Serving the greater Lynchburg regiOn
2017
The
GeneraTions issue
managing age-Related conflict, end-of-life planning & moRe
+INSIDE 8 Regional connectivity goals Bikes Unlimited BWXt’s ReX geveden liBeRty landscape sUpply
auguSt/SePteMber 2017
Nadine Blakely, REALTOR
®
in the NATION 50 for RE/MAX AGENTS Jan. - April, 2017.
NADINE RANKED
#
*
*RE/MAX International Ranking Report
(434) 444-2226 email: nadineblakely@remax.net
#
1
NADINE was the AGENT in the LYNCHBURG AREA for 2013, 2015 and 2016!* * Based on info from the Lynchburg Assoc. of REALTORS® MLS for the period Jan. 1, 2016 through Dec. 31, 2016
ASP, SRES, CLHMS
Nadine Can Help You “DOWNSIZE to RIGHTSIZE” ®
1st Olympic, REALTORS
®
20395 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA • (434) 832-1100
OVER 675 CLIENTS HAVE TRUSTED NADINE FOR THEIR REAL ESTATE NEEDS.
Nadine is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist.
Nadine has been “staging homes to sell” since 2007.
Nadine has SOLD over 65 homes since Jan. 1, 2017 EXPERIENCE + UNSURPASSED MARKETING EXPERTISE + TRACK RECORD = PROVEN RESULTS!
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K
Team
Karl Miller D a l t o n & C o m p a n y, I n c .
Serving Lynchburg and surrounding areas in achieving their homeownership dreams. To view more listings like these visit our website www.karlmillerteam.com
Call us to find out how we can help you get to where you want to go!
(434) 239-2394 | www.karlmillerteam.com Mark A Dalton & Co Inc.
INSIDE LB
TABLE OF CONTENTS August/September 2017
FEATURES
UPFRONT
7 BY THE NUMBERS
18
12 IN THE NEWS
LEADER PROFILE
15 LET’S DO LUNCH
Fire and Hops Taphouse
15 MOVERS & SHAKERS 16 PLUGGED IN
Rex Geveden
18
24
2017
BUSINESS UNDER 10
COLUMNS
Liberty Landscape Supply
21 MARKETING
31
Don’t Write Off Research
22 LEGAL
31
End-of-Life Planning
27 FINANCIAL The Benefits of a Local Internship
MILLENNIALS ON THE MOVE 25 Impressive Young Professionals
51
28 COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Lowell Milton’s Legacy
HEALTH MATTERS Non-Invasive Procedures
49 HUMAN RESOURCES Generational Differences
53 HEALTHCARE
55
55
The Instrumental Role of PAs
TRANSPORTATION SPOTLIGHT
61 REAL ESTATE
Study Identifies 8 Strategy Areas
Millennial Home Buyers
MADE IN LYNCHBURG
62 MEANWHILE BACK ON THE FARM
58
58
BUSINESS OVER 10 Bikes Unlimited AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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A
glimpse behind-the-scenes: As we worked to create guidelines for our 2017 Millennials on the Move campaign, I sat in front of my computer one day to determine the appropriate age cutoff for this generation (which became the largest generation in the workforce in 2015). It wasn’t a simple Google search. Here are just a few dates I found: Pew Research Center – born after 1980 The Center for Generational Kinetics – born between 1977-1995 Iconoclast (consumer research firm) – born after 1978 Surprised that someone as old as 40 could technically be considered a part of the millennial generation? I was too. That goes against the typical “mental picture” or stereotype of a millennial (an entitled 20-something, standing in line at Starbucks, sending a selfie on Snapchat). Another interesting piece of information that goes against what you may have assumed about millennials is, according to The Center for Generational Kinetics, their biggest strength is passion. Meaning, they don’t want to just clock in and out—they want to make a difference. You’ll find just a hint of that passion starting on page 31 when you read about our 2017 Millennials on the Move. Due to the differing dates you saw above, we decided anyone under 40 could be nominated for this honor. Then, a panel of judges helped choose this year’s exceptional group of 25 young professionals. You won’t see any expert selfie takers on this list, but instead… small business owners, executive directors, vice presidents and more, who are standing out in their places of work. Also inside our Generations Issue, you’ll find more age-related content. Human Resources columnist Colleen McLaughlin talks about how generational differences can create conflict in the workplace and what business leaders can do to manage it. In our Real Estate department, do millennial home buyers in our area really act that much differently than older home buyers? Dan Vollmer gives his observations. In our Financial column, college student Jacob Ranson explains why offering a summer internship is a good idea not only for a business but also for the economic vitality of the community. And while it’s not exactly what young professionals want to think about right now, attorney Rebecca Wetzel explains why end-of-life planning should be a part of everyone’s checklist, not just seniors. If after reading this issue you’re still not fully convinced millennials have more to offer than Snapchat and selfies, I asked each of this year’s honorees to name the best attribute about this generation. Just a few of their answers: creative, progressive, open-minded, confident, accepting, desire to work with purpose, relationship-driven, innovative. They don’t define themselves by the stereotypes. Maybe you shouldn’t either.
