one by J.D. Power and Associates for quality over the past two years change is not necessary to create an outstanding pickup truck.

At Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram all customers are welcomed and treated like family.

They can help anyone, from the most experienced driver to a beginner. Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has everything from personal retail cars to fleets of commercial SUVs or vans. Whether you are looking for a new or used car, the friendly and professional staff at Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is there to help you. Finding the right car is only a part of what they do, whether you value fuel efficiency or luxury.

Right now is a great time to purchase a new or used vehicle with low interest rates, the cheapest gas in years and longer manufacturer warranties.

Visit Opelika Ford Chrysler Doge Jeep Ram online at opelikafordchrysler.com and look over some of their new and used cars. Once you see a vehicle of interest call Lauren at Opelika Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and she will set up an appointment to have one of their friendly staff assist you at 801 Columbus Parkway.

If you are interested in donating to the Fort Benning Wounded Warrior Association you can contact President Nathaniel Coakey at fbwwa@ yahoo.com or call (706) 593-1970. Visit Fort Benning Wounded Warrior Association on Facebook for more information and to show your support.

Any information about Storybook Farms and Bulls, Bands and Barrels even can be found at hopeonhorseback.org.

for more information on Opelika Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep visit www.opelikafordchrysler.com

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FASHION: Coveted Closet 76

HOME: Dilworth Development

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Coveted Closet

he New Year just started, and with it comes new fashions and trends. Swing by Coveted Closet to find the new styles to work with your new look for this year. Stay ahead of the curve and out of the department store lines by visiting Coveted Closet.

They have just what you’re looking for.

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oveted Closet is a fashion boutique located in historic downtown Opelika. With its convenient location, amazing selection and trend-setting styles Coveted Closet is your local fashion hot-spot. Their friendly and helpful staff has a passion for matching all of their clientele with a wardrobe that fits your lifestyle and tastes, whether it be casual, formal or business attire.

At Coveted Closet the inventory includes the classic and traditional to today’s hottest trends and everything in between, along with accessories from jewelry, handbags, scarves and belts. Some of the designers they carry are Ark and Co., C. Luce, THML, Ya, Staccato and many more. The Coveted Closet family strives to be Opelika’s leading fashion boutique because they know that they are providing more than just gorgeous clothes. Their stylists believe that the right wardrobe can bring out the beauty and confidence in any woman.

Providing you with the best service possible is vital for the team at Coveted Closet. Shopping is not supposed to be a dreaded task, why not make the experience enjoyable, fun and affordable? At Coveted Closet you are free to shop around in their comfortable and beautiful store while perusing all of the latest fashions. If you need help the stylists will be thrilled to assist you with any questions you have or just to get another opinion. Even when you are not physically in the store their services go above and beyond normal boutiques. Say you are looking at their inventory online and see something you have to have, but you cannot get there quickly enough.

Give them a call and place an order over the phone.

Shopping at Coveted Closet is a real joy. Whether you are looking for something to wear to a cocktail party, game-day or on a Sunday afternoon around town, you can count on the team at Coveted Closet. You can find them online at mycovetedcloset.com, and be sure to like their Facebook page at facebook.com/CovetedCloset to stay up to date with all the latest news about the boutique. The store is located in downtown Opelika at 829 South Railroad Ave, and it is also the entrance of Envy Salon. Holly Surrency is a Master Hair Stylist and owner of both Envy Salon and Coveted Closet.

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HOME DILWORTH DEVELOPMENT

ince its founding in 1999 Dilworth Development has been changing the architectural standard in Auburn, Alabama. With meticulous attention to detail and a full service development team, Dilworth has raised the bar on home quality and customer satisfaction. They have changed the way that people search for and buy homes in the Auburn area. By combining the processes of buying, building and designing, Dilworth Development is taking the headache out of creating the home of your dreams.

Dilworth Development has been pushing the envelope on what was thought possible in the way of architecture and design for 15 years with a goal of providing top quality services for affordable prices. Dilworth Development takes great pride in taking ordinary budgets and creating extraordinary homes that last a lifetime. Their design team knows it is the subtle details that can turn a good house into a great house. Although these details may not be distinguishable to everyone, they do give the homes a complete look, attracting the attention of anyone passing by. It is with knowledge, experience and a never ending passion for excellence that Dilworth Development approaches each and every project.

