MOMS We Understand
Breathe Better. Sleep Better.
Learn Better. Grow Better.
by Alisha McMillen
DR.
Srishti Mehta, founder of local Indigo Orthodontics, has been creating happy, confident smiles since 2007, most recently in Richmond. Two years ago they moved from their original Richmond location into a new state-of-the-art practice on Grand Parkway.
“For me, orthodontics was personal. I had a not-so-beautiful smile when growing up. I love orthodontics for the change it can make in people’s lives, not just aesthetically, but also for your health,” Dr. Mehta explains.
Early Intervention is Key “What we do in orthodontics can influence facial and airway development at an early age,” Dr. Mehta stresses. “We can influence the development of the face, jaws, and airway, treating issues such as snoring, mouth
breathing, and restless sleep. For the best results, your child’s first evaluation should be done by age seven, if not earlier. Help your kids breathe better, sleep better, learn better, and grow better.”
“We team up with local dentists, oral surgeons, speech pathologists, pulmonologists, sleep doctors, and ENTs to help identify the underlying problem in a collaborative environment,” she continues. “Every day, a
parent thanks us for identifying the issue and taking the proper steps to repair it. Patients can experience decreased snoring, longer, more restful sleep, and even the reduction of ADHD medications.”
During the early evaluation, Dr. Mehta and her associate Dr. Angelica Herrera also look for dental crowding.
“The idea is to create enough space for adult teeth to come in naturally without pulling teeth. Sometimes the bite needs to be adjusted before a dentist completes crowns and other restorations,” Dr. Mehta explains. “Dr. Herrerra and I create the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient together. Patients can see either of us when they come in because we’ve both worked on the plan.”
We Understand Moms
With 30 women on their all-female team, Indigo Orthodontics can relate to the busy mom life. Each doctor has two daughters – Dr. Mehta’s are 16 and 12, while Dr. Herrera’s are 11 and 10. “Moms ‘get’ moms. Our own girls are involved in after-school activities, so we understand the time challenges moms face,” Dr. Mehta says. “We even have select Saturday appointment availability.“
A Beautiful Space for a Beautiful Smile
Indigo Orthodontics’ new space is impressive and comforting to patients. With a glass and wood exterior accented with dark brick, it’s the big, modern building that stands out among the other new buildings along the Grand Parkway. Inside you’ll find splashes of calming blue, punctuated by the colorful Indigo Orthodontics graffiti mural. “I’ve had people tell me they came to our office just because they saw how beautiful the building was when driving by! We create beautiful smiles in a beautiful space,” Dr. Mehta says.
The practice is in network with several insurance companies and no referrals are required. To request your complimentary Indigo Orthodontics consultation, visit www.indigoortho.com or call 281-201-2087.
Indigo Orthodontics
281-201-2087
7623 West Grand Parkway S., Richmond, TX 77407 www.indigoortho.com
Founder and Publisher Gina Pizzini
Business Editor Alisha McMillen
Layout and Design Night Sky Creative
Account Executive John McMillen
Writers
Alisha McMillen
Amy Sharp
Sara Adams
Nicole Grace
Photography J. Thomas “Jay” Ford
Try Ezee Fiber
Now Available in Fort Bend
Paul Barnett understands how fast, reliable internet service can enhance your life. Pastowner of two busy companies and current treasurer/past-president of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, a service organization that manages multiple activities every week, Paul needs immediate access to his data, not lagging connection times and outages.
“I had cable and telephone company internet in the past. They were both spotty in connectivity. I even had both services at once, so I would always have a backup. But I’ve experienced both services going out at exactly the same time,” Paul says.
Paul was looking for something faster and more reliable. He’d read about fiber and was waiting for it to be available in Sugar Land. “It was frustrating that we never had much of a choice before now. I was just waiting until Ezee Fiber was offered in our area,” he explains. “When Ezee Fiber launched in my neighborhood about six months ago, I signed up right away. We’ve been happy with it – it’s so fast and reliable.”
Fiber internet uses thin strands of glass to transmit data via light signals. Fiber is much faster than the traditional metal wired-based methods.
“I use it for everything – streaming, phones, cameras, alarms,” Paul continues. “It’s noticeably faster and we haven’t experienced any outages.”
