t he Doc t he Doc
Feel Better.
Move Better.
Better. Live
by Alisha McMillen
Dr.
David “Zack” Brazzell has been serving the Sugar Land area for more than five years. He and his wife, Sophie, are excited about their new chiropractic practice right in the heart of Sugar Land, Revive Chiropractic and Performance.
“I’m originally from West Tennessee. I played collegiate sports and was director of large health clubs in Nashville, so I worked with a lot of athletes on strengthening and conditioning. I have a real passion for health. Sophie and I met when we attended colleges near each other,” Dr. Brazzell explains. “We moved to Texas for Sophie to be closer to family and for me to attend Texas Chiropractic College. I’m grateful for all the professors and mentors I met through the journey.”
When Dr. Brazzell started college, he was following his passion to serve people as a medical professional. He just couldn’t decide the best path to take. “I considered physical therapy, chiropractic, and even med school,” he says. “When I was a college freshman, I had a really bad back injury from playing football. My visit to a chiropractor changed my entire perspective. He ignited a new passion in me. When I began treatment with him I felt better than I had ever felt before. I was able to return to the field and play harder and perform at a higher level. I want to help people the way chiropractic helped me!”
Revive Chiropractic and Performance focuses on targeted chiropractic care, exceptional patient experience, movement, and much more. “Our practice has nutrition, massage, and customized workout programs. Our goal is to help patients become pain free and avoid injuries to return to doing what they love! We achieve this by educating patients about better movement patterns, nutrition, and proper strength and conditioning programs. We treat all ages, from kids to the elderly,” Dr. Brazzell says.
“Our customized, targeted approach to individual care can provide long-term results to keep our clients out of pain,” Dr. Brazzell says. The office offers a variety of effective and gentle adjustment techniques, soft tissue work, non-surgical spinal decompression, shockwave therapy, spinal rehabilitation, electrical therapy, nutrition, and massage therapy.
“We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of neck and back pain, hip, shoulder, and knee injuries, headaches, disc problems, peripheral neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, sport injuries, auto accidents, and more,” Dr. Brazzell concludes. “Come see us and you’ll Revive and Thrive!”
Revive is now accepting new patients. Are you dealing with pain? There is hope. Visit their website to schedule an appointment today.
Thursday, August 15th 5pm - 8pm at the office. RSVP by scanning the QR code:
Revive Chiropractic and Performance 4655 Sweetwater Blvd., Suite 200 Sugar Land, TX 77479 281-909-7317
FORT BENDEmpress The EAL ESTATE of R
As a Fort Bend County resident, you’ve heard her name and seen her signs in front of some of the most beautiful homes in our community. She’s been representing home buyers and sellers here for more than 30 years. People reach out to her again and again for all of their real estate needs… she’s the real estate icon of Fort Bend County.
She’s the leader of the Cathy Stubbs Team.
Determination and integrity have helped Cathy achieve a stellar reputation along with sales awards year after year. She and her team were recently recognized for being in the top 1% of producing agents in the nation.
She still maintains the enthusiasm that launched her career. Cathy is one of the first in the office in the morning, and one of the last to leave. How does she maintain her focus? “I just love what I do,” she says. Legendary for her strong work ethic, Cathy knows it’s one of the things that makes her so successful. She explains, “I work hard. There’s no magic – it just takes hard work.”
Cathy feels extremely fortunate to live and work in one of the most beautiful communities in the world. Cathy is a third-generation Houstonian, living in Sugar Land since 1987 – it’s where she met her husband. The couple chose to raise their two children in the community they love. “I know everything there is to know about Fort Bend County,” she says, “and I bring that to the table for every conversation, negotiation, and transaction I’m involved in.”
A deeply respected leader in the Fort Bend real estate community, Cathy continues to give back to her beloved community, serving on the board of numerous local organizations. “I’ve grown to love this area to the extent of joining and helping with as many local initiatives as possible. It’s important to me to support my community every chance I get,” Cathy says. “I have a creative side, and I enjoy the arts in all forms. In a kaleidoscope community like ours, the arts play an important role.”
Believing that art is our shared language in Sugar Land, Cathy explains, “I thought it personally enriching to focus my energy in that direction. I’m a past member of the Cultural Arts Foundation and currently participate on the board at ArtTX Sugar Land, a museum and gallery located in Sugar Land Town Square.” You can even thank Cathy for the beautiful longhorn mural in Town Square.
Adding to her community involvement, Cathy is on the board of Sugar Land C3, a non-profit employee support organization that serves one another through giving, equitable treatment, trust, and respect. They want to ensure that all employees know they count and are not alone, especially in times of need. C3 seeks to provide critical aid to co-workers and their families when they’re suffering through unexpected emergencies and those seeking education opportunities.
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the matriarch of Fort Bend County real estate. She works hard and loves seeing the smiling faces of her clients after the completion of every transaction. She’s Cathy Stubbs.
Hello
We’re so excited to be expanding our positions at UpClose Magazine!
When we joined the magazine several months ago, we looked forward to writing (Alisha) and selling (John) for the most-read and most-informative magazine in Fort Bend County. Now, we’re thrilled to take on the job as publisher, sharing stories about Fort Bend County’s entrepreneurs, amazing businesses, non-profits, and events/activities.
When we started considering ramping up our responsibilities, we realized that we, as a couple, fit the needs of the publisher position quite well. John has 30 years of experience in business, operations, and sales. Alisha has the same amount of experience writing, editing, and creative project management responsibilities. The magazine gives us the right mix of responsibilities to make it work! Though we’ll never be able to replace the dynamo that is Gina Pizzini, we’re confident that the two of us together can match her energy and success in this shared role.
The people you read about in UpClose are your friends and neighbors. Do you know someone who should be featured in UpClose? Are you a business owner who wants more information about being featured yourself? Call John and Alisha McMillen at 832-567-9712. Limited space is available.
The McMillens
JOHN & ALISHA MCMILLEN
Publishers
Business Editor
Alisha McMillen
Layout and Design
Night Sky Creative
Account Executives
John McMillen
Gina Pizzini
Writers
Alisha McMillen
Amy Sharp
Sara Adams
Nicole Grace
Photography J. Thomas “Jay” Ford
UpClose Magazine is published monthly and direct mailed to 75,000 homes. For information on having your business featured in UpClose, call 832-567-9712
john@upclosemagazine.com
A portion of the editorial content contained in this publication is controlled and contracted by the advertisers contained herein and is part of their
Two Brothers. Four Specialties. Four Locations.
Brothers Dr. Salman Aly and Dr. Sarfraz Aly grew up in Sugar Land. They followed similar paths for their education – University of Houston for undergrad, med school in New York –but chose different specialties. They came back together in Sugar Land to open their practices.