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Architectural styles often change and people’s personal styles are also varied and diverse. Dilworth knows that not every customer wants the same look and feel to their home, and by altering small things the team at Dilworth can customize your new home to fit any style you want. Whether it is classic, rustic, modern or a combination of styles the designers and architects will create your vision. The Dilworth team appreciates all manner of architecture and design as long as it is done well, and you can be sure that they will design and build your new home with care. They are not afraid to step out and change styles to fit what you want out of your new home.

One way Dilworth Development is able to build quality homes for affordable prices is their process of development.

They are more than just a home builder. Dilworth purchases the raw property and plans out entire neighborhoods, developing the lots and paving the roads. This way everything is carefully planned so that all the homes are exceptional, which is their main goal. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to the team at Dilworth Development.

Their in-house designers work with their architects to create a one-of-a-kind home that fits exactly what you want and need. This process removes friction between designers and builders by putting them on the same team and giving them the common goal of total customer satisfaction.

Dilworth Development’s designers do not simply make a trip to the local hardware store and lay everything out on the ground. No, but rather, they truly allow their clients to visualize the home before committing. This can help avoid the disappointment of picking out tiles, cabinets and countertops and having them work against each other once installed.

When all is said and done the Dilworth team just wants their customers get into the home of their dreams with as little fuss as possible. They do everything to ensure the total satisfaction of the customers from beginning to end.

Dilworth Development is more than just your builder. Their team members are your neighbors and friends who want to guide you through the unfamiliar and sometimes intimidating world of building your home. for more information on Dilworth Development, visit www. dilworthdevelopment.com

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A new start at Southern Tatler means newer and better online content and to prove our point, we provide all of our past issues, and behind the scenes of each of our past cover feature.

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TRAVEL VENICE ITALY

Streets of Serenity Ve n i c e , I t a l y 92 S O U T H E R N TAT L E R

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enice is called the city of lovers, water and bridges. Getting lost is easy but that’s one of the best ways to see the city and enjoy yourself while there. Don’t be afraid to explore Venice without a map and get a little lost. This one of a kind city is home to artists, history and some of the most breath taking architecture in the world. The city itself is an engineering marvel and as long as you don’t mind a little water, Venice will greet you and hypnotize you with its calm streets and peaceful canals.

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omprised of over 100 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges, its official name is The Most Serene Republic of Venizia. The bridges range from the engineering feats of the Rialto Bridge to small walking paths over canals. The whole city is divided into six districts, sestieri, and three neighboring islands. The Grand Canal is over two miles long and divides the city in half from north to south like a an ‘S’. The only modes of transportation are gondola, water taxi, water bus (vaporettos or traghettis) and walking. The city is condensed and filled with over 3000 alleyways called “calli” (from the Latin Callis meaning pathways). That may seem dangerous but Venice is considered one of the safest cities to travel to. There are many signs that will point you to main sights and landmarks but getting lost in Venice is an enjoyable experience. Here is where you are likely to find the best food local food and not get caught in any tourist traps. It also provides you with a view of the city from different angles. Schedule out some time to catch the must-sees like Doge’s Palace, St. Marks, and the Rialto Bridge

The overall shape of Venice resembles a fish, which is appropriate for a city in the middle of lagoon. It was most likely built here by refugees fleeing invasions from Germanic tribes and such. Instead of attempting to defend wide open villages, the people fled to the lagoons for protection. These people were the first step in establishing Venice as a powerful trade and maritime city-state.

San Marco is in the middle of the city to the south. The Grand Canal’s lower curve borders it to the west. The Ducal Palace is a must see, not just because of its beauty both inside and out, but also this was the seat of power for the ruler of Venice for nearly 700 years. The Doge was essentially the Governor of one of the most powerful states of its time and with that came immense wealth. It was put on full display here in Palazzo Ducale to show Venice’s superiority to visiting dignitaries. Located near the Palazzo Ducale is the Museo Correr which covers both the history of Venice as well as the art and

culture of the region.