Photo by Chris Breedlove
EDITOR’S LETTER
Lynchburg Business is a bimonthly publication devoted to highlighting Lynchburg-based businesses and those in the surrounding areas of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell Counties, as well as the Town of Altavista. Every other month, 10,000 copies of Lynchburg Business are distributed by mail to local businesses, executives and individual business decision-makers. The goal of Lynchburg Business is for readers to look to the magazine as a resource worth keeping in their businesses and homes; one that appeals strongly to professionals in our area. Publisher Randy Thompson Managing Editor Shelley Basinger Editorial Director Angela Blue Contributing Writers Shelley Basinger, Billy Hansen, Emily Hedrick, Colleen McLaughlin, Drew Menard, Suzanne Ramsey, Jacob Ranson, Dustin Slightham, Dan Vollmer, Jeremy M. Welsh, Rebecca Wetzel Vice President of Production Holly Watters Art Director Chris Meligonis Client Relations Manager Brittany Proctor Contributing Designers Josh Haralson, Corey Watson Web Creative Director Chris Murphy Sr. Web Developer & Web Administrator Brandon Litchfield Web Developer Caleb Whitehead Digital Marketing/SEO Analyst Michael Saks IT Marketing Consultant William Warford Web Marketing & Promotions Manager Kathryn Kelly Contributing Photographers Shelley Basinger, Lindsay Carico, RJ Goodwin, Michael Patch
Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Account Executive/Team Leader Missy Celli Account Executives Heather Alto, Keely Miller Customer Service Representative Kiara Davis Lead Sales Artist Paul Cenzon VistaGraphics Staff Copy Editor Robin Cather Controller Anita Burns Accounting Manager Dawn Meehan Accounting Clerk Kelsey Stephens Office Manager Tracy Thompson Contributing imagery supplied by Thinkstock.com
WWW.LYNCHBURGBUSINESSMAG.COM Proud Member of:
SUBSCRIPTIONS Receive Lynchburg Business at work or at home by subscribing today for $9.97 annually. Receive 6 bi-monthly issues: Feb/Mar, Apr/May, June/July, Aug/Sept, Oct/Nov and Dec/Jan. To subscribe, go online to www.LynchburgBusinessMag.com or please send your check payable to VistaGraphics, Inc, 1264 Perimeter Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, Attn: Circulation Mgr. Please be sure to include your mailing information: name, address, city, state, zip code, and phone number. For changes of address, please email George Carter, Circulation Manager: george@vgnet.com Lynchburg Business is published bimonthly by VistaGraphics, Inc. The corporate office is located at 1264 Perimeter Pkwy, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. © 2017 - all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material prepared by VistaGraphics, Inc., and appearing within this publication is strictly prohibited without express written consent of the publisher. Publisher does not purport to authenticate and is not responsible for claims made by advertisers found within this publication.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017
ADVERTISING DEADLINES Advertising Space Reservation........................ September 1 Editorial & Events............................................... September 1 Final Artwork....................................................... September 5 For Advertising or Distribution Information, Please call 757.213.2461 or email paul@vgnet.com
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BY THE NUMBERS
25
Strategy areas identified in a regional transportation study. Read the full feature on page 55.