Paul needs reliable and fast connectivity every day. In addition to his Exchange Club responsibilities of the past 21 years, he has his pilot’s license, which he uses to transport stray animals to other locations for adoptions. “Texas is ground zero for strays, with a million and a half on the streets here. Through my association with Pilots N Paws, we fly pets to other locations to find homes,” Paul explains. “My biggest load was 14-15 puppies and my longest trip was to Iowa. These pets typically find homes in a week or two once we get them out of Texas.”
Paul and his wife Jonee also have frequent visitors, mostly family. “During a visit from my nephew, we learned how big of a gamer he is… he used one terabyte of data while he was here,” Paul says. “Ezee Fiber could definitely handle that load better than what we were using, and for a reasonable price.”
by Nicole Grace
Because residential customers have varying needs, Ezee Fiber offers 1 Gig, 2 Gig, 5 Gig, and 8 Gig plans with transparent, contract-free pricing that is locked in for life.
“The pricing structure is fair, especially when you don’t have an annual increase. I would definitely recommend Ezee Fiber to friends and colleagues – I’ve been really happy with it,” Paul concludes.
Ezee Fiber, based in Houston, has been supplying fiber solutions for Texas businesses for 30 years to provide emergency services, government facilities, school districts, and medical facilities with faster, more reliable internet service. They are excited to extend this premium service to residential homes.
713-255-7500
14850 Woodham Dr. Houston, TX 77073
www.ezeefiber.com
Ezee Fiber’s EVP of Customer Operations Pedro Checo with Paul Barnett
Calling all DocsTop
As Fort Bend County continues to grow, it is fast becoming the new Medical Center of Southwest Houston. More and more great physicians, specialists, and medical facilities are making the wise decision to locate here.
More choices is a great thing, but it can also lead to confusion. How do you know who to call when you need a medical specialist? Or when you crack your tooth and need a quick repair? Or even when your family pet needs medical attention?
At UpClose Magazine, we are excited to continue our more than twodecade-long tradition of featuring the region’s top medical professionals on the August front cover. It’s packed with additional pages full of detailed and insightful information about their practices, fields of expertise, and facilities. UpClose gives readers the information they need to make an informed decision about their medical care.
These medical professionals are your neighbors and friends. They love living in your community just like you do! When Dr. Shannon Orsak, founder and CMO of St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, launched his new-concept, stand-alone ER in Sugar Land in 2007, he was first featured in UpClose Magazine’s August issue of The Doc.
“UpClose has helped me to help our community,” Dr. Orsak says. “The magazine’s goal is to help everyone in Fort Bend connect with others for a win-win relationship. UpClose helps my company and our community at the same time.”
Do you know someone who should be featured in this year’s issue? Are you a medical professional who wants more information about being featured yourself? Call John at 832-567-9712. Limited space is available.
Roadworthy Get Your Vehicle
Before Your Summer Trip
With 78 repair bays and an average of 110 to 125 vehicles rolling through the service department every day, Classic Elite is ready to make sure your vehicle is fit to hit the road for your summer trip.
“My team has 14 service advisors and is growing,” says David Alexander, Fixed Operations Director for the Classic Elite service department. “People have built relationships with their advisors… advisors who spend time with them explaining what their vehicle needs. Our clients are very satisfied overall, with a customer satisfaction rating consistently in the 90s.”
Treat your car to their 21-point vehicle inspection, which includes brakes, fluid levels, belts, hoses, tires, wiper blades, A/C, driveline, and transmission. “If we find anything, we make recommendations and provide an estimate on what work is needed to make your trip as safe
by Alisha McMillen
and efficient as possible. We also provide a list of items that may not need attention today, but you may want to budget for in the future, such as diminishing brake levels or worn tire tread,” David explains. “And ask about our discount coupon designated specifically for helping get your car ready for your road trip.”
Classic Elite does their part to make our community a better place. Tiffany and Jeff Sebastian, owners of the Classic Elite family of dealerships say, “We use the word ‘community’ a lot. Here in Fort Bend we share the kind of local community that means fellowship and working together towards common goals. Being a good neighbor means reaching out a helping hand whenever we can, supporting causes including literacy, food banks, our local law enforcement, shelters, and other organizations that make our world a better place.”
They continue, “All of us at Classic Elite feel
engaged and connected to our clients. That’s why we’re so involved in getting out into the community and giving back. We love cars, but our first priority is always the people who drive them!”