Coming Home
“We wanted to come back to our childhood community and become a part of the extensive growth in the area,” says Dr. Sarfraz Aly, medical director of Capital Infectious Disease Associates and Capital Advanced Wound Care. “Sugar Land is home. We know the ins and outs of this place.”
“My brother and I grew up in New Territory and graduated from Clements High School,” says Dr. Salman Aly, medical director of Capital Internal Medicine Associates (primary care) and Allure Aesthetics. “We love the diversity here and love serving the people of the community where we grew up.”
Both brothers are married and raising their families right here in Sugar Land. “Our mosque is here. Our community is here,” explains Dr. Salman. Their four practices all run out of one building on Brisbane Court in the heart of Sugar Land.
The Powerhouse Brothers
“We’re both involved in all of the local hospital systems, including Methodist Sugar Land, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, Oak Bend Medical Center, CHI St. Luke’s Sugar Land and HCA West Houston Medical Center,” Dr. Sarfraz says. “We both see patients in all of
these hospitals too.”
Dr. Sarfraz is chief of medicine at Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and the medical director of its wound care program, as well as chief of staff at Oak Bend Medical Center and director of its wound care program. Dr. Salman is a primary care doctor for his in-office patients, and a hospitalist with four local hospitals. He also runs the aesthetics and wellness practice.
A Non-Profit to Help the Uninsured
In addition to the four medical practices, the brothers created a non-profit that provides healthcare to the uninsured in Matagorda, Fort Bend, Harris, and Wharton counties. It is funded by both government grants and contributions from the public.
“We started the non-profit based on our experiences when growing up,” says Dr. Salman. “We didn’t have medical insurance. Our father had a heart attack and we had to navigate getting him the care he needed, while figuring out how to pay for it.”
“It’s all about giving where the need is,” says Dr. Sarfraz. “We’re here to serve anyone and everyone.”
Please consider contributing at ucftexas.org and help the Aly brothers help our community get the healthcare they need.
In addition to the Sugar Land location, you can also find Drs. Aly at four other locations –Wharton opened in 2017, Telfair in 2020, Bay City in 2022, and Aliana is opening soon in September 2024.
by Alisha McMillen
Five organizations in one Sugar Land location
6903 Brisbane Ct #100 Sugar Land, TX 77479
(Or find them in Wharton, Telfair, Bay City and soon in Aliana)
Capital Internal Medicine Associates 832-886-4774
cima-docs.com
Capital Infectious Disease Associates 832-886-4994
cida-docs.com
Capital Advanced Wound Care 979-488-9438
cida-docs.com
Allure Aesthetics 346-309-4955
allureaestheticsmd.com
United Community Foundation 281-853-5555
www.ucftexas.org
Primary Care Doctors You Can TRUST
by Alisha McMillen
Founded by Dr. John Vanderzyl and Dr. John Pozzi 24 years ago, Sugar Lakes Family Practice is a traditional primary care practice focusing on preventive medicine. “We wanted to create a medical home for patients – a place they come first, that they’re comfortable with and trust. Even if they have a team of specialists, we’re where it all comes together,” says Dr. Vanderzyl.
They’re a team of seven physicians, two nurse practitioners (NP) and two physician assistants (PA). “Our PAs, NPs, and physicians work together. Doctors oversee everything they do. Sometimes people are hesitant to see a PA instead of the doctor, but they shouldn’t be. They’re very knowledgeable and have the physicians right there to provide input if it’s needed,” says Dr. Vanderzyl.
Dr. John Vanderzyl is a native Houstonian practicing 31 years in the area. Married for 34 years to his wife, Jolene, they’ve raised two adult daughters right here in our community. Dr. John Pozzi is a native Texan who arrived in the Houston area in 1986 when he started medical school here. His wife of 32 years, Mona, and he have four grown children who grew up in Sugar Land.
Joining the Dr. Johns are five other primary care physicians – Dr. Henry Mata, Dr. James Mark Trippett, Dr. Nora Cantu, Dr. Annie Garaghty, and Dr. Ann M. Heikkinen. They occupy the entire first floor of Physicians Pavilion on Sweetwater and the Southwest Freeway. “We are proud to be one of the biggest independent primary care practices in our area. With inflation and the increase in cost of supplies and labor, it isn’t easy to stay independent, but we hope to continue down the independent path. Whatever we do, we want to be sure that we can continue to provide the personal care our patients are used to seeing,” Dr. Vanderzyl continues.
“We see patients for well visits, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, heart disease, infectious disease – we’re a traditional primary care practice handling traditional issues. But we’ll also
see all of our patients for any unusual issues that may emerge,” he says. “We’re not glitzy, but we want people to feel comfortable. The worst thing a patient can do is to NOT come in because they’re uncomfortable sharing their issue. We want our patients to know they can trust us with anything. We want them to know they’re welcome here and it’s to their benefit to open up.”
“We pride ourselves on the strong relationships we have with our patients, many of them have been with us for more than 20 years,” Dr. Vanderzyl says. “We’ll never lose sight of the personal touch.”
The team at Sugar Lakes Family Practice cares for patients of all ages – including kids, adults, and grandparents – with a focus on value-based, high-quality care and a push for cost effectiveness. Call to schedule your appointment today!
Sugar Lakes Family Practice
281-565-2800
16902 Southwest Frwy., Suite 100
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
www.sugarlakesfamilypractice.com
The Pioneers of the Free-Standing ER
“The Orsaks beat me to the free-standing ER model,” laughs current St. Michael’s ER physician, Dr. Kirk Williams, MD. “Hats off to the guys who took the initial risk to create an entirely new option for their community. They’re the pioneers. You have to respect the soldiers.”
In 2007, Dr. Shannon Orsak, founder and CMO of St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, had an innovative idea: Create a place in his hometown where his neighbors could seek quality, emergency, medical care –where they didn’t have to wait hours to see a doctor.
Dr. Williams, who met the Orsaks in 2010, is happy to serve his long-time community of Fort Bend County at St. Michael’s. “I love this community. My family was one of the first settlers of Fort Bend County when Stephen F. Austin crossed the Brazos in November 1821. I’m a direct descendant of the Kuykendall family,” he explains. “St. Michael’s is good for Fort Bend. It provides another avenue
by Alisha McMillen
for healthcare in our community. We offer the same caliber of treatment as in a traditional ER, but quicker and it’s so much more personal.”
Growing up in East Texas was a different experience than living in today’s diverse Fort Bend community. “I grew up in Marshall, Texas. My father was one of the first black policemen in East Texas. He couldn’t arrest white people for his first several years on the force. Then he attended law school and became the first black judge in Marshall,” Dr. Williams explains. After attending college at Fisk University in Nashville, Dr. Williams came to Baylor for medical school and continued training in the Houston area. “I was a med student with a dream, driving my green Toyota with a big dent in it. But I was always an entrepreneur at heart,” he says. That entrepreneurial spirit makes St. Michael’s the perfect fit for him.