$1.5 billion
Young professionals in the 2017 Millennials on the Move class. See who made the list starting on page 31.
Recent contract awarded to BWXT. Hear from CEO Rex Geveden on page 18.
115,000
Physician Assistants practicing across the U.S. Find out how they are changing the healthcare profession on page 53.
60
Years Lowell Milton worked in commercial real estate in the area. Read about his career and legacy on page 28.
we welcome
new patients Dr. Joshua Binder | Dr. Daniel Yeager | Dr. Victoria Yeager | Dr. Jennifer Johannsen | Dr. Claire Farr
Our friendly and compassionate staff will make your visits comfortable! Thank you Lynchburg, for voting to make us #1, and to all our patients for trusting us with their smiles. 1604 Graves Mill Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502 | Open: Mon. 9am-5pm and Tues.-Fri. 8am - 5pm www.ForestDentalCenter.com | 434-385-7307 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
7
Connect Business Home Show Find the Best Local Businesses
Saturday Sept. 9, 2017 from 11 AM to 2PM at the Tree of Life Church on Greenview Dr. for more information visit us at
“Bringing Business with Integrity to Our Customers”
www.LynchburgConnect.com
Reach the very best in reputable businesses--those businesses with the highest integrity, ethics and standards.
We strive to make our customers’ needs the #1 priority.
Christian H. DePaul, CFP®, MS, CDFATM Certified Financial Planner 3728 Old Forest Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 christian@depaulwealthmanagement.com www.depaulwealthmanagement.com (434) 385-1340
“Your financial compass to successful planning” Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. DePaul Wealth Management and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities.
Gold Level Award Winner 8
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
ford County d e B
BCPC
P es t C
Design for the way you live.
ontrol
Gold Level Award Winner
Our promise is to provide every customer with exceptional service at fair prices with unparalleled integrity with our work. Along with common pest control issues, we also wrestle snakes and can help with the new mosquito virus this summer.
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Serving Lynchburg for over 15 years.
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aint InterIor Specialties
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Drywall Repair Water Damage 25 Years Experience Look us up on FaceBook
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tommysdrywall@gmail.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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9
Gold Winner Best of 2016-2017
SPECIALTY EXTERMINATING CO.
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Southwest & Central Virginia’s Premier Commercial Printer. Restorations & New Construction 30 Years’ Experience Chimney Inspection Repairs Brick • Hardscape Concrete • Rock • Block Honesty. Service. World Class Printing. www.bisonprinting.com
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
(800) 800-2482
Member of
(434) 660-4740 Licensed & Insured joehall70@ymail.com
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Let us help you get to where y o u wa n t t o g o
Jonathan McKinney (434) 258-5877
Real Estate • Family Law Wills and Trusts • Business Law (434) 846-5470 www.fairchildyoderlaw.com 18264 Forest Road Forest, VA
K
Team
Karl Miller D a l t o n & C o m p a n y, I n c .
KarlMIllerTeaM.CoM
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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11
UPFRONT
RETAIL
NEW KITCHEN SUPPLY SHOWROOM OPENS IN AMHERST
IN THE NEWS TRANSPORTATION
NEW GLTC FACILITY OPENS
F
ollowing two years of planning and construction, Greater Lynchburg Transit Company is operating out of a new facility on Bradley Drive. The former building on Kemper Street is estimated to be nearly 100 years old and used to house the Lynchburg trolley cars dating back to the early 1900s. The Bradley Drive building is 50,000 square feet and has eight bus maintenance bays, a wash bay and fully secured parking for the entire fleet. The $23 million project was funded through a combination of state, federal and city funds.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION GRANT WILL FUND TRAIL EXTENSION
T
he City of Lynchburg is now accepting bids on a construction project that will extend the James River Heritage Trail. A $300,000 grant from the Commonwealth Transportation Board will be used to extend the trail from the Ed Page entrance across the Langhorne Road Trestle to Linkhorne Middle School. The extension includes 2,200 linear feet of asphalt trail. “This is a keystone project for the future of Lynchburg’s premier trail system and will eventually provide access to destinations such as Peaks View Park, Ivy Creek Park, Poplar Forest and the D-Day Memorial,” said Park Services Manager Andrew Reeder.