You’ll see the Classic Elite service team out in the community, often supporting local organizations at charity golf tournaments. “We sponsor Hole in One promotions,” David says. “If someone gets a hole in one, they win a car! Last year, a guy came within one foot of the hole!”
Like the entire Classic Elite team, “Our service department is a very strong family. We pride ourselves on it,” David continues. “We even cook for the team. My service manager Ronnie likes to make hamburgers and hot dogs for them. When your top managers are cooking and serving food to you, it makes you feel special. And when you feel special, you want to be sure your clients feel special too.”
Quality Water
for Quality Life
by Alisha McMillen
What’s in the water you use to do your dishes, shower with, drink?
Fort Bend County water goes through an intricate cleaning process before it enters your home. It’s safe to drink and work with, but making it that way injects additives that you may prefer not to have in your daily water.
Your local quality plumbers at Alan’s Plumbing have options for you to get clean water that you’re comfortable with. “Using a water filter takes out what’s not supposed to be in water,” says Beau Burkhalter, son of the namesake of Alan’s Plumbing, who has been working with his father at the business since he was just a teen. “There is a large amount of chlorine added to water to make it clean. And you definitely can feel it on your skin.”
Alan’s offers several different levels of whole-house water filters, from a basic filter at the inlet of the home that catches the smell and taste that you find in the water to “the best of the best – a five micron pre-filter that goes into a carbon tank, then through a water softener,” Beau
explains. “It’s the ideal situation for everyone. Adding the carbon filter cleans the water through two stages before going through the softener.”
There are three levels of filtration that Alan’s installs…the decision is up to the homeowner. “Levels two and three will both keep the white film off your fixtures and stop water spots on glass. Adding the water softener to the water makes it feel like it’s supposed to feel on your skin,” Beau continues. “The pre-filter and softener take out a lot of chlorine.”
Beau, a recent newlywed, truly realized the level of comfort a water filter and softener could add when he and his new wife moved into their home. “We didn’t know it, but the water filter stopped working properly. My wife couldn’t believe how different she felt –your body gets so used to it. Your skin is your biggest organ and it just sucks in the chlorine in unfiltered water,” he explains. “She said her skin was itchy and dry without the filtration.”
Water filters require regular maintenance – “the pre-filter generally needs to be changed every eight to 10 months, depending on how dirty it has gotten,” Beau says. “We offer maintenance plans to help with the upkeep.” Depending on which level of filter system you choose, installation can take from four hours to all day. “But it’s always worth it,” Beau concludes. “The feedback has been great. 100% of our clients notice a difference in their water.”
Other benefits to having filtered and soft water is that it keeps your appliances clean and in good working condition. “It helps your water heaters, dishwashers, faucets, and washers/dryers last longer, without the calcium buildup from heavily treated water,” Beau continues. “Your dishes won’t have a calcium film either.”
VIP Emergency Service Right Here in Fort Bend County
by Alisha McMillen
Dr.Salman Aly, an Internist with Capital Internal Medicine Associates, has been practicing for close to 13 years in Sugar Land. He is a primary care doctor for his in-office patients, but also a hospitalist with four local hospitals where he has privileges. As such, Dr. Aly has seen his share of patients needing immediate attention over the years.
“The majority of our patients who need urgent care, we send directly to St. Michael’s Elite Hospital,” explains Dr. Aly. “We work synergistically with the hospital to get our patients the best and fastest care. If they need extended care, St. Michael’s offers overnight treatment and observation, and if the patient is critically ill and needs transfer, I assist as the admitting physician at one of the local hospitals.”
If Dr. Aly has to admit the patient to another
hospital, the transition time is much faster and more efficient for patients than in a traditional ER environment. “Together, St. Michael’s and I act almost like a concierge service,” Dr. Aly says. “It’s a VIP service, tailored to each individual patient’s needs.”
Dr. Aly has lived in Sugar Land most of his life. “I graduated from Clements High School, attended the University of Houston and NYU, then came back to the community where I grew up to practice,” he says. “I serve many of my old teachers and my friends’ parents in my practice. And I’m raising my two children (ages six and eight) right here in the same community, with my wife, Dr. Azeema Moosa. My brother’s practice is under the same roof as mine. Our mosque is here. Our community is here.”
In 2007, Dr. Shannon Orsak, founder and CMO
of St. Michael’s, had an innovative idea: Create a place in his hometown where his neighbors could seek quality, emergency, medical care. A comfortable place where patrons would feel loved and didn’t have to wait hours to see a doctor. Seventeen years later, his patients are thankful for the option.