“The outstanding staff at St. Michael’s, including its physicians, nursing staff, and administrative team, provides great
service. We all take concierge medicine very seriously,” he adds.
“I have six children – four grown sons and a young daughter and son. Two of my sons followed in my footsteps and became physicians. Both graduates of Baylor College of Medicine, Austin is an emergency medicine physician who also briefly worked at St. Micheal’s before he relocated to Los Angeles, while Alexander Kuykendall is a senior anesthesiology resident at NYU. I tried to convince my younger son, Adam, to follow into medicine too, but he’s now completing his PhD in physics at Columbia University,” he says. “I don’t just work at St. Michael’s, I also take my family there for treatment. I’ve taken my mom, my wife, my kids… we wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
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 Its Values –Community, Compassion, Credibility, Courage and Value to the Holistic person. They strive to improve the health of the people in our community. As such, they maintain a policy to provide care for individuals in need of financial assistance.
Don’t Wait Till It Hurts
by Amy Sharp
Local dentist, Dr. Thomas Lomonte D.D.S., says, “It’s no secret. A lot of you out there have had bad experiences with dentists. You just don’t like to go… so you put it off. In my experience, individuals often end up with worse problems when they wait until it hurts. I encourage you to go now before you’re in this situation.”
We know what you’re thinking: This sounds great, but now you’re afraid. It’s been quite some time since you’ve seen a dentist, and you’re sure that your teeth will be the worst Dr. Lomonte has ever seen. Dr. Lomonte smiles, “In nearly all instances, this is just not the case. With a little maintenance and repair, most people’s teeth are actually just fine!” If you’ve been told, or you believe, that all of your teeth need to be replaced, Dr. Lomonte encourages you to come in and see what options you have. “You might just need a few crowns and fillings, and maybe an implant or two,” explains Dr. Lomonte. “And don’t let the prospect of an implant scare you. Today’s implants are relatively simple and inexpensive.
The technique and materials are so much better than they were even just a few years ago. Modern implants enjoy a success rate of over 95% and having them done is not terribly uncomfortable. Most patients can’t believe how easy it is, and many are fine with just taking Advil.”
Dr. Lomonte is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest in technology and procedures in the constantly evolving field of dentistry. “My mission is to offer painfree dental solutions whenever possible. I want everyone to walk out of my office smiling, each and every time.”
Don’t wait till it hurts. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Lomonte today!
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
Back to School Health
by Amy Sharp
August is an exciting time of the year for both students and parents as it marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of the new school year. Community Health and Life Center has seen a steady flow of parents coming in with their children to make sure they have all the required vaccines and health screenings before school starts. For the convenience of the community, Dr. Daniel A. Nwachokor is once again hosting Back-to-School clinics every Saturday in August for wellness exams, sports/activity physicals, and vaccinations.
Dr. Nwachokor encourages all children to participate in sports or other regular physical activity. “Healthy children are more likely to become healthy adults. Sports motivate students to maintain good grades, work well with others, and have fun. We discuss sports safety tips during our comprehensive exams in order to minimize the risk of injuries.”
It seems like only a few years ago Dr. Nwachokor was walking the halls of Hightower High School (FBISD) as a student in the Medical Science Academy. He has fond memories of participating in athletics and extracurricular clubs. “Balancing sports, HOSA, FBLA, Boy Scouts, and NAACP ACTO-SO taught me
the importance of time management. Community Health and Life Center is a mentorship site for FBISD and LCISD seniors pursuing careers in medicine. I am most proud that all of our mentees have found value in our office experience and went on to college,” says Dr. Nwachokor.
Dr. Nwachokor is a family medicine and public health specialist and currently serves as the medical director at Community Health and Life Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Grambling State University, attended medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and did his residency at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program in Sugar Land, TX. The clinical staff also includes a Spanish-speaking family nurse practitioner (Carmen) and family dietitian (Alisa).
“We believe in caring for every member of your family – newborns to seniors,” Dr. Nwachokor says. “Our comprehensive services also include telehealth, after-hours provider hotline, and secure message patient portal.”
The practice accepts all major insurance plans and welcomes new patients. Learn more by following Community Health and Life Center on Instagram, Facebook, and Google.
Back-to-School Health Clinic
Every Saturday in August Wellness Exams, School Sport/Activity Physicals (UIL), and Vaccinations Call 346-616-0038 for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Community Health and Life Center 346-616-0038
17510 W. Grand Parkway South, Suite #380 Sugar Land, TX 77479
www.communityhealthandlifecenter.com
The Dry Eye Guy
“This Process was a Lifesaver for Me”
by Nicole Grace
After being diagnosed with Lupus and Sjogren’s 15 years ago, Gina Galvan experienced serious and consistent eye problems. “I had red eyes, grit inside my eyes, dryness, and unclear vision, often with a halo effect. I did research on dry eye and found Dr. Faheem. The bonus was he was close to home for me,” she explains.
Gina grew up in Sugar Land, and returned to her hometown after becoming a single mom of two sons – Wyatt, 17, and Kyler, 14. She says, “I struggled to drive my sons to activities and appointments and I would have to ask them to read things for me. People would comment about how red my eyes were. It really started affecting my self-esteem.”
When she found Dr. Faheem Inayatali, the clinical director for the Oasis Dry Eye Center in Sugar Land, Gina had already seen numerous doctors and tried various medications and procedures. “I saw so many doctors with the same outcome. I was just spending tons of money and not getting good results,” she says.
“When I met Dr. Faheem, I was a bit skeptical. But the detailed way he described his process and developed a customized treatment plan brought me a different perspective,” Gina continues. “Dr. Faheem reassured me there was a remedy.”
First, the lid hygienist performed a thorough cleaning of the eyelids to remove the bacteria and residue that gets collected over the years, which reduces the inflammation around the glands.
Next, they performed the latest Radiofrequency and LipiFlow procedures, FDA-approved treatments that apply controlled heat and gentle pressure to the inside of the eyelids to restore healthy oil production and enhance tear quality. Lastly, Dr. Faheem designed custom-fit scleral lenses to protect her corneas from scar tissue due to long-term dry eye disease, which also provided constant hydration to her eyes and crystal clear vision.
Gina completed this process in four weekly visits. “I saw a difference overnight. The day after my first treatment was the first time I’d awakened with completely clear eyes. I felt so relieved,” she says.
“I’m so happy I connected with Dr. Faheem,” Gina concludes. “This whole process has been a lifesaver for me.”
The Oasis Dry Eye Center (formerly the Dry Eye & Wellness Center) is proud to be the only standalone dry eye clinic in the Houston and Sugar Land areas. Consultations can be scheduled by visiting www. theoasisdryeycenter.com or calling 281-800-9050.