EMPLOYMENT
LYNCHBURG RECEIVES GRANT TO HELP REDUCE EMPLOYMENT BARRIERS
I
n a continuing effort to combat poverty, city officials will use a $117,000 grant to focus on the area’s unemployed population. The funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Community Wealth Building for Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) will help those with multiple barriers in becoming employed to prepare to enter and maintain employment with the prospect of a career path and wage growth. A few of the most common barriers are education, child care, transportation and workforce development. The city’s request for the block grant included funding for a part-time program administrator and a full-time navigator who will act on behalf of clients and businesses and work with the city to track participant progress and report program metrics. The primary focus will be enhancement of the city’s ongoing TechHire and Bridges Out of Poverty “Getting Ahead” initiatives.
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LynchburgBusinessMag.com
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
L
adle & Blade, a marketplace for commercial-grade kitchen tools, is now open in downtown Amherst. Amherst resident Carl Jackson launched LadleAndBlade.com in 2016 as an offshoot of Unitec Sales Associates, a supplier of commercial kitchenware and supplies that primarily serves state agencies, hospitals and schools. Jackson recognized a growing interest in commercial-grade yet affordable kitchen products among individual consumers and smaller organizations. The new showroom, located at 106 East Court St., is the first brick-andmortar location for the retailer. “Our mission is to provide our customers with the most durable and practical tools available, plus reliable information to make the most informed purchasing decisions possible,” says Jackson. “I use as many of our products in my kitchen as I possibly can. If it doesn’t pass muster, I won’t carry it.”
TECHNOLOGY
SOVA INNOVATION CENTER LAUNCHES IN BEDFORD COUNTY
T
he SOVA Innovation Center, Bedford County’s newest engineering and research initiative, has launched in the New London Center for Business and Technology. Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities and Adaptrum have partnered together to launch the new center to house the innovative TV White Space wireless technology. The new technology will help make broadband affordable and available to residents in rural southern Virginia as well as to other unserved communities across the U.S. and internationally. Building on the success of the Homework Network TV White Space pilot program, the largest initiative of its kind in North America, the SOVA Innovation Center will be instrumental in expanding the program from 100 households to 1,000 households by the end of the year.
UPFRONT
FINANCE
POSITIVE RANKING FOR BANK OF THE JAMES FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
B
ased on a ranking released by American Banker, Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc., parent holding company for Bank of the James, is among the top 200 community bank holding companies, banks and thrifts in the nation. The ranking was based on a three-year average Return on Equity for 20142016 for publicly traded and SEC-reporting companies that had less than $2 billion in total assets on December 31, 2016 and met certain criteria relating to capitalization. According to American Banker, Bank of the James Financial Group Inc.’s three-year average Return on Equity was 8.89 percent compared to the median for all 669 qualifying institutions of 7.62 percent. “We were honored to once again be included among this select group of community banks, based on our financial performance in the past several years,” said Robert R. Chapman III, President and CEO. “We continue to focus on generating solid returns while investing in the future by growing in our served markets, adding talented bankers, strategic facilities and providing a full suite of commercial and retail banking capabilities.”
NUCLEAR ENERGY
BWXT JOINT VENTURE AWARDED $1.5 BILLION CONTRACT
B
WX Technologies, Inc. says its Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership, LLC joint venture with lead partner CH2M and Fluor Corporation was awarded a contract at a U.S. Department of Energy plant in Kentucky. The contract is valued at approximately $1.5 billion over 10 years. The scope of the contract focuses on the continued deactivation of the facilities and preparing the facilities for future demolition, while maintaining compliant waste management and environmental remediation operations. The goal of the deactivation and remediation activities is to reduce risk and accelerate the reduction of future surveillance, maintenance and demolition costs. Hear from BWXT CEO Rex Geveden in our Leader Profile section on page 18.