“I had several patients who were also patients at St. Michaels and they said the personal experience they received was top-notch,” Dr. Aly explains. “My mom has been to St. Michaels for treatment and most recently, I took my wife there. It’s a much calmer environment than a traditional ER. There’s less commotion and chaos and you’re typically not surrounded by super sick patients. I send my own family there, that’s how much confidence I have in St. Michael’s. And if I was ever to get sick, I would be there because of the expertise of the doctors and the caliber of care they offer.”
St. Michael’s Elite Hospital 16000 Southwest Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77479
281-980-HELP(4357) www.24hrer.com
St. Michael’s is a CIHQ Certified Hospital that participates in Medicare and bills all insurances. Your insurance MUST pay in-network benefits at the ER of YOUR CHOICE whether the emergency room you choose is “in-network” or “out-ofnetwork.”
St. Michaels Elite Hospital is dedicated to Our Values – Community, Compassion, Credibility, Courage and Value to the Holistic person. We strive to improve the health of the people in our community. As such, we maintain a policy to provide care for individuals in need of financial assistance.
The Hidden Dangers of Crooked Teeth
Mby Sarah Warburton
aybe you thought a few crooked or misaligned teeth were just a cosmetic issue, but think about these questions: Have you noticed your teeth drifting more and more over time? Where do you have the most trouble flossing? Are your gums most sensitive and prone to bleeding around your crowded, crooked teeth? Dr. Thomas Lomonte says, “Crooked teeth or malocclusion isn’t just a question of how your teeth look...it’s an important health issue. After all, your mouth is a mirror, reflecting the general health or disease of your entire body.”
Just taking a “wait and see” approach could really cause big problems. Dr. Lomonte says, “Crowded or crooked teeth are at a greater risk for plaque build-up, are harder to clean, have poor root support, and have more toxic bacteria around them. Why does that concern me? Because gum disease has overtaken tooth decay as the number one cause of tooth loss in adults. And gum disease plays a role in diabetes, respiratory illness, pregnancy complications, and heart disease. In fact, people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to die from heart disease than
those with healthy teeth and gums. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the surface problem – crooked teeth – will lead to tooth or bone loss and affect your total health.”
Want to be worry-free? Straighter teeth have healthier gums, easier cleanings, and a decreased risk of trauma and abnormal wear...and the solution’s super-simple. Dr. Lomonte recommends Invisalign®, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Completely clear and easily removable, Invisalign® realigns your teeth and works with your busy life. Dr. Lomonte says, “We often see results quickly and patients love how easy it is to wear. I love knowing that straightening their teeth could be saving their lives!”
Taking the first step to a straighter, brighter smile will put you on the road to better health. Dr. Lomonte says, “I want all my patients to enjoy showing the world their happy, healthy smiles!”
Thomas M. Lomonte, D.D.S.
“Come in as a patient, leave as a friend.” 12122 Murphy Rd., Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 530-1440
www.drthomaslomonte.com
Partnering for
Customized Medications
to Meet Individual Patient Needs
by Alisha McMillen
r. Dina White has been a Sugar Land family physician since 1998 at Sweetwater Medical Associates. When the practice started focusing on customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, for both females and males, in 2005, Dr. White quickly learned that each patient required a different, individualized approach to hormone therapy.
“When prescribing medication, one size does not fit all... not everyone is the same,” she says. “With compounded medications, we can change up doses for each individual. When Campbell’s Compounding opened its doors in Sugar Land in 2007, I was already using compounded medications, but when I began working with Dr. Campbell and his team, the process was streamlined. It became very convenient and efficient to get the medications our patients need. They are our go-to compounding pharmacy. It’s great because there is not a disconnect between the pharmacy and the physician, which can sometimes happen with traditional prescription methods.”
Campbell’s Compounding was started in 2003 by Dr. Lance Campbell after working for several compounding pharmacies in the Houston area. Pharmacy compounding is the art and science of preparing personalized medications for patients. “Compounded medications are made based on a practitioner’s prescription in which individual ingredients are mixed together in the exact
strength and dosage form required by the patient,” says Dr. Campbell.
“Compounding allows us to work with all sorts of dosing types – the pharmacists can create capsules, tablets that dissolve under the tongue, and even creams and gels. And they don’t have fillers and extra dyes – they are made with all natural ingredients,” Dr. White explains.