Oasis Dry Eye Center
281-800-9050
13440 University Blvd #130 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 www.theoasisdryeyecenter.com
“Indigo Orthodontics Changed My Life”
by Alisha McMillen
Those are strong words from a woman who was just looking for an orthodontist to give her braces. Moulee Patel, now 36, was referred to Dr. Srishti Mehta, founder of local Indigo Orthodontics, in 2022 for a plan to straighten her teeth. “She could tell just from the structure of my face that I had problems with breathing and snoring,” Moulee says. “She told me ‘we’ll straighten your teeth, of course, but this is about your total wellness.’ That’s where my two-year journey began.”
Moulee had braces, teeth extractions, and double jaw surgery, both to correct her sleep apnea and to give her a straight and bright smile. A mom of two girls, ages six and
four, with her husband, Archit, Moulee isn’t used to putting herself first. “The whole staff really made me feel like my wellness is important,” she explains. “Dr. Mehta’s staff is very welcoming… all so gentle and they take their time. They want you to be there.”
“The entire staff just wants you to look good and feel good,” Moulee continues. “I look in the mirror and think, is that really me? If my daughters need braces in the future, I won’t hesitate to bring them to Dr. Mehta and her team. I have already recommended Indigo to my friends and will continue to do so!”
The staff consists of 30 team members –all women – with a second associate, Dr. Angelica Herrera, who works closely with Dr. Mehta. “I saw Dr. Herrera a few times throughout my journey,” Moulee explains. “She’s very professional. I put her on the same level as Dr. Mehta in terms of care, professionalism and expertise.”
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.
Moulee was in the process of treatment when Indigo made their move. “There was not one hiccup during the move. It was completely seamless,” she explains. “The new office is incredible, so clean and welcoming with beautiful lighting. It’s happy and bright, not sad and beige like so many medical offices. Their offices exude the service you get.” She’s so comfortable in the Indigo lobby that she sometimes arrives 10 minutes early for some quiet time to herself. “I love to read and I love sneaking those quiet moments to read a bit.”
Indigo Orthodontics 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
IWhere Children Can Creating a Comfortable Dental Environment Relax
t’s been 12 years since Dr. Faisal Khan launched Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental. Back in 2012, it was just Dr. Khan and two employees. Today, this dynamic pediatric dental office has 23 members on staff and serves a population of thousands of little patients across Richmond, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Fulshear, and Katy. “Dr. Khan loves kids, and kids love Dr. Khan!” says Dr. Khan’s wife, Samiha.
“Kids are my whole life,” continues Dr. Khan. “They’re so much fun. Every patient is different…children keep things exciting and fast-paced. My own kids, Zayna, Hamza, and Eisa, visit the office all the time. They love talking to the employees, and they help out by making goody bags and shredding papers. My life outside the office is hanging with the three of them. We are Marvel junkies!”
Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik, Dr. Annie Zheng, Dr. Khadija Khan, an oral surgeon, and an anesthesiologist join Dr. Khan at Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental to provide all aspects of pediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and minor orthodontics. Dr. Khan is also an on-staff physician at Texas Children’s Hospital and West Houston Medical Center. This team’s list of achievements is long and distinguished. Dr. Khan pursued a fellowship at Albert Einstein Medical School in Special Care Dentistry, where he obtained extensive training in working with children with various complicated medical and physical disabilities. He was elected to be on the board of the Fort Bend ISD education foundation for four years and was an ambassador for Fort Bend Child Advocates. Dr. Ritwik is currently a full-time Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at UT Houston School of Dentistry, with hundreds of published journal articles attributed to her, including evidence-based guidelines for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Zheng graduated from UT Health School of Dentistry as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. After graduating from Yale University, Dr. Khadija went on to serve as co-chief resident at Stony Brook University in New York where she received specialty training and completed her residency in pediatric dentistry. The Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental team can be spotted all over our community sponsoring events and giving tooth fairy presentations and talks to schools and daycares. The focus is clear: to create a comfortable and welcoming dental environment that helps children relax. And the entire staff loves being a part of Dr. Khan’s vision. Many call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental the best place they’ve ever worked. “Everyone here is so hard working.” says one team member. “We really care for our patients!”
by Amy Sharp
Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental
Dr. Faisal M. Khan, DDS 832-579-0960
7910 W. Grand Parkway S., Suite 100 Richmond, TX 77406 www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR
A Neighborhood Dentist?
Aby Sara Adams
s summer 2024 comes to a bittersweet end, think about all of the “firsts” that many individuals will be experiencing this coming fall. Some will be experiencing their “first” day of school in a new grade while others may be experiencing their “first” day of work at their dream job. Whatever the “first” may be, be sure to hold your head up high and smile with confidence! And who better to help you build your confident smile than Dr. Asha Patel and her team at Smile Solutions!
Being a tight-knit office, Dr. Patel and her team pride themselves on offering a variety of dental services in a comfortable and stylish manner. The proof is in the picture which can be seen in their “Smile Gallery” on their website (www.smilesolutionsrichmond.com) as well as from the positive 5-star reviews they’ve received within their “first ‘’ year of opening. Dr. Patel believes that every patient that walks into her office should receive the best
Your Future Starts HERE
by Sara Adams
If you are a mental health professional, physician, bodywork practitioner, nutritionist/dietician, or aesthetician looking for a modern, supportive workspace, look no further. MedFlex Spaces in Sugar Land is the premier medical co-working environment designed exclusively for healthcare practitioners. This innovative workspace solution provides the perfect blend of privacy and community, empowering you to focus on what you do best: providing exceptional care to your clients.
MedFlex Spaces is a state-of-the-art medical co-working environment that features cuttingedge amenities that include fully equipped advanced medical furniture, front desk reception, HIPAA and OSHA compliance, high-speed internet, and secure access. With the convenience of on-site administrative support, ample parking, and a welcoming reception area, you and your clients will feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
All rooms at MedFlex Spaces are designed to meet the highest standards of comfort and functionality. You can choose from therapy rooms, exam rooms, procedure rooms, and bodywork rooms. And MedFlex Spaces is more than just an office, it is a space designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare practitioners.
They offer a variety of workspace options tailored to suit your practice. MedFlex Spaces believes in fostering a collaborative atmosphere where you can connect with other professionals, share knowledge, and grow your practice. Their flexible leasing options and affordable pricing make it easy for you to find the perfect workspace without the burden of long-term commitments.
Join MedFlex Spaces today and experience the benefits of a dynamic, professional environment tailored to the needs of healthcare practitioners. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your practice, your future starts here. MedFlex Spaces in Sugar Land offers the ideal solution for your workspace needs. Visit www. medflexspaces.com to learn more and schedule a tour or join us on Friday August 9th from 3-6pm for the grand opening of MedFlex Spaces. Tour our state-of-the-art facility and discover how it can elevate your practice.