CONSTRUCTION
NEW ALLIANCE BUILDING ALMOST COMPLETE
A
ccording to leaders at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, construction on their new facility in the former James River Conference Center should be complete before the end of third quarter. Renovations to the building began in March. The 24,000-square-foot facility will give the Alliance much more office and meeting space than their current building on Memorial Avenue. The project cost $1.35 million.
DINING
NEW BREWERY/ RESTAURANT BRINGS JOBS TO BEDFORD
O
pening in June on Grove Street in Bedford, Beale’s Brewery and BBQ is expected to add 30 jobs and $2.5 million in economic impact to the area. “This is an exciting time for Bedford because Beale’s creates a unique and dynamic destination for residents and tourists alike…” explained Traci Blido, Bedford County Director of Economic Development. “Not only will guests enjoy handcrafted beer and food, but they’ll also experience folklore that shaped our community’s character and history.” In 2015, Waukeshaw Development, the team behind Beale’s, approached county and town officials about their idea for a brewery. The project was made possible through a combination of state and federal historic tax credits, along with a $600,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Community and Housing Development’s Industrial Revitalization Fund. Bedford native James Frazer is the brewmaster.
R. Edward Fielding, Inc. parking lot layout & marking
tennis courts • athletic tracks industrial safety aisles phone : (434) 845-1740 mobile : fax : (434) 846-2856 (434) 841-8676 refielding@verizon.net AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
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UPFRONT
LEADERSHIP
BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECEIVES ACCREDITATION
T
he U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce with 4-Star Accredited status for its sound policies, effective organizational procedures and positive impact on the community. “Accreditation validates a chamber as having programs that benefit their local economy and for positively influencing action in their community,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, Vice President, Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management. Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs and technology
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AT THE HELM OF ROTARY CLUB
F
or the first time in the history of Rotary Club of Lynchburg Morning, two people under the age of 30 will be leading the organization. The 2017-2018 President is Aaron Van Allen, Director of Alumni Relations at Hampden-Sydney College; President-Elect is LaShonda Delivuk, Chief Marketing Officer of About 90 Marketing. This year, the club celebrates its 30th anniversary.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
LOCAL WOMAN IS SEMI-FINALIST IN GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION
L
ynchburg resident Isabelle Duston will find out in September if she makes it to the next round of the XPRIZE competition. Duston, originally from France, is the CEO and founder of consulting firm Education Technology for Development, which assists NGOs and government agencies that want to use technology to evaluate their education programs, improve the delivery of their education resources or create online training courses. Duston’s team, Education Apps for All, is one of 11 semi-finalists in the competition for her development of a global educational app MoToLi (Mother Tongue Literacy). The app helps students to learn, practice and read with a phonic pedagogy in local languages and provides educational opportunities for the world’s most financially disadvantaged people. If her team is selected as one of the five finalist teams, their solutions will be deployed across 100 villages in a developing country, reaching 3,000 children (ages 7-12) over the course of an 18-month period.
When trust matters. Rely on our professional staff at Lynchburg Dental Center to bring you the latest advancements in technology in a comfortable setting. Stop in to meet the rest of our team, all of us committed to ensuring confident healthy smiles.
Carrington Crawford, D.D.S. Karen Kenny, D.D.S. Brad Lentz, D.M.D. (434) 384-7611 • 3719 Old Forest Road • www.LynchburgDentist.com
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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
UPFRONT
LET’S DO LUNCH! Fire and Hops Taphouse BY S H EL L EY BA S INGER
What to Expect Elevated pub fare in a bright and airy neighborhood restaurant
The Experience Fire and Hops Taphouse opened its doors in April, adding another dining spot to the Wyndhurst community. This area boasts a unique downtown-like vibe; street parking is available within walking distance of the restaurant’s front doors, and you’ll see people strolling by on the spacious sidewalks. Inside, the exposed ductwork and modern furniture and decor choices set a classy, but comfortable, tone for your visit. There are lots of windows letting in natural light, which is refreshing for your lunch hour. “We’re kind of like a catch all,” explained General Manager Joe McGinn. “We’re considered a taphouse, but we are family friendly too. We are a blend of a restaurant and a bar.”
