the
Men’s issue
A Heartfelt PITCH
ESTEBAN LOAIZA’S Baseball camps for Kids
THE MEN OF
TROPICANA HOMES TEXAS BUILDER OF THE YEAR 2013
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June, 2014
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FASHION · HEALTH · TRAVEL June, 2014
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelley Mozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com
BUSINESS MANAGER Josh Sanchez josh@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITOR COVER: The Men of Tropicana Homes PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Dav Anmed
COVER STORY BY: Michael C. Graham
Kim North kim@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/STAFF WRITER Meagan Kinley
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER/ EVENT COORDINATOR Chaz Wilson
EDITORIAL DESIGN Ernie Sanchez Creative
WEB PRODUCER/JUNIOR DESIGNER Ryan Heape ryan@thecitymagazineelp.com
Letter to the Editor Dear Ms. Mozelle,
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Natalie Rosales natalie@thecitymagazineelp.com
I trust this will find you in good health. As I am writing this letter, I have the pleasure of reading the City Spaces, Home and Design Magazine. I am overwhelmed with the impeccable taste in which this magazine makes a showcase of each page. I am so pleased to see, and this is said with the utmost respect, a magazine that rivals the ones published in major cities such as New York and Dallas and is now part of El Paso. I wish you continued success. Congratulations! Sincerely, Benilde “Bennie” Molina, Assistant to the Vice President of Sales BBB Paso del Norte 550 E. Paisano Dr. El Paso, TX 79901
SALES MANAGER Joseph D. Dias joe@thecitymagazineelp.com
ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Jacqueline Ramsey - Senior Advertising Executive jackie@thecitymagazineelp.com Chaz Wilson chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com Sharon Passantino sharon@thecitymagazineelp.com Jessy Castañeda jessy@thecitymagazineelp.com
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Subscription form can be found on page 105. “The City ” El Paso Magazine welcomes your comments. Please send letters to “Letters to the Editors” 5925 Silver Springs Dr., Suite A El Paso, Texas 79912, or email the editors. Phone number: (915) 500-5730. Fax: (915) 500-5732. Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.
All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editors in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine. All rights reserved.
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Felipa Solis, Jannet Bustillos, Grace Neuhaus, Michelle Cromer, Patrick Martínez, Meagan Kinley, Josh Sanchez, Michael Graham, Vic Poulos, Brittany Sawrey, Joann Wardy, Robin Niland, Natalie Rosales, Erika Lopez, Reed Loney, Candace Vasquez, JoLene Keipp, Andrés Rodríguez, Jose Soto, Valentin Sandoval, Laura Werthmann, Austin Savage, Marina Monsisvais, Matthew Wilkson, Lauren Macias-Cervantes.
PHOTOGRAPHY Dav Anmed, Robert Corral, Luis Miranda, Jr., Tommie Morelos, Charlotte McGee, Lui Cardenas
INTERN Tommie Morelos
CREATIVE SUPPORT Theresa Guerra, Ibrahim Sánchez
June, 2014
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Editor–in–Chief
June, 2014
A man’s manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait and good manners will open doors that the best education cannot. Author Unknown
W
elcome to the yearly edition that is
sending mixed signals to
dedicated solely to men. As I sat down to
men that we don’t expect
write this, I couldn’t get out of my mind
that “door-respect.” Despite
a recent advertising meeting with a young man that
the generational differences,
quickly turned into a counseling session regarding his
when in question remember
recent break up. With an earnest voice, he asked me
that
what impresses a woman about a man. Wow. As we
always in style. We love the
spoke, I had a male/female “role” epiphany. Let me put
act of chivalry. It’s a sweet
my tongue firmly in my cheek and at the risk of being
gesture that any guy can
ridiculed, (I’m sure I’ll hear from both genders once
make. The “door respect”
this is printed), remember that I’m not here to answer
doesn’t show that we’re so
all those questions, but I think I can at least help. I’m
weak we can’t maneuver such a basic action as opening
speaking in the spirit of openness, and honesty.
a door, but shows that you men can be our mini-Prince
good
manners
are
Charming, and come on guys, it‘s proper; door holding Traditionally speaking, professional ambition is expected
and standing for a woman to sit has its place in modern
of men -- but in the midst of the continued feminist
society -- it’s a tradition worth preserving.
movement, aggressive and hard-charging women seem to violate unwritten rules. Female accomplishments
At the end of the day we love pleasing you and we love
come at a cost; both to men and women, one of those
you taking care of us, even if it’s only giving us your seat
costs is the misunderstanding of the “role” we want
so we can rest our “high-heeled” feet, or protecting us
our man to play in our life. We women being CEOs,
from a slamming door, it shows a respect that we ladies
bosses, or construction workers have confused our
hunger for. We do not see good manners as a sexist
counterparts as to their “male role.” Generations back,
situation; we simply see it as good manners. If your lady
the man was the breadwinner, he made the largest
arrives at the door, use your “gentlemen language,” put
salary, and his strengths were his ability to take care
your best foot forward … open the door, it shows us
of his family, especially his woman. We’re in a gender-
your charm. Trust me, your rewards will be worth it!
neutral environment compared to previous generations, but it seems as though we women need to be conscious
Speaking of manners, the men of the Bowling family,
of the mixed signals we send.
led by Robert Bowling III proudly tell the story of the three-generation construction business who won the
So, to the answer of what makes a woman impressed
coveted award of Texas Builder of the Year 2013. These
with a man, gentlemen, here we go. I would have
four businessmen were the epitome of manners as they
to say the first impression is a smartly dressed man,
bragged about their family and the legacy they will pass
good hygiene, and above all good manners. Let’s talk
on to their own children.
about manners. Is the tradition of holding a door for a woman or giving up your seat when a woman enters
Enjoy the Men’s Issue!
the room a practice that is viewed as something of the past? I would say absolutely not! As a culturally diverse society, I believe women find a man with good manners sexy, no matter who brings home the bacon. It’s the way he smells, the way he smiles, and one of the first impressions is his walk to the car door. That’s right, I’m a door girl. Shame on us for opening our own doors and www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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June, 2014
contents
53
profiles
men in business By: THE CITY
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32
By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM
By: AUSTIN SAVAGE
The City Features
The City
The Tropicana Homes Story Building a Solid Foundation
Russ Vandenburg A Change From the Heart
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44 38 The City
The Full Spectrum
Alamo Auto Supply A Family Tradition for Over 40 Years
A Heart-Felt Pitch Estaban Loaiza’s Baseball Camps
By: ERIKA LOPEZ
By: AUSTIN SAVAGE
By: AUSTIN SAVAGE
84
Where Are They Now?
The City
KTSM’s Gary Sotir By: LAUREN MACIAS-CERVANTES
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94
90
Artist Spotlight
El Paso’s Nolan Richardson Honored at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Native El Pasoan Paints a Good Name For Our City
BY: MEAGAN KINLEY
100 Parenting
By: JOSE SOTO
Thanks, Dad!
102
By: ROBIN NILAND
Building Better Fathers
To Dad, With Love Finding the Perfect Father’s Day Gift
Dads Are Important Too, So Let Yours Know
By: ANDRÉS RODRÍGUEZ
By: JOLENE KEIPP
By: JOANN WARDY
The City
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110
112
104
The City
Food
The Balancing Act of Work Life
Hidden Gems
Hamburger Inn
Sauce It Up With Scrumptious Summer BBQ
By: AUSTIN SAVAGE
By: VALENTIN SANDOVAL
By: MEAGAN KINLEY
The City
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The City
The City
116
Etiquette
The City
A Cold One, A Brewski Highlighting Three Local Brew Spots By: REED LONEY
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June, 2014
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June, 2014
128 The City
Real Men Do Yoga By: MEAGAN KINLEY
124 The City 120
Meatless Monday The Newest Food Movement
Wine
How to Become an Expert Wine Taster By: VIC POULOS
Fitness
By: MARINA MONSISVAIS
130
Pick Yourself Up Why Bodyweight Exercises are Important
132
By: PATRICK L. MARTINEZ
The City
IN
Camo Cream A Product with Purpose
The City
By: BRITTANY SAWREY
By: MATTHEW WILKSON
LO OK MODERN
His Prerogative
THE
136
MAN
OUT
138
By: NATALIE ROSALES
146
148 Zoo
144 Spirituality
Summer with the Mystics By: MICHELLE CROMER
150
Astrology
The Sixth Sense
A Celebration of Elephants
The City
By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY
By: BRITTANY SAWREY
By: MEAGAN KINLEY
152
156
Sports
Coach Mika Laaksonen
A Tangled Web The Amazing Spider Man 2
By: MEAGAN KINLEY
By: FELIPA SOLIS
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134
Movies
Man’s Best Friend
159
Medical
Top Plastic Surgery Procedures For Men By: SOUTHWEST PLASTIC SURGERY
160 Investment
Bitcoin: Fad or the Future? By: HENRY GALLARDO
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June, 2014
The Contributors
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June, 2014
1) Michael C. Graham 2) GRACE The Psychic Lady 3) FELIPA SOLIS 4) Meagan Kinley 5) MICHELLE CROMER 6) DAV ANMED 7) Victor Poulos 8) JANNET BUSTILLOS 9) Josh Sanchez 10) PATRICK L. MARTINEZ 11) Robert Corral 12) AUSTin savage 13) Candace Vasquez 14) Andrés Rodríguez www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014
El Paso
Far East Store New Eastside Store Westside Store North East Store Ranch Market Clearance Ctr Zaragoza 9813 Dyer St. 855-9500 595-5954 585-1555 751-5555
Las Cruces
855-9500
1265 El Paseo Rd.
647-2085
307-7396
315 S. Telshor Blvd.
532-1144
the-mattressstore.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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June, 2014
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For full contributor bios go to www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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15) Erika Lopez 16) Marina Monsisvais 17) Jose Soto 18) jolene keipp 19) Valentin sandoval 14
20) Brittany Sawrey 21) Robin Niland 22) LUIS MIRANda, jr. 23) Joann Wardy 24) Tommie Morelos
25) Reed Loney 26) Natalie Rosales 27) Mathew Wilkson 28) Laura Werthmann 29) Lauren Macias-Cervantes www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014
June, 2014
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Dr. Vernon
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Burke
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MD, DMD
MD, DDS
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Dr. Alfredo
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Edwards
DDS, MS
DDS
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Obstructive Sleep Apnea
EAST 10175 Gateway West Suite 304 El Paso TX 79925 915-504-6880 Fax: 915-599-8579
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June, 2014
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June, 2014
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June, 2014
burn rubber. not fuel. The new MINI Hardtop is the new original. It has go-kart handling with up to 42 MPG*. With Boot to Bonnet No Cost Maintenance standard for up to 3 years or 36,000 miles, MINI is big on value and fun. Starting at just $19,950.†
THE NEW MINI. THE NEW ORIGINAL.
MINI OF EL PASO 6318 MONTANA AVE. EL PASO, TX 79925-2026 915-778-9381
MINIOFELPASO.COM 42 Hwy/34 city for MINI Cooper Hardtop with manual transmission. EPA estimate. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle operation. †MSRP does not include destination
www.thecitymagazineelp.com 19 and handling charge of $795 and excludes license, registration, taxes, options and labor to install. Certain features maybe optional. Actual price determined by your authorized MINI dealer. Visit your authorized MINI dealer for important details. © 2014 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.
June, 2014
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June, 2014
alamogordo 955 white sands blvd (575) 434.4116
10850 N LOOP DR (915) 860.1315
el paso
10600 MONTANA AVE (915) 591.4655
2112 trawood (915) 595-2788
8889 gateway west (915) 599.8571
2800 n mesa st (915) 533.6883
1831 N LEE TREVINO DR (915) 594.1129
1432 ANTONIO ST (915) 886.2413
2879 MONTANA AVE (915) 566.4464
10090 RUSHING RD (915) 755.9510
HORIZON CITY
5401 MONTANA AVE (915) 779.8825
800 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 860.1670
1100 GERONIMO DR (915) 778.9301
2950 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 856.7040
5900 N MESA ST (915) 584.1153
1329 GEORGE DIETER DR (915) 594.3838
302 s oregon st (915) 532.4344
10780 KENWORTHY ST (915) 821.2698
1210 WEDGEWOOD DR (915) 591.9496
1607 N ZARAGOZA RD (915) 856.0071
8050 N MESA ST (915) 585.0491
11685 MONTWOOD DR (915) 855.7704
890 N RESLER DR (915) 584.1359
12201 MONTWOOD DR (915) 856.0278
8045 N LOOP DR (915) 592.5849
12390 EDGEMERE BLVD (915) 849.6849
Find your copy of www.thecitymagazineelp.com
SOCORRO
9428 DYER ST (915) 751.4415
100 N AMERICAS AVE (915) 790.0404 ANTHONY
14300 HORIZON BLVD (915) 852.1561 LAS CRUCES 3490 northrise dr (575) 382.9100 3100 n main st (575) 525.0298 1256 EL PASEO RD (575) 525.8713 2300 e lohman ave (575) 647.2506 3990 e lohman ave (575) 522.1457 2700 w picacho ave (575) 523.0833
at a Walgreens near you 21
June, 2014
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June, 2014
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June, 2014
THE TROPICANA
Building upon Foundations
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June, 2014
HOMES STORY Laid Generations Before
F
| By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM, J.D. photography by: DAV ANMED |
or anyone that keeps abreast of current events, or follows economic and political conditions of the day, he or she should be familiar with one constant fact about the economy and society of our great nation: we are a country dominated by small and family owned businesses. To give you an idea of
just how important these companies and families are, consider the following facts: According to a recent study by Bloomberg, family owned companies account for just over half of the country’s total economic output, 60% of the total employment, and 78% of all new job creation. In short, our country keeps on running because we are blessed with a great many entrepreneurs, still chasing the American Dream of owning their own business. El Paso is home to a company that is a three-generation example of that idea and belief, and of how significant of an impact on a community a family and an enterprise can have. The Bowling family has been building homes for El Pasoans, by El Pasoans for over 60 years, and keeps finding ways to do it a little better each year.
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June, 2014
The tropicana homes story
What started as a simple and straightforward
sisters, to form Tri-State Homes, the entity
residential construction company, Tropicana
that would eventually change its name to
Homes is now part of a multi-faceted
Tropicana Homes. Beginning in the 1970s,
construction,
management
they continued to build on the foundation
triad of affiliated companies, all continuing
started by NB Construction, and became
the straightforward goal of providing quality
one of only a handful of builders focusing on
homes to our community, a goal started by
northeast El Paso. Fort Bliss was undergoing
Robert L. Bowling, Jr. in 1950. As I discovered
the tail end of its first stage of significant
when I sat down with two of the current
expansion, and as you might expect, meant
leaders of the companies, the Bowling family
a significant amount of homebuilding for
epitomizes the famous quote by Aristotle:
active duty and recently retired soldiers.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence,
As Robert L. (Bobby) Bowling, IV, put it:
then, is not an act, but a habit.”
“Some years it was literally nothing but VA
lending
and
(Veteran’s Administration backed) buyers.” Upon returning from service in World War II,
Most likely unbeknownst to any of them at
and lured to El Paso for the dry climate, Robert
the time, these years helped Tropicana build
L. Bowling, Jr. entered the home building
on its quality reputation, and helped build
business starting Nugent Bowling (NB)
them a solid and loyal customer base. This
Construction. At this time in El Paso’s history,
would be of particular importance as the
El Paso was enjoying a sustained period of
1970s wore on and brought two changing
economic growth that was also being seen
economic conditions: stagflation of the late
in most other parts of the country. Industrial
1970s and early 1980s, and the Savings and
and military infrastructure spending brought
Loan scandal of the mid 1980s, which would
jobs, and more importantly people, to the
eventually force the collapse of 1/3 of the
Sun City in significant numbers. Quietly, and
savings and loan lending institutions in the
without much fanfare, many of those families
United States at the time. To put it bluntly,
bought a home built by Mr. Bowling. Nugent
times got bad, very quickly.
Bowling Construction found a niche building affordable, quality homes in northeast El
The construction industry is directly linked
Paso, and was part of the emerging home
to the health of the overall economy, and
building industry that was forming around the
in particular the lending and credit industry,
growing city. Like many other cities, El Paso
as virtually every homebuyer also obtains a
began to enact and enforce zoning codes,
mortgage loan. As the ability to obtain credit
and today’s residential and commercial
dwindles, or the number of people that can
boundaries were established. The company
afford to obtain loans dwindles, so does the
built a reputation of delivering a quality
client base of the home building industry.
product, and of treating both their clients and
Tropicana Homes was no exception, and
their construction partners fairly. They slowly
entered into a period that was challenging,
increased their volume each year, and quietly
to say the least. However, as both Bobby and
hummed along for roughly 20 years.
his brother Greg reiterated to me, “Tropicana built an amazing reputation during this time,
At some point in the early to mid-1970s,
because our dad somehow made it work
however, Robert L. Bowling, Jr. decided to
and never missed an obligation.” While
begin his transition out of the business, and
other builders were succumbing to the ever-
in stepped the second generation, Robert L.
worsening economic conditions, Tropicana
Bowling III. After winding up NB Construction,
kept on moving forward. Eventually, Robert
Robert Bowling III partnered with two new
III took over from the other partners, and
individuals, Ray Snyder and Keith Alexander,
continued on with Tropicana on his own,
who had each married two of Robert III’s
primarily retaining the fixed assets. Most
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Article Title
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June, 2014
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June, 2014
THERE IS NOTHING MORE EXCITING IN OUR BUSINESS THAN GIVING A FAMILY THE KEYS TO THEIR FIRST HOUSE.
importantly, he retained the lots that Tropicana owned which allowed him to keep moving forward. And the longer he remained in business, the stronger Tropicana’s reputation and client base became, as each of his three sons discovered when they eventually joined the company. As you might imagine, running a business in the building industry during this period was more than a bit challenging, and as the 1980s carried on, it became clear that Robert III was looking to other areas of the construction industry, including development. Bobby was working in various areas of the business, including landscaping, during the summers when he was home from U.T. Austin, and almost as soon as he returned home after college, Bobby took over much of the responsibilities of running the overall enterprise. “My dad was an excellent teacher, and partner, because he would allow me to actually learn by doing.” Bobby took over and began to grow the company slowly in the early 1990s, allowing his dad the time to slowly branch out and begin land development, which was where his passion was, and still is today. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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June, 2014 As each of the brothers returned home from college (Randy from SMU in Dallas and Greg from Texas State in San Marcos) and married and had families of their own, they quickly realized that growth would be required to support a much larger family base. They utilized their solid reputation that had been established by the previous generations, put in some tremendous work and effort, and began to branch out. Patriot Mortgage Company was founded in 1998, and has since grown to be the second largest originator of new-home loans in the El Paso area, and is one of only a few FHA endorsed lenders in the El Paso area. The FHA endorsement means that Patriot Mortgage is empowered to underwrite and approve FHA loans locally and directly. In 1999, Bobby began the process of entering into the multi-family tax-credit construction world. Although the process was incredibly www.theitaliankitchenelpaso.com
lengthy, the company persevered, and in 2001 the newly formed Tropicana Building Corporation was awarded its first tax-credit project. Since that time, they have now been awarded 25 competitive tax credit projects, helping provide efficient and affordable multi-family housing in the community. The company also does standard “retail” multifamily projects, and later created Tropicana Properties, the management company that has almost 2200 units under management, with hundreds more under contract. Throughout this period, the family and Tropicana have maintained a steady presence in industry advocacy groups, and in the legislative process within their industry. Bobby has served as the Texas Association of Builders President and has also been active in the National Association working on multifamily issues. Tropicana has been recognized as the “Builder of the Year” by the El Paso Association of Builders four times; has been named “Texas Developer of the Year,” and most recently “Texas Builder of the Year for 2013” at the state level. Our readers have
Airway Blvd. & Montana 915-778-1444 • GarciaCarsElPaso.com 30
also named them as the Best Builder in our “Best of the City” awards in 2012 and 2013, www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014 and by the Better Business Bureau as Best Builder in 2013. Today, the entities that comprise the Tropicana family all have their own area of expertise, and each of the three brothers heads a particular area of business. Bobby heads up the multi-family area of the build process; Greg works with the lending institutions as well as focusing on the single family piece of the puzzle from an oversight standpoint, and Randy focuses on the sales side of things, managing that staff and also adding to the oversight piece. Patriot Mortgage continues to grow, the Property Management company is adding units almost daily, and perhaps most importantly, the success and diversification allows their dad to continue to focus on his passion for development. However, regardless of the business area, all of them still adhere to the principles and ethics that both their father and grandfather established decades ago. They continue to focus on ensuring that their clients, as well as their business partners, are treated ethically and fairly, which has translated into continued growth, as well as the opportunity to build relationships with their clients. “We have been able to begin moving our families from the tax-credit or retail multi-family units, into their first home. The relationship we have with them as a lender assists in this process as well. And there is nothing more exciting in our business than giving a family the keys to their first house.� Bobby, Randy and Greg, as well as their father Robert III, have epitomized and demonstrated living by Aristotle’s quote for decades, and if their success is any indicator they will find their combined enterprise growing and their laurels continuing to come their way.
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June, 2014
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June, 2014
A Change From the Heart
Russ Vand andenburg TVO North America | By: AUSTIN SAVAGE photography by: TOMMIE MORELOS |
R
ussell Vandenburg is a believer.
Being unfamiliar with the sensation of the
Now,
blind,
homerun I failed to track the flight of the ball.
because no man without vision can
It wasn’t until a bit later when I heard some
accomplish what he has no matter
teammates yell out that I understood what
how unshakable their faith, if they don’t have
had occurred. The ball had traveled over the
a sense of sight. No, Russell Vandenberg has
left field fence and broken the windshield of
belief and a vision but they are ultimately tied
Russ Vandenburg’s car. Guilt and far soared
to the one truest fact he seems to know:
over me and I was unsure as to how to
if you build a better process then great
react, but Mr. Vandenburg was unconcerned
production will follow.
with the damage. He was excited for the
his
belief
is
not
moment and the brief accomplishment that
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
I was not much of a power hitter in my high
I had just achieved. This is the mindset of
school baseball days, but on one windy
Russell Vandenburg. He was willing to
afternoon when the conditions were just
celebrate the success, even at the cost of
right I was able to turn on a pitch and hit
his windshield, because the effort that had
it screaming down the left field foul line.
been invested had paid off.