MedFlex Spaces
7616 Branford Place, Suite 220 Sugar Land, TX 77479
832-532-0784
www.medflexspaces.com
care possible and that can only be achieved through dedication, practice, and continuous learning. That is why Dr. Patel pursued a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) where she completed over 500 hours of continuing education that focused on everything from crown preps to implant surgery to making dentures. Time invested in improving her dental skills will only help advance her chairside manner and give patients the solutions they are looking for. So while you’re unpacking your vacation bags and making a to-do list make sure to add a visit to Smile Solutions to it so that your “first” day is off to a cavity-free and brighter start. After all, who wants to go to school or work with a toothache or chipped tooth? Dr. Patel advises, “Good oral health can start any day. The habits we implement today can make an impact for a lifetime!”
Smile Solutions
Dr.
7963 W. Grand Parkway S. Suite A Richmond, TX 77407 smilesolutionsrichmond.com
The Right Pharmacy is Right Here
by Amy Sharp
Dr. Lance Campbell, Pharm.D., R.Ph opened Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy back in 2003 to be your neighborhood pharmacy. “No one should be expected to wait for 45 minutes to have a medication filled,” explains Dr. Campbell. “We take great pride in providing customer service with a family feel. I know some of you have questions about compounding, so I thought I’d provide some of the different reasons our patients have their medications compounded.”
Why compound a medication?
• It’s no longer available. This often happens when not enough people are using the drug, and it becomes unprofitable to continue mass-producing it. But what about the few people benefiting from the drug? Compounding pharmacists can recreate it!
• No unwanted ingredients. Commercially manufactured medications commonly contain lactose, preservatives, dyes, gluten, sugar, and a variety of other non-active ingredients. From allergies and intolerance to diets and lifestyle, there are a variety of reasons individuals avoid many of these ingredients. But when you need the medicine, a compounding pharmacist can create a personalized formulation to give you the treatment you need while leaving out the problematic ingredients.
• Make the medicine easier to use. A compounding pharmacist can flavor many medications, making them more palatable without losing their effectiveness. This is very handy for children, elderly patients, and even pets! Your compounding pharmacist can also compound your medicines in different dosage formats… like an anti-nausea cream that’s rubbed on the inside of the wrist so your kids can keep it down.
• Correct dosage. Commercially available medicines come in standard dosages. Let’s say you need 15mg of a medication, but it only comes in 10mg and 20mg forms. You’re either over-medicated, under-medicated, or need to split a pill. With compounding, your medication can be made in the exact dosage your body requires.
• Cost. In some instances, having a compounding pharmacy make your medication is cheaper than its commercially available version.
Campbell’s Compounding Pharmacy “If our staff can’t make it… then you probably don’t need it!”
Houston • 713-668-4833
6603 Kirby Dr., Houston, TX 77005
What Makes Five Buffalo Different?
by Nicole Grace
Real estate investing can take many forms. Three of the most popular include fixand-flip or solo investing, real estate syndications, and public real estate investment trust (REIT) investing.
With fix-and-flip or solo investing, the entire responsibility falls on the investor, including sourcing deals, underwriting, financing, supervising work, and marketing. While they may outsource parts to vendors, the responsibility still remains with the solo investor.
In real estate syndications, the solo investor usually becomes a limited partner in the syndication deal. These syndications are typically for one property with a general partner, plus a group of limited partners who relinquish the day-to-day responsibilities to the general partner.
Others invest in real estate through public real estate investment trusts (REITs) traded on the
Scan our QR code to stay updated on educational events hosted by Five Buffalo Capital in the Houston area. We encourage you to bring your advisor team to our events.
stock exchange. They receive a quarterly dividend as the REIT must disburse 90% of the distributable income to the investors to receive their tax savings. The investor is limited in their voting and responsibilities based on the amount of shares they own.
How is Five Buffalo Capital different? Five Buffalo Capital is a 506(c) fund, restricted to Accredited Investors. In a typical fund structure, limited partners invest in the fund which then purchases multiple assets that are held in the fund, so the risk isn’t tied to just one asset. Distributions from the fund are taxed as passive income where distributions from REITS are taxed as ordinary income. This type of taxation may impact an investor’s tax liabilities positively or negatively. Also, solo investors with rental income are often taxed as active or ordinary income which can impact tax rates for investors who are still generating income from traditional sources.
“Our goal at Five Buffalo Capital is to help investors mitigate risk in real estate investing and provide our expertise to help them scale their real estate investments,” says Kristina Chervenka, COO and co-founder of Five Buffalo Capital. “It is always important to contact a financial advisor or seek legal advice before investing in any form.”
All investments have risk. This is not a solicitation for investment.
Party on the Patio Beat the heat with cold food and drinks!
by Alisha McMillen
Festive umbrellas. Huge cypress trees overhead. Misting fans. Peaceful views with a light breeze coming off the water. Add your choice of cold drink (with or without alcohol) and refreshing cold seafood dishes, and you’re ready for a party on the patio!
“It’s hot outside, but our patio is refreshing and festive,” says Nicolas Garcia, operations manager for Lago Mariscos, located in Sugar Land’s Town Square area. “And we have a huge menu full of cold drinks and refreshing cold seafood dishes to help you beat the heat.”
Sitting on the patio is reminiscent of visiting our neighbors to the west in San Antonio, with their lively riverwalk, even down to the ducks hopping in and out of the water. “We’re a casual family-oriented restaurant, but also a great romantic place for first dates and romantic celebrations. Guests really enjoy the romantic feeling of the patio,” Nicolas says.
Especially when you order one of the restaurant’s signature ice-cold drinks. “Our Watermelon Ritas, which come in classic, sweet, or spicy variations, are always popular with our patio guests,” Nicolas continues. “Our three flavors of Mojitos – mango chile, watermelon, and coconut – are also refreshing on a warm day. Ranch Water is very trendy right now – we offer regular and spicy versions. And all of our cocktails can be modified to be non-alcoholic drinks.”
Other non-alcoholic options include fresh-squeezed lemonade, Horchata, and an array of fresh waters (hand-squeezed juice with water and sugar), in pineapple, melon, and watermelon flavors.
Specializing in delicious and unexpected seafood creations, Lago Mariscos has a large menu of cold seafood items to complete your experience. “With seven
www.fivebuffalocapital.com
ceviche choices on the menu, including fresh fish, shrimp, and octopus, and five cold cocktail options, including shrimp, octopus, and oysters, diners have more than a dozen chilled seafood selections to enjoy with their cold drinks,” Nicolas explains.
Owners Sergio Cabrera Sr. and Manuel Cabrera Sr. were born in Michocan, Mexico, with its stretch of coastline on the Pacific Ocean. Being raised in a gulf state, seafood dishes come from the heart of these brothers, who brought their eclectic tastes to the Houston area.