The Extras Short on time? McGinn says their
What to Try
servers aim to have patrons in and
While “taphouse” is in its name, Fire and Hops elevates its menu above the
out within an hour. “As a part of the
typical pub fare. Their fire roasted pizzas are very popular for lunchtime guests;
Parry Resturant Group, high-quality
order one for yourself or share a few with your table to get a variety. You won’t
service and food is what our forte
have to wait long because McGinn says they are out within 10 minutes.
is,” said McGinn.
Another dish to consider is the Crispy Mahi Tacos topped with Cajun slaw,
Oh—and did we forget to
AT A GLANCE 100 Tradewynd Dr. Lynchburg, VA 24502 (434) 319-5153 Hours: Sun.-Thurs.: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Fri. and Sat.: 11 a.m. – midnight
mention the craft beer? Fire and
three in a heartbeat but I also secretly wished there was one more on my plate.)
Hops has a fantastic selection to choose from and the bar is spacious to say the
Other lunchtime favorites include gourmet burgers and salads.
least. It might be the perfect spot to join a co-worker for a happy hour toast.
MOVERS & SHAKERS
cheddar, bacon, lettuce and tomato. (I tried this; not only did I polish off all
PHILLIP BROWN—Promoted to Vice President and Collections
KEVIN M. GILL—Promoted to Senior Vice President and
JIM DOTTER—Named “The Difference Makers” by ENX
RICK LINGON—Named “The Difference Makers” by ENX
GRAHAM EVANS—Promoted to Vice President and Portfolio
ERICK J. PETERSEN—New Principal/Co-Founder at Rockit
Manager at Bank of the James. Brown began his career with the bank in 2001. Prior to that, he worked with Central Fidelity Bank for 24 years. Brown received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Theological Seminary
Magazine. As president of Virginia Business Systems, Dotter has overseen significant growth with the successful acquisition and implementation of five dealerships.
Manager I at Bank of the James. Evans began his BOTJ career in 2012. Since 2015, he has held the title of Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager. Evans earned a B.S. in business from Radford University.
Lynchburg Commercial Team Leader at Bank of the James. Gill is a 28-year commercial banking veteran. He holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary and a B.S. in political science from James Madison University.
Magazine. As VP of Sales and Marketing of Virginia Business Systems, the magazine credits Lingon with helping grow VBS from a small company to a statewide organization.
Creative Solutions. Petersen previously worked as the marketing and sales manager at Banker Steel Company where contributed to the growth of that company from eight to nine figures in annual volume.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
LynchburgBusinessMag.com
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UPFRONT
PLUGGED IN AUGUST 1
SUMMER MEMBERSHIP OPEN HOUSE Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce SML Office 1100 Celebration Ave., Suite 212, Moneta
BUSINESS EXPRESS: MARKETING 101 White Hart Cafe 1208 Main Street, Lynchburg 11:30 a.m. –1 p.m. Organized by Retail Merchants Association.
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
AUGUST 10
AUGUST 4
A.M. ALLIANCE NETWORKING LRBA Conference Room 2015 Memorial Ave., Lynchburg 7:30 – 9 a.m. Complimentary admission for Alliance members.
AUGUST 8
NETWORKING BEFORE NINE WITH BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Lynchburg Specialty Engraving 3018 Memorial Ave., Lynchburg 8 – 9 a.m.
LYNCHBURG AREA WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY (LAWIT) LUNCHEON Location: TBD 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost to attend is $25 for Alliance members; $35 general admission
SUMMER MEMBERSHIP OPEN HOUSE Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Forest Office 14805 Forest Rd., Forest 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
AUGUST 11
AUGUST 9
BUSINESS AT BREAKFAST The Summit, Wyndhurst
7:30 – 9 a.m. Cost to attend is $20 for Alliance members; $30 for general admission
SUMMER MEMBERSHIP OPEN HOUSE Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Main Office 305 E Main St., Bedford 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 1
AUGUST 17
AUGUST 25
COFFEE TALK Tharp 118 Commonwealth Drive, Madison Heights 8 – 10 a.m. Organized by Retail Merchants Association.