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Article Title
June, 2014
“My brother Wayne and I started our Real Estate
Investment,
management
and
development company in 1983 by purchasing the Mesa Village Apartments.” This simple statement is how Vandenburg chooses to describe the origins of TVO North America. This El Paso based familyowned entity is a multi-platform business that has expanded to the extent that it now has global connection. Despite it’s current vast and impressive grasp it was once a simple start up company that expanded from surprising origins. The life leading up to the formation seems simple and unrelated enough; “I came to El Paso in 1966 from Chicago, Illinois to go to UTEP (then known as Texas Western) and played football. After graduating in 1970 I taught and coached at Burges High school.” There is no mention of business school or a background in real estate. There was seemingly no connection between his past life and the one he boldly embarked on in 1983. Russell Vandenberg was an educator and coach. His brother Wayne has a similar background consisting of athletics, teaching and coaching, and somehow it was these histories and the demands of these previous endeavors that paved the path for their current success. As explained by the company’s website, “The Vandenburgs’ desire to integrate their coaching and teaching experience toward developing a team to produce at peak levels in the real estate management industry proved to be successful.” Successful may be an understatement for an operation that expanded from one apartment complex to a major corporation that now owns, develops, and
manages
hundreds
of
properties
including approximately 50,000 multi-family residential units. Years after I had broken his windshield with a high school homerun I encountered Mr. Vandenburg once more as I was working my way through college. After a brief session of catching up I distinctly remember him saying 34
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Article Title
June, 2014 to me, “The important thing is to move on from our mistakes to different ones. You’re only in trouble if you keep making the same mistake repeatedly.” The manner in which he delivered this wisdom to me was so sure and simple, that it was undoubtedly something that he knew. It was a part of the process that he had employed to become so successful himself. This was a man, who had faith in a functioning process and he was willing to try to help me better my own. Of course, acknowledgment of the past is an essential step when one values process and it is a step that Russell Vandenburg freely
discusses,
“Besides
experiencing
the same start up issues most people have when they start their own business, the real estate business was a new endeavor for both my brother and I. I learned the property management business by the seat of my pants, learning to lease apartments, paint units and fix broken toilets.” The effort and learning that applied to those early struggles are still invaluable even as the application has moved away from clogged toilet pipes in a local complex to offering services for investment partnerships and unaffiliated third party clients in the business of property, facility, project, construction, and energy management. The challenges may have changed and seemed more daunting but they are ones that Russ Vandenburg seems confident he will overcome, “Today our challenges include finding the right deals and matching those deals to the right set of partners. Today there is a tremendous amount of capital pursuing deals and one must be careful not to overpay for an asset.” It is with this caution in mind and a lifetime of success behind him that Vandenburg and TVO will continue pushing onward into the future, “TVO will continue to stay focused on acquiring multi-family apartment communities throughout the country and especially where we have a current foot print. We will continue to buy office buildings in Dallas and will look for additional hotels to either build or purchase in high demand areas.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com
35
Article Title
June, 2014
So in a journey that has taken him across the country and placed him to the desert southwest, where he has moved from athletic
accomplishments
to
academic
success only to become a driving force in the high risk world of real estate, Russell Vandenburg’s success can be found in his process-oriented manner of thinking and the secret behind his process is something he is willing to share now much like he was so many years ago on a high school baseball diamond, “There are no secrets to success other than hard work, remain focused and surround yourself with great people who have the same vision as you do.�
36
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June, 2014
| By: ERIKA LOPEZ photos courtesy of: SPECTRUM TECHNOLOGIES |
I
t was the strong ambition and
Technologies, it was a company known
“I was just finishing high school and I had
irrefutable passion of Marcelo Plesant
as International Book & Stationery (later
just begun my career at UTEP and Kyle, he
that shaped the vision of Spectrum
becoming Norton Brothers Office Supply),
was getting ready to graduate from Texas
Technologies,
as
which was owned by Fred W. Norton. Norton
Tech University, so when my dad bought
A.B. Dick Products. It is through his legacy,
initiated the history of the now, multi-million
the company he asked both of us to join,”
beloved
successors,
dollar company, by signing an agreement to
recalled Plesant.
President, Kyle Elliot and Executive Vice
become the local, authorized distributor for
President, Mitch Plesant that his business
the A.B. Dick mimeograph. But, in June of
But, owning and operating a business did not
continues to strive for success.
1958, Egar B. Dodds, Norton’s son-in-law
come without challenges. One of the biggest
spirit,
and
formerly driven
known
departed from Norton Brothers Office Supply
challenges Marcelo Plesant faced was lack
Marcelo Plesant was born in Chihuahua City,
and began doing business as A.B. Dick
of experience. Although, he excelled in sales
but came to the United States in 1955 at
Productions of El Paso where Plesant found
and the company’s vast majority of revenue
the age of 15. After a few years of studying,
himself interviewing for an entry-level sales
depended on him, he was not trained to run a
he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he
position. During the interview, Dodds asked
company. “It’s like the saying, be careful what
proudly served the country for six years.
Plesant where he saw himself in 20 years
you wish for because you might get it. Well,
During his station of four years in Tacoma,
and without hesitation, Plesant answered,
I got it and it wasn’t all that easy at first. It
Washington, he met his wife, Joan. It was
“Sitting right where you are, sir.”
was very different going from a salesman, to a sales manager to the owner of a company,”
after their four-year stay in Washington that Plesant set out to the Southwest for warmer
In April of 1986, twenty-one years later,
stated
weather and having a love for El Paso, he laid
Plesant was doing just that, spearheading
interview. Despite the challenges that came
his roots in the Sun City. Where he eventually
the company as president and owner and
with owning a business, both Mitch Plesant
began working for Edgar Dodds, owner of
with a firm traction in the printing and graphic
and Kyle Elliot found that entrepreneurship
A.B. Dick Productions of El Paso.
arts equipment market, Plesant focused on
was not only instilled at a young age, but
becoming the premier office machine dealer
was also a natural calling. Elliot, a graduate
Before the business evolved into A.B. Dick
in the region, but not without the help of his
of Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech
Productions of El Paso and later to Spectrum
son, Mitch Plesant and son-in-law Kyle Elliot.
University joined Plesant within weeks of
38
Marcelo
Plesant
in
a
previous
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June, 2014
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
39
June, 2014
purchasing the business, which led him to
distribution rights for the industry’s premier
in the office machine, office equipment area.’
travel to Chicago for extensive sales and
high-speed digital duplicators from Riso,
We took on other manufacturers, originally
product training. Plesant knew early on that
Inc.
reached
Minolta and Konica machine. We also bought
owning a business with his father was an
agreements with Minolta to represent their
a few companies and then took on Canon
aspiration waiting to be fulfilled, “Early on I
copier and facsimile products along with
– the world’s number one manufacturer of
knew I wanted to own a business because
Konica’s revolutionary digital printer/copier.
black and white and color copiers, fax, and
my dad wanted to buy this business, I would
The change in product offerings inspired a
digital imaging products,” said Elliot.
see him in the sales aspect and I would see
new identity for the company, which soon
how good he was at it. It was never really
evolved into Spectrum Imaging Systems.
The changes of Spectrum Imaging and the
about the dollar aspect, it was always about
“In our careers of a little over 25 years, we
growth that came with it resulted in finding
taking care of people. My dad loved people
began as a printing equipment - graphic artist
a new home for the business. In the fall of
and he was going to own that company and I
supplier to quick print type shops. The world
1997, Spectrum Imaging moved their sales
wanted to own that with him. I wanted to do
had a small footprint in analog copier lives;
team, administrative and executive offices
what he did. He was an impact on me doing
we sold copiers, but it wasn’t a large part
to a new, modern “Office of the Future”
whatever it is that he did.”
of our business and we only sold A.B. Dick
showroom conveniently located in the heart
Shortly
after,
they
also
Company products. We were an exclusive
of El Paso. While their Support Division
In, 1994, the powerhouse trio implemented
distributor for A.B. Dick Company in El Paso
and
an expansion strategy that led to a series
and the Southern New Mexico area. Since
expanded, they remained in the existing
of
agreements,
then, under Marcelo Plesant’s guidance, he
location near downtown El Paso. In 1999,
which included the acquisition of exclusive
set forth and said ‘we’re going to be strong
Spectrum continued to evolve opening a
40
new
dealer
marketing
Customer
Care
Center
operations
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
the full spectrum
June, 2014
branch operation in Las Cruces, New Mexico
could describe him in one word it would
to service clients in Southern and Western
have to righteous. The legacy he left behind
New Mexico. With the turn of the century
is a platform for success in what Kyle and I
also came two new business development
have to build on today,” said Mitch Plesant.
initiatives created to expand service offerings
Part of the legacy that Marcelo Plesant left
to the company’s client base, which included
behind was the philosophy, ‘Do what you
a Document Outsourcing Solutions division
said you were going to do.’ “Our philosophy
that offers printing and digital file conversion
as a company is doing the right thing, making
services. In 2004, Spectrum developed
the right choice. Sometimes those choices
Spectrum Technology Group, to provide
in the short-term can be a bit painful. We
computer
installation,
sell services that can cost an upward of a
integration and remote monitoring, as well as
hundred thousand dollars, but sometimes
management services.
you have to make the right decisions, even
network
design,
if it costs you in the short-term. In the longWhen asked what Spectrum Technologies
term you gain relationships and people know
credits their success to, the answer is
they can rely on you and trust you. This was
synonymous, integrity. “My dad’s level of
something engrained in both Mitch and I very
integrity is what made him great. Once he
early on, you do whatever it takes and you’ll
bought the company, he took that same
have a customer for life and that’s what we
level of integrity that he always treated
want,” said Elliot.
his clients with as a sales person and took it into the business world and treated his
But, integrity was not the only thing Marcelo
employees the same way. He left a legacy.
Plesant was known for. “Loyalty pays off.
The people who worked for him loved him,
He was approached several times to sell
his customers loved him, and his friends
his business and 20 years ago when that
loved him. He was a Godly man and if you
happened, a lot of our competitors that were
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41
June, 2014
locally owned were in fear that they could
away at the age of 73, but his benevolent spirit
not compete with national firms, so they sold
continues to live through his loving family
their businesses. In doing so, their accounting
and successful business that implements his
department, billing department, customer
legacy and philosophy every day. It is through
service and part centers went away and they
his dedication and passion that Spectrum
created centers in different towns, like New
Technologies can continue to evolve into a
York, Dallas, and Chicago. You can’t run one
future that is focused on doing what Plesant
of these businesses out of town. You can’t
loved most, helping customers and helping
run it as efficiently and he decided that he
the community. “It is a big push within our
was going to stay and compete locally. He
company to have all of our employees get
felt like he could do it better and that proved
involved in many different aspects within the
to be a good decision because we have parts
community. We are constantly talking about
available locally. We have people that our
getting involved and finding out how we
customers can talk to here in El Paso. There
can give to the community, not only in the
are no 1-800 numbers, everything that we
sense of equipment or currency, but time as
do is done out of El Paso, Texas, Las Cruces
well. It is a big initiative throughout the entire
and Alamogordo, New Mexico. The influx of
company,” said Mitch Plesant.
new business coming from these decisions has not only enabled us to compete, but to
But, if Executive Vice President, Mitch
thrive,” said Mitch Plesant. Within the first
Plesant and President, Kyle Elliot could offer
year of Marcelo Plesant purchasing the
a piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs
business, the sales were $103,000 with only
it would be, “I think a lot of people get into
four employees. In 2011, under Marcelo
business because they have the thought
Plesant, Mitch Plesant, and Kyle Elliot’s
that they are going to make a lot of money
direction, Spectrum gained total revenue of
and I think money driven decisions are okay,
$11 million and in 2013 the sales approached
there is really nothing against that, but it
$20 million with 80 full time employees.
is also important to look at the serviceminded aspect of the business. You need
On March 20, 2013, Marcelo Pleasant passed
42
to ask yourself, ‘how can I fill a need in the
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014
community?’ and truly look at that aspect of that business and say, ‘I’m going to fill this need,’ ‘I’m going to serve.’ The word serve is just so vital in anything that you do because people feel that and when you’re truly focused on serving and filling a need, everything else seems to take care of itself and if you do it in an honest way, your business will grow. It will be taken care of,” said Plesant. Additionally, Elliot added, “Because of our upbringing through my father-in-law’s direction and the impact that he’s had on us, I would say you better get in and be prepared to work hard. Learn your business better than anyone else, and don’t expect to have things handed to you. Work
Conquer Your Financial Future.
hard, deliver value to your client and things will come full circle.” As for the future for Spectrum Technologies, “We continue to look for growth opportunities in the technology business. We have done a lot to increase our footprint in sales and our technical support aspect of that. We are looking to grow and provide value to our customers” said Elliot optimistically.
A network of Confidence. A network of Trust. A network of Experience.
(800) 863-9048 www.thecitymagazineelp.com
43
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June, 2014
| By: AUSTIN SAVAGE photography by: TOMMIE MORELOS |
44
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Article Title
June, 2014
“I was always in the car and motorcycle business,” says Bob Krasne, “So in 1976 I bought the business and it was three of us. Me, the mechanic and a floor sweeper.” Thus, nearly 40 years ago the fate of Alamo Auto Supply, an El Paso staple synonymous with quality and customer care, was set by a transplant from Omaha, Nebraska. This first location was located in the 1600 block of Texas. In 1984, in order to better meet the needs of growing demand, the business moved down the street to the 1900 block and finally in 1998 settled into their present location at 5923 Gateway Blvd West. Along the way Bob has made the journey with his two sons, Dick, who joined the business in 1985, and Alan, who would join a year later.
T
his is actually a journey that Dick
a comfortable work situation for all involved
who keeps all the books on the accounting
had no intention of ever making,
and Bob is eager to explain his role, “I’m
and sales end.”
“I had been working as a CPA for
getting set to leave so I would call me the
a couple of years ... I was initially
President/CEO/Retiree.” Dick then explains
The process that the family follows in order
brought in to help spearhead a project and
the duties of the Krasne brothers in the
to find success is often dictated by forces
after we realized that the project wasn’t
Alamo Auto Supply operation chain, “Alan
beyond their control. Dick points out their
going to workout, I just stayed on.” Keeping
is in charge of the marketing, purchasing,
methodology over the last two decades,
it in the family has obviously meant finding
warehouse ... and I’m the Vice President
“We started in and saw various issues of
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45
June, 2014
need and it started us on an evolution where
explains the process of discovery involved
we assess these various forms of need
in the company, “It is not a business that
and adapt to the demands of the region. It
is not easily replicable. We talked over the
allows us to change what we offer to meet
years about moving into other cities, but it
demand.” Bob continues on the thoughts of
just didn’t fit. We instead just decided to stick
his son, “The accessory business has grown
with our local model and be the best version
dramatically over the last 30 years. We have
of what we could be. Otherwise we’d be
grown with pick up sales and the availability
changing a business model and entering into
of trucks. In 2007-2008 truck sales declined,
another city to fight the same local presence
so we were forced by natural market growth
that we’ve become here.” The presence that
to adapt to the commercial and fleet market
they have here is indeed larger than just the
to make up for the business we lost in the
Krasne family name, “We have provided a lot
recreational trucking industry.”
more employment over the years. We went from a staff of three to over 80 employees,”
The offering of services is only part of
beams the father. “We have very few
what has made the Alamo name such a
minimum wage jobs. Most of our employees
tradition in El Paso. The company’s ties to
fall into the lower middle class, upper middle
the communities are an essential element
class category. Enough to make a living,”
to all that they do. This is something that
joins his son.
Bob takes tremendous pride in, “I think [our
success] is in our ability to learn and get in
Prior to starting his own family business here
to new things. We have really high standards
in El Paso, Bob had been raised in one, but
for what we do around here. Doing the best
the tradition of Alamo Auto Supply is not
you can to get it right and standing behind
something that the second generation of
your work. Allowing people to know that we
Krasnes are intent upon, “Alan doesn’t have
will not fly away in six months and showing
any children and I have two,” comments
pride in your labor. Because we’re here and
Dick, “but my bet is that neither of my sons
we can feel the pulse of the community. We
will join the family business.” It turns out
can hear their needs.”
that the family tradition was not something planned by the patriarch either, “My bet was
226 Cincinatti
This connection to El Paso has helped define
that neither of my sons would either,” quips
El Paso, TX 79902
the identity of the business, “We’re into a
Bob. Whether the family tradition continues
915-532-2390
lot of things that are relatively technical and
on, the tradition of quality and innovation is
not easy to sell. This allows us to work with
already built into the brand, and it is one that
stuff that a lot of chain-type businesses have
all in the Sun City should know.
difficulty doing,” points out Bob. Dick also 46
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June, 2014
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June, 2014
48
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June, 2014
A H e a r t f e lt
| By: AUSTIN SAVAGE photography by: TOMMIE MORELOS |
Esteban Loaiza brings kids baseball camps to the Sun City
“After 24 years of playing baseball, it was time to retire.” hese are the soft words that emanate from the mouth of former Major League All-Star and baseball lifer Esteban Loaiza when discussing the motivation that has him bringing a baseball camp to the Sun City. “It’s an opportunity to develop sportsmanship and develop character. The camp allows me to use my knowledge and skills to help those all the way from the age of five to the age of nineteen. We’ve done these camps all over the world from Guatemala to the Dominican Republic and the same lessons we’ve been sharing there are the ones I hope to bring to El Paso.” Born in Tijuana, Mexico Loaiza had a varied, lengthy, and ultimately successful career as a major league pitcher highlighted by his All-Star selections in 2003 and 2004. In fact his 2003 season was so dominant that he finished the year second in voting for the American League Cy Young Award (awarded annually to the best pitcher in the game) and tied the major league record of the legendary Fernando Valenzuela for most wins by a Mexican pitcher in a single season with 21. Since his days playing in the majors, Loaiza has continued his career professionally in various other professional baseball leagues as his passion for the game he loves has never waned, despite the circumstances that have surrounded him as he played. It is this perseverance, along with the actual skills and knowledge that he picked up along the way that Loaiza feels can help him identify with many of the pupils at his basketball camps. “Many of the children we coach are children in need,” he sighs. “Children of domestic violence.“ While his skills as a pitcher are undeniable, the compassion he is revealing in his character is the most striking feature one feels from him. His endless urge to do something with the athletic abilities granted to him to better the lives of those around him is a passion that he does not mind repeating often. It’s simply,” he says, “a chance to give back.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com
49
Article Title
50
June, 2014
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014 The allure of El Paso seems simple to understand for him. There is a familiar culture and the abilities and passion of El Pasoans for baseball is undeniable from the recent Socorro State Championship to the erection and acceptance of a brand new facility and the team that plays within its confines. With a culture that he is comfortable with, a community that has demonstrated both an ability and affinity for the sport he loves, and a desire to continue helping those in need, Loaiza’s relationship with the Sun City will extend beyond his baseball camps. “I plan on setting up my offices there,” he says. “I think it would be a great place to put the offices for my foundation.” It is from these offices that he hopes to expand and improve the services of his baseball camps. “Right now it is just me running these camps, with a bit of assistance, but I still have a lot of connections throughout baseball and the Major Leagues and there are many professionals who are willing to make the time to do things like this; to share their talents and help out.” After a lifetime playing the most beautiful of games, a sport which has taking him across the country and around the globe, Esteban Loaiza’s journey through difficult struggles and soaring success has always been based upon his ability to execute. It is a matter of mechanics and a strong mind that leads to success in baseball. The attendees of his camp will get to receive instruction on the former from one of the most qualified teachers in the world, but if they truly listen they will learn that the latter is being revealed by a man who has risen, struggled, endured, succeeded, and in the end, gives with all his heart to those in need. “It’s just something I want to do. I enjoy helping people. I enjoy giving.” Much like he did throughout his major league career, Esteban Loaiza is still dealing.
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51
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Profiles men in business
MIKE LUNA BMW-MINI OF EL PASO “We sell the best cars to the best people. We truly are looking out for the customers. We will do whatever possible to get them in one of our cars. We have zero tolerance for unhappy customer service.” After 45 years in the car business, Mike
At the top of his list, Mike says the key to
And organize he did. By placing high
Luna still cites the excitement of seeing a
a dealership is happy employees; equating
standards on his managers, and instilling daily
customer in their new vehicle as his favorite
happy employees to happy customers. “I
processes and on-site training, BMW-MINI
part of his day. “I learned at a very young age
cannot believe the quality of people I have
of El Paso is on pace towards becoming a
a customer is the essence of why we are
working here. We have fun, but we are
Center of Excellence dealership, the highest
here. In this business, if we don’t take care
focused. Our job is to exceed the customer’s
honor given to a top performing BMW-MINI
of our customer, someone else will.”
expectations.
factor.
store. At only 30 awarded annually, BMW-
Customers come in wanting A, B, and C, we
MINI of El Paso is determined to see this
want to give them X, Y, and Z as well.”
acclaimed goal through in 2015 and beyond.
he places on his employees. “A gentleman
As General Manager of BMW-MINI of El
While the car business can get tough, Mike
by the name of W.O. Bankston taught me
Paso, Mike has his hand in every detail of the
does not let his people get down. “I like
this business. He took a liking me to and I
dealership, from voicing radio commercials
instilling intrinsic motivation and teaching my
certainly admired, loved, and respected him.
to recruiting, training, and promoting his
staff how to stay focused and self-motivated.
He taught me the way you succeed in this
staff. In less than two years, Mike Luna has
Mike also believes in being inclusive with
business is through your employees. I firmly
had a huge leap in sales and broken records
all members of his staff. “None of us are as
believe that and I try and instill that at BMW-
in parts and service. Mike credits his staff in
smart as all of us,” says Mike, and promotes
MINI of El Paso.”
the store’s success. “We always had quality
a team atmosphere where everyone is
people, I just learned how to organize them.”
encouraged to speak up in meetings, and
The excitement Mike Luna shares in with
That’s
the
WOW
his customers is no different from the value
54 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: JENNIFER CEDILLO photographed by: STEVE GARDUNO
offer their thoughts on how to take the
thirteen elementary schools before going into
dealership to the next level.
high school. I learned how to meet people and how to make people like me. I sincerely
It’s no wonder with such a culture, men
believe that is one thing I look at that added
and women are flocking to the dealership
strength to my background.”
to apply for a chance to work at BMW-MINI of El Paso. For Used Car Director, James
The men and women of BMW-MINI of El Paso
Woodhouse, he was sold on the dealership
look at their General Manger as a mentor and
upon his first introduction. “From the very
a friend. The team meets weekly for breakfast
first day I started, I noticed how passionate
meetings at Elmer’s, and has done so every
Mike was about every aspect of the
Friday without fail. “It’s something we all
dealership business, I found his energy and
look forward to.” With such a staff, Mike and
drive to be contagious. I couldn’t imagine
the team at BMW-MINI of El Paso all agree
BMW-MINI of El Paso
myself any other place.”
on one thing. “We sell the best cars to the
6318 Montana Ave.
best people. We truly are looking out for the
El Paso, Texas 79925
A fan of bass fishing, blues music, “I’m a
customers. We will do whatever possible to
(915) 778-9381
huge Stevie Ray Vaughn fan,” and traveling,
get them in one of our cars. If it is important to
bmwofelpaso.com
Mike Luna thanks his upbringing for teaching
our customers, it is important to us. We have
him valuable lessons in business. “I went to
zero tolerance for unhappy customer service.”
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 55
CLIFF SHAMALEY SHAMALEY FORD “At the end of the day, family is everything. All of our people that work here, they have families, and we all want the best for them. So we show up for work and we give our best because that is what our families deserve. We have a family at home and a family at Shamaley Ford.” chapter of our business.
As General Manager of Shamaley Ford, Cliff
“That’s what keeps people in business, the
Shamaley literally was born into the business.
customer. We make sure that we treat the
Cliff credits his father, the late Lee Shamaley
customer right the first time. Treat them right
On his time off, Cliff enjoys riding motorcycles
Sr. with teaching him the single most important
and they will tell their family, their friends,
and spending time with his wife and children.
component in business. “My father was the
their co-worker, everyone. Customer loyalty
“At the end of the day, family is everything. It
hardest working man I knew. He put his heart
is what drives our business to succeed.”
is what we work hardest for. All of our people that work here, they have families, and we all
and soul into everything he did. I learned the value of hard work right away.” Cliff used his
Shamaley Ford recently went through a
want the best for them. So we show up for
time at the dealership to learn every department
major rebuild to add more amenities to the
work and we give our best because that is
leading up to becoming a General Manager. In
dealership to include an expanded service
what our families deserve. We have a family
2011, Group 1 Automotive acquired Shamaley
area,
at home and a family at Shamaley Ford.”