Lago Mariscos 2329 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478
346-391-5279
lagomariscostx.squarespace.com
Dustin and Kristina Chervenka Co-Founders
PAIN? ANXIETY? SLEEP PROBLEMS?
SERENITY ORGANICS CAN HELP!
By Alisha McMillen
“Our goal is to help people with alternative treatment options for the troublesome symptoms that affect their lives. We educate clients on the legality and safety of our products and how they help people live more restful and comfortable lives,” explains Melanne Carpenter, co-owner of Serenity Organics with her husband, Joshua. Located in front of Sienna, Serenity Organics is a health and wellness apothecary selling hemp-derived products. Hemp was legalized federally in 2018 and in Texas in 2019.
“Both hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants, but to be classified as hemp, the plant must have less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight,” Melanne says. “Because our customers’ safety is a priority, all of our products are third-party tested, clients must be at least 21 years old, and we are against the marketing of products to those under 21.”
“The majority of our clients are fighting pain, sleep issues, and anxiety, but we also have clients with other issues such as PTSD or cancer,” she continues. “Research has shown that the plant can have anti-inflammatory and antianxiety properties.”
Product expert Joshua adds, ”CBN is a mild sedative making it good for sleep. Delta 8 is good for joint and muscle pain. We have topicals for arthritis. You can even try products in sample sizes and decide what works best for you before investing in a bigger supply.” Joshua is in the store daily to share his expertise,
educating clients on what the right product is for their issue.
“Our vision was to be a neighborhood health/ wellness store,” Melanne says. “We knew it was a somewhat controversial topic, so our clients would first need education and then guidance. While we are based in Sienna, our client base is broad. We see clients of all ages and walks of life. We enjoy reading customer testimonials on how the products help them. It’s very fulfilling, and, of course, we love the 5-star reviews” Melanne’s corporate/retail background paired with Joshua’s product expertise make Serenity Organics a well-rounded apothecary choice. The couple lives in Sienna with their two pugs. “We love our community – we’re definitely invested here both personally and professionally,” Melanne concludes.
Serenity Organics
9101 Sienna Crossing Drive, #188 Missouri City, TX 77459 832-440-0621 serenityorganicscbd.com
From Science to Design
by Alisha McMillen
Shetal Upadhyay is a licensed pharmacist, established real estate agent, and creative home stager and decorator. As CEO of SRS Holistic Consultants, she applies the principles of Vastu Shastra to her staging and decorating business. “Once I learned to bring harmony into homes with Vastu Shastra, I wanted to apply that to home staging and interior decorating,” she says.
Vastu Shastra is the ancient Indian philosophy focusing on the principles of design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry that make a home balanced specifically for the family living in the home.
When Shetal started her career as a pharmacist, she quickly saw the connection between health and the energy that surrounds people. “I became passionate about helping people manage their health. The healthier you are, the happier you are,” she says. “I learned it could be the design of your home contributing to your health. I learned to look at the person and the home together.”
Of Indian descent, Shetal embraces the principles of the traditional Hindu system in her client’s homes. “I realized some homes don’t sell as fast, and I wanted to help my clients,” she explains. “The more I helped Specials: first-time client – $50 off; return client – free tarot or astrology reading
Aby Nicole Grace
As Southeast Texas faced the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, a huge number of Fort Bend County homes experienced loss of power for days. That not only meant no air conditioning and stifling heat inside, it also meant that it was difficult to cook in the kitchen.
Imagine how nice it would have been to enjoy an oasis outside your back door where you and your family could gather round the grill and experience the easy breezes that hung around for a couple of days after Beryl barreled through.
In our area, you can enjoy an outdoor kitchen any time of the year. Your family can gather round a fire pit during the cooler days and watch the big games on an outdoor flat screen while whipping up warm, comfort food. Then once summer rolls around, it’s BBQs and drinks by the pool!
Local Lone Star Floors is your one-stop-shop for creating the perfect outdoor entertainment space. “Cooking outside and entertaining guests has never looked so great,” says owner, Mohamed Naser. “Our designers can guide you through the selection of products and materials to build your dream outdoor entertaining area today. We offer a wide range of outdoor grills and accessories to complete your outdoor cooking area. For ultimate convenience, add a sink and fridge. No more trips running back in the house while you’re cooking out! We’ll help you choose the perfect materials for your grill area, making sure it matches the aesthetic you are looking for. You’ll have the feeling of ‘getting away’... even when you stay home!”
Lone Star Floors was founded more than 30 years ago by cousins
Whether you’re seeking to enhance your market appeal or revamp your interior, Shetal is here to help.
Visit SRS Holistic Consultants at ShreesaVastuRealEstate.com
my clients, the more my love for Vastu grew.”
A resident of Fort Bend County since 1983, Shetal has raised three now-adult children here. Her daughters work as a pharmacist and nurse. Her son is completing his software engineering degree. “I’ve been practicing Vastu for four years, and am a certified Vastu Shastra consultant through the American Institute of Vastu in California,” she says. “Fort Bend County is a diverse community. We’re so integrated and have so much knowledge to share about so many topics. I want to share my knowledge and love of Vastu Shastra.”
“Every home has its own Vastu. When the home has balanced energy, people can live in harmony because proper energy balance and balance of elements in the home brings prosperity and abundance,’’ she concludes.
SRS Holistic Consultants 832-787-2172
Mohamed, Ziad Mukhaimer, and Imad Mansour. The company enjoys a long-standing reputation for doing things right.
“Always by the book,” says Mohamed. The first step to creating an outdoor living space is to schedule a design consultation.
“We’ll put together something you’ll love. Guaranteed!”
Fort Bend’s Summer Heat
May Affect Your Water Heater
by Nicole Grace
Some experts say that 2024 could rival 2023 for being the hottest summer on record for our area. You may be taking cooler showers than normal and not thinking about the problems your hot water heater could be facing in this heat. Did you know extreme hot weather could affect the pilot light on your hot water heater?
Alan Burkhalter, founder of local Alan’s Plumbing, says, “Poor attic ventilation can lead to excessive heat and attic temperatures in the summer, which will cause the pilot to go out on standing pilot water heaters. We’ve had many calls about this very issue this summer. While increasing attic ventilation will help alleviate this problem, I also encourage clients to consider a tankless water heater. Each type has its pros and cons. Here’s important information to consider regarding the cost, efficiency, and longevity of a new water heater.” Back in the beginning (about 30 years ago!), the Alan’s Plumbing team consisted of only Alan and his wife Jennifer. Jennifer answered the calls, and Alan provided service for those calls. Today, Alan’s brother Chris works alongside Alan’s two oldest sons, Beau and Luke, while their youngest son, Jake, does plumbing sales in Houston. This dynamic team includes longtime plumbers Jaime, Christian, Anthony, and Nick, with Jennifer running the back office, assisted by longtime family friend Katie, plus Katy (with a y) as the voice behind the phones.
Alan says, “If you’re struggling with your hot water heater or the pilot light, give us a call. We’ll help you weigh your options to make the best water heater choice for your household.”
Honor your Hero
with a Flag on the Field of Honor
by Alisha McMillen
The Exchange Club of Sugar Land is offering a visually stunning opportunity to honor your favorite veteran, first responder, or anyone who has deeply inspired you at their Field of Honor 2024. United States flags will fly in a solemn formation at the University of Houston Sugar Land Campus near the Brazos River during November 9-11 to commemorate Veterans Day on the 11th.
“‘Honoring Heroes in Fort Bend County’ is the perfect theme for the Second Annual Field of Honor display hosted by the Exchange Club,” says John McMillen, part of the Field of Honor project team and a member of UpClose Magazine’s business development team. “This moving display is a gift to the community made possible through donations, sponsorships, and the efforts of many dedicated volunteers.”
“I’m a Navy veteran. What makes me extremely proud to be part of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Field of Honor is that we recognize American heroes do not have to serve in our military to be a hero. They may also carry a fire hose, wear a badge, practice their faith, or storm a cockpit on September 11, 2001,” says former congressman Pete Olson, a proud member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land. “Basically, we celebrate ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things. Heroes. Our 2023 motivation was ‘Failure is not an option.’ For 2024, our motivation is modified: ‘Failure is not an option. Let’s roll.’”
One of the Exchange Club’s main goals is to promote Americanism. Each U.S. flag represents an American individual and tells a story. The display will raise funds for several Exchange Club charities.
“With 1776 flags waving proudly this year, the Exchange Club of Sugar Land will
paint a living tribute across our landscape. Let these flags be a beacon, reminding us all of the legacy we strive to uphold and the Fort Bend everyday heroes who continue to inspire us,” says longtime Exchange Club member David Lanagan. “Let freedom ring, let service inspire, and let our heroes, big and small, be forever honored!”
To sponsor a flag for your hero, reach out to the Exchange Club at president@ ecsl.org. Individual donations are $50 per flag, and multiple levels of personal and business sponsorships are available.
What better way to honor our proud Americans than with the Field of Honor. The display is open to all without charge. Don’t miss it!
Exchange Club of Sugar Land
832-567-9712
ecsl.org - president@ecsl.org
Meetings every Wednesday morning, 7 am Sugar Creek Country Club
Helping Patients Regain Their Independence
“Asby Alisha McMillen
soon as patients arrive at our hospital, they feel the warmth of our family-focused environment,” says Bindu Varghese, CEO of Encompass Health Sugar Land. “Our goal is to get our patients independent enough to go home with their loved ones as soon as possible.”
Encompass Health is an inpatient rehabilitation hospital specializing in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. “We see stroke patients, amputees, people recovering from hip fractures, people with neurological disorders – anyone who needs us,” she continues.
Patients participate in three hours of therapy every day, exceeding many rehabilitation standards and expectations. And the CEO herself completes daily rounds on every patient there. “We’re in the top tier in patient satisfaction and have a lot of returning patients. Most of our new patients find us by word-of-mouth – from a friend or family member who had a great experience at Encompass,” Bindu explains.
An employee of Encompass for 17 years, Bindu started as a PRN/occupational therapist, soon graduated to lead occupational therapist, then to director of therapy operations, and is now the CEO of the Sugar Land hospital. Many on the hospital staff are just as committed to Encompass as Bindu. “Turnover is very low. Many employees have been with us for more than 10 years. We’re like a little family here, even with almost 400 employees,” Bindu says. “Our staff has a great work ethic… they believe in our hospital community. They believe in the excellent care we provide.”
“I would bring my parents here, or my kids, if they needed it,” she continues. Bindu and her husband of 17 years live in Richmond with their 10-year-old and 14-year-old. Family is important to Bindu, a quality she brings into Encompass for both employees and patients. “We include a patient’s family throughout the entire stay, and we make sure they’re comfortable with the level of care needed by their loved one upon discharge,” she explains. “It’s a true team effort with our Encompass team and the patient’s family to get them back home and back to normal.”
Bindu has a strong team supporting her. “Our leadership is phenomenal,” she says. “Many of them grew up through the ranks like me. When we’re together, we know how to crack jokes, but also know when it’s time to work... and we all come together with a welldeveloped plan. During Hurricane Beryl, the majority of leadership spent the night to care for the patients around the clock. It’s not just a job for us. We truly believe in the work we do.”
The excellence achieved by the employees has been officially recognized. “Certification through the joint commission deems us a center of excellence for treating stroke patients, amputees, wound care, and hip fracture patients,” Bindu says proudly.
She concludes, “A lot of patients enter in a wheelchair, but walk out of here on their own with a smile on their face.”
Encompass Health
1325 Highway 6
Sugar Land, TX 77478
281-276-7574
encompasshealth.com
MEET CHUCK MEET CHUCK
The Lazy Farm Dog Looking for a Nap
by Nicole Grace
The new children’s book, A Dog Named Chuck, is the perfect storytime read for your young children and grandchildren. Chuck is a lazy farm dog who just wants to curl up and take a nap in front of the fire. But his farmyard friend Charlene the chicken keeps calling his name. He hops up and heads to the farmyard to find out what Charlene needs. But as it turns out, Charlene is just saying “Cluck. Cluck. Cluck,” not Chuck. He changes his name and heads back to the fire to try and get his nap. Only it happens again and again. He keeps mistaking farm animal sounds for his name.
Author Alisha McMillen, writer at UpClose Magazine, is mom to 20-year-old twin girls, Darian and Addy who grew up right here in Fort Bend County. Alisha and her husband John live with their two goofy dogs in Sugar Land and are enjoying spending their summer with their girls before they head back to college for their junior years.
The twins were Alisha’s inspiration for A Dog Named Chuck, which sat dusty in her brain for about fifteen years. When the girls were toddlers, the three of them were in the car often, driving between home, pre-school, and activities. They used the time to make up stories. One daughter would choose two animals and a location, the other would choose two animals and the weather. And that’s how A Dog Named Chuck was born.
Alisha will appear for storytime readings at the following locations in the coming weeks: Saturday, August 3 at the Red Potato Market in Richmond, Texas; Saturday, September 14 at BookPeople in Austin; and Friday, November 8 at the Twig in San Antonio.
Will Chuck ever get his nap? And what name will stick? Get your copy of A Dog Named Chuck today to find out.
A Dog Named Chuck
by Alisha McMillen
Zac Cypert, Classic Chevrolet’s new car director, has gained quite the following at Classic Chevrolet. “I have several people come in each week asking for me,” he says. It’s no surprise Zac is so well-regarded. Aside from being an all-around great guy, he is a former professional football player.
Even if you’re a lifetime Houston sports fan, it’s hard not to be impressed by this former Dallas Cowboy. “I was one of those guys on the team when quarterback Roger Staubach was throwing. I have great memories and met great people. My position coach was Gene Stallings, who taught me a lot about how to treat people,” he explains. After his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, Zac played for the Montreal Allouettes until he suffered a career-ending injury. His automobile industry experience started in 1984, when he began selling cars part-time at a dealership in Dallas. He moved to the Houston area after a
local dealer recruited him.
“I’ve been in Fort Bend County for 30 years,” Zac says, “and I started working at Classic Chevrolet 13 years ago. I love being at Classic because of (owners) Jeff and Tiffany (Sebastian). They just make me want to stay and do well for them. Their business is like a family to them. You’re not just an employee to them, you’re a cherished part of their family. I have a great work family and a great home family.”
Zac and his wife were college sweethearts when Zac played football at the University of North Texas, formerly North Texas State University. “That’s where I met my bride of 44 years,” he says. “My wife was meant to be my wife. I just knew it was the right decision.” Together, they have three children and seven grandchildren.
In his position at Classic, Zac manages a large team of 48 salespeople. “Our sales team members are fluent in and speak several different
Football Field From the to the Dealership
languages. Communication is key to provide customer updates, reassurance, and the ability to have a two-way conversation when purchasing a vehicle,” he says. “Success starts at the top. Jeff and Tiffany do a great job staying in touch with what’s going on in their stores. They’re just fun people, just fun to be around.”
“After hurricane Beryl last month, Jeff and Tiffany insisted that we stay home to be with our families, taking care of personal business for the first couple of days,” Zac explains. “Even though we had power, we didn’t open right away.” The Sebastians treat their employees like family, which trickles down to the employees treating their customers like family.
“Our mission is to provide our customers with an elite experience that exceeds expectations,” says Tiffany and Jeff. “To us, it’s more than just a sale. It’s the relationship after the sale that makes the difference.”
A Bunk Room for the Grandchildren
by Alisha McMillen
“When we moved into this home in 2013, we had no grandchildren yet. Now, we have nine grandkids under 10 years old!” says Re-Modelista’s recent client, an excited Fort Bend County couple with three adult children. “All the grandkids just want to be together.”
You know right away that the couple is familyoriented upon entry into their home. They have three bridal photos adorning the staircase wall leading to the upstairs – photos of their two daughters and their daughter-in-law. They say, “Our daughters were always best friends and our daughter-in-law fits right in.”
Your Kitchen Bath Specialist &
The family has been in Fort Bend County since 1984, raising their children in their current neighborhood. “We used to live in the house next door. We loved this house, and once our kids were grown and it went on the market, we bought it! We love the neighborhood and we love the home!” the couple says.
“We knew we wanted to create an area for the grandkids to enjoy. We saw the Re-Modelista (Teri Gilberg) in UpClose Magazine,” they continue. “We got a couple of bids, but the instant we met Teri and her project manager Christian, we could tell they saw our vision. Teri got the ball and ran with it.”
The home previously had a small attic off the Jack-and-Jill bathroom between the gameroom and a bedroom. Re-Modelista updated the bathroom and converted the attic into a multipurpose space – bunk room, storage, and attic. “What was previously a small attic space over a small porte cochere is now a larger multi-purpose room over a bigger, double porte cochere,” Teri said. “We added dormers with windows for extra light and additional storage space.”
The room has an extra thick carpet pad to make the floor soft for the kids to play on. The light gray walls are in an eggshell finish to make little fingerprints show less. The room has double bunk beds,
with plans to put a big TV on the wall for movies and games.
“We’re thrilled – it turned out better than we expected. I would recommend Teri to anyone,” says the couple. “She’s so efficient. She came by almost every day to check on things. She’d email us every afternoon to tell us what to expect the next day. I’ve never worked with anyone as pleasant and efficient. She was outstanding.”
Did you know?
The Re-Modelista provides three hours of design services by a professional designer on every project at no charge!
Whether you’re struggling with design, or you have a great idea that you’re just not sure how to complete, complimentary design services will bring your remodel to life in a way you're sure to love
The Re-Modelista
Your Home Renovation Specialist
Serving Fort Bend County For More Than 10 Years 832-731-3191
www.theremodelista.com
Hurricane Internet in the Aftermath of a
Hurricane Beryl quickly blew through Fort Bend County Monday, July 8. She was fast but left disaster in her path. Fort Bend County saw the dirty side of Beryl’s eyewall, resulting in many lost trees and downed power poles. Power was out to over 2.2 million Houston-area customers for days. Cell service was completely down for parts of the county and internet service was non-existent for most.
Unless you have Ezee Fiber.
While other internet providers experienced long-term outages, Ezee Fiber had 100% of their customers operational by the morning of July 11, including those in areas where commercial power is yet to be restored.
“Right after the hurricane ended around 2 p.m. Monday, we deployed our generator backup plan to ensure our customers had access to online news and the ability to reach out to loved ones,” says Jason, lead network technician for Ezee Fiber. “We used generators to keep our systems up and running, so our customers would be up and running too. Due to the mass commercial power outage, we immediately purchased additional generators to prepare for what turned out to be a record-long power outage across Houston. We had a tech onsite with each generator to ensure the internet service stayed up.”
“Even when the neighborhood didn’t have power, Ezee Fiber customers stayed connected if they had power in their homes using their own generator,” Jason continues.
“Despite the extenuating circumstances of Hurricane Beryl, our commitment to constructing an underground network has proven invaluable. This infrastructure allowed our local teams to maintain a strong fiber connection throughout the storm,” says Pedro Checo, Ezee Fiber’s EVP of customer operations. “Our backup power solutions for the fiber network also mean we can get our customers up and running faster.”
After the chaos calmed and all their customers were up and running, Ezee Fiber continued giving back to the Fort Bend County community by hosting local pop-ups to provide essential support, including water, Wi-Fi access, and charging stations for those affected by the hurricane.
“At Ezee Fiber, we’re more than an internet service provider. We’re a dedicated community part-
by Nicole Grace
ner,” Pedro concludes. “Together, we’re Houston Strong.”
The NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Association) predicts an above-normal 2024 hurricane season. The most active period for strong storms in the Gulf of Mexico is August and September. There’s no better time to switch to Ezee Fiber than right now.
Ezee Fiber, based in Houston, has been supplying fiber solutions for Texas businesses for 30 years to support critical services to government facilities, school districts, and medical facilities with faster, more reliable internet service. They are excited to extend this premium service to more than 100,000 homes across the Greater Houston area.
713-255-7500
14850 Woodham Dr. Houston, TX 77073 www.ezeefiber.com
APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in Sugar Land
At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in Sugar Land.
That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.
The Woodlands
B aytown
Willowbrook
Sugar Land
Clear Lake
Katy-West Houston
Tex as Medical Center