SEPTEMBER 27
BUSINESS EXPRESS: CAPITALIZE ON THE SEASON White Hart Cafe 1208 Main Street, Lynchburg 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Organized by Retail Merchants Association.
RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION MEMBER APPRECIATION CELEBRATION WoodmenLife 1800 Wards Ferry Road, Lynchburg 6 – 8 p.m. Family and friends welcome.
BRIEFCASE OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT London Downs Golf Club, Forest 1 p.m. Cost: $450 for foursome; $550 for foursome with hole sponsorship
SEPTEMBER 28
BEDFORD BUSINESS EXPO AND TASTE OF BEDFORD Bedford Area Family YMCA
SEPTEMBER 12
NETWORKING BEFORE NINE WITH BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Hilton Garden Inn 4025 Wards Rd., Lynchburg
Expo: 12 – 5 p.m. Taste of Bedford: 5 – 7 p.m. Expo is free and open to the public. Taste of Bedford is a 21+ networking event for $5 admission.
8 – 9 a.m.
SEPTEMBER 29
SEPTEMBER 20
AUGUST 31
Workforce Development
3:30 – 5 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 5
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS WITH BEDFORD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Century 21 All Service – Bedford 1525 Longwood Ave., #A, Bedford 5:30 – 7 p.m.
JOHNSON HEALTH CENTER – LYNCHBURG WOMEN’S & PEDIATRIC HEALTH SERVICES GRAND OPENING/ RIBBON CUTTING 2402 Atherholt Rd., Lynchburg
7:30 – 9 a.m. Complimentary admission for Alliance members.
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cost: $99 per person for the series
AUGUST 24
SEPTEMBER 22
A.M. ALLIANCE NETWORKING LRBA Conference Room 2015 Memorial Ave., Lynchburg
COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMY PART ONE– COMMUNICATING FROM THE INSIDE-OUT Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance 300 Lucado Pl., Lynchburg
COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMY PART TWO– NAVIGATING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS LRBA, 300 Lucado Pl., Lynchburg 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Cost: $99 per person for the series
SEPTEMBER 21
8 – 10 a.m. Organized by Retail Merchants Association.
OCTOBER 5
WOMEN’S EXCHANGE LUNCH Oakwood Country Club, Lynchburg 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost is $25 for Alliance members and $35 general admission.
COFFEE TALK Winridge Manor Bed & Breakfast and Event Venue 116 Windridge Drive, Madison Heights
26TH ANNUAL WOODS ROGERS LABOR & EMPLOYMENT SEMINAR Hilton Garden Inn 4025 Wards Rd., Lynchburg 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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LEADER PROFILE
REX GEVEDEN Title: President and
Chief Executive Officer of BWX Technologies, Inc. Before we get to your current role at BWXT, tell me about your career path before coming to Lynchburg. I had good long run with NASA, 17 years. At the end, I briefly held the position of Chief Engineer, the agency’s top technical position. Shortly thereafter I was promoted to Associate Administrator, the top non-politically appointed position at NASA. I was overseeing the launch center at Cape Canaveral, the Mission Control Center in Houston and so on. I also oversaw all of the mission areas such as Mars robotics and the Hubble Space Telescope. After my time with NASA, I went into the private industry with Teledyne Technologies. I was there for eight years. When I left, I was running two of Teledyne’s four operating segments.
For some, working for NASA is a childhood dream. Was it one of yours? I was born in the early ’60s and recall when Neil Armstrong stepped on to the moon. So, yes—that was a fantasy for me I guess you would say. I didn’t come out of school with a view I would work for NASA, but it did happen and I was gratified that it did.