Ford, and in 2012 Cliff was given the opportunity
showroom, and a state-of-the art collision
to fulfill his dream of becoming General
center. “Our customers made us the largest
Manager of the megastore. “I worked in every
truck center in the southwest and they
area within the dealership. I washed cars, I was
deserve the best treatment when buying
a porter, I worked in parts. I knew that if I earned
from us,” says Cliff.
customer
waiting
lounge,
huge
the opportunity to become General Manager, I had to work my way up. Nothing came handed
When asked what the most valuable lesson
Shamaley Ford
to me. It was all due to hard work.”
he has learned in business Cliff says, “There
11301 Gateway Blvd W.
is no I in TEAM. Everything in business, any
El Paso, TX 79936
When it comes to Shamaley Ford, Cliff places
business, is a team effort. We all rely on
(915) 591-8600
the highest priority on customer service.
one another. Everyone is a key to the next
www.shamaleyford.com
56 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: JENNIFER CEDILLO photographed by: STEVE GARDUNO
Travis Hughes
Kevin O’Neill
Gilbert Cortez
HUGHES FINANCIAL GROUP “Our associates’ credentials, experience and responsible approach allow us to deliver on our promise of personalized service and provide an added level of comfort and confidence for our clients. We look forward to helping you take control of your financial future.” Travis Hughes
Kevin O’Neill, Financial Consultant
do just that. “We provide over 65 years of collected experience in investment and
CFP, ChFC, CLU, AEP, MSFS, REBC, RHU Kevin O’Neill graduated from Texas Tech
financial planning services,” said Cortez.
University in 1995 and began his career in the
“We are locally bred. We have fully bilingual
After spending most of his youth in Latin
financial world in New York City pitching Dell
planners that can relate to what El Pasoans
and South America, Travis Hughes came
Computer. O’Neill joined Hughes Financial
need, providing a vast array of services that
back to the U.S. and started in the business
Group in 1999. “I work with business owners
we can tailor to our clients.”
of financial planning in 1986. Seven years
and professionals from all financial realms. I
ago he joined forces with several of his
work closely with my clients to determine which
Hughes Financial Group
colleagues and created “Paso Del Norte
services and solutions are best for helping them
5925 Silver Springs Dr.
Wealth Advisors.” “Paso Del Norte Wealth
reach their financial goals.” O’Neill is a member
El Paso, Texas 79912
Advisors” is a practice dedicated to providing
of the Board of Directors of El Paso Bridges
(915) 587-7777
independent financial advice in areas of
Academy and proud parent of his three children,
travishughes.com
creating and preserving financial freedom.
and husband to his wife Rebeca.
Proud Member of Paso Del Norte Wealth Advisors
Certified Financial Planner
“From retirement plans to college funds to passing wealth to the next generation,
Gilbert Cortez, Financial Advisor
our focus is helping clients evaluate and implement a blueprint to reach customized
Gilbert Cortez graduated from UTEP in 2007
goals,” said Hughes.
with a degree in Business Administration. Cortez has always wanted to be part of a business that is local and personal, and working with Hughes Financial he gets to
Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation, Member FINRA/SIPC Advisory Services, if applicable, offered through Investors Capital Advisory (800) 949-1422
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 57
ANTONIO R. SOLIS JR., DDS SOUTHWEST CELEBRITY SMILES
“We are focused on patient care.” Southwest Celebrity Smiles, El Paso’s own
and pediatric orthodontics (braces), Invisalign,
The myriad of services that Dr. Solis and
dental clinic, offers the city an old-fashioned
and cosmetic dentistry. I’ve been doing
Southwest Celebrity Smiles offer isn’t the
approach to patient service and dental care
Invisalign and braces for 12 years now, our
only thing that sets them apart. They also
you simply cannot find anywhere else in the
patients trust us with it. I’ve studied new and
provide quality care to all patients. “One of
region. Antonio R. Solis Jr., DDS and Shelly
innovative techniques and have taken many
the things we pride ourselves on is our high
M. Gallegos, DDS opened the beautiful
different orthodontic courses.” The same
level of patient care. It truly is number one
Southwest Celebrity Smiles facility four
goes for his advanced cosmetic education,
on our priority list. If you talk to our patients,
years ago and have been offering a countless
learned at the Las Vegas Institute, and his
they will tell you that from the moment they
number of amenities to El Pasoans ever since.
implant restoration education learned at the
walk in, they are treated with the highest
With a full line of services, it’s no wonder
Misch International Implant Institute. “With
level of respect. We treat each one of them
Southwest Celebrity Smiles has become one
pediatric orthodontics, I usually begin treating
special and try to make them as comfortable
of this city’s preferred dental facilities.
children from the age of eight with appliances
as possible while they are here. All reviews
in order to create room needed for the
that are coming back to our office tell us that
“We’re pretty versatile with all of our
permanent dentition, sometimes eliminating
they are very satisfied with our services,”
services,” explained Dr. Solis. “Outside of the
the need for braces in their teens.”
Solis explained. “But what customers love
general dentistry practice, we offer both adult 58 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
the most is the quality of the dentistry that By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
we do — we are very particular about the
dental school. I got accepted and attended The
Southwest Celebrity Smiles
quality we provide. The distinction of our
University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston
7878 Gateway East Blvd., Suite 101
dentistry is important, most of the time the
where I received my Doctorate of Dental
El Paso, TX 79915
patients don’t know what they’re walking
Surgery. After graduating I came back home to
(915) 595-3333
into, we’re here to provide them with the
El Paso. Four years ago in 2010 we moved to
best care available. Period.”
our new facility here on Gateway East.”
Dr. Solis got his start right here in El Paso. “I
Dr. Solis is a proud supporter of UTEP. He
started as an assistant working in my uncle’s
is also a member of the American Dental
front dental office; he’s still a dentist here in
Association, the International Congress of
town,” recalled Solis. “Working there I was
Oral Implantologists, the El Paso District
put in the middle of the business, and I just
Dental Society, and the American Orthodontic
absorbed everything. It was through this
Society. Today, he resides here in El Paso and
experience that I fell in love with dentistry.
dedicates his free time to raising his three
From
beautiful daughters.
there
I
worked
hard,
attending
community college, UTEP and then I applied to SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 59
ST
EDITO R'S PIC K I OT LUXURY AUTOM
VE
BE
KEITH YOUNG, SERVICE MANAGER
MERCEDES-BENZ OF EL PASO
“We work diligently to retain our clients’ loyalty with our quality customer service.” Native El Pasoan, Keith Young, Service
Young prides himself on his vast experience
always been said that sales sells the first
Manager for Mercedes Benz of El Paso has
dealing
performance
car and service sells all the rest. With that in
worked for Hoy-Fox for 37 years. “This has
vehicles. “As a Master Technician, these
mind, we work everyday to retain customers
been my life. When we opened this business
skills help me understand some of the
and expand our client base.”
in the mid 70s, we were a Volkswagen and a
complexities of these cars,” Young said.
Peugeot Dealership. Over time Volvo, Subaru,
“These vehicles are extremely high tech; my
and Kia were also part of our service. Through
background gives me a good interface with
the years we have developed to what you
the technicians who are physically working
see now, Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen.
on them. I understand what the situations
I stared out as a technician, then became
are regarding the difficulties with the car
our Shop Foreman for about nine years, and
versus what the customer’s expectations
have been the Service Manager ever since.
are. There are some that do not have
I’ve really spent most of my time working
technical backgrounds whom are managers
with cars and our customers. In the earlier
and without these skills it’s not easy to
years of my career I earned the ratings of
identify and correct complex problems.”
with
these
high
Mercedes-Benz of El Paso 1122 Airway Blvd.
Master Technician with Volkswagen as well as Mercedes Benz. Over time this helped
Young and his team at Mercedes-Benz
El Paso, Texas 79925
prepare me to achieve the ratings of Master
of El Paso work to ensure the complete
(888) 715-4527
Certified Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz
satisfaction of their customers. “Customer
hoyfoxmercedesbenz.com
Service Manager,” explained Young.
service is paramount to our business. It’s
60 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
WILLIAM ESTRADA, SERVICE DIRECTOR
HOY-FOX ACURA/INFINITI
“We do everything for our customers with a personal touch.” Hoy-Fox Acura and Infiniti’s Service Director,
that’s worth more than the money you spend on
William Estrada has worked in the car
it, in both durability and overall cost. Our cars are
business for more than 37 years. “For as
simply exceptional. Acura and Infiniti owners
long as I can remember, I have always loved
are very proud and devoted owners. The loyalty
cars including working on them to keeping
of our Acura and Infiniti owners is what’s special
up with the new and improved technology
to us and we seek to honor that when dealing
involved with today’s leading manufacturers.
with each of our customers.”
I especially enjoy working with customers. I love all aspects of the automotive industry —
At Hoy-Fox Acura/Infiniti, Estrada and the
and now with this job, I get to do all of these
service department bring their customers the
things. Working in an environment where I
best in quality customer service. “We pride
get to combine helping people and working
ourselves on our customer service,” Estrada
Hoy-Fox Acura
with cars is truly rewarding.” Estrada has
explained. “When a customer brings their
7230 Viscount Blvd.,
also worked with BMW, Chevrolet and for
car into the service department, we want to
El Paso, Texas 79925
the last year and a half he has brought all of
return the vehicle in better shape than when
(915) 778-0044
his knowledge and experience to the Hoy-
it was brought in. Altogether our personal and
hoyfoxacura.com
Fox Acura/Infiniti team.
friendly greeting consultants and staff handle everything. We love taking a customer who
Estrada is very proud of both the Acura and
is upset or disappointed and turning them
Infiniti brands. “We carry good, quality cars; a car
into a customer for life.”
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 61
XAVIER ESCOBEDO SCC IMAGING “At SCC Imaging we promise to take care of YOU!” We have all been to doctor’s offices where we
Association) and RBMA (Radiology Business
industry. Our Radiologist, Dr. Jeff Krantz, is a
have had to wait long hours, where we have felt
Management Association).
former faculty member from the University of Massachusetts, and has subspecialty training
ignored, where even the staff is unfriendly— But there is one clinic in El Paso with the goal
Now working at SCC Imaging, he has been
with neuroradiology, musculoskeletal, sports
of defying this stereotype and giving people
instrumental in helping his company attain the
medicine imaging, and breast and women-
the quality care they deserve. “At SCC Imaging
respect and acclaim it has earned. “We provide
specific imaging. Altogether, we have been able
we don’t make you wait long hours and we
imaging services, specifically MRI, Ultrasound,
to come up with a team of specialized people
make sure you have a great experience with
and X-ray,” Escobedo said. “But I am proud
that reflect the true meaning of synergy.”
us,” explained Xavier Escobedo, administrator
to say that it is not only the actual services
at SCC Imaging. Escobedo, who attained a
that we give, we provide these services with
Simply offering one of the best services in the
Bachelor of Science degree on Information
Superior Customer Care, which is what SCC
city isn’t enough for Escobedo and his team,
Systems from Tecnologico de Monterrey has
stands for. Everyone in the company focuses
they truly care about customer service. “Our
also been a business owner for over ten years.
on making sure that the patients have the best
front desk staff brews fresh coffee for every
Outside of this work, he has spent time teaching
experience, our team goes above and beyond
patient; our technologists make our patients
business classes at the university level for two
to treat patients with dignity and respect. Our
feel at ease and comfortable; our radiologist is
and half years and is also an active member
team of technologists has all of the required
not hidden in a dark office, he talks to patients,
of MGMA (Medical Group Management
certifications and has great experience in the
and better yet, he visits and calls the referring
62 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
physicians,” said Escobedo. “Our marketers
success it has experienced today. “I think
establish relationships with the referring
success is a way of measuring if you have
physicians and their staff, and we do whatever
accomplished your goals, not only that, I
is within our reach to make everyone’s life
think that in order to be successful you need
easier, from the patients to referring people.”
to align your goals with your dreams. If you are fulfilling your dreams and achieving your
Moving ahead, SCC Imaging is looking to
goals, more than likely you are also having
further their scope. “Our goal is to get more
fun while doing it, and what can be better
modalities, in our near future is a CT Scanner
than that?” And that is exactly what sets
and a Mammogram Machine. But El Paso
SCC Imaging apart, with staff members
has potential for more than just a clinic; we
like Xavier Escobedo; it’s easy to see the
SCC Imaging
want to open more locations. I see a lot of
passion and love he carries for his company.
3080 Joe Battle Blvd.
potential in this industry and we have big
With the support of his loving wife and three
El Paso, Texas 79938
plans for the company. Leadership and vision
children, he continues to sharpen his work
(915) 313-7325
will continue to set SCC Imaging at a higher
and skill set.
(915) 313-7326
level,” said Escobedo. That leadership and
sccimagingep.com
vision is what has brought the company the SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 63
SCOTT ESPINOZA PAPER CUTS “Customers choose us because we have the latest software and equipment solutions with a dedicated staff that believes every customer deserves our complete dedication.” The concept of finding a good printer for all
byte hard drive cost over $1,000 — our first
test of time. “We still work with companies
of your professional needs is something that
desktop publishing system cost well over
we worked with 20 years ago. We have
is easily taken for granted in today’s media
$20,000. I got my start along side my mom
grown by word of mouth by providing
saturated world. What we end up with, more
in printing by publishing newsletters and
great designs, innovative ideas, exceptional
often than not, is a product that isn’t worthy
branding management companies in the
customer service and exceptional quality.
of the time and trust you put into it. Scott
multi-housing industry and continued from
Our customers also love us because we have
Espinoza, owner of Paper Cuts Printing, and
there.” Today Espinoza, with the love and
the quickest turnaround in the industry,”
his team are working to bring automated
support of his wife and children and staff,
explained Espinoza.
online print solutions to El Paso.
works tirelessly to provide the best printing Today Paper Cuts has grown, carrying the
capabilities possible.
latest and fastest equipment available on
Espinoza, who has worked in printing for 20 years, began his career in the industry
With 20 years of experience, Espinoza
the market. “We handle the design and
when he was still in high school. “I have
has plenty of knowledge in all sides of the
print for many local and national companies.
worked in printing and graphic design for as
printing business. In particular, Paper Cuts
We produce 99% of our products in
long as I can remember, it never gets old,”
quality service is definitely an aspect of their
house and create all our own designs and
said Espinoza. “I started when a 40-mega
business model that has truly stood the
programming for our website and software
64 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
that customizes our entire process. We are
recent purchase is really exciting: an 8-foot
More than anything, Espinoza knows he
currently launching a new custom business
wide flat bed printer from HP that can print
wouldn’t be anywhere without the hard
product solution in El Paso that brings online
on virtually any rigid substrate. We also ship
work and dedication of his team. “I have
tools and print together to allow custom
daily all over the country and we are opening
been able to build a great and loyal staff that
ordering and same day printing. We build
up our largest shop in June on the east side
I am dedicated to seeing grow and share in
tools exactly to our customers specifications
of El Paso,” Espinoza said. Paper Cuts is
my company’s success. I simply owe them
so we can facilitate their entire print process
excited to open their new location, but also
everything and couldn’t do it without them,”
by providing cloud services, online proofing
to expand their services.
Espinoza said.
and management tools. On top of that, we Cuts
also
prides
itself
on
its
Paper Cuts
constantly purchase the latest technology
Paper
available. We currently have the only Xerox
environmentally conscience business plan.
900 Loma Verde, Ste. E
color press 1000 allowing us to print high
They use custom cutters and have numerous
El Paso, Texas 79936
quality color at 100 pages per minute. We are
production measures to reduce waste and
(915) 249-2471
spending a great deal on expansion with a
recycle all paper scraps, and 90% of all the
new press from Ricoh and three wide format
paper they buy is FCS certified, recycled and
production presses from Epson. Our most
made in the U.S.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 65
BEN ARRIOLA, SR., BEN ARRIOLA, JR., & CHRIS ARRIOLA SOUTHWEST UNIVERSITY AT EL PASO
66 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: JORGE YAPOR
“The mission of Southwest University at El Paso is to provide exceptional career and technical training, promote intellectual growth, critical examination and informed understanding through general education and a commitment to educational excellence strengthened by quality instruction, a positive learning environment and the integration of emerging technologies to enable students to achieve their potential, participate in new employment opportunities and continue to be lifelong learners.” The Arriola family has done everything in
potential to exceed their dreams. Our job is
their power to bring quality education to the
to give you the tools to make that happen,”
city of El Paso. Over the years three men:
said Ben Jr. “Today’s university must not only
Ben Arriola, Sr., Ben Arriola Jr., and Chris
teach the technical skills associated with that
Arriola have been integral to the success
career, but also the soft skills necessary to
of the university and ultimately, the lives of
thrive in the job market.”
thousands living in and around El Paso who have pursued higher education. “Our goal
Chris Arriola
is to continue to provide El Paso with more
Chris Arriola graduated from NMSU in 2010
options and more opportunities. We believe
with a Bachelor of Business Administration
in El Paso and we believe in El Pasoans,”
in Management degree. Currently continuing
explained Ben Jr.
his education at Capella University by attaining his Master of Science in Leadership,
Ben Arriola, Sr.
he started working for the University back
Ben Arriola, Sr. got his start serving in the
in 2009 as a part-time employee handling
military as a Special Weapons Operations
administration duties in the evenings. Today
Officer. He also served as a Maintenance
he works in the administration department
Officer
responsibility
for the Automotive and Diesel programs
overseeing 6,000 gas and diesel powered
where he coordinates all events at the facility.
vehicles. “This unique experience gave me
“My main role at Southwest University is to
the necessary skills of overseeing what
ensure students are receiving the quality
would become the Diesel and Automotive
education they signed up for. I love hearing
Department at Southwest University. Today
about our student’s success stories. The
we instill a positive approach in developing
transformation process the students go
confident and proficient technicians. The
through is quite an adventure for which they
aspect and importance of customer service is
positively change academically and in their
stressed and is also taught by example. We
personal lives. Changing the lives of our
take pride in the preparation of our students
students for the better means I am doing my
for real world business expectations,” said
job successfully.”
where
he
had
Ben Sr. Southwest University at El Paso Ben Arriola, Jr.
1414 Geronimo Dr.
Today, Ben Arriola, Jr. is the Vice President of
El Paso, Texas 79925
Southwest University at El Paso. He has been
Main Campus
a part of the university for 14 years and has
(915) 778-4001
served and filled various roles and capacities in that time. “On a personal level, I am a
Financial Aid
people person. My talents are understanding
(915) 613-0459
and identifying with my team members and students. When you truly understand what
Diesel/Auto Campus
someone wants or needs, you are able to
(915) 313-7310
give them the service and attention they
southwestuniversity.edu
deserve. We believe that everyone has the SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 67
SID STEADMAN
SUNSET GARDENS AND EVENT CENTER & MASTER CUTS As the son of a horticulturist, Sid Steadman grew up accustomed to greenery and feeling
Steadman. “We are also proud to have Caroline Witmore as our Event Planner.”
his hands planted firmly in soil. Born in El Paso, Steadman’s family moved to Georgia
In the year and a half since Sunset garden
when he was four-years-old, enabling his
opened, it’s become the largest nursery on
father to obtain his degree in Horticulture and
the Westside of El Paso, offering customers
his mother to earn her Masters in Music from
the nicest trees, shrubs, flowers, decorative
the University of Georgia. Upon moving back
pots and water features in the area.
to El Paso, Steadman’s mother became the orchestra director at Coronado High School
Priding himself on his hands-on approach,
where she is still teaching today. His father
Steadman strives to be the best landscape
opened Landscape West where the young
and construction professional in El Paso. He
Steadman often accompanied his dad to
elaborates by saying; “I work collaboratively
work at the job sites.
with my clients to carry out their vision. Ultimately my goal is to create works of art
With the passion for landscaping running
beyond their dreams. My greatest reward is
through his veins, Steadman founded Master
to see the customer in awe of the completed
Cuts in 1989. “Lawn maintenance and tree
project.”
pruning was about all we did back then because I didn’t want to be in competition
As far as the future goes, growth is
with my father,” Steadman recalled. Now the
inevitable. Steadman plans to be an Outdoor
company has grown to offer a multitude of
Building Material Center offering flagstone,
additional services. Among those services are
limestone and boulders for both commercial
commercial and residential landscape design
and residential installations.
and maintenance, tree pruning and removal, outdoor living design which features kitchen, fireplace and pergola design and installation, along with irrigation and fertilization, and environmental restoration. Steadman has over 50 employees and is now licensed in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Oklahoma with offices in El Paso, Midland
Sunset Gardens and Event Center
and Tucson. He’s proud to say that in July he
& Master Cuts
will be celebrating his 25th year in business.
105 Lindbergh El Paso, Texas 79932
In 2004, Steadman purchased property
(915) 581-2504
with plans of building a nursery and event
www.sunsetgardensep.com
center. As the economy slowed, Steadman’s plans were put on hold. With the desire to see vision brought to reality, Steadman purchased Sunset Gardens in 2012. “We’ve fully remodeled and improved it and will have our Event Center completed soon,” shared
68 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: CANDACE VASQUEZ AND LADONNA APODACA photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
“I work collaboratively with my clients to ensure that I carry out their vision.”
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 69
RICARDO SAMANIEGO
SPORT CLIPS
Sport Clips offers a unique experience where you feel like you’ve stepped into a sports arena, custom made with basketball court floors that are easy on the stylist team’s feet. With the spirit of barbershops, there is a
are easy on the stylist team’s feet. The stylists
Samaniego’s involvement in the community
tradition that was meant to stay within the
are a team of professionals who help create
has helped transcribe Sport Clips into
family. Going to get a haircut was a bonding
a welcoming environment. Whether there’s
helping fundraisers and charities dealing with
experience between a father and his son.
an important game on, a specific cut you
health, sports and well-being. Sport Clips
Ricardo Samaniego, recently retired from
like, or just a good cut, the stylists are able to
also participates in the annual Help a Hero
GCC America as Vice President of Human
collaborate with each other and the customer
fundraiser and their favorite organization is
Resources and Organizational Development,
to create the perfect experience.
the Boys and Girls Club.
the tradition can stand strong. He is also
Along with a stylistic cut, Samaniego also
Sport Clips
presently a Human Resources Consultant
offers a scalp massage with tea tree oil
655 Sunland Park, Suite C3, 79912
and Executive Coach and the Chairman of
shampoo, a neck and shoulder massage,
(915) 474-3458
the Board for BienVivir. Samaniego opened
and a hot towel facial treatment in a room
Sport Clips on Sunland Park four years ago,
where sports hall of famers would be proud.
Sport Clips Horizon City (Inside Walmart)
and in the Super Wal-Mart of Horizon in
The cut, massage and treatment only take 20
13900 Horizon Blvd
October 2013.
minutes and clients leave with a therapeutic
Horizon City, Texas 79928
air about them. Samaniego was proud to talk
(915) 852-4848
decided to create an atmosphere where
Sport Clips offers a unique experience where
about Sport Clips’ consistency on its ranking
you feel like you’ve stepped into a sports arena,
in the nation, always straddling the 100 place
custom made with basketball court floors that
mark out of about 1,300 locations in the US.
70 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: LAURA WERTHMANN photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
CARLOS QUINONEZ & JOSE SALAYANDIA
QUINONEZ & SALAYANDIA LAW FIRM, PLLC
“We are a local law firm founded by partners that were born and raised in this community. We have attended the schools and are proud of our roots.” Products of the El Paso area and the El
and misdemeanor cases while working as
“In the end, this business is about helping
Paso public education system, attorneys
a Federal Public Defender in the Western
people during tough times. To us, and to
Jose Salayandia and Carlos Quinonez have
District of Texas. I have experience handling
our clients, each case is very important.
a passion for helping the people of El Paso.
complex federal cases involving drugs,
The consequences may vary from case to
“We are a local law firm founded by partners
money laundering or guns.”
case but it’s important to acquire the best outcome for the client in the most ethical and
that were born and raised in this community,” shared Jose Salayandia. “We have attended
Attorney Carlos Quinonez is the El Paso Family
the schools and are proud of our roots.”