St. Mark’s Basilica was originally built as the Doge’s church, and was constructed connecting to the Palazzo Ducale. Probably the most famous church in Venice, it also illustrates the history of Byzantine rule of the city-state. In St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, you can find historical landmarks like the clock tower, Torre dell’Orologio, and the bell tower, Campanile di San Marco. Be careful of acqua alta, or high water, which is when the city floods. Regardless of a few inches of sea water Venice is still breathtaking, and some might say that it adds to the charm of the city.

Outside of Saint Mark’s Square the district of San Marco has much more to offer like the La Fenice which is one of the most famous opera houses in all of Italy. Its name reflected the idea that bankrupt performance groups could rise from the ashes, which is ironic because the house itself has been burnt down three times since 1774. Palazzo Fortuny was once the home

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of Mariano Fortuny, who was a trend setter in several differnet art forms. It is a gothic style building that is now a museum of art managed by the city Cannaregio is the northern district with the Grand Canal to the south and the lagoon on the north. This is more of a residential part of the city, but that doesn’t mean there are not great things to discover in the area. This district contains the train station, which has several hotels scattered around it. You can also find the casino in the renaissance palace, or Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, if the mood strikes you.

You’ll find some churches that will make your jaw drop, such as the Santa Maria dei Miracoli, which has an exterior made of marble, or the gothic architecture of Madonna dell’Orto.

If you want a place a little more off the beaten path the Oratorio dei Crociferi is a small church with its walls covered in artwork that jump out in the enclosed space. Perhaps the most beautiful church in the district is the San-

ta Maria Assunta, or I Gesuiti to the locals.

Other than churches Cannaregio is home to Ca’ d’Oro which is quite possibly the most extravagant palazzos along the Grand Canal. The name translates to “house of gold” because of the decorations that adorn the exterior. The Fondamenta della Misericordia is a canal side promenade with shops, restaurants, beautiful views and hidden enchanting spaces. The district also has the second largest canal in Venice, the Cannaregio Canal. You can see the thriving center of Jewish culture in Venice here and take tours through synagogues or the Museum of Jewish Art. Castello is the largest district in Venice stretching from the center of the city to the East.

Think of it like the tail portion of the fish shaped city. This is probably the most diverse part of the city partly due to its size, but also because of the distinct history of the city. The art gallery in San Giorgio degli Schiavoni is well worth a look with artists from around the region. As with any district in Venice, churches are extremely com-

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mon, and the San Zaccaria is a classic gothic-renaissance style church loaded with art, such as paintings and sculptures. Santi Giovanni e Paolo is one of the most important churches in Venice. Besides being one of the largest churches, it has also held the funeral services for every Doge since the 1400s and over 20 of them are buried there still along with dozens of other funerary monuments and burials of important Venetians.

You can also find the Arsenale in Castello, which is a collection of Venice’s former armories and shipyards. In the prime of its life the Arsenale could build a full galleon in a day on an assembly line type process. It was one of the largest industrial complexes of the time and from here, this tiny city state controlled the Mediterranean Sea. This is also the origin of the “armory” in modern terms. Today the Arsenale is closed, unless there is an event inside, but the gates themselves are worth the short walk to admire. Every year Venice hosts events that include exhibits inside the walls of the Arsenale. The Art Biennale

is an international exhibit displaying different countries’ pieces of art, and some even have established permanent booths near the Arsenale. Every other year it is replaced by an event very similar except international architecture is exhibited. Also inside the Arsenale’s walls is the Museo Storico Navale, which is the naval museum that displays Venice’s maritime history in both trade and war.

Dorsoduro is the southernmost part of the main islands, or the body of the fish. It has the Grand Canal to its east right across from San Marco. This district has several museums that put Venice’s rich art tradition and current activity on full display. The Gallerie dell’Academia houses Venetian masterpieces up to the 18th century, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is an odd palazzo on the Grand Canal filled with modern art. Dorsodurro is not short of churches either, and some of them, like the Church of the Carmini, are packed with large

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paintings by several famous artists. San Sebastiano is an extremely colorful church in the sestiere that was decorated by Paolo Veronese before he was buried there, and be sure not to miss the Santa Maria della Salute. It is one of the largest churches in the area and it comprises many of the stunning views of Dorsodurro.