Looking back, what would you say was your biggest success? While at NASA, I worked as the program manager for a spacecraft called Gravity Probe B, which was a test of two aspects of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. It was an extremely complicated instrument—it was just hard. We fought against long odds and there was a lot of institutional skepticism. When we launched the probe in April of 2004 and it worked, it was an absolute defining moment for me and the team. It was a 90-minute orbit so we didn’t know for about an hour if it was going to work. We cried when we could see that first image of the spacecraft. It was a release of emotion.
After coming to Lynchburg in 2015 for the COO position, you stepped into the CEO position when Sandy Baker retired last year. How did that transition go? There was a thoughtful plan in place when they brought me on board. I visited all of our operating 18
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LEADER PROFILE sites and plants, met key customers, went to Capitol Hill to establish Congressional contacts, gained exposure to Wall Street, and developed my relationships with the BWXT board of directors. What cemented it all together is I took on strategic planning last year, and we built up an extremely detailed market and financial analysis. It caused me to have contact with probably 200 people across BWXT and enabled me to learn just about every aspect of the business.
What type of workload will BWXT have in the coming years? We talk about five components of growth. First and foremost, we build all of the nuclear propulsion for the U.S. Navy. That’s 80 percent of our business, and that sector is anticipated to grow robustly as the Navy ramps up to 355 ships. And based on how adventurous the Chinese have become and how assertive the Russians have become, it appears there is bipartisan support to increase the strength of the Navy. That’s good business for us and for Lynchburg. Second, we have been historically strong in nuclear technical services. We take our credentials from being owners and operators of nuclear plants into that market and do technical nuclear work for the U.S. government, primarily through the Department of Energy. That market isn’t growing as much but it’s steady, and we expect to gain market share. We just won a big contract for a plant that needs to be cleaned in Kentucky. The third area we are very bullish on is the Canadian nuclear power market. We acquired a company in that market last year. And we see growth especially in reactor refurbishment projects. Those three are our principle lines of business. The fourth area is we are always on the lookout for a strategic acquisition. Finally, we anticipate research and development-driven growth. We are funding some internal ideas that we expect will lead to some powerful growth in the future. It’s competitively sensitive right now, but there will come a time where we can talk more about that.
in constructive disagreement. I don’t want to manage that out of meetings because I think the absence of constructive conflict leads to inferior decisions. Constructive conflict is how we form these diamonds that are great ideas.
As a leader of over $1.5 billion in business, what do you do to stay organized?
How would you describe your leadership style?
I keep a clean desk, and I try to keep my physical and electronic inboxes clear. When a matter comes before me and I have time to do it, I do it. If I need to file it away, I file it. But at the same time, that’s not what runs my agenda. You still need to have time during the day to run the business and for strategic thinking and planning. So the other big thing I do is I’m very careful about what I let come onto my calendar. I’m accessible; if people need to call or email me, I’m here. But when it comes to formal calendar time, if someone requests an hour, I give them half. If someone requests a half hour, I give them 15 minutes. For whatever reason in the business culture, there is this view that a meeting lasts an hour. But it doesn’t—it might last 17 minutes. Cutting down on this time opens me up to more productive work and strategic planning time with my coworkers.
I think people would call me a collaborator. I like to say, “What do you think about that, James?” or “David, does that make sense to you?” And I think people would tell you that I have a very strong appetite for innovation, whether that’s in business practices or technology.
How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
What do you like about living and working in Central Virginia?
What works best for me is not to let it fester—if I feel some sort of negative conflict, I like to go address it head on. Otherwise it amplifies. I also think it’s an underappreciated fact that a sense of humor is a pretty important tool in an executive toolkit. If there is too much unnatural conflict in a meeting, I think I can help manage it with a little bit of humor or cajoling. However, I am a believer
I will say that coming to this area and becoming a CEO is a dream fulfilled for me. Lynchburg is such a warm community, and I feel like it is absolutely blossoming. It feels very alive and very progressive. Right on the James River and nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains—this town is becoming a destination city. I feel lucky to have arrived when I did.
TOP: Rex Geveden at BWXT’s Fuel Technology Center in Lynchburg. LEFT: Geveden addresses the audience at the U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council’s summit on global nuclear energy markets on June 6 in Washington, DC. RIGHT: Geveden and BWXT CAD