Bar president and is a graduate of Del Valle
professional way possible.”
High School, the University of Texas at Austin
Quinonez & Salayandia Law Firm, PLLC
Born in El Paso and raised in Socorro,
and Texas A&M University School of Law.
11890 Vista Del Sol, Ste. A-115
Salayandia attended Socorro High School, El
Quinonez also has a background in finance and
El Paso, Texas 79936
Paso Community College and the University
worked as a financial advisor prior to attending
Phone: 915.533.0009
of Texas at Austin before graduating from the
law school. “I acquired a good practice and
Toll Free: 888.301.1116
Texas Tech School of Law in 2007. Following
my next logical step was to represent clients
www.eastelpasolawyer.com
his graduation from law school, Salayandia
in legal matters,” explained Quinonez. “So
played an integral role in helping the Juvenile
whether it’s representing clients in a contested
Public Defender Office in Webb County. “In
child custody matter or a complex divorce, I
addition to working with juvenile clients,
am ready to listen and represent my client’s
I have worked hundreds of federal felony
position in search of a successful outcome.”
By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 71
BUD RENO, GENERAL MANAGER
ALAMO AUTO SUPPLY
“Alamo has been a family-run locally-owned business for over 65 years. We understand the culture and needs of El Pasoans.” – BUD RENO, GENERAL MANAGER
When driving down I-10, you may notice the
With
and
The mission of Alamo Auto Supply is evident
towering red Alamo Auto Supply sign — but
their new Buckner location — complete
in everything they do and in every service
what you may not know is that behind that
with state-of-the-art equipment and ASE
they offer. “For work or play or style or show,
sign exists one of the largest automotive
certified technicians — they now offer
we do all the things that help people get the
accessory stores in the country. “What is
vehicle maintenance and repair to fleets
most out of their vehicles.”
exciting for us is that we have built a business
and individuals. The shop is open to the
that helps people make their vehicles look
public and it is equipped to service all types
Alamo Auto Supply
better and ultimately, work better,” said
of vehicles. “People have been asking for
5923 Gateway Blvd. West
Bud Reno, General Manager of Alamo Auto
this for a long time. Now we don’t have to
El Paso, Texas 79925
Supply. “We offer a huge range of products
send our customers anywhere else. We
(915) 781-1234
and services — from dashboard covers,
know people want to deal with people they
window tint, and stereos to truck bed covers,
trust when they get their vehicle serviced.
Alamo Auto Supply Fleet Services
step bars, toolboxes and suspensions — and
We are focused on providing quality work,
3650 Buckner St.
installation of those items. We also work with
honest advice and fair prices to all of our
El Paso, Texas 79925
fleet and commercial customers to help them
customers.” Reno said.
(915) 242-0300
Alamo’s
continued
growth
outfit their vehicles. What ties everything we do together is that we are focused on helping people maximize the value of their vehicles.”
72 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
WESTSTAR BANK “To me business is all about relationships. With 31 years of commercial lending experience here in El Paso, I feel it’s a true privilege to work so closely with local businesses and families.”
– DAVID OSBORN, CHIEF LENDING OFFICER
WestStar Bank is a success story in the
lending experience here in El Paso, I feel it’s
Bill Brady, Director of Investments, is as equally
purest tradition of American free enterprise.
a true privilege to work so closely with local
committed to client service. “In our fiduciary
From a single, start-up location in downtown
businesses and families.”
role, our clients have placed the utmost trust and confidence in us to manage and preserve
El Paso in 1990, it has since grown to become a diversified financial services institution
Joe Sayklay, First Senior Vice President of
their wealth, and to craft the best solution for
with ten banking locations and over a billion
Wealth Management, charged to establish and
their needs.” As Bill sees it, “I take that role
dollars in assets. What’s the recipe for such
now leads the Wealth Management division
seriously. It drives me every day.”
success? It starts with great customers
as they develop and manage comprehensive
combined with equal parts exceptional staff
investment and asset management plans for
and board of directors, superior service, and
business owners, high-net worth individuals, and
strong customer focus.
foundations throughout El Paso and Southern New Mexico. “It’s personally rewarding to know
As Chief Lending Officer, David Osborn’s role
we’re not only a leading community bank, but
is to oversee the bank’s impressive roster
also a regional leader in Fiduciary and Investment
of commercial lending talent and ensure
Management services,” Joe says. He believes
Principal Office
local businesses are receiving the financial
WestStar Bank distinguishes itself from others
500 North Mesa
support they need to prosper and grow.
by the personalized way it services clients. “We
El Paso, Texas 79901
“To me, business is all about relationships,”
treat each customer individually, understanding
(915) 532-1000
says David. “With 31 years of commercial
no one solution is right for everyone.”
weststarbank.com
By:RUTH GIFFORD Photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 73
CARLOS & CHARLIE PRIEMER
HAL’S HOBBY WAREHOUSE
“They greatest joy we have in this business is being able to use models, and the different products we have in our shop to teach children about Science, Math and Engineering.” Sitting on El Paso’s east side, Hal’s Hobby
the hobby shop in 1976; we’ve been in
not only buy and care for your cars, but the
Warehouse, a complete hobby shop with
business ever since, learning and growing
chance to go head-to-head with other racers
it’s own on-road and off-road state-of-the-art
with our customers.”
and truly get the most for your investment. “This is so much more than just selling toys,
racing track (that is handicap accessible), is one of the most revered and respected hobby
Providing the best products in the business,
it is the ability to teach children and young
shops in the U.S. Owned and operated by
Hal’s has won numerous awards in the El
adults aspects of science and math that will
the Priemer family, founder Carlos Priemer
Paso community and nationwide. In 2004
serve to enrich their futures,” says Carlos.
describes how he came to start such a fun
they even listed as the #1 hobby shop in
and unexpected business, “I was born in
the nation. People come from all over the
Hal’s Hobby Warehouse
Peru to German parents. Thanks to them, I
U.S. and the world to shop Hal’s extensive
1440 Bessemer
learned to speak fluent English, German and
inventory ranging from HD cameras, metal
El Paso, Texas
Spanish. I finished high school over there
detectors all sizes of RC cars and trucks to
(915) 591-2213
and then came to the United States and
RC airplanes, RC helicopters and aircrafts,
went to university ‘to get civilized’, according
to model train in all scales, from N guage
to my parents. At LeTourneau University,
to G guage. But with all of these products
I received a Mechanical Industrial degree
and more, perhaps the most exciting aspect
and began working for corporate America. I
of the warehouse is their weekend races.
worked for different businesses and did that
With races occurring every Saturday on a
for many years. After I left that business, I
track that is one of only three of its kind in
poured the rest of my savings into starting
the country, Hal’s offers you the chance to
74 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
ROD REYES
MASSAGE ENVY SPA Massage Envy Spa offers customized therapeutic massages and healthy skin facials by licensed professionals. After a hard long day you want to be able to
Stone, Reflexology, Trigger Point, Prenatal
In addition to professional, customized,
go and get a professional quality massage
and several more. To further enhance your
therapeutic massages, Massage Envy Spa
by a licensed massage therapist that can
massage, Massage Envy Spa offers a choice
offers healthy skin facials using the Murad
customize the massage to your needs. Five
of Aromatherapy blends, a sugar foot scrub
skin care product line. There are two licensed
years ago Rod Reyes could not find that as
or a deep muscle therapy treatment which
estheticians in each location that perform
he was accustomed to in Scottsdale, Ariz.,
can be added to most customized massages.
facials such as Anti aging, Acne, Vitamin C
where he was a member at a Massage Envy
Within the Massage Envy Spa community
and Sensitive skin treatments.
Spa. This led Mr. Reyes to open his first
the El Paso and Las Cruces locations rank
Massage Envy Spa in Las Cruces, then two
in the top 10% of the franchise in customer
Massage Envy Spa at The Fountains
in El Paso and two more in Albuquerque. He
service and quality treatment. Mr. Reyes
8889 Gateway Blvd. West, Ste. 500
wanted to share what he had experienced as
says, “It is a great feeling that the Massage
El Paso, TX 79925 | (915) 590-3689
a member of a Massage Envy Spa.
Envy Spa’s in El Paso and Las Cruces rank so high.” He attributes it to his professional
customized
staff in each location. Massage Envy Spa in
therapeutic massages and healthy skin facials
El Paso recently won the El Paso Times Best
by licensed professionals. Because everyone’s
of the Borders and Las Cruces won the Las
needs are different, Mr. Reyes commented
Cruces Sun News Readers Choice Award for
that the professionals at Massage Envy Spa
the best massage therapists.
Massage
Envy
Spa
offers
are licensed and trained in a variety of massage modalities such as Deep Tissue, Swedish, Hot By: LAURA WERTHMANN photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
Massage Envy Spa West 7500 N. Mesa Dr. Ste. 207 El Paso, TX 79912 | (915) 585-3689 Massage Envy Spa Las Cruces 540 Walton Blvd. Ste. A Las Cruces, NM 88011 | (575) 525-3689 www.massageenvy.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 75
CHRISTOPHER ROJAS
ERA SELLERS BUYERS & ASSOCIATES Christopher has been very involved with the local schools and area children during his professional career, especially his alma mater El Paso High School. Local Realtor® Christopher Rojas is dedicated
$1,000 to Sarah Ballard, a local teen that hopes
Christopher recently became one of the
to making a positive difference in the
to attend UTEP in the fall to study biology.
representatives for Punto Living Homes, a high-end builder that allows homebuyers
community, making El Paso continue as one “When meeting with these children,” Rojas
to design a truly custom home with the
said, “I just hope to give at least one the
company’s architect. Punto Living, which has
Christopher has been very involved with
motivation to keep going with their education
been building homes for several decades,
the local schools and area children during
and push them to do more with their lives.”
provides many fine details into each project
of the greatest places to live in the country.
that allow their homes to stand apart
his professional career, especially his alma mater El Paso High School. Throughout
This dedication to the community carries with
from the “cookie-cutter” homes in many
each year, he provides school supplies and
it the same passion that Christopher brings
neighborhoods.
Christmas gifts to numerous schools as well
to his clients in each real estate transaction.
as donations to the EPHS orchestra and
He regularly works with those that have
ERA Sellers Buyers & Associates
takes opportunities to speak to area students
been pushed aside by other agents in town
Christopher Rojas – Realtor
through career-day programs.
because of the difficulties involved, whether
780 N. Resler Dr.
working with a client to improve their credit
El Paso TX 79912
Additionally, Christopher set up a scholarship
score or continuing to assist them after a
915.443.3598
fund to help support EPHS students that
home sale is complete.
www.chrisrojasrealtor.com www.facebook.com/chrisrojasrealtor
deserve a chance to better themselves through higher education. For the 2013-14
“I like to put that little something ‘extra’ into
school year, his scholarship was able to award
the ‘ordinary’ transaction,” he said.
76 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
Photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
SILVER SPRINGS POOL & SPA
“Choosing Silver Springs means that you’ve chosen a builder that’s been selectively qualified and has proven their dedication to integrity, quality and service.” With a vibrant global residency that has
“Silver Springs Pool & Spa is a part of the
portfolio and references to prove it. Our
undoubtedly
transcendent
Aquatech Corporation. For more than 50
workers are artisans that will work with
design work, Juan Carlos Rodriguez grew up
years this corporation has been rated the
passion, dedication and attention to detail.”
in Guadalajara. After attending the School of
one with the highest quality standards and
Architecture at the University of Guadalajara,
customer satisfaction,” shared Rodriguez.
With an expansion into Central Texas in the
Rodriguez moved to Perugia, Italy to study
“As an Aquatech award-winning residential
works, Silver Springs Pool & Spa is in the
Mediterranean and Tuscan design. The
builder, Silver Springs using only the highest
pursuit of “more opportunities where we
following year, Rodriguez found his way
standards of excellence will build our clients’
can apply our experience and creativity into
back to Guadalajara where he met and
outdoor dreams. We don’t just build pools;
a broader market.”
married his wife, Lorena, who serves as the
we
company’s administrator. Rodriguez worked
oases using innovative design, unparalleled
Silver Springs Pool & Spa
with an architectural firm in Miami where he
craftsmanship and uncompromising ethics.”
5472 La Estancia Cir.
inspired
his
build
individually
inspired
outdoor
El Paso, TX 79932
specialized in urban design and landscaping and was given the opportunity to do the same
“Silver Springs is more than just a name,
915.256.9890
work in El Paso on a temporary basis in 1995.
it’s our reputation; and we take that very
www.silverspringspoolandspa.net
Soon thereafter, Rodriguez opted to remain in
seriously. Choosing Silver Springs means
El Paso, becoming dedicated to the practice
that you’ve chosen a builder that’s been
of Landscape Architecture and subsequently
selectively qualified and has proven their
founding Silver Springs Pool & Spa.
dedication to integrity, quality and service. We are always reputable and have the
By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 77
CHRISTIAN GARCIA
V & X BOUTIQUE
The boutique offers quality and affordable fashion trends with the young adult, university student, and young professional in mind. Christian Garcia always aspired to open his
you can go out to a club.” Their women’s
V & X Boutique
own clothing boutique, but always left it on
collection contains a trendy or “bohemian
3800 N. Mesa B2
the backburner of his mind. The moment he
chic” feeling for any fashion enthusiast.
El Paso, TX. 79912
and Viannka Barroso were able to put their
All the garments for both men and women
vnxboutique@gmail.com
business and fashion expertise together they
are selective and unique, with hopes that
(915) 351-8692
came up with V & X Boutique. The boutique
customers of V & X Boutique will notice the
www.vnxboutique.com
offers quality and affordable fashion trends
exclusive pieces and adapt V & X Boutique’s
Instagram: vandxboutique
with the young adult, university student, and
clothing into their own style.
Facebook V&X Boutique
young professional in mind. The idea is to offer the experience of shopping at a stylish
V & X Boutique opened in October of 2013,
boutique to any fashionista on a budget.
and shoppers have been appreciating its affordable unique finds, with an already
There is a section for both men and women,
growing clientele of regulars. V & X Boutique
holding casual and formal wear for any
has also loaned their clothes to different
occasion. The men’s sections holds many
organization fashion shows to help them
flexible garments where dressing up or down
raise funds and spread the boutique’s name.
is never a challenge. Garcia states, “It can be something dressy, it can be something casual; you can go out to the movies or
78 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: LAURA WERTHMANN photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
DR. DEAN E. SMITH, M.D.
EL PASO SPINE CENTER
“Spinal Surgery is driven by patient demand. People want smaller incisions, fewer risks, less pain, better and more reliable results. I have dedicated my life to meeting those demands.” “I can still remember the day I decided to
at Louisiana State University. From there
day of surgery, or the next. With the newest
become a doctor. I was 14 and staying on a
he attained a General Surgery Internship
in cutting edge technology, it is no wonder
farm in Sterlington, Louisiana,” recalled Dr.
in Orthopedic Surgery and completed a
Dr. Smith and the El Paso Spine Center has
Dean E. Smith. “Working as a ranch hand, it
Spine Fellowship with the County of Los
experienced the success they enjoy today.
was my job to help build the new corrals for
Angeles. In 1993 he moved to El Paso and
the cows. One day I had to go to town with
began work at the El Paso Orthopaedic
El Paso Spine Center
the owner, who worked as a physician, to
Surgery Group, where he served as a Spine
11880 Vista Del Sol, Suite B
get some supplies. While in town I saw this
Surgeon from June 1993 to November of
El Paso, Texas 79936
man walked up to him and began to ask him
2005. That’s when he decided to start his
(915) 857-6699
questions. The physician told him to stop by
own practice and the El Paso Spine Center
elpasospinecenter.com
his office later so that he could take care of
was born in 2006. The El Paso Spine Center
him. I was so amazed by the conversation, I
is dedicated to minimally invasive spinal
decided that’s what I would do with my life.”
surgeries, including the Cervical Thoracic
Forty years later Dr. Smith has fulfilled that
and Lumbar Spine.
dream and become one of the leading spine doctors in El Paso.
Altogether, Dr. Smith has performed more than 10,000 spinal procedures of the
Dr. Smith got his start in the medical field
Cervical Thoracic and Lumbar Spine. 98% of
after graduating from the School of Medicine
his patients are able to leave the hospital the
By: MEAGAN KINLEY photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 79
CHARLES J. RUHMANN IV
RUHMANN LAW FIRM
“We aim to continue helping local El Pasoans with any personal injury claims while adding other area of claims and litigation to our firm.” Rooted and grounded in El Paso, the
voice or that need help,” explained Ruhmann.
With the purposeful drive toward continued
Ruhmann Law Firm is headquartered in the
With the legal support of four attorneys,
growth, the Ruhmann Law Firm has also
Sun City and is licensed in Arizona, New
the Ruhmann Law Firm’s main goal is, “to
recently added on Social Security and
Mexico and Texas. “Most plaintiff firms in
help people that have been injured get
Disability claims. “We aim to continue
El Paso that have more than one attorney
back on their feet,” explained Ruhmann.
helping local El Pasoans with any personal
are from other cities,” shared Charles J.
“When someone is injured, the results of
injury claims while adding other area of
Ruhmann, IV, attorney, founder and graduate
such an incident can be overwhelming or
claims and litigation to our firm.”
of Baylor University and St. Mary’s University
insurmountable, at times. The typical domino
School of Law. “We are a local firm where
effect that can occur, for instance in a car
Ruhmann Law Firm
what you see is what you get.”
wreck, is the individual can be seriously hurt
5915 Silver Springs Drive Bldg. 1
requiring ongoing extensive medical care,
El Paso, TX 79912
Specializing in cases involving motor vehicle
lose their vehicle and sometimes even lose
(915) 845-4529
accidents, wrongful death, premises liability,
their job or, tragically, a loved one, all from
Toll Free: (855) 394-4529
workplace injuries, employment litigation,
one event. I help put the pieces of their life
www.ruhmannlawfirm.com
among other various personal injury cases,
back together. My creed in this life is that if
the Ruhmann Law Firm seeks to couple both
I have the ability and means to help people,
experience and skill when fighting for the best
then I have a moral obligation to do so.”
possible outcome for their clients. “We want to help those individuals that did not have a
80 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: CANDACE VASQUEZ photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL
MARCO RODRIGUEZ IMAGING EL PASO “We are very good at treating the patients with the utmost care, and making sure they are very comfortable.” Marco Rodriguez is the billing director for Imaging El Paso and has gotten there through his dedication to the clinic. In 2004, Rodriguez started off in the clinic’s customer service, until he graduated and moved up to become who he is today. Rodriguez describes his position as coding and decoding the medical history of each patient. He is able to get to know them as he updates their medical life, and teach others to do so throughout the office. While maturing with the clinic, his integrity has deepened with a realization of the lives of others at stake. Rodriguez states, “We’re all a team here and our goal is to provide the best health care for everyone who comes through the doors.” Rodriguez is in constant communication with everyone in the clinic to ensure all the reports, data, tests, updates, diagnosis and procedures are processed in a timely manner to deliver the final report, charge and bill wherever is necessary to send to the clinic’s medical records. What was most important for Rodriguez to note is Imaging El Paso’s involvement in the male and female community. Imaging El Paso provides the same type of digital diagnostics and radiology care for men as they do for women. Rodriguez described how important men’s health is, and how taking care of your body and health can be beneficial for any type of family dynamic. The most important aspect of the clinic’s function is its patient relations that start with the staff. Rodriguez states, “We are very good at treating the patients with the utmost care, and making sure they are very comfortable.” Rodriguez describes himself as an intricate part of the system and helps build on every patient’s experience from the initial order to dealing with the insurance company. Rodriguez’s job is to try to make sure that the patient leaves happy and healthy.
Imaging El Paso 2930 N Stanton 79902 (915) 545-2273 www.imagingelpaso.com By: LAURA WERTHMANN photographed by: TOMMIE MORELOS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 81
MICHAEL DAYOUB THE GENTLEMEN’S UNION A place where you can walk in for a professional cut, shave and wardrobe and walk out with a new look, from head to toe. Stemming
from
his
well-known
family
business
downtown, The Bargain Shop, Michael Dayoub ventured to bring his eclectic background and stylistic experience to Kern Place with The Gentlemen’s Union. A place where you can walk in for a professional cut, shave and wardrobe and walk out with a new look, from head to toe. The Bargain Shop mainly holds affordable formal wear for men, downtown, but Dayoub decided to bring something different to the table. The retail section of The Gentlemen’s Union contains handpicked casual wear and formal wear that caters to every El Paso man. Their outfit span is endless, working with weddings, professionals, casual clothes, and accessories. Offering exclusive brands and styles, The Gentlemen’s Union is not just the only place in town to offer custom-made clothing from Italy, as well as custom-made bowties and neckties, but also offers menswear at prices that can’t be beat. The Gentlemen’s Union is a stepping-stone for further concepts and furthering awareness and support for the Mey A. Dayoub Memorial Foundation. A direct charity being started in honor of Michael Dayoub’s mother who passed away from lung cancer two years ago. It is no wonder why the motto here is: “Changing people’s lives through fashion.” The Gentlemen’s Union also holds a dual license for a barbershop and salon, creating a stylistic experience for women as well. Exclusive hair and shaving products is yet another reason why The Gentlemen’s Union stands out from the rest. The barbershop, salon and store complement each other as guests are greeted with a welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is personable, eager to know your name and ready to give you the best experience possible. The Gentlemen’s Union 2717 N Stanton St. (915) 533-8989 www.gentlemensunion.com The Bargain Shop 204 E. San Antonio (915) 532-7411 MDZFashion.com 82 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: LAURA WERTHMANN
In the world of image and artistry in Texas stands a hairdresser whose ever-evolving ambitions call El Paso home. From a young boy Hunter Quartermane recalled wishing to be two things, a hairdresser and a country music artist. It would appear the first goal took precedence, however the love of music is ever present in his surroundings and associations. “Becoming an independent salon owner was more of a necessity than a life goal, finding my concepts of culture and community were so vastly different than those I stood beside,” says Quartermane. Over the past nearly 25 years, Quartermane has seen all aspects of the hairdressing world -- from being an assistant, to independent artist, to owning several salons, to his latest endeavor developing talent
and
managing
guiding
their
careers. “It is my wish to expose the raw little known talents I come across in my travels and day-to-day work,” Quartermane states. Standing with Quartermane are two prime examples of his new associations. Matthew Abraham is no novice to the image world. He focuses on makeup artistry and has had positions and worked on numerous celebrities in film and television in L.A. His passion can be witnessed in his applications. He studies the face as if looking at a blank canvas ready to create yet another unforgettable work of art. David Paul, whose unique style and work ethic drives him to the top of the charts among the pageant scene and modeling community, is another. When not laboring away on his clients, he is on set at a photo shoot or videotaping. “It’s my desire now as the Chief Artistic Director of Quartermane Salon to find these artists and expose them to the world around them, to help them reach never before realized dreams through community and teamwork.” Quartermane Salon 5411 N. Mesa, Suite 13C (915) 581-1227 quartermanesalon.com
Photographed by: LUI CARDENAS
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 83
June, 2014
84
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014
Positively Gary Sotir Passionate General Manager About El Paso KTSM/KDBC | By: LAUREN MACIAS-CERVANTES photography by: RYAN HALL | “Find something you really love to do and find
college ball and wanted to go back and coach
The broadcasting career that started in the
a way to make a living out of it. There’s too
the team at my old high school.” He started
city of his birth has now taken Gary through
many people that dread going to their jobs
on his master’s degree to get the process
five states and six cities. He’s been General
every day,” that’s the advice Gary Sotir shares
started, but was lured away by that first job
Manager at KTSM now six years, but it isn’t
often. He says he hasn’t dreaded going to
selling business forms. “My brother-in-law
his first time in El Paso. Gary was here in the
work since he started working in broadcasting
had just gotten that job and it seemed like a
90s for three years working at KDBC and
32 years ago. “I’m fortunate to be in an
good idea at the time.”