San Polo is the heart of the city geographically with no borders on the lagoon. It is nestled in the upper ‘S’ curve of the Grand Canal. Here is where the Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge are located. Both of these landmarks are historic and the market is still a great place to buy fruit, vegetables and fresh fish. The main church of the San Polo is the Chiesa di San Polo and it is well worth a visit. Other churches in the sestiere, like Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, have their walls covered in artwork and famous masterpieces. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a school filled with art by Tintorreto.

Santa Croce runs between the Dorsoduro and Canneregio districts all the way from San Polo on the east to the lagoon on the west. This interesting sestiere is extremely important because while it contains many historical and beautiful buildings, the modern ones may be more important.

The Piazzale Roma is the bus station and ferry hub for the city and it the only piece of Venice connecting the mainland by road. However, the churches of San Giacomo dell’Orio and San Stae are just as historic and mesmerizing as the rest of the renaissance city. Ca’ Pesaro is a pallazo that contains Venice’s Museum of Modern Art with works from the 19th century onwards. You can also find the Natural History Museum at Fondaco dei Turchi, but the Palazzo Mocenigo is open to the public with displays of historic dress and costumes.

Carnivale in Venice runs in the weeks leading up to Lent on the Catholic calendar and has been

translated to mean “farewell to meat” in Latin, referencing the fasting that happens during Lent. It was once a time for citizens to explore all vices with the protection of the traditional masks that are worn throughout the city. It was then outlawed while Venice was under the rule of the King of Austria in 1797, but was revived in 1979. The festival is famous for its elaborate costumes and recognizable masks. There are several different types of masks including the Volto, Columbina and Bauto. They all have different meanings and historical significance in Venetian culture. Today Carnivale di Venezia is not as outlandish as it was historically and is much more focused on welcoming and entertaining tourists. It runs for two weeks during the end of January into mid-February.

Venice is a city that caters to tourists and at times people will try to take advantage of foreigners. Dining around St. Mark’s Square is especially pricey and most likely not the best genuine cuisine available around town.

The best way to find real Venetian food is to get away from the tourist areas and explore the alleys to find small eateries with incredibly fresh ingredients and traditional preparation techniques.

Venice is a unique city with a diverse history and colorful culture. There are thousands of things to do and see while visiting and they cannot all be listed here. If you are looking for a trip that will bring surprises and beauty around every corner Venice is for you. Remember that there are no cars on the island. The only transportation is by boat or walking, so bring comfortable shoes that can get damp. A ride on a gondola is always recommended, especially for sightseeing along the many canals.

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C O N C I E R G E

Anita Mai Tan has created this phone case made of 18K gold and a combination of colorless and colored diamonds. The Dragon version contains 2,200 diamonds and weighs 32 carats, and was crafted in the Year of the Dragon. The Spider is made of 2,800 diamonds and weighs 38 carats. Both cases have subtle hints related to their good fortune by the numbers they represent. For instance the weight of both, 32 means “born lucky,” while 38 means “born wealth.” Both the Dragon and Spider cases are compatible with the iPhone and can be worn as necklaces. starting: $880,000.

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Valentine’s Getaway at The Hotel at Auburn University

Includes Valentine’s Dinner for Two in Ariccia, Overnight Accommodations, Two Piccolo’s of Champagne & Chocolate Covered Strawberries & Breakfast for Two in Ariccia.

Call (334) 821-8200 for Reservations X

Woodchuck Cider Dinner

Friday, February 13 X 6:00pm Ariccia will host a special cider dinner featuring Woodchuck’s Private Reserve Belgian White, Barrel Select, Hopsation, & Chocolate Raspberry.

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Romantic Valentine’s Dinner

February 13 & February 14 X 5:00-10:00pm Featuring a Individual or Sharing Menu, Chocolate Bar & Barista Station $49 per person

Toast for Two

February 13 & 14 X 5:00-10:00pm Couples can enjoy the Dessert Bar & Two Champagne Cocktails in Piccolo for $15 X

Live Jazz Performances February 13 & 14 8:00-11:00pm

For more information visit www.auhcc.com To make reservations please contact Ariccia at (334)844-5140 241 S. College Street, Auburn, AL @hotelatauburn

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