“Dr. Omar Alkazzaz and Dr. Campbell helped educate me over the years on what they can do for us. They are very receptive to new ideas and exceptionally customerrelated,” she continues. “They’re meticulous about their compounding techniques and are open to questions and further education for our patients.”
In addition to compounded hormone therapy, Dr. White’s team, consisting of two physicians and three nurse practitioners, also uses compounded medications for topical pain solutions, skin-related issues, and more. “We consider all options for getting our patients the best treatment plan,” she concludes. “We still handle the regular stuff, like cholesterol testing, heart issues, and other standard testing, and we’ve developed a successful program to focus on patients facing hormone and thyroid-related options that are individualized and effective, with the help of Campbell’s Compounding.”
For more information about the treatment options offered at Sweetwater Medical Associates, go to www.sweetwatermed.com.
our
Dr. Dina White
Smile brighter and whiter for summer!
by Alisha McMillen
J
uly brings images of the American flag and Independence Day. Make your teeth the “white” in the good old red, white, and blue!
“Teeth whitening is all the rage! Who doesn’t want a whiter and brighter smile?” says Dr. Asha Patel of Smile Solutions. “Teeth whitening, when done right, can improve anyone’s confidence and selfesteem. It can also help lessen extrinsic stains from everyday food and drinks.”
At local Smile Solutions, the team of dental experts know just how to decrease teeth staining and bring your bright, white smile back. “The first step is to schedule a visit for a routine exam to ensure you’re cavity free, and to complete a cleaning,” Dr. Patel says. “For those patients who need a deep gum cleaning, they can see one or two shades lighter difference just from the deep gum cleaning alone. For those who just need a routine cleaning, they can choose from an in-office whitening treatment that gives them immediate whitening results in less than two hours.”
High Traffic
by Nicole Grace
Do you know the traffic patterns in your home? They aren’t marked with signs or lined with lights or arrows. But if you choose the wrong flooring, the wear and tear of foot traffic can show!
“The biggest traffic areas are usually the hallways, family room, kitchen, and gameroom,” says Mohamed Naser, co-owner of Lone Star Floors together with his cousins Ziad Mukhaimer and Imad Mansour. “But don’t worry, you don’t have to use industrial-style flooring in these hightraffic areas. At Lone Star Floors, we can help you choose the best product for every room, while keeping up with current trends.”
Houzz, a design site that stays on top of home remodeling styles says one of the newest trends is “airy, neutral, light-colored wood flooring.”
Mohamed says, contrary to what people may believe, you can use hardwood flooring in high traffic areas, especially if it has a special finish. “We
have hardwood flooring from all the top brands, including Shaw, Mohawk, and Stainmaster,” he says. “Mirage also makes flooring in various shades and colors that can be enhanced with UV inhibitors in the finish to protect against fading.”
Other popular flooring options for 2024 include stone, luxury vinyl, and unique products like engineered wood and laminate flooring. And tile flooring is always a good, reliable option.
“You want to choose something that makes you happy to look at everyday, but it also needs to fit the requirements of its location in your home,” Mohamed continues. “If the home has a pool, you need to consider something near the pool entry that decreases slipping when wet and that is sturdy against water damage.” Ceramic or stone tiles, luxury vinyl flooring, or even contemporary water-resistant carpet can fit the bill for pool entry areas.
“Flooring has come such a long way that we can find a durable solution that delivers just about any look you want… even in your highest-traffic areas,” Mohamed concludes.
Get your free estimate today at one of the three Lone Star Floors showrooms.
Patients may experience some initial sensitivity as a result of the whitening treatment, “but the majority of the time it is temporary and resolves on its own after three to five days,” Dr. Patel explains. “We also always recommend that patients switch to Sensodyne toothpaste to help minimize the sensitivity as much as possible.”
In addition to improved oral health, teeth whitening can give a person more confidence in their smile, boost their morale, and develop an overall more attractive smile.
“At our dental practice, we are proud partners of Philips Zoom whitening for in-office whitening,” Dr. Patel says. “With a focus on preventative and cosmetic dentistry I want to ensure that each and every one of my patients are informed, engaged in the treatment planning process and feel like family in my office.”
Call Smile Solutions today to make your appointment to start the teeth whitening process, just in time to boost your summer smile!