KTSM; it was family that drew him away.
industry that I enjoy so much, it doesn’t feel like work,” he adds. His list of unpleasant jobs includes his first job selling business forms and his job selling answering machines. Gary was one of the youngest General
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Managers in the country when he landed his first job as a station boss at age 38. It was a journey that the Cincinnati native started with Taft Broadcasting when a friend of his suggested he apply for a radio sales job. The company housed two radio stations and one television station. It didn’t take Gary long to realize broadcasting is where he wanted to focus his career and soon see his career path. “I knew that, in addition to sales, I liked the news side and the promotional side,” he
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said. “When you become a GM, you get to be a part of everything; that combination, sales, news and promotions, is what attracted me.” Ask Gary if he always wanted to be in TV and he quickly says no. “I wanted to be a high school baseball coach,” he said. “I played
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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His connection to the city remained and
fact the station now features a daily segment
when he was able to, and the opportunity
in the newscasts called “Positively El Paso”
was available, his decision to return was an
because he thought the city had many untold
easy choice. When asked about the most
good stories to tell.
challenging part of his job, Gary says it’s how to keep 95 people with 95 ideas pulling in the
Being a GM is a tough job, but Gary describes
same direction and creating an environment
himself as a news junkie and feels no need to
where they can do their best work. “I look for
focus on anything else. “I have no hobbies,
qualities in people you can’t teach like work
I don’t want any,” said the Cornell University
ethic and integrity. I know some people have
Business Management Graduate. “I don’t
their eyes on bigger markets and we’ll help
like other things as much as I do working.” He
them get there; all I’m looking for is 100%
does enjoy beaches, is loyal to a few sports
commitment and dedication in the years they
teams and lives by some words of wisdom
are with us,” he said.
from American author, business consultant and motivational speaker Jason Jennings
El Paso wasn’t love at first sight. “I remember
including his definition of leadership: “Taking
flying in and seeing a lot of desert and brown
people where they say they want to go, but
rock, where I was used to seeing green
won’t necessarily go there on their own.”
trees and foliage. I couldn’t imagine living and working here, but that quickly changed
As for thoughts on the Sun City now - Sotir
once I started seeing all parts of the city and
says, “I like downtown redevelopment. That
meeting the people,” he recalled. Now he
part of town needs to thrive, that’s where it
touts about El Paso every chance he gets. In
all starts.”
Sheared. Chic. Sophisticated. Tues - Sat 8am - 5pm 6310 N. Mesa 915.974.9354 By Appointment
86
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November, 2013
88
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November, 2013
89
June, 2014
El Paso’s Nolan Richardson | By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
90
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June, 2014
will be honored at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
M
any people do not know that the origins of basketball really began in a small gym in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891. James Naismith, a Canadian, physical education teacher introduced the game to his class of 18 young men in the gym of a YMCA training
school. The day was December 21, 1891 and the objective was to throw a round rubber ball into a hoop tacked to a nearby balcony. From that chilly December lesson, the game quickly spread; and today the sport has touched hundreds of thousands of lives from the elementary level to collegiate and professional teams. With such popularity and so many stories of honor, excellence, and excitement to tell, it’s no wonder that the idea to start a museum to house all of these stories was dreamed up – and from this idea, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was born. The vision of a museum to honor athletes of the sport really began at the 1936 Berlin Olympics after the United States defeated Canada in the gold medal game, 19-8. It took time and a lot of hard work but years later, The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts began honoring athletes from the year 1959 and on. Beginning in a small office on the campus of Springfield College in Massachusetts, the original Hall of Fame opened its doors on February 17, 1968. Fast-forward to today and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has celebrated more then 50 years of excellence. With over 40,000 square feet of stories and history and nearly 300 inductees, this beautiful museum truly carries the spirit of the sport. After years of growth and change, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is honored to induct El Paso’s own Nolan Richardson into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
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91
where are they now?
June, 2014
Richardson got his start as a star football and basketball player for Bowie High School on El Paso’s south side and went onto play for Don Haskins at Texas Western. After graduating, Richardson took a job and coached for Bowie High for 10 years – posting a 180-90 record. As his career blossomed, he was offered the opportunity to coach at Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas where he and his team won 101 games in three seasons. In 1980, the team went all the way to the college national championship with a 37-0 record. With this defeat, Richardson had gotten the attention of the University of Tulsa and they immediately asked him to coach and the next year in 1981, he took Tulsa to the NIT and won. Within five seasons he had taken the school to the NCAA Tournament three times and to the NIT twice. With his continued success, the University of Arkansas, a Division I school in the South Eastern Conference offered him a job. As Head Coach of the Razorbacks, he took the team to the NCAA Championships, going as far as the Final Four and Elite Eight from 1989 to 1991. With Richardson guiding them, the Razorbacks won the NCAA Basketball Championships in 1993-1994 and took runner-up the following season. Overall Richardson ended his prestigious career having coached 22 seasons, having taken and won a junior college national championship, as well as a NIT and NCAA National Championship. “I’m pretty happy. Some people said I should have gone in sooner but I don’t care about any of that ... I’m just happy that I’m alive and my family can enjoy this. I’ve had so many people help me reach this point. The Hall of Fame is a family thing and all my coaches and teacher … just all the people who helped me are part of the family,” said Richardson. This award and recognition will place Richardson alongside other former UTEP Miner stars, including Nate Archibald and his former coach, Don Haskins. Now 72, Richardson is involved with various charities and has raised more than $1.5 million in the name of cancer research in memory of his daughter Yvonne who fell to the disease in 1987. The ceremony will be conducted August 8, 2014 in Springfield, Massachusetts
where
Nolan
Richardson will finally have his name in the hallowed halls of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
92
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June, 2014
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www.thecitymagazineelp.com Bed of Crosses, 2008, Mixed media on canvas
artist spotlight
June, 2014
Native El Pasoan Paints a Good Name For Our City Throughout The Nation
C
arlos Servando Hernandez has
| By: JOSE SOTO |
a severe injury to thank for his
a stamping validity that I had only previously
stellar and impressive career as
felt in sports,” he said.
an artist. He saw himself kicking
a soccer ball around the field for a living but
Upon graduating, Servando moved from San
instead, he finds himself submerged in a
Francisco to Venice Beach. The Californian
myriad of artistic ventures. A native El Pasoan,
incitation
Carlos Servando Hernandez now resides in
aesthetics as an artist, relying on the nature
Austin, endowing the city with his various
of both cities to convey it in his projects.
forms of art. Skilled in oil painting, audio,
He inadvertently got into the artistic field of
video and drawing, Servando is an exemplary
music while working part time at a recording
example of multi-talent and diverse aptness.
studio, assembling Pro Tool rigs for recording
But the artistic platform wasn’t his inception.
bands such as Tricky and No Doubt. He began
proved
to
contribute
to
his
recording his own music on his spare time. A Sports was Servandos original calling. He
move to New York in 2006 became integral
played for El Paso High and traveled with
to Servando after helping teach a summer
Santos, a local soccer club. In 1991, Servando
course there. The drastic change of scenery
was chosen to compete at the Olympic Trials
and pace drove Servando to further develop
in Colorado Springs. That would have been
his artistic abilities. “New York became the
an incredible life-altering experience for him,
biggest muse -- New York City is the greatest
but fate had other set of plans. Servando
muse of all. It provided so much history
suffered an ankle injury that took him out
and everything from beauty and majesty to
of the contention and, eventually, out of the
fine arts program at The University of North
tragedy and dread,” Servando said. “Once
world of sports.
Texas. He graduated with a BFA in Painting
again, my aesthetic and approach changed
and Drawing in 1996 and moved onward to
dramatically and I pushed myself to work
“I was never the same after it. I was a
The San Francisco Art Institute, where he
on a much larger scale.” He continued to
communications major at that time, with
experimented and discovered new venues
work as a freelance video editor for major
no clear academical intent. With soccer no
or art. He was accepted to the New Genres
advertisement agencies, but found himself
longer being an option for the future, my only
MFA program and won the best of show at
working more and making less art. The
other viable interest was visual art,” said
the MFA Graduate Exhibit at Fort Mason,
financial demand of New York kept Servando
Hernandez. Having always had a penchant
which was pivotal for Hernandez. “Being
working vigorously and eventually drove him
for drawing and sketching, he enrolled in the
recognized by faculty and working artists was
to opt for a move to Austin, where he could
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95
June, 2014
The Congregation, Oil on canvas
Embrace With Caution, 2004, Oil on canvas
The Shield of Achilles, 2013, Oil on canvas 96
In Stratum, 2012, Oil on canvas www.thecitymagazineelp.com
artist spotlight
June, 2014
calm the pace of life and focus more on
countries simultaneously. Juárez was
his art. “I have been in Austin for one
just as much an influence as El Paso
year now,” said Servando. “I am half
was,” Servando said. “Growing up
way through my next series of large oil
in such a deeply cultural place like El
paintings, working with sound design
Paso, with all of its pride and history,
again and Jim continuing to freelance
it’s inevitable for it to have such a huge
as a video editor. It was difficult to leave
impact on me and how I look at the
New York after four years, but at the
world. It inspired me to branch out and
same time it was somewhat a relief.
live in other cities and witness other
Austin has been a perfect transitional
cultures. It also provided a darker
place to take a deep breath, be closer
side of reality which I have constantly
to home and contemplate the setting
leaned to for inspiration in art.”
of my next chapter.” Many artists like Servando venture out dispersed
of El Paso to construct their projects,
his art throughout a lot of California,
but it’s an honor for them to make a
New York and Austin, his hometown
name of our eclectic city. “El Paso is
doesn’t stray far from Servandos
my family. They are the foundation
artistic notions. “El Paso is home. It’s
that provided me the confidence and
where everything stems. As an artist,
support to continue to take chances in
El Paso provided such a unique cultural
life and art. As long as I can make them
landscape. Most people I meet do not
proud I will continue on this path.”
Although
Servando
has
realize that we grew up in two different
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97
Building Better
FATHERS | By: ANDRÉS RODRÍGUEZ |
98
b u i l d i n g B e t t e r Fat h e r s
June, 2014
O
utside the small East Side church of
rewarding because you don’t see kids getting
“It’s been a change,” Edith Barron says.
Jezreel, Gilberto Barron says he’s
hurt. Instead you see men coming in asking
“When a father becomes involved, it
nervous about getting up on the
for help. They don’t like to do that. That to me
strengthens family values … He gets home
stage. He is set to cap off the night’s
is rewarding.”
and he’s happy and willing to try and listen and that makes a difference.”
graduating festivities by singing to his wife. The classes are offered at the Child Crisis He loves her and his four children, Barron
Center, Jezreel Church, Esperanza en Cristo
EFFECT educator Daniel Moreno, a pastor at
says, but as a man he admits he finds it hard
Church, Rogelio Sanchez State Jail, El Paso
Jezreel, says he was happy seeing his class
to show affection.
Academy Charter High School and Moye
finish the program. After handing out the
Elementary. They’re available in English and
diplomas, Moreno had the graduates recite a
in Spanish.
resolution. The eight men repeated after him
“I just want to be there for them,” he says.
to be faithful to their wives and loving to their
“My family is big, so it can get difficult but I’ve learned a lot about myself and about my
Barron says the program has helped him
family and want to keep on learning.”
control his frustration and listen to his
children.
family’s concerns. “It’s helped me talk to my
“They were happy and I think that this is a
Barron is part of the third graduating class of
wife and show her that I love her,” he says.
great motivator even if it seems like a small
the Fatherhood EFFECT Program, a 6-week
“I now ask her and my children about their
accomplishment,” Moreno says.
workshop offered by the Child Crisis Center
day and at first they were like ‘what’s wrong
of El Paso that teaches dads how to be better
with you?’ but they started opening up and
For more information about the program
family men. They plan on offering the 6-week
talking more to me.”
and how to enroll, visit childcrisiselp.org or call 562-7955.
follow up program later this year. Henry Potter, who also graduated from the Tonight, at the church where they met for six
course, says that it’s never too late to learn
Fridays, eight men are graduating from the
how to be a more caring father.
program. It’s a small gathering with food and live music where family members clap as the men
“I learned a lot even though my children
walk up to the stage and receive their diploma.
are now all grown up, but it helps me interact with my nephews,”
Fatherhood EFFECT took off in February with a
he says. “I’ve learned to keep
$1.2 million grant from the Texas Department
promises
of Family and Protective Services. “Since, 23
They won’t believe anything
men have graduated,” Russel Booth, one of
you say if you break them.
four program educators, says.
It’s best to explain why you
with
your
kids.
couldn’t keep the promise.” EFFECT follows the 24/7 Dad curriculum, developed
by
the
National
Fatherhood
Gilberto
Barron’s
wife,
Initiative. This includes covering aspects of
Edith Barron, says he’s
self-awareness, caring for the self, and skills
now a more attentive father
in fathering, parenting and relationships.
and husband. She sees him making an effort to
“We’re trying to build up a community, a
be there for his kids,
brotherhood,” Booth says.
asks her about her day and helps out
Jose Alamillo, an EFFECT educator, calls
around the house.
the sessions half class, half support group. Alamillo has worked with child wellness and protective services for 16 years. “It’s definitely been a change because here parents come to us,” he says. “It’s very www.thecitymagazineelp.com
99
June, 2014
! d a D , s k n a Th IN | By: ROB
100
NILAND
|
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
A
pa r e n t i n g
June, 2014
s we take a moment to
are active in their children’s classrooms and
other. Of course, what works for one father
celebrate Dad this month,
make time to attend school programs, field
is not the answer for another, so men have to
we are probably all thinking
trips, and teacher conferences. Dads of the
consider their own family’s needs above any
of ways to make him feel
new millennium wear many hats: working
standards set by society, the media, or even
special and appreciated on
dad, stay-home dad, coach, tutor, mentor,
history. Often the best role model for the
Father’s Day (Sunday, June
disciplinarian, cook, and chauffeur are just a
modern dad is his own dad who has ‘been
15). There are many ways to celebrate: a
few of the responsibilities placed on fathers.
there, done that’ and is probably very happy
backyard barbecue, handmade cards, and
However, they are not always given the
to share experiences and advice.
maybe the opportunity to sleep past 6 a.m.
same credit as us moms for the balancing
before the festivities begin. Every family has
act required to be so many things to so many
As parents, many of us have the special role
its own special way of showing Dad how
people all at the same time.
of being both parents and children. We have our fathers to thank for both the sacrifices
loved he is, but perhaps one of the most meaningful things we can do is simply tell
Fatherhood is becoming a more complex role,
they made for us and the lessons taught to
him how much he means to us.
and in one man’s words, they are “a severely
us while growing up. We also have our own
misunderstood bunch.” Fathers don’t stand
children for whom we make sacrifices as well
Modern dads are more involved than ever
on the sidelines of their children’s lives as
as attempt to impart a few words of wisdom.
in their children’s lives. Many fathers help
supportive spectators; they are active and
It is in taking on the role of parent that we
with homework, coach soccer practice, and
devoted participants. Determining how to
begin to appreciate and respect our own in
read bedtime stories. Parks across town
have fun with their children while maintaining
a new way. So this Father’s Day, remind the
are filled with dads playing on the jungle
the role of authority figure is not an easy
children in your life to tell their father how
gym alongside their children or sharing
task, and society is quick to admonish a
special he is to them. And you do the same!
some pointers in a game of catch. Dads
father who errs too far to one side or the
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101
June, 2014
Finding the Perfect
Father’s Day Gift | By: JOLENE KEIPP |
Shopping for the man in your life can prove to be a challenge on any holiday but for some reason Father’s Day is when creativity wanes significantly. By the time the June holiday approaches school has been out for at least a couple weeks which means no “cutesy” milk carton basket or Popsicle stick creation courtesy of the kiddos. Put down “#1 Dad” themed tie and think outside the box. 102
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Fat h e r s ’ s d ay g i f t s
June, 2014
S
and
customize your trip to ensure that Father’s
thoughtful goes a long way. Think
Day is spent on the course amongst today’s
about the dad your celebrating.
golf legends. Time is of the essence so if
What does he like? What’s his
you can’t manage to book it this year
go-to drink? If his preference for beer is a
you can get in early and book him for
German Hefeweizen then head over to
next year’s U.S. Open being held
Specs and grab a couple different selections.
in University Place, Washington
Throw in some Brats, sauerkraut, soft
in the scenic Puget Sound June
omething
surprising
pretzels and mustard and you’ve
15-21st. You can go to www.usga.
just created a one-of-a-kind German-
org to look over ticket prices and
themed Beer Basket. You can go
begin tailoring travel packages. Make it
online and order a stein or beer boot
a boy’s trip or bring along the family, chances
with the date or family name to
are you’ll enjoy it as much as he does.
complete the personalization of the gift. If it’s grilling or smoking cigars
El Paso is changing and the buzz is contagious.
make a package out of it! Give him
If you want to get him something that’ll rock
everything he needs to completely
his world than go local and get season tickets
enjoy himself. It’s thoughtful
for the El Paso Chihuahuas. There
and it shows him everything
are one-year, three-year and five-year
has been taken care of.
options to choose from and plenty of sections to suit his style. The amenities
Most men don’t sit around
for
scrapbooking and their smart
Meet the Team events, participating
phones most likely double as a
in batting practice, early admission to
photo album so why not create
select games and tons more. Season
one for them. Everyone has a
tickets are a great way to entertain out-
box of photos sitting in a closet
of-town guests, spend time with your
somewhere
family and catch some El Paso pride. Go
and
absolutely
season
ticket
holders
include
no time to do anything with them. Riffle
to www.epchihuahuas.com for season
through the box and make him a scrapbook
ticket information. Throw in a hat and
of a camping trip, a birthday party or even a
you’ve just given him the opportunity
“Blooper Album” with silly pictures. If this
to be a part of El Paso history!
sounds daunting, get the kids involved. Stop in at Hobby Lobby to stock up on supplies
Sometimes the perception of dads can
and let the kids caption the photos. The
be a comedic one. With commercials
more involved everyone becomes the more
and
enthusiastic they’ll be come Father’s Day.
punchlines it’s hard to remember that
Creating something with photos, keepsakes,
they are human after all. Most likely
of certificates from school that he hasn’t
they are hardworking people trying
seen in years will score points for you in
hard to protect and provide for their
the “original” category and shows that you
families. Playing the role of the heavy
love where he’s come from and value those
and hero can be a difficult line to walk,
memories just as much as he does.
so let’s get the day that’s dedicated to
T.V.
shows
using
them
as
them right. We’ve done the sweet and nostalgic now let’s do the fantastic. If Dad is into golf than look into the U.S. Open in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The tournament runs June 9th through the 22nd which allows you to 103
etiquette
June, 2014
Dads are Important too, So Let Yours Know | By: JOANN WARDY |
I couldn’t help observing the noticeable difference in sales between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Somehow, fathers get the short end of the stick. We must not forget the importance of acknowledging our fathers on their day. Here are suggestions: • A letter expressing love and appreciation. • Take him out to dinner. • Buy him a special book. • Equipment for his favorite sport. • Tools if he is into them. • Tickets to his favorite entertainment. • Big hug, big kiss and “I love you, Dad.” • An afternoon with just your dad. Have a wonderful Father’s Day!
Here at M!X, we have every luxurious service you could ever want or ask for. Our hair salon, nail salon, spa and sauna, and third story restaurant and viewing terrace are all meant for one thing, making you feel extraordinary. Don’t delay and call today and book your appointment now!
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105
L I F E
June, 2014
The Balancing Act of
106
| By: AUSTIN SAVAGE |
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014
The clichés and categorizations have been around for as long as anybody can remember. In fact it is nearly impossible to spend any significant amount of time in the social network sphere and not encounter some sort of meme or posting regarding the nature of work and the pursuit of happiness. The familiar refrains of simplistic inspiration ring through all corridors of the internet. It’s impossible to not be on the grid and encounter the familiar refrains:
“Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”
F
lowing and impactful as these phrases
considering what one should be doing with their
may be, perhaps a bit of brutality is
life. As a result many poor souls find themselves
necessary in order to honestly assess the
compelled more towards the exertion end of the
state of the modern working American
work/relaxation spectrum and thus pursuing and
man, so here is a brutal truth for many of
maintaining some stressful and unhealthy lives.
the working men today: It’s really difficult to make a living doing what you want to do.
Finding a balance is undoubtedly a difficult task, but like most daunting challenges, the most
Beyond the complications of first determining
effective way of reaching accomplishment is
exactly what it is that one wants to do with their
by first setting out with a plan. This plan should
life, there is the difficulty of balancing that with the
contain a few vital elements. Most notably:
responsibilities and necessities that arise when
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
107
June, 2014
1. Define your non-negotiable boundaries.
life. There is nothing better than friends to
This seems fairly simple, but at what point
celebrate and soul mates to console.
must you make distinctions about how far you are willing to go regarding work. Is it
4. Find a hobby.
impeding into family time? Is it affecting
So much of modernity is about being
the plans you had previously established?
inundated constantly, whether it is data
Is it starting to effect meaningful and vital
from the phone or computer or the endless
relationships and interactions?
stream of images that project out to us from the large plasma screens in the man cave
These boundaries can often be impeded upon
that we often mistake passive bombardment
very subtly in other ways as well. You can
with relaxation. This can easily be rectified by
see massive changes in the quality of diet,
picking up a hobby that challenges. Try your
amount of time spent exercising, and in most
hand at painting, learn those few basic guitar
cases interference with regular and healthy
chords you need in order to play 80% of the
sleep patterns. Establish these boundaries
Bob Dylan catalogue and impress your friends.
early and do not let the occupation impede
Take advantage of El Paso’s mountains by
without impunity into the other territories of
going on hikes or make your way down to
your life that lead to health and longevity. Of
a Chihuahuas game and engage yourself by
course these non-negotiable boundaries can
keeping in an accurate box score in the team
also be avoided if men make sure to:
provided program. Just make sure that the hobby forces you to actively participate.
2. Allocate your time properly. This allocation superseded simple daily
5. Meet new people.
planning and enters into the realm of life
Perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects
organizing. Arrange a date with a loved
of the internet is that it provides a vast
one far in advance so you will always have
opportunity for engagement and interaction
something to look forward to. Find one
than previously existed. If the social scene
exciting thing a week to do so that you have
isn’t your thing then don’t be hesitant to
something to excitedly talk about when you
climb online and interact with others on sites
head back into your work week.
that can pique your interest and stoke your passions. Online interaction allows us to
108
3. Nurture your support system
make connections as well as employ our wit,
Having a cadre of people in your life that
wisdom, and charm. If these online bonds
understand your long term needs and short
stretch into physical interaction then so be it,
term desires will always provide you with a
but there is literally a whole world waiting at
healthy sense of balance and value in your
your fingertips to be explored. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
109
Hidden
G
110
ms
June, 2014
June, 2014
Hamburger Inn O | Written and photographed by: VALENTIN SANDOVAL |
n a late Friday night, approximately 10 years ago, I remember sauntering on in to Hamburger Inn on Yarbrough with friends after an evening of vitality
having its way on our young budding spirits, looking
for the most inspiring connection to the night. In other words, we’ve had some drinks now we need either a good burger or menudo.