Solutions Dr. Asha Patel, DMD, FAGD 832-449-5442
7963 W. Grand Parkway S. Suite A, Richmond, TX 77407 smilesolutionsrichmond.com
The Dry Eye Guy
Innovative, Cutting-Edge Treatment for Painful Eyes
by Nicole Grace
Patricia Guthrie, a home health care provider living in Brazoria, woke up one day in March 2022 with a terrible headache, painful eyes, and strange circles in her vision. “I saw several doctors and no one could determine what was going on,” she explains. “At one point, I was only able to work 10 hours a week due to the pain and discomfort.”
Married for just three years when the pain hit, Patricia and her husband Patrick tackled the problem together, but, “It was very stressful,” she says. “Patrick drove me to every appointment. You just don’t know if you’ll ever feel better and it affects your mood and outlook.”
“For a year, she didn’t go anywhere without sunglasses and a hat,” Patrick says. “She wore them to protect her eyes from bright lights and
the slight breezes from vents and fans. She even wore them at church and at night.”
Luckily, Patricia found Dr. Faheem Inayatali through an internet search. He diagnosed her with severe dry eye disease and ocular rosacea, an inflammatory disease that affects your eyes and the tissue around them. It’s a chronic disease that has no cure, however, it can be managed with various treatments. Dr. Faheem suggested Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment for her dry eye disease.
“For a year, she didn’t go anywhere without sunglasses and a hat,” Patrick says. “She wore them to protect her eyes from bright lights and the slight breezes from vents and fans. She even wore them at church and at night.”
IPL is an FDA-approved quick, non-invasive, pain-free therapy that uses special light waves to reduce inflammation (rosacea) and help restore congested meibomian glands in the eyelids. The treatment encourages the glands to produce oils that lubricate the eyes, keeping healthy tears on the eyes longer and dramatically reducing symptoms such as redness, burning, excess watering, grittiness, and itchy eyes. “This treatment gets to the root of the condition, rather than providing a temporary quick fix as with artificial tears,” Dr. Faheem says. “If the glands are not treated early on, they become damaged and eventually die out. We need these glands to last our entire lives to produce healthy tears. IPL also helps to treat bacteria-related lumps and bumps known as styes on the eyelids.”
”Patricia had four treatments and she is almost in total remission today,” Patrick says. “Visiting the Dry Eye & Wellness Center was worth every minute of the one-hour drives to Sugar Land.”
“Dr. Faheem is a good, detailed, and friendly doctor,” Patricia adds. “He answered all of my questions patiently and thoroughly.”
Dry Eye & Wellness Center is proud to be the only standalone dry eye clinic in the Houston area. Consultations can be scheduled by visiting www.dryeyeandwellness.com or calling 281-800-9050.
Dry Eye & Wellness Center
281-800-9050
13440 University Blvd #130 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 www.dryeyeandwellness.com
Pro Tips for Parents
Fast and Painless Dental Work Results in Happy Kids… and Moms
by Alisha McMillen
When Michelle Chow, a teacher at a local Katy elementary school, needed a new dentist for her seven-year-old daughter Aimee, she trusted word of mouth and friendly referrals. “We had heard a lot about Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental. Aimee’s friend had a cap done by Dr. Khan and said she didn’t feel any pain and that the office made her comfortable,” Michelle says.
Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS, of Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental, and his staff want to make children’s dental experiences as stress-free as possible. “We strive to create a positive relationship with the patients so they are not as afraid of returning to dental care in the future. We also walk parents through every step of the process so there is no confusion,” says Dr. Khan. “We value healthy teeth at a young age to promote healthy growth for years to come.”
With three additional dentists on staff, the office is efficient and saves parents time when scheduling appointments. Dr. Khan’s associate Dr. Khadija did the work on Aimee’s teeth.
“Aimee had a cap done and needed a sealant. The staff was very calm and helpful. Aimee had a lot of questions!” Michelle
laughs. “The assistant patiently talked her through everything. Aimee got a little laughing gas to ease her stress and she didn’t cry at all. It only took 30 minutes in total.”
“One thing we love is that there is practically no wait time,” Michelle continues. “They have a lot of games and toys in the lobby to keep the kids busy – Aimee loves the Pac-Man game – but we didn’t have to spend much time in the lobby. We arrived and went right back to the treatment room. They’re really good with their scheduling procedures.”