Other occasions, I’ve gone in with my mom and aunt that came in from Juárez to visit and we’d stop by there for ‘caldo de res’ or tacos. At that point, with my mom and aunt, I’d be introduced to a word that would have resonance throughout my lifetime. ‘Sason.’ It’s one of those Mexican colloquialisms that seems to have morphed through language and phonetic connection, in attempting to describe something that has yet to be described. And somehow, like the intrigue within rumor, you look to unofficially coin a phrase that is not founded upon one hoping to be the father behind this word, but rather a need to connect to family and friends and express this
Coral Dominguez and her mom have been working the service and
wonderful undefined feeling that comes as a result of the food and
management side of the business for 15 years. This confluence of
the flavor. It’s like using the term soul food. It’s the cook putting his
loyalty for so many years has yielded a chemistry that is bursting with
heartbeat into the heat of the fire cooking up the dish at hand. We’d
their establishment’s ebb and flow. “Yes, we have people that were
sit there and quietly enjoy our company while they caught up on the
from El Paso and now live in Denver, Dallas, and Phoenix that return
family affairs, ‘chisme.’
to the Inn when they’re home from out-of-town,” states Coral.
The range and reason for experiencing Hamburger Inn are vast and
They’ve established a unique legacy here in the borderland. They
each person has their own set of reasons. The common ground to
also own Lucky Cafe on Alameda. It has the same style, open 24
these reasons usually centers around one thing, solid El Paso Mexican
hours a day, and is rich in ‘sason’ that makes the dining experience
food. It isn’t the bigger Mexican restaurants that people tend to
memorable at any time of the day or night. Hamburger Inn maintains
frequent on weekend nights. Nor is it confined and pegged to being a
a unique diner niche. At times, with respect to our desert landscape,
hole-in-the-wall, hangover food joint. It has your ‘corrida’ option, while
it tends to feel like an east coast diner. One can go to the bar top
some of the favorites tend to be the hamburger steak, the burger, and
dining area and sit next to a random stranger drinking their coffee and
the menudo. Within a competitive culture where everyone’s moms,
playing crossword puzzles with the focus of a chess player pondering
tias, or abuelas, can cook the best, Hamburger Inn holds respect and
the best next move. In this case the next best move is diving into your
is frequented 24 hours a day. That is another unique aspect to the
tacos. They are bountiful with lettuce and tomato, yet rich with meat
place, that it’s in elite company with regards to locally owned places
in a homemade tortilla. With an open kitchen, you can watch Juan
that are open around the clock, servicing all kinds of needs for the
Bustos work away at his centerpiece of food. He makes sure all the
pungent salsa to wake one up and prep them for the meal to come.
‘francesitos’ for the menudo are toasted just right. The burger meat sizzles as his spatula presses down upon it, making sure the interior
Orlando Fonseca, who recently passed away, had been the owner
is just right. You can converse freely and listen to the rich laugh next
for 40 years. Now his wife Cristina Fonseca runs both, Hamburger
to you, as you take in this borderland succulent that is Hamburger Inn.
Inn and Lucky Cafe. Another charm to the place is that chef Juan Bustos has been polishing and working at his craft for 30 years. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
111
Sauce it Up with
Scrumptious r e m m Su
Q B B | By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
112
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
FOOD
June, 2014
Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Serves 6 If you have a crock-pot, this recipe will revolutionize the way you make BBQ. Not only is it easy, but also the tenderness of the meat will ensure that this dish will reappear again and again on your food-planning calendar.
r umme s h t i W here, y l l a n fi e to it’s tim ut whip o ill and the gr your all of te BBQ favori ies. To r o s s e acc ir me fla o s d d a r Que’s to you oire, repert some e r a e r he lickin’ r e g n i f s that recipe re to are su ou and y e v a h uests your g the left in st of sweete omas. food c
Ingredients • 1 5-pound pork shoulder (remove twine or netting) • 2 cups barbecue sauce • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced • 4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 1 cup chicken stock • 1 tbsp. kosher salt • 1 tbsp. chili powder • 1 tbsp. packed dark brown sugar • 1/2 tbsp. ground cumin 1. Place the garlic and onions in the slow cooker and pour the chicken stock in. Mix sugar, chili powder, measured salt, cumin, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pat the pork dry. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork and place the meat on top of the onions and garlic. Cook and cover until the pork is fork tender, about 6-8 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low depending on your preference. 2. When the pork is done cooking, turn off the slow cooker and remove the pork. Set a finemesh strainer over a medium heatproof bowl. Pour the onion mixture from the slow cooker through the strainer and return the solids to the slow cooker. Set the strained liquid aside. 3. If the pork has a bone, remove it. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discard fat. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker, add the barbecue sauce and mix. Taste and season with salt as needed, then serve.
Ingredients • 50 chicken wings • Apple cider vinegar (Enough to cover the wings) • 4 tbsp. kosher salt • 11/2 tbsp. ground • 1 tbsp. Louisiana Hot Sauce • Lemon pepper to taste • Black pepper to taste • Apple juice (for spritzing) 1. Remove wing tips then place wings into a large stockpot.
Lemon Pepper Wings Serves 8 If you love hot wings, the impeccable zesty taste of these puppies will put some spring in your step!
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2. Pour enough apple cider vinegar so that the wings are completely covered. 3. Add 2 tbsp. of kosher salt and 1 1/2 tbsp. of freshly ground black pepper to the pot. 4. Bring the wings with the vinegar to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. 113
FOOD
June, 2014
5. Remove wings from pot and place on tin foil - all with the same side facing up. 6. Pour in half the bottle of Louisiana Hot Sauce, generously cover them in lemon pepper, and then sprinkle a light coating of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. 7. Flip all wings and repeat Step 6 on the other side. 8. Grill wings on stabilized low heat, approximately 275-300 degrees. 9. Place the wings on the grill, making sure they are over any direct flames. 10. Fill a clean plastic spray bottle with 50/50 of apple juice and apple cider vinegar. 11. After the wings have cooked about an hour, spritz them with the mixture and reapply more lemon pepper. If you like them hot, add more hot sauce. 12. At the 1 1/2 hour mark, flip all the wings, spritz them with the juice/vinegar mixture, and reapply more lemon pepper. 13. Continue to cook on low heat, spritzing and reapplying lemon pepper about every half hour, for a total time of about 3 hours, or until they begin to crisp. 14. To increase crispiness, you can increase the heat to 350 at the 3 hour mark, but make sure to check the meat against the bone to make sure you’re not drying it out. 15. After the wings have cooked for a total of about 3-4 hours, remove from heat and allow time to cool before serving.
Make your own Sauces! Have you ever wanted to wow guests and family with recipes that cause guests to beg for the recipe? Well now’s your chance—with a little know how, your delicious BBQ will go to the next level with this personal touch.
Beal Street’s Best BBQ Sauce Serves 10-20 Ingredients • 1 cup chopped onion • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar • 1/2 tsp. ground celery seed • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
South Carolina Mustard Sauce
• 1/4 cup steak sauce
Serves 10-20
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce • 3 cups ketchup
Ingredients
• 3 tbsp. molasses
• 3/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1-2 tsp. liquid smoke
• 1 1/2 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp. yellow mustard
• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Kosher salt to taste
• 2 tsp. Louisiana hot sauce • 1 1/4 tbsp. fresh ground black pepper
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add
• 1 tbsp. light brown sugar
the garlic and onion and cook until the onion is golden,
• 2 tsp. salt
approximately 6-7 minutes. Stir in the ketchup, steak sauce,
• 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1-cup water, brown sugar, the vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, mustard, celery seed and salt.
114
1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Whisk occasionally
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and
while simmering for 20-30 minutes. Allow time to cool
simmer until onion is tender, approximately 15 minutes.
before serving.
Stir in the liquid smoke. Strain the sauce, pressing on the
2. Save remainder in a sealed container for later enjoyment.
solids to extract any liquid. Allow to cool before serving. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014
MISS E L PA S O T X 2 01 4
MISS E L PA S O TEEN T X 2 01 4
JUNE 20-21 • UTEP MAGOFFIN AUDITORIUM
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Ella Blu
el paso magazine 115
June, 2014
e n O d A Col Highlighting | By: REED LONEY |
116
p S o t w e s r B l a c o L e Thre
i k s w A Bre
June, 2014
When you relocate to a new city, usually you have certain worries. Where will I live? How is the economy? Will I be able to make new friends? These concerns are of course, important. When I moved to El Paso in December, there was no question that these were on my mind. But as a man, there was another issue that was on the same level as these – Where do I go out to drink and eat?
L
ike many men, I am cautious
One of the first bars that
of change when it comes down
I went to after moving
to bars and pubs. I very much
to El Paso was Eloise,
adhered to the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix
a bar/coffee shop off
it” ideology. Moving, however, forced me
of
to abandon my old haunts in Michigan and
Drive.
desperately search for new ones in El Paso.
time I went to Eloise
And at first, I admit I was concerned. I had
was in fact for coffee,
become so accustomed to ordering the same
of which is very good,
adult beverages and the same savory dishes
but I fell in love with
from my hometown bars – would my body be
Eloise for their awesome
physically able to take the shock of new drink
drink selection and its
and cuisine? Now some may chuckle at my
intriguing atmosphere. Eloise makes their
was delighted to find that they had a local
worry, but a lot of men understand what I am
own flavored spirits using different brands of
beer from the town I moved from. It is very
talking about. Often times, we are creatures
bourbon, tequila, and vodka and then soaking
clear by the bottled beer list that they put
of habit that like (or more often, get used to)
different fruits and vegetables inside the
quite a bit of time and effort tracking and
going to a couple of specific places to eat
jugs of alcohol. Some examples would be
ordering a large variety of beers of differing
and drink for a number of reasons depending
their cherry bourbon and cucumber vodka,
styles and places around the world. However,
on tastes and preferences. I was very much
however these drink selections often times
if you are looking for wide selection of beer
a part of that crowd moving here. Thankfully,
change as Eloise employees experiment
on tap, this may not be the place for you - it is
when it came to going out for drinks and
with different combinations. If you are a fan
very evident that they put their concentration
food, El Paso was more than willing to step
of cocktails, this is the place for you! I would
on experimenting with their flavored spirits,
up to the plate almost immediately.
especially recommend anything involving
cocktails, and bottled beverages.
Shadow Now
Mountain the
first
their alcoholic coffee drinks. Beer wise, Eloise has many bottled options. In fact, I www.thecitymagazineelp.com
117
a cold one
June, 2014 If
you
are
looking
for a wide selection of tapped beer, one couldn’t
recommend
The Hoppy Monk high enough. The last count of their selection had over 60 beers available on tap, and close to 100 bottled options. In my humble opinion, this is the closest thing to a true pub in El Paso – an awesome selection of beer, great interior and outdoor patio, and sweet potato fries to die for. Obviously though, the beer selection is what gives The Hoppy Monk such an edge over so many bars in the city. Each time that I have gone there, I have ordered 2-3 beers and have yet to get the same beer twice. They are consistent in bringing in new arrivals of seasonal beer as well as, an obvious willingness to give different breweries from all over the country a shot. If you are a fan of trying different styles of beer and multiple breweries, there is no other place for you – a terrific place to try a few beers and hang with friends.
JUNE 50
o
o
off
in registration
Come and Dance with us! Jazz • Ballet • Tap Hip hop • Aerial
118
Any questions? Call 915 585 1911 6910 North Mesa St#79912 (behind Dollar General)
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a cold one
June, 2014 Now, as you may have noticed, I have left food for last, simply because I love this bar’s food so much. The Block Table and Tap, located on North Mesa, has the best bar food around – I have consumed so many delicious calories at this place. They specialize in appetizers and finger food, perfect for when
substantial beer list
you are having a night out. One such meal is
as well, making for a
their Fresh Baked Pretzel and Beer Cheese
perfect option for a
Fondue. Call me a simple man, but food
night out.
like this meal just hits the spot when I have friends across from me and a beer to my left.
All in all, El Paso is
Dishes like their Chicken Fried Bacon, Grilled
filled to the brim with
Bacon Jalapenos, Nachos, and Sliders all
fantastic options for a
solidify The Block as the master of bar food,
night out on the town,
but they also have more specialized options
and
as well. “Devils on Horseback” is such
three of my personal
an option, dates stuffed with blue cheese
favorites. If you have
wrapped up in tasty bacon – this is a must
not given one of these
try dish, certainly my favorite when dining at
three a shot, try them
The Block. They also offer calamari, mussels,
out! I can guarantee
burgers, and even Lobster Macaroni and
they will not disappoint.
these
are
just
Cheese! Pairing their delicious food is a
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119
How to Become an Expert
Wine Taster | By: VIC POULOS |
120
W
wine get
the wine glass you are drinking from. Does
made fun of all the
it curve slightly at the top? This helps keep
ine
‘snobs’
time for their actions
the swirling wine inside and also allows for
while tasting wine –
additional vapor to gather for better smelling.
the way they hold the
So what are you sniffing for? Try to notice if
tilted glass up in the air
the aroma is clean and attractive or musty
to look through it, the pretentious swirl that
and stale. If it’s the latter, you may have a
sloshes the wine up the sides of the glass,
bad bottle of wine on your hands. Try to also
the obnoxious sniff, the weird gurgling sound
note how intense the smell is and what the
when actually tasting the wine, and finally,
smell reminds you of. This is where many of
the spitting the wine out into a bucket. Who
the experts tend to get a little too fancy for
in their right mind spits wine out?
most people’s taste.
Even if you’re just a casual wine drinker and
Now the fun part – take a mouthful of the
don’t care about all of that fancy looking stuff,
wine. Make sure your entire tongue is
you’ve likely found yourself in at least one
covered in wine and try paying attention to
situation where you wished you knew more
the following characteristics: sweetness,
about how it all works so you could participate.
bitterness, astringency and the alcohol
At the very least, you’re just curious about
content of the wine. A great way to judge a
what’s actually going on when you see these
wine’s body is to compare it to how much
things. Here are some basic ways you can
unlike water it tastes. Also, here’s where the
make yourself look like an expert.
obnoxious gurgling comes in – you can get a better taste of the wine by drawing vapor up
It’s probably the least pleasurable part of
the retro-nasal passage that links the back of
wine tasting, but wine experts first want to
the mouth with the nose. So suck in a little
take a nice long look at their wine inside the
air as you taste!
glass. The best way to do this is by tilting the glass away from yourself, hopefully against
Lastly, try to take in the wine as a whole.
a white background. This will let you easily
Was sweetness balanced with acidity? How
see the different shades of color in the wine.
long did the impact of the wine last after you swallowed it? Lower quality wines will hardly
So what are you really looking for in the
leave anything behind, while high quality
wine? A browner hue usually indicates an
wines can last 30 seconds or more.
older wine, particularly if you see it in the rim of the wine in the glass. Generally,
These are really just some tips and the
wines that also have a nice sheen are
reasoning behind wine tasting, but I truly
typically higher quality than wines that
believe that even the most casual wine
have a monotone, dull appearance. Wine
drinker can easily know what they’re doing.
experts also always hold the glass by the
Nobody other than you can know exactly
stem rather than the base. This provides for
how a certain wine strikes your senses – if
a clear view of the wine, and prevents your
you like it, then what could really be wrong
hand from warming up the glass.
with it?
Next is the smell, or the aroma, of the wine. The molecules of wine we smell come from the surface of the liquid, so the smell can be maximized by swirling the glass and
Salud! VIC POULOS
Owner, Zin Valle Vineyards
increasing its surface area. Take a look at
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
121
November, 2013
122
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
WEST SIDE
CENTRAL
Opus World Bistro $$$ PR
Track One $$ H
7128 N. Mesa St.
1330 Robert E Lee Rd.
(915) 585-2221
(915) 779-2170
Opus World Bistro serves some
Need a night out with the guys?
of the best food on the west side
Track One has you covered with
of I-10. Mix Opus into your dining
their delicious wings, sure to
out experience and taste their
curb even the biggest appetite.
Thai Coconut Seafood Ciopino.
EAST SIDE
DOWNTOWN
Steve O’s Eats and Drinks $$ H
Tabla $$$ O H
1491 N. Lee Trevino Dr.
115 S. Durango St., Ste. D
(915) 590-8000
(915) 533-8935
Craving something from the
Try the Garbanzos & Carrots
sea? Steve O’s Eats and Drinks
Salad, a delicious Paleo Diet
is serving up some delicious
approved
new menu items, featuring the
feta, candied pistachios, and
Steve O’s Fish Tacos—sure to
preserved lemon dressing.
dish
with
curry,
take your breath away.
NORTH EAST
UNIVERSITY/KERN
Rosco’s Burger Inn $
Mesa Street Grill $$$ O H
3829 Tompkins Rd.
2525 N. Mesa St.
(915) 564-9028
(915) 532-1881
The “Original” Rosco burger consists of a 1/4 lb. pattie of fresh never frozen
For your next romantic evening
beef. Onions are worked into the beef
out, try Mesa Street’s Blue Point
for a perfectly grilled onion and pattie.
Oyster Shooters. With Fresh
Then the burger is finished with their
Blue Point Oysters and a spicy
mustard, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, crisp
cocktail secret sauce this is the
pickles and fresh onion. This burger is
perfect appetizer to pair with
great for waking up the senses.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Prices: $ - Low Priced Patio/Outdoor Seating - O
$$ - Medium Range Dog Friendly- DF
$$$ - High Priced $$$$ - Exquisite Dining Party/Private Room - PR Happy Hour - H
To highlight your local restaurant in The City Local Eats email: info@thecitymagazineelp.com
SAY YES to the Newest Food Movement
| By: MARINA MONSISVAIS photography by: TOMMIE MORELOS |
124
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Article Title
June, 2014
M
not
new spin. Instead of sparing meat for the
realize that the concept
troops, he urged Americans to spare meat
of
any
people
do
Monday
for themselves. With new research pointing
is not a new idea. In
to overwhelming evidence that the average
fact,
Meatless
itself
American is simply consuming too much
started in World War I when the U.S. Food
meat (more than 75 pounds a year), Lerner
Administration instituted various campaigns
came out with the message, “one day a
to convince families to reduce consumption
week, cut out meat” to help Americans bring
of key food and resources needed for the
balance to their diets and prevent debilitating
war effort overseas. With slogans like “Food
diseases. The truth is, eating processed
Will Win the War,” “Meatless Monday,”
meat that has been injected with hormones
and “Wheatless Wednesday” Americans
and other chemicals can effect a myriad of
at home found a new sense of patriotism
health facets from brain development (with
and spared all they could. The results of
“bad” saturated fats harming brain functions)
these campaigns did in fact impact the war
to even effecting male sperm count – studies
effort with more than 13 million American
are conclusively showing that America simply
families pledging to abstain until the war
needs to cut back on meat. In the last 11
was over. Years later, President Roosevelt
years the concept has caught on worldwide
faced with the double threat of the Germans
– and has even arrived here in El Paso.
the
model
in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific, relaunched the campaign and once again
Eloise, a local El Paso café bar and bistro has
urged Americans to ration their precious
adopted Meatless Monday, to help reduce
resources and food. In the wake of his death
meat consumption to improve personal
and even on after the war, President Truman
health and the health of the planet. Meatless
continued the campaign to further aid in the
Monday at Eloise means receiving a 20%
reconstruction of Europe.
discount off all vegan/vegetarian menu options every single Monday of the week.
After this reconstruction, Meatless Monday
“Meatless Monday is about providing our
almost fell into history with no revival –
customers with a choice. We’re not taking
until 2003. Health advocate Sid Lerner,
away our regular menu and we’re not
with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School
removing dishes with meat from our menu
of Public Health’s Center for a Livable
either.
Future reintroduced the campaign with a
options, and we want to introduce people to
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
It’s
fundamentally
about
adding
125
June, 2014
Claudia Castillo Makeup Artistry
Polished Skin Expressive Eyes (915) 313-1124 new, delicious healthy foods and new ways
up of cold layers of tomato sauce, scallion-
to experience vegetarian and vegan fare,”
almond cheese, seasonal vegetables and
said Chef Joey Cazares.
mushrooms are served with a basil-citrus salad and spiced walnuts.
Eloise offers a variety of vegetarian and
126
vegan options during their all day breakfast,
Going meatless once a week may reduce
lunch and dinner menu. Vegetarian breakfast
your risk of chronic preventable conditions
options include La Mancha’s Tortilla, a
like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes
Spanish style omelette made up of three
and obesity. It can also help reduce your
organic eggs, fingerling potatoes and barley
carbon footprint and save precious resources
topped with manchego cheese, sautéed
like fresh water and fossil fuel. So whether
greens and olive oil. Lunch options include a
you decide to spend your Mondays at
vegan play on tuna salad called the Chickpea
Eloise, or to simply make some of your
of the Sea, a Chickpea salad sandwich made
own delicious recipes at home – making
with celery, carrot, roasted red bell pepper,
your Mondays meatless could be the next
assorted dry fruits and roasted nuts served
best thing you do for your body. For more
on wheat bread. For dinner you can’t go
information about meatless Monday, visit
wrong with the Pinzimonio Stack, made
www.meatlessmonday.com. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
June, 2014
BRAVE THINKING. BRAVE SOCIAL + MULTIMEDIA SOLUTIONS.
Video Production Web Design Social Media Commercials Documentaries Music Videos Copy/Motion Graphics
BLACKBIRD CONCEPTS blackbirdconcepts.co
Valentin Sandoval • 915 694 8863 Official Multimedia Producer for
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el paso magazine
127
REAL
June, 2014
MEN do Yoga | By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
128
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
N
R e a l m e n d o yo g a
June, 2014
T
here are many myths
The postures are non-complex. I try to keep
surrounding the exercise
the classes less intimidating, easier postures
of yoga. Some think it’s a “workout”
but longer holds, easy to understand verbiage,
comprised of simply stretching and
and of course postures that make men feel
sitting leisurely in different poses and
good,” Morris explained. This is key because
positions. While others think it’s something
as Morris stated, yoga not only burns calories
that’s just for the ladies, some believe it’s not
but also develops and increases balance,
even really a workout at all; some even rule out
strength, and flexibility, while reducing stress.
the practice based on the fact that they don’t
It also helps with back, shoulder and neck
feel flexible, and feel intimated by the difficult
problems. Yoga can be an active recovery, for
“look” of different positions. To sort out these
athletes or those who suffer from disabilities
myths and get to the heart of the matter of
or other previous injuries. “Yoga offers men
men and yoga, we at The City took it upon
tools to help cope with daily stress and
ourselves to find the truth behind the exercise
demands of daily life,” said Morris.
of yoga in relation to those of the male gender. On a basic level the exercise itself forces the Simple statistics from the Yoga Journal found
body to stretch and use muscles that increase
that in 2012, “The latest ‘Yoga in America’ study
overall flexibility and strength — muscles that
. . . shows that 20.4 million Americans practice
often go ignored in the average day and life
yoga, compared to 15.8 million from the
of an American male. When these muscle
previous 2008 study, an increase of 29 percent.
groups are ignored a person will lose flexibility
In addition, practitioners spend $10.3 billion a
that could ultimately lead to the loss of overall
year on yoga classes and products, including
mobility.
equipment, clothing, vacations, and media.
yoga as a resource compatible with modern
The previous estimate from the 2008 study
physical therapy and are using it in many
was $5.7 billion.” Obviously, the sport itself is
patient rehabilitation cases. In fact, even pro
growing. With five million more practitioners in
football stars like Terrell Evans, Willie Roaf,
six years, there is something about yoga that
and Shannon Sharpe have began incorporating
is hooking people. But that same study found
yoga into their workouts and practice routines.
that out of all of these participants, 82.2 percent
Danny Poole, a yoga instructor out of Denver
are women; leaving only 17.8 percent as men.
Colorado was quoted in the Washington
Clearly there are some gender associations
Post saying that, “[These] athletes like yoga
related to the exercise of Yoga.
because it keeps them loose and focused
Today
doctors
are
recognizing
before a game and helps ease post-game But why? Yoga as an exercise has been
soreness . . . [it also helps to keep them] injury-
practiced for hundreds of years. While it’s
free.” If these pros are doing it, what is the
true origins are debated, it’s interconnection
average American male missing out on by
with man’s spiritual and physical nature is
avoiding it?
undeniable. Matt Morris, a local El Paso Yogi who teaches classes all over the city at
The benefits of yoga are indisputable. With
numerous yoga studios including: No Name
numerous research studies, science, and
Yoga, Open Doors Yoga, Surya Yoga, The
medicine itself pointing more and more to the
Mind Body Studio and Hot Box Yoga, believes
practice and exercise of yoga for people of all
that men are truly missing out on some critical
ages, and all physical abilities – why would we
physical benefits. “I’m the only men’s yoga
not want do it? Men, it’s time to buy a yoga
instructor in town. I developed a specific
mat and jump into one of El Paso’s many
sequence for men, from a man’s point of view.
yoga facilities. And with men like Matt Morris
My sequence offers a balance of breath work,
leading the way in new specialized yoga for
strength and balance, intensity and relaxation.
men, there is literally no better time to act.
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June, 2014
PICK
YOURSELF
UP
130
Why bodyweight exercises are important | By: PATRICK L. MARTINEZ, B.S. NUTRITION, CERTIFIED FITNESS TRAINER, CERTIFIED FITNESS NUTRITION COACH |
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June, 2014
I
fitness to be a competitive bodybuilder or power
know my hardcore iron pushers are going to kill me for this one, but I have
I don’t want to say I’ve mastered my
lifter then this won’t work for you. You stick
to speak the truth. While pushing up
body, because there is always room for
to the heavy lifting as that is what your sport
305 on the bench press looks amazing
improvement. What I’m saying is that I can
requires for best results. I’m talking to the
and makes for a great social media
control it. I love strength training and it’s a
average Joe who’s just looking to look and
video, the truth is unless you’re a
crucial part of improving overall strength and
feel good. Don’t be afraid to mix up your
competitive body builder or power lifter, it’s
assisting in fat loss. However, I just want to
routine. Not only will you keep your muscles
really not necessary. Don’t get me wrong, if
educate my fellow man on other ways of
guessing, but you will avoid getting bored.
you’re working at increasing your max, then
bettering themselves. It does you no good
I understand. One rep max assessments are
to bench press 305 but you gas out at 20
You can even do these exercises on your heavy
great tools for gauging where you’re at and
pushups or you can barely do five pull ups. You
lifting days. If you’re doing chest, then go heavy
what you need to do to achieve your goals.
have to be well rounded. Mix up your routine.
on the press and then throw some pushups in
My point is this. Since I’ve been training,
For example, you can go heavy three days a
do a set of pushups until muscle failure and
I’ve noticed a trend in both men in women
week. Push, pull, jerk, press, squat all the iron
then repeat with the weights. Do this for 3-4
with great aesthetics but their strength
in the world. But for the rest of the week, do
sets. If you’re working back, then do pull ups.
not matching how they look. I guess it’s a
high-rep light or bodyweight exercises that
If you’re working legs, then do squat jumps or
personal choice. There are those who train
will not only increase muscular endurance
burpees. When and what you do is up to you,
to “look” good and those who train to “be”
but also increase your cardio output. I think
as long as you incorporate it somehow.
good. I’m not a bodybuilder, a power lifter,
the closest to this example would be Cross
or a fitness competitor. I do not claim to be
Fit. Cross Fit athletes still do heavy Olympic-
Lifting heavy weight is great, but you have to
able to push the weight some of these guys
style lifting but they also do high volume
be able to lift yourself up as well. Be a master
and gals are pushing these days. What I can
lightweight exercises as well.
of your body. Be the best in all attributes
your set. For example, in between the weights
such as speed, agility, quickness, balance,
say is that I have control over my own body. My cardio is great, my muscular endurance is
The goal is not just to look good, but to have
flexibility, power, strength, and endurance. If
on point, and my balance, speed, agility, and
the strength and endurance to match. Like I
you want to see real gains, then you have to
quickness are where I need them to be.
said, the disclaimer is that if you’re looking
master all aspects of fitness.
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June, 2014
Camo Cream A Product with a Purpose | By: BRITTANY SAWREY |
132
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camo cream
June, 2014
hopping for yourself just got a
States, and already have dozens more in
making their dreams a reality. “In company
little bit more selfless. With
the works; they focus on veterans with the
meetings, we decided we wanted the
creativity abounding in
most debilitating and life-altering injuries,
product to be a hand and body lotion that was
the business world,
hoping to allow them to focus on healing
fun and useful for the customer, hence the
are
by alleviating the financial burden of a
different label designs and the non-greasy,
desirable and useful
mortgage. The proximity of Fort Bliss and
fast absorbing formula. Then we did some
and give back to the
El Paso’s abundance of military personnel
research and selected Homes For Our Troops
community
have
makes this product all the more meaningful
as the organization to contribute to because
become the hottest
to the community. Carnegie Corporation of
by giving wounded vets a mortgage free
products
that
– and most charitable
New York and John S. and James L. Knight
home they create environments in which
– trend. Whether you’re
Foundation’s News21 estimate that there
they can thrive.”
purchasing TOMS shoes with the knowledge
at 2.6 million post-9/11 veterans; these are
a child will also get a pair, or you’re buying
men and women that put their very lives on
Camo Cream isn’t only good for your
a Sevenly shirt and helping to vaccinate
the line to keep their families, friends and
conscious,
children, customers have realized that their
country safe. Now, with Camo Cream, we
designed for men, is fragrance-free and
purchasing power can be put to good use.
have a small way to give back to the over
designed
Your personal products can now help those
1700 that have been physically injured in
Supporting our veterans won’t break the
around you, and El Paso isn’t excluded; a new
service and now need our help. The specially
bank, either; a 2-ounce tube of Camo Cream
skin cream, called “Camo Cream,” has been
designed houses that Homes For Our Troops
retails at just $4.99, and is being carried at
locally developed and each purchase helps
builds make it easier for injured veterans to
every Walgreens in El Paso. Coming in five
build homes for wounded veterans.
flourish in their communities.
different designs, this lotion is a perfect gift
however. to
The
deeply
hand
moisturize
cream, hands.
for the men in your life, and knowing that it Walgreens has recently begun carrying this
“I felt particularly motivated by a news story
supports a good cause only makes it more
hand cream, created by the makers of First
about the challenges of wounded veterans,”
desirable. Ways for customers to give back
Crush and Merlot Skin Care brands. Camo
Wayne Beckley, Camo Cream’s creator,
and support causes continues to expand,
Cream is based here in El Paso, and it not
explains. Already successful in the skin care
allowing anyone to make a small difference
only heals, hydrates and protects your skin,
world, Beckley knew he could find a way
through
but it also supports Homes For Our Troops.
to get involved. “So in keeping with what
purchase. Beckley agrees, “We hope Camo
This national non-profit, started in 2004,
I know best, it just made sense to create
Cream will grow into a product line that can
helps build specially adapted homes for
a skin care product specifically earmarked
help make a difference.”
post-9/11 injured veterans. They have built
to contribute to their cause.” Exactly what
over 160 homes throughout the United
the product would be was the next step to
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
the
products
they
choose
to
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June, 2014
PREROGATIVE | By: MATTHEW WILKSON |
134
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June, 2014
In the business world, appearances can
h i s p r e r o g at i v e
Safety Razor Set By Baxter of California What speaks business professional from the first impression? How about a clean-shaven face? Now that we are back in the thick of El
determine your doom
Paso summer heat, many guys have cut the chops and traded the
or help design your
beard for a cool bare face. This look not only puts you at the top of
destiny. The mind of
significant other! Baxter of California carries a slew of men’s products
the modern madman is usually a frantic
the hiring list, but also gives you a competitive, sexy edge to lure that to keep you looking your best, but their Safety Razor Set is nothing short of impressive. Adding this nickel plated set to your bathroom counter instantaneously transforms you into a man of sophistication
and over-caffeinated
and more importantly, it will give you one of the best shaves of your
problem solving factory,
lifetime! The set comes with a soft silver tipped badger brush to
but a well-groomed gentleman always has the appearance of a
help evenly apply your favorite shave cream and a safety razor with a double edge to keep your face kissably stubble free. Both are outfitted with engraved handles that are reminiscent of the poles that the pros in short robe would post outside their barber shops. This masculine razor set hangs on an attractive chrome stand to drip dry and look all bad ass on your counter top. Available at BaxterofCalifornia.com $250.00
well-oiled machine in the workforce. With help from a few
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap
additional grooming
This one is for all you no fuss, no muss get-down-to-business
products any man can
type of suit and tie guys. The 32 oz. bottle of castile liquid soap is one of the most versatile multipurpose soaps on the planet.
look like he is always
It is gentle enough to use on your hair, face and body, but also
on top of his game, no
recommended for a laundry list of other uses. That means your
matter what field he is playing on. This month we focus on the hard working businessman
shower time just got cut in half to keep your productivity at a maximum. Dr. Bronner’s most popular fragrance of peppermint is a therapeutic mild stimulant that tingles the skin, and invigorates the conscious mind. The soap is made with ingredients that are certified vegan, certified organic, and certified fair trade. Available at Target $16.99
that never lets his looks get in the way
Philips Sonicare AirFloss
of success. This is
There is little that ruins the ability to concentrate during a conversation
His Prerogative!
quite like bad breath does. It can turn a business deal into a total flop, but if you brush and floss regularly you just might not get caught with stink-breath. Ok, brushing is easy, but who likes flossing? It takes a ton of time, and it is a bit tricky to get in between those back molars without gagging yourself. Philips shares your pain and the Sonicare AirFloss is the cure. Throw this little guy in your briefcase and you’ll stay flossin’ more often than Mike Jones. The AirFloss uses microburst technology, blasting air and micro droplets of water at up to 45MPH through the areas of your teeth that are difficult to reach. Plaque and food particles are quickly forced from between the tough areas of the teeth and you are left with a clean smile. Not only will your breath stop smelling nasty, but you will also be one step closer to preventing gum disease. Who knows? It just may help you to conquer the interview for that dream job you are about to interview for. Available at Target.com $89.99
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135
June, 2014
IN OUT | By: NATALIE ROSALES |
136
in and out
June, 2014
MEN IN
Classic, simple timepieces Besides a wedding band, watches are the one exception to men’s jewelry. A watch not only punctuates an outfit but also defines who you are and can subtly show off personality. A watch is a symbol of good taste and a man with good taste should be able to appropriately match his watch to the occasion. For casual wear, a leather strap with a plain black or white face will go with anything, but remember that the strap should match your shoes. To brighten up your look for summer, replace the leather strap with a striped band for added color. For a black tie event always remember that the more simple the watch the dressier it is. A slim unadorned timepiece with a black leather band is perfect for an elegant and timeless look. Uniform Wares, Seiko, and Timex are some more affordable brands that carry some great pieces.
OUT
Flashy timepieces Nothing is worse then an oversized watch that screams, “Look at me!” Remember you don’t need to yell to make a statement. Your watch should always be in proportion to your body type, no need to overpower. Don’t be that guy with brand-new everything -- keep in mind that a timeless look will never fade, but a loud “on trend” for-the-moment look will. Tip* Get your watch serviced every few years. It will save you money in the long run and will keep your timepiece tickin’.
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IN
Fitted Swim trunks There are a few key tricks to finding the perfect swim trunks. The shorts must fit properly, meaning two to three inches above the knee. A tailored fit is also important; the tailored closer fit will trim you down and hug your body comfortably and accordingly. Stick to basic colors, stripes, or use simple patterns, nothing too flashy or loud and stay away from graphics. Also keep in mind that elastic waistbands tend to grab at fat and make your midsection look larger, so stick with flat front trunks with a Velcro fly and lace tie.
OUT
Lose the baggage Hey beach bums! With pool season in full force, we figured that we would explore some swimwear that will fit your body type as well as your lifestyle. Large and oversized swim trunks are the best way to highlight everything that you don’t want to call out and why would you want to wear trunks that will leave you pale from your waist to your shins? If you’re thinner, long and baggy trunks will make you look like a stick with chicken legs. If you’re tall, the trunks will mess with your proportions and make your stomach look abnormally long. If you are bigger and have a gut, you will look sloppy, and if you’re fit, then the trunks will add unwanted bulk. If you’re short you will look like you’re drowning in your suit. With this being said, even if you have the perfect body, oversized trunks will make you look like a child.
137
June, 2014 MODEL: BILL MELUGIN (KFOX14 REPORTER) PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND STYLIST: JOSH SANCHEZ
HAIR: HUNTER QUARTERMANE OF QUARTERMANE SALON SKIN: CALUDIA CASTILLO
LOCATION SCOUT & ASSISTANT: NATALIE ROSALES LOCATION: J.A.R. CONSTRUCTION, INC.
| By: JOSH SANCHEZ |
LO OK MODERN THE
MAN
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June, 2014
SHIRT: HUGO BOSS
PANTS & HAT: BURBERRY BRIT SUNGLASSES: RAY BAN
WATCH: MICHAEL KORS
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June, 2014
SHIRT: STONE ROSE SHORTS: LACOSTE
SUNGLASSES: PRADA BELT: HUGO BOSS WATCH: DIESEL
140
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June, 2014
POLO & PANTS: TED BAKER
SPORTS JACKET: STONE ROSE
SUNGLASSES: DOLCE & GABBANA
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141
June, 2014 Look found at
GENTLEMEN’S UNION
142
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June, 2014 Look found at
GENTLEMEN’S UNION
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June, 2014
m m u S er with the
MYSTICS | By: MICHELLE CROMER |
144
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spiritualit y
June, 2014
A mystic is a man who separates heaven and earth even if he enjoys them both. G.K. Chesterton, in Tolstoy (1903)
T
This summer, I’ve decided to
used by mystics to affirm extraordinary
is misleading, and that things are not what
spend each day reading the
insights beyond all expression, and thus
they seem.
works of different mystics. I’ll
probably
begin
with
impossible to communicate to others. True mystics simply open their souls to
Thomas
Merton and move backward in time
Mystics matter. They are pioneers who
the oncoming wave. Sure of themselves,
to Teresa of Avila and John on
explore the frontiers and limits of being
because they feel within them something
the Cross. Then I will rummage around the
human. Not all of us can climb Everest or
better than themselves, they prove to be
middle Ages, to Bernard of Clairvaux, Francis
circumnavigate the globe, but explorers
great men of action, to the surprise of those
of Assisi and Bonaventure. Then all the way
show us what is possible for human beings.
for whom mysticism is nothing but visions,
in reverse to Rumi, the 13th century Persian
Mystics are interior explorers, and they too
raptures and ecstasies.
poet and Sufi mystic.
show us the possible. Mystics represent thematically what remains
The word “mysticism” is not only wildly
The mystics provide us with the language of
for most of us unthematic: that we have the
used, but also often, wildly abused. Here’s
the sacred, the vocabulary to articulate our
condition of the possibility of encountering God.
what it’s not: some dark-haired, dark-eyed,
out-of-the norm experiences. They embrace
witch looking person who lapses into trances,
darkness, the divine darkness, which lies
I enjoy reading about the mystics because
hears heavenly voices, works miracles, tells
way beyond my field of vision. The mystic
in some small way I know what they are
the future, has a direct line with the dead,
with their night vision goggles, remind me
talking about. The mystics speak to me with
all while levitating on an alien spacecraft.
that I too could have bat vision. They see
an uncanny and unexpected immediacy
Mysticism has become an overused catch
and help me to see much more than visions.
– despite the historical gulfs and cultural
phrase for religious weirdness.
They have learned to peer into the divine
chasms that divide their world and mine.
darkness long and hard enough to see a Mysticism, from the Greek word mystikos,
God-drenched world, dizzying in its beauty.
Wouldn’t it be great if I discover that the
is the pursuit of communication with,
They show me that I too have eyes to see
mystics are actually the normal ones, they
identification with, or conscious awareness
those fleeting moments through which most
are the norms of what it means to be truly
of an ultimate reality, divinity, spiritual truth,
routinely sleep.
human? It’s the rest of us that are abnormal. The rest of us have in principle the mystical
or God, through direct experience, intuition, instinct or insight. Mysticism usually centers
From the beginning of time, mysticism has
within but we have repressed it because the
on a practice or practices intended to nurture
kept men sane. The thing that has driven
culture we live in ignores, and even silences
those experiences or awareness. Differing
men mad was logic. The only thing that
the mystical. I have an insane thirst for
religious, social and psychological traditions
has kept the race of men from the mad
the mystical, for the diversity of individual
have described this fundamental mystical
extremes of the convent and the pirate-
mystics and mystical traditions. It will be an
experience in many different ways. The words
galley, the nightclub and the lethal chamber,
interesting summer!
“mystical” and “mysticism,” are commonly
has been mysticism — the belief that logic
145
SIXTH SIXTH SENSE SENSE June, 2014
THE
| By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY |
H
ave you ever met someone for the very first time and
eventually you learn how to play the piano. With our intuition it is
you sense right away whether you like them or not, but
quite the same. If you learn to pay attention and listen to what you
you don’t know why? This is a natural instinctive way
“sense” then it happens more frequently and more accurately. Some
that your intuition is communicating with you, giving you
people often say they are afraid of what they may sense. This sense
guidance and insight to someone, a warning of sorts.
is not meant to scare us, but to serve as a warning to prepare us for upcoming events in our lives.
We all know what the five senses are; taste, sight, touch, smell, and sound. Well there is one more, it is the sixth sense. It is a heightened
If you would like to sharpen your sixth sense, here are some simple
sense of all the other senses combined and it is called intuition. Everyone
suggestions in helping you to tune in.
is born with this ability to “sense” certain things. As children our intuition
• Be patient, otherwise you may miss something. We often are in
is strongest, perhaps this is due to being in tune with life’s natural
such a hurry we forget to slow down and sometimes miss that
rhythms and not being distracted by things such as work, bills, problems,
turn we were meant to take. You can’t rush this.
and stress which often interfere. As we age we get caught up in life
• Learn to listen to your intuition. It can come in the form of a song
where we don’t listen to our intuition and therefore it becomes dormant.
on the radio or in a dream. • Find your sign indicator. Everyone senses signals differently,
I describe it often as a gut feeling like a knot in the stomach. It is
but commonly one may get chills as an example.
something you feel. When you think about something too much this
• Meditate even if only a few minutes at a time --
is your logic, which does not have to do with what you are feeling
it will help you to tune in better.
-- there is a distinction between the two. For example, has the phone
• Take an “intuitive” walk – literally -- it helps to clear
ever rang right when you were thinking about a certain person and it
the mind and connect better.
was them calling? Well, this is a way your intuition works; it notified
• Avoid negative thinking -- it clutters the intuition
you they were going to contact you. You sensed it.
with doubt and we are unable to sense it. • Most importantly, trust yourself and what you sense, it will guide
It is like practicing to play the piano, if you do it often and regularly 146
you to a happier existence. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Experience a new style of living November, 2013
Schedule a showing (915) 500-6800 Sellers & Buyers Real Estate
Office: (915) 585-2222 780 N. Resler Drive www.sellersbuyers.com
147
June, 2014
A Celebration of
| By: BRITTANY SAWREY |
148
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zoo
June, 2014
K
ick off the summer season right
protect the elephants. After, you will be taken
place all day for both of the elephants, along
with this year’s Elephant Festival
onto a viewing platform behind the scenes
with tours of the other areas of the zoo. One
at the El Paso Zoo! This annual
where you can have a special, up-close view
of the best ways to get involved in the day
celebration of the largest animals
of the elephants in their habitat. If this quieter,
is to sign up for an Elephant Produce Hunt.
at the zoo is set for June 7th and 8th, from
more intimate time with the elephants
Going into the elephant habitat itself (without
10-3pm. Every year thousands of guests
sounds like your cup of tea, make sure to
the elephants), guests get to hide produce
come to enjoy the music, entertainment and
sign up ahead of time at www.elpasozoo.
for the elephants to find and enjoy for only
activities offered in honor of Savannah and
org. Online registration is located under the
$5. You can sign up for the Elephant Produce
Juno, the zoo’s resident Asian Elephants.
“Zoo Adventure” tab, and guests 13 and over
Hunt either before or at the festival, but
are $28, while 12 and under are $20. Price
spaces are limited, so make sure you get a
includes admission to the zoo.
spot! Other activities, such as an acrobatic
If you’re particularly enthusiastic, you can
dance troop, a karate demonstration group,
start your day at 8:30 at Breakfast with the Elephants. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast
The Elephant Festival itself will start at
and storybook time, give guests plenty to
– which this year includes freshly made crepes
10am, with Savannah, the zoo’s 62-year-old
enjoy. Bowling for the Rainforest – where
– while the elephants browse in front of you,
elephant, taking a bubble bath. Keeper story
you bowl with sanitized and shellacked
enjoying their own form of breakfast. Partway
time is always a favorite with guests, where
elephant poop – will also be returning as a
through breakfast you will get to hear about
they get to listen to stories from the elephant
crowd favorite. Various entertainers, music,
“96 Elephants,” which is the Association of
zookeepers themselves and ask their own
and arts and crafts will make this a festival
Zoos and Aquariums new initiative to help
questions. Special enrichment will be taking
you won’t want to miss!
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June, 2014
150
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June, 2014
MAN’S
Best Friend T
| By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
here are few sights that go together
itself actually began more than 100,000 years
significant. This cohabitation of man and dog
as well as a man and his dog. For
ago with man and beast as enemies; in fact,
lead to man’s gradual dominance over the
those of you who have ever owned
early Homo sapiens were plagued by the
animal and selective breeding began. Today
or loved a four-legged canine, you know that
predator instinct of Canis lupus (or wolves),
there are hundreds of breeds; ranging from
there is little these furry creatures won’t do
the ancestor of today’s domestic dogs.
the smallest Chihuahua to the largest Great
for the their beloved owners. The unique
Through years of slow evolution, man and
Dane – each of which has found its own
nature of this relationship has been captured
wolf somehow came to a mutual tolerance
special place in the heart of man.
in a myriad of photographs, (ranging from
for one another (speculations guess that as
service dogs to household pets) and motion
mans population grew, the scavenger nature
This relationship is one that has truly stood
pictures (think everything from Rin Tin Tin, to
of the wolf took to eating man’s leftovers
the test of time. Beginning as enemies, man
Lassie all the way to animated characters like
and other garbage). Further development of
and dog have developed a mutual respect for
Scooby Doo, Snoopy, the 101 Dalmatians,
their relationship is evidenced in burial rituals
each that has blossomed into what can only
etc.). It simply can’t be denied; there is
during the Stone Age more than 14,000 years
be described as a deeply emotional and pure
something special about the bond between
ago; archeologists have uncovered evidence
connection – or as some like to call it, true
our canine friends and us.
that dogs were buried alongside fellow
love. Unlike human lovers, or fair-weather
humans. The fact that these early humans
friends, a dog will always stay by your side
But . . . the history of man and dog did not
acknowledged the animals as sacred and
no matter what.
begin in such a positive light. The relationship
sought to honor them with these burials is
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June, 2014
Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre
COACH MIKA
UTEP Track and | By: MEAGAN KINLEY |
152
www.thecitymagazineelp.com Photo by Micheal P. Reese
June, 2014
Photo by Micheal P. Reese
LAAKSONEN
Field Head Coach
A
t the competitive level, Track and
sight unseen. He came over having never
His success didn’t end there. Laaksonen
Field is a sport filled with stories
even seen the campus before. He was a really
continued working hard and in 1993 he
of valor and perseverance; with
good athlete and we came to find out that he
repeated
years of development, the sport
his
All-American
was a really good person,” recalled former
earning
loss,
Head Coach Bob Kitchens. Before moving
Championships in the hammer throw. With
triumph and the eternal bond
across the country to pursue his academic and
an outstanding throw of 244-3 (74.44), he still
of competition that binds
athletic goals, Laaksonen spent two years at
holds the all-time UTEP school record.
all who participate in it
the University of Technology in Lappeenranta,
together. Many people don’t realize that a
Finland where he studied Industrial Economics
After two and half years of record breaking
piece of that history is alive right here in El
— his first plan was to only stay in El Paso for
performance as a UTEP Miner, Laaksonen
Paso at University of Texas’ budding Track
a couple of semesters, but his success would
graduated with his undergraduate degree in
and Field program. With a legacy of hard
keep him at UTEP for what would become his
Finance in 1995 and continued his education
work and humility of spirit, UTEP continues
thrilling lifelong career.
and graduated with a Masters of Science
is
filled
with
beauty,
second
place
performance,
at
the
NCAA
degree in Economics in July of 1998. While his
to push forward not only in the C-USA Conference but at the National level as well.
Once he arrived in the United States, he
eligibility as a student was complete, he went
At the helm of the program is UTEP’s Head
began instantly making noise for the UTEP
on to compete in many competitions abroad
Coach, Mika Laaksonen.
Track and Field team. As a new Miner, he won
including the European Championships and
the NCAA Championship in the 35-pound
the World Championships, finishing in the
Mika Laaksonen got his start at UTEP as an
weight throw for the indoor season and
top 50 in the world in 1996 and 1997. In fact,
athlete. He was recruited from Finland to the
the hammer throw in the following outdoor
it was in 1996 that Laaksonen threw a 250-1
join the school’s events squad as a thrower in
season. “It was a lot of hard work and you
(76.22), his all-time career best.
the fall of 1991 and came to the university on
certainly learn a lot about yourself when you
January 7th, 1992. “Steve Lemke, a former
commit yourself to the sport 100 percent like
After ending his throwing career on a high
Assistant Coach, recruited Mika by telephone
that,” Coach Laaksonen said.
note, Laaksonen returned to UTEP in 1998
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June, 2014
Photo by Denise Mata and began working as the Assistant Coach under his own former Coach, Bob Kitchens and the rest was history. Working under Coach Kitchens for 12 years Laaksonen would go on to coach 30 Conference Champions and numerous All-Americans. When Coach Kitchens retired, the selection of a new head coach was easy and on April 14, 2010, Laakensen was named Head Coach of the UTEP Track and Field team. “We have worked hard over the years and today we have a pretty darn good track team. There’s a lot of heart and integrity in these athletes and we are always pushing to get better on both sides for both the men and women’s teams,” said Coach Laaksonen. For all of these successes and more, Coach Mika Laaksonen was immortalized in the UTEP Track and Field Hall of Fame in April of 2005. He has also been honored as the 2013 C-USA Outdoor Season Coach of the Year, and the 2014 C-USA Indoor Season Coach of the Year. With only four years as Head Coach, Coach Laaksonen has carried the baton of competition, hard work and determination. He has personally experienced a myriad of achievements and shared these triumphs with the students and aspiring athletes that he coaches everyday. UTEP and the El Paso community are proud of the accomplishments of Coach Laaksonen and look forward to many more years of his inspiring leadership. 154
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June, 2014
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June, 2014
A Tangled Web
I
| By: FELIPA SOLIS |
t continues ... Peter Parker, aka Spiderman, is ready to graduate, yet there are many things in the way to keep him from putting on that cap and gown. This sequel-to-the-sequel stars once again Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) who is indeed smart enough and quirky enough to be that person
who spins his web to fight injustice. The action begins at the very beginning, whereby explosions abound, the future of New York City is again in question, and the fight against the evil Oscorp begins ... again.
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June, 2014 To begin, we find out more about Peter’s parents, there are many chase scenes, and an abundance of colorful villains. There is also quite a bit of star power attached to this blockbuster. We watch his Aunt May cry a lot, played by Oscar winning Actress Sally Field. We also see the great Paul Giamatti, and another Oscar winner, Jamie Foxx, who is really interesting as Electro. Gwen, played by Emma Stone, has intense chemistry with Peter/Spidey, and that makes for a very interesting love story, but is this what the kids really want to see? Let us cut to this chase. The movie is way too long. There is just not enough story to maintain all of these scenarios for more than two and a half hours. Director Mark Webb has conceived of every way to provide youngsters with enough visual stimulation until the next summer blockbuster is released, but one cannot help but walk out of the theater wondering why these films must be made over and over again? This is a multi million-dollar production. It is designed for 3-D and IMAX, so not only will the theater experience cost a bit more money for the moviegoer, it will also result in lots and lots of Spiderman merch until the next best thing rolls along. This new release is considered the first big summer box office bonanza. “Captain America” was just there to entice us for more. No other film is going to be competition for a while. It will, however, be interesting to see if the women continue to enjoy “The Other Woman,” while Dad and the kids head over to the “Amazing Spiderman 2.” The kids will say it’s “cool,” no doubt about that. The adults will realize that they need to save their money for yet more summer action flicks.
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November, 2013
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medical
June, 2014
TOP PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURES FOR MEN | By: SOUTHWEST PLASTIC SURGERY |
Top Plastic Surgery Procedures for Men Hair Transplant Gynecomastia Facelift Rhinoplasty Blepharoplasty Liposuction and 3D Body Contouring Non-Surgical – Botox, Fillers & Lasers, Hair Removal In the increasingly demanding and competitive business world, every detail and edge counts. Appearance plays an important role when it comes to trustworthiness and appeal, two crucial characteristics of competitive edge advantage.
Frank Agullo, MD FACS Humberto Palladino, MD Southwest Plastic Surgery 10175 Gateway Blvd West, Suite 210 (915) 590-7900 swplasticsurgery.com
Both women and men are living longer too, creating the desire to delay aging. The many alternatives available today can help slow down the aging process, and when combined with timely touch ups, provide the optimal combination to address the effects of the passage of time. Hair loss being quite a prevalent concern in males can have a strong impact on self-esteem and self-image. Hair transplantation significantly boosts confidence for those who do not prefer the “bald look.” Breast reduction for
Current trends and socially demanding
males, alone or coupled with liposuction and fat grafting,
lifestyles have altered men’s perspective of
can change the look of a feminine chest to a more athletic
cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. A
appearance, in just one surgical session. Finally, facial
culture with a broader point of view and more
procedures like rhinoplasty (nose job) or rejuvenation by
concerned about physique has increased the
means of surgery, such as facelift and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery),
popularity of cosmetic procedures amongst
as well as non-surgical methods like Botox, injectables, and laser
men. While the most popular procedures
treatments, can accentuate the masculine appeal by targeting specific
differ from those of women, the end goal
facial features that will improve the aesthetics of the face. From platelet
is the same: increase self-confidence and
rich plasma injections to fat grafting and more, the methods of facial
promote a fresher look, either for business or
rejuvenation are getting less invasive, requiring shorter recovery times
personal reasons.
and delivering amazing results. At Southwest Plastic Surgery you will find award winning Board Certified professionals who are skilled and knowledgeable in the art of Plastic Surgery. Come visit or call for a consultation today (915) 590-7900.
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investment
June, 2014
Bitcoin: Fad or the Future?
W
hat if someone told you about an investment that has made some people millionaires overnight and has both a number of high-profile supporters and a global reach? Would you be tempted to invest? Now what if someone told you that the same investment also could lose most or all of its value almost overnight, and that you might not have access to your money when you need it? How does it sound now?
You’ve just confronted the debate surrounding
of solutions that can be discovered globally
Physical bitcoins, which have a software
the five-year-old digital phenomenon known
per hour (and thus the number of “blocks”
key embedded in them, have begun to be
as Bitcoin. An alternative currency that exists
created and bitcoins mined) is limited by the
minted. However, acceptance of bitcoins as
strictly as digital code, Bitcoin has received a
system’s software code. The total number of
payment is entirely at a seller’s discretion;
lot of attention, especially in the last year. In
bitcoins available to be mined eventually is said
there is no guarantee you’ll be able to spend
part that’s because speculation in Bitcoin has
to be limited to 21 million, with roughly 12.5
them where you want to or get the value you
resulted in wild gyrations in its value.
million already in circulation.* However, most
expect. Also, as outlined below, problems at
users acquire them by either buying them with
some exchanges have sometimes impeded
Is Bitcoin an investment? A scam? A network
physical currencies such as dollars or accepting
access to Bitcoin funds.
of computers? The future of currency? If
them as payment for goods and services. Speculating in Bitcoin
you’re unclear on what all the fuss is about, here’s a brief introduction to just what it is,
Advocates argue that the advantages of
Bitcoin’s usage as a currency is a ripple
how it works, and what’s been happening in
the system are: (1) it’s not controlled by
compared to the tidal waves of investment
the Bitcoin world lately, as well as some of
any government’s central bank, (2) a global
speculation it has fueled. “Investing” in
the potential pitfalls it presents.
virtual currency facilitates global commercial
bitcoins
transactions, (3) every block and Bitcoin
through one of the methods outlined above.
transaction is recorded, and (4) though
However, to say that Bitcoin as an investment
Bitcoin isn’t a single company but a virtual
transactions are recorded, the payer and
is volatile is an understatement. Over its five-
currency
peer-to-peer
payee are anonymous, much like a cash
year history, its value has fluctuated wildly
computer-based electronic cash system first
transaction (However, that anonymity has
as both speculation and confidence in it as
outlined in 2009 by an anonymous person or
attracted charges that have been used for
a currency have ebbed and surged. In April
group using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. To
illegal activities like money laundering; last
2013, after rising from $90 to $260 over two
understand how the currency works, you have
October the FBI shut down the Silk Road
weeks, a bitcoin’s value plummeted to $130
to understand where it comes from. Unlike
Bitcoin exchange and seized its assets).
in just six hours. ** Since mid-2010, it has
Bitcoin as currency supported
by
a
printed currency or coins that are minted,
simply
means
acquiring
them
gone from a low of $2 USD to as high as
Bitcoin is created by “mining”-- using complex
How are bitcoins used
$1,200 last November, with multiple double-
software to solve complicated mathematical
to pay for something?
digit crashes in between. *** After China
computations (or contracting with a mining
Just as a physical wallet holds paper money
cracked down on virtual currency transactions
company to do it for you). Solving a problem
and change, a digital wallet stores the private
by financial institutions and halted deposits
creates a so-called “block,” and the computer
software keys that are bitcoins. It makes or
of Yuan at exchanges there, Bitcoin’s worth
that solved it is rewarded with a set number of
receives payments by communicating with
in dollars was cut by more than half.
digital bitcoins, each of which is simply a set
the network of other Bitcoin wallets. Some
of one public and one private cryptographic
merchants and services, especially those
That volatility has led to problems for people
key. (The units are generally “bitcoins,” while
that focus on online or international sales,
trying to make payments in bitcoins. It’s hard
the general system is “Bitcoin.”) The number
are starting to explore Bitcoin transactions.
to use a currency when you’re not sure from
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June, 2014
investment
day-to-day whether the amount in your virtual
necessary for virtual currencies helped send
wallet is worth enough to buy a Range Rover
Bitcoin to its peak last November. Unlike
or a tank of gas. Complicating the issue is
accounts at FDIC-insured banks, there is no
the fact that the value can vary on different
protection for possible loss from a digital
Bitcoin exchanges.
wallet. Also, unlike credit card charges, Bitcoin transactions are irreversible.
However, volatility is only one of the problems
The Internal Revenue Service provided a
that has created havoc in the Bitcoin
little additional regulatory clarity in March
universe. Earlier this year, one exchange
when it announced it will treat Bitcoin
announced that a hacker had made off with
holdings as property rather than as a
some of the funds stored there, and cyber
currency for tax purposes. That means that
attacks halted trading briefly on two major
the sale or exchange of bitcoins that have
exchanges in February. Days later, Mt. Gox,
gained in value since they were acquired
at one point said to be the world’s largest
could potentially trigger a tax liability. Also,
Bitcoin exchange, shuttered its website,
payments made in bitcoins are subject to the
leaving customers with their money in limbo
same information reporting requirements as
for days before declaring that the company
any other payments made in property. And
was bankrupt and nearly half a billion dollars’
wages paid in Bitcoin must be reported on a
worth of bitcoins had vanished (though some
W-2 form and are taxable as income, just as
were subsequently located). Worse than not
any other wages would be.
2013 Broker/Dealer of the Year
knowing how much your bitcoins will buy is not knowing whether they’re available to buy
Speculation hasn’t been limited to the
anything at all.
currency itself. Much as the Internet did in its early days, Bitcoin also has spawned an entire
Hackers and bankruptcy aren’t the only
ecosystem of startup companies and venture
reasons Bitcoin holders could lose the ability
capitalists who want to be part of building
to spend or exchange their funds. Because
out the technology and networks involved
of the accusations of money laundering via
in creating and transferring it. In addition to
Bitcoin, scrutiny of digital transactions is
multiple exchanges, companies have begun
increasing. If a law enforcement agency
providing data on the virtual currency’s
seized the assets of a digital platform or
price and status and creating Bitcoin-based
exchange, as they did with Silk Road, access
products, including the first ATM in the United
to digital wallets there could be restricted.
States. And as with early Internet companies,
The Wild West rides again
such ventures are likely to involve a high degree of uncertainty and risk.
So far, regulatory oversight of Bitcoin has
Henry Gallardo CWS®
Partner & Director of Investment Management Certified Wealth Strategist®
Strategic Wealth Advisors Terrace Gardens Office Park 600 Sunland Park, Building One, Ste 100 El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 532-8885 Office (915) 842-9532 fax (915) 422-8885 cell hgallardo@sw-advisors.com www.sw-advisors.com
been spotty; the closest thing to a regulatory
Obviously, virtual currency still faces a lot of
body is the Bitcoin Foundation, a private
challenges. If you’re considering exploring
organization that “standardizes, protects,
it, either for transactions or as a speculative
and promotes” Bitcoin usage. The currency
investment, you should become far more
is not backed by either a government or
familiar with it than simply relying on this
any physical asset such as gold. Major
discussion. And because of the issues
exchanges are located around the world,
outlined above, you should be prepared for
and the decentralized nature of the system
dramatic price swings and only use money
makes it more challenging for governmental
that you aren’t relying on for something else.
This alert is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a solicitation of any kind, and neither the information nor any opinion included in it should be considered financial advice.
*Source: www.coindesk.com, March 26, 2014. **Source: “Bitcoin panic selling halves its value,” April 11, 2013, BBC News (www.bbc.co.uk). ***Source: www.bitcoincharts.com, March 26, 2014.
Securities offered through Investors Capital Corporation, Member FINRA, SIPC Advisory Services offered through Investors Capital Advisory 6 Kimball Ln, Lynnfield MA 01940
regulators to get a handle on it. So far there has been little oversight by any U.S. regulatory body; in fact, testimony before a U.S. Senate committee that no new regulations were
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Views and opinions expressed are those of Henry Gallardo and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. It is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as specific investment advice. Consult a financial advisor regarding your specific situation.
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THE CITY AGENDA june 2014 1 may 1 - jun. 19
Rudolph Mazda West 5K Head into June with a running headstart at this 5K run and 1 mile walk at Rudolph Mazda West. Proceeds benefit UMC Advanced Endoscopy. Races start at 8 am; registration is ongoing. Info: raceadventuresunlimited.com
1
6 june 6-27
june 1-30
First Light Federal Credit Union Presents Alfresco Fridays
Chihuahuas Baseball The Chihuahuas’ inaugural season is in full swing at Southwest University Park in Downtown El Paso. You can find out about special promotions and ticket packages on their official team website. Info: epchihuahuas.com 6.1 Tacoma 6:05p
6.15 Round Rock 6:05p
6.2 Tacoma 6:35p
6.26 Tacoma 7:05p
6.3 Tacoma 6:35p
6.27 Tacoma 7:05p
6.9 New Orleans 6:35p
6.28 Tacoma 7:05p
6.10 New Orleans 6:35p
6.29 Tacoma 6:05p
6.11 New Orleans 6:35p
6.30 Albuquerque 7:05p
6.12 New Orleans 6:35p
7.1 Albuquerque 7:05p
6.13 Round Rock 7:05p
7.2 Albuquerque 7:05p
6.14 Round Rock 7:05p
7.3 Albuquerque 6:15
6
Alfresco Fridays presented by First Light Credit Union are back this summer for their 12th season! This year’s events will be held at the Convention Center Plaza. Admission is free; no pets allowed. 5.6 Trailer Band (Country Rock) 5.13 Tejas Band (Spanish Variety) 5.27 Sobredosis del Sabor (Salsa, Cumbia) Info: elpasolive.com/alfrescofridays
june 6
El Paso Musem of Art Member Reception The El Paso Museum of Art will host museum members and VIP June 6th at 6 pm. The Museum will be showcasing their new exhibitions Water, Water Everywhere: Paeon to a Vanishing Resource and Vanishing Ice: Alpine and Polar Landscapes in Art 1775-2012. Info: elpasoartmuseum.org
7 1
6
june 1
june 6
Jersey Boys Winner of the Best Musical Award on Broadway, in London, and Australia, this blockbuster phenomenon takes you up the charts, across the country and behind the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Jersey Boys plays five nights at the Plaza Theatre from May 28th through June 1st. Info: (915) 231-1111 or elpasolive.com/jerseyboys
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First Friday Artwalk & Ghost Tour Experience the First Friday Artwalk and Ghost Tour at San Elizario Historical District from 6 to 10 pm. See local art, shop for jewelry, pottery, and more. There are sweet and savory treats and also a “movie on the wall” at 8:15. Admission is free; the ghost tour is $10. Info: sanelizariohistoricartdistrict.com
june 7-28
Downtown Art & Farmers Market Every Saturday morning from 9 am to 1 pm, the Union Plaza District is home to a variety of vendors of delicious food, local art and crafts, and entertainment including free activities for kids. Artisan coffee, paintings, and live music are just some of the delights on offer. Metered parking downtown is free on Saturdays. Info: elpasotexas.gov/mcad/downtown_ market.asp
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June, 2014
15 june 15
Mission Trail Art Market 7 june 7
Concerts Cali rap legends e-40 (pictured) and Too $hort hit the stage at Tricky Falls at 8 pm on June 26th.
2
Perfect P----
El Paso Orchestra Plays Pink Floyd El Paso Symphony Orchestra will play the music of classic psych-rock band Pink Floyd with conductor Brent Havens and vocalist Randy Jackson at 8 pm at the Plaza Theatre. Info: epso.org
Discover the Mission Trail Art Market, the Mission Valley’s premier art and craft sale. Professional artisans from across the region present an amazing selection of quality painting, sculpture, photography and more. 11 am - 6 pm; admission is free. Info: missiontrailartmarket.com
w/ potty mouth trainyard • 9 pm
Uh Huh Her w/ kim anh
4
lowbrow palace • 9 pm
15
w/ nalgadas lowbrow palace • 9 pm
w/ Freddy gibbs
16
tricky falls • 8 pm
19
Belinda abraham chavez theatre • 7 pm
Too Short & E-40 tricky falls • 8 pm
10
june 7-28
Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
Paul Collins Beat
Tech N9ne
7
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing is hosting a brunch and farmer’s market on Saturdays from 9 am - 2 pm, where you’ll find dozens of vendors and a wide selection of organic and pesticide-free produce, beef, pork, lamb and goat, fresh-baked breads and salsas. Info: (575) 589-0653 or ardovinos.com/farmersmarket
june 16-27
Summer Camps at El Paso Exploreum
26
The El Paso Exploreum has fun and
Guantanamo Baywatch w/ nalgadas black market • 9 pm
KC & the Sunshine Band socorro entertainment center • 9 pm
10
7 7 june 7-28
Dancing in the City Dancing in the City is a free outdoor dance series at the El Paso Convention Center Plaza held every Saturday evening in June. Dance Lessons are from 7-8 pm, followed by a concert from 8-10. Info: elpasolive.com/dancinginthecity
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june 7-8
Elephant Festival Meet Juno and Savannah, the El Paso Zoo’s Asian elephants at their two-day, elephantastic Elephant Festival. There will be an elephant breakfast and an opportunity to hang out with the elephant keepers as they bathe and groom the girls. Info: ticketmaster.com
educational camps for kids all summer long. For the Space Exploration camp (June 16-20, AM) they’ve partnered with NASA to take kids on an adventure that’s out of this world. Campers will get a chance to make their own take-home telescope, and campers will also get a chance to meet real NASA workers. The Krafty Kids Camp (June 23-27, PM) challenges creativity and provides a chance for kids to make all kinds of paintings, clay sculptures, and more. At the always messy Crazy Scientists Camp (June 16-20, PM), kids will blow up a volcano, design and test experiments, and make gooey slime. Admission is $100 for all camps; military and multiple family member discounts are available. Info: elpasoexploreum.org
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June, 2014
21 june 21-22
El Paso Downtown Street Fest 2014 As one of El Paso’s largest downtown celebrations, the Downtown Street Festival presented by Southwest University and VIVA Auto Group is a nonstop party with food, fun, games, and outdoor music. There will be live music on five stages as well as fireworks provided by Teacher’s Federal Credit Union. Not just an adult-oriented event, there is a children’s carnival, arts and crafts area, and over a hundred vendor booths. Tickets are available at all area 7-Eleven Alon locations or at holdmyticket.com. Info: elpasolive.com
27 june 27
Mike Epps Comedian and actor Mike Epps (Friday, All About the Benjamins) will be bringing his After Dark 2014 tour to the Plaza Theatre June 27th at 9 pm. Info: mikeepps.com
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November, 2013
165
MINI ROCKS THE FOUNTAINS AT FARAH
MINI F56 LAUNCH PARTY Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
4/25/14
PUNTO LIVING AND ERA SELLERS, BUYERS & ASSOCIATES
PRESENT PUNTO LIVING’S TROPICAL NIGHT at A NEW HOME BY PUNTO LIVING | Photographed by TOMMIE MORELOS
MERCEDES-BENZ OF EL PASO SWIM AND CRUISE
FASHION SHOW 2014
Produced by WILHELMINA BAZAAR at THE MERCEDES-BENZ OF EL PASO SHOWROOM | Photographed by DAV ANMED
2014 RAY MICKENS CELEBRITY WEEKEND
CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT at PAINTED DUNES DESERT GOLF COURSE | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
POLO REAL 2014
PRESENTED BY THE EL PASO MUSEUM OF HISTORY FOUNDATION RECOGNISING MR. & MRS. PAUL FOSTER at RANCHO SANTA MARIA POLO CLUB | Photographed by TOMMIE MORELOS
MRS. EL PASO
PAGEANT 2014 at CIELO VISTA MALL | Photographed by LUI CARDENAS
HAIR WARS THE SUPREME SALON TOUR PRESENTED BY VISTA DEL SOL CONFERENCE CENTER Produced by WINDY CITY MEDIA at THE CAMINO REAL HOTEL | Photographed by DAV ANMED, TOMMIE MORELOS AND CHARLOTTE MCGEE
YARI ORTA-RUBIO, HOME PROS REAL ESTATE GROUP
SPRING CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.
November, 2013
DREAM
IN
BLACK
WEST • 5020 N. Desert Blvd Ste. E| (915) 842-8867 Between Texas Roadhouse and Fuddrucker’s
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EAST (New!) • 6974 Gateway East Ste. E | (915) 842-8867 Across from Cielo Vista Mall next to Reebok and Ella Blu
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