The family lives in Katy, north of I-10, about a 20 minute drive from the Richmond dental office, but “I didn’t mind the drive because there was no wait time inside the office,” Michelle explains. “And I really like the staff there – they’re all friendly and down to earth. I would absolutely recommend Grand Parkway Pediatric to friends.”
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental
Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS 832-246-7255
7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406 www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
The WHY behind Five Buffalo’s Real Estate Fund
by Alisha McMillen
Conducting due diligence. Leveraging cutting-edge data analysis. Scaling up. These are all terms you’ll hear from Five Buffalo Capital’s COO and co-founder Kristina Chervenka and her husband, CEO and co-founder Dustin Chervenka, when discussing their multi-family property investment strategy. With almost 20 years of experience each, the couple wants investors to understand what these terms mean, and why they are so important in making informed decisions.
Five Buffalo Capital is a 506(c) fund, restricted to Accredited Investors. “It’s for people who want to be in real estate, but don’t want the responsibilities of sole ownership,” Kristina says. “Let us conduct the important evaluations of various real estate opportunities (data analysis) for you. Let us examine the facts and influences surrounding a real estate purchase (due diligence) for you. Let us find opportunities that may help you grow your investment by adding good real estate investment opportunities that add increased value to your portfolio (scaling up). We make informed investment decisions seeking to create value for all stakeholders.”
Completing due diligence takes time and knowledge, but is vital to making sound decisions, “A property may look great, but we need to understand what the motivation for the sale is. That’s where our experience can make the difference for our investors,” she says.
“If you’re a first time multi-family property investor, you don’t know what you don’t know. It can be difficult to scale up on individual properties without creating a large portfolio. You can scale more quickly with multi-family properties,” Kristina says. “We each have 19 years of experience to help you understand the intricacies of investing this way.”
For verified accredited investors interested in Five Buffalo, the team has created a comprehensive webinar that digs deep and explains what Five Buffalo looks for in deals. Once investors are registered and verified, they can watch the webinar at their convenience. “We’re listening to what the economy is telling us to do” Kristina concludes. Contact Kristina today to be verified to receive access to their exhaustive webinar, and learn why investing in multi-family properties might be right for you.
All investments have risk. This is not a solicitation for investment.
From 90s Style to Modern Neutrals in Just Three Weeks
by Alisha McMillen
If you’re an UpClose reader, you know many Fort Bend County homes are 25, 30, or even 40+ years old. Kathy Barber has lived in her Fort Bend home since 1997 as the original owner, and after 27 years, it was time for an update. Originally from Beaumont, Kathy retired from Shell a decade ago, and spends a lot of time at home.
“This is the first time I haven’t been a caregiver. I’m a homebody – I don’t travel a lot – so I wanted to update my home that I spend so much time in,” Kathy says. “I’d seen Teri Gilberg (known as the Re-Modelista) many times in UpClose Magazine, so I didn’t even call anyone else for a bid.”
“The kitchen had original dark brown wood cabinets with a dated look. The primary bathroom had bright white cabinets with an old shower stall. We went from 90s colors and style to modern neutrals with interesting and updated finishes,” Kathy explains.
Teri and her team painted the kitchen cabinets, placed new granite countertops, and installed new tile floors to bring the room to life. “My beautiful kitchen now has brushed bronze fixtures and pulls, a big single sink, and a large gas range on the island, which I love using to make my gumbo. The cabinets and coordinating granite countertops are now in light, warm neutrals, accentuated with under-counter lighting, suggested by Teri,” Kathy describes. In the primary bathroom, Teri extended the shower, added seamless shower glass, retiled the floors, painted the cabinets, and reglazed the countertops to look new again.
“Teri was great about cleaning up every night so I could live here while they were doing the work,” Kathy says. “It was really painfree. She showed up every day and was extremely responsive. She quoted me six weeks and finished in just three weeks. I liked Teri and her crew so much, they’re doing two more projects for me... and I have already recommended her to friends.”
“For entertaining, the bar area countertop was extended so people
can sit comfortably on barstools under its edge,” Kathy continues. “We even added purse holders under the counter-high stools, so my friends feel like they’re in a restaurant.”
“My home is family central. We meet for holidays, birthdays, and other events here,” Kathy concludes.
“My friends are an extension of my family, so I can have 15-20 peo ple here for a celebration. We already christened the new kitchen for Mother’s Day just after it was completed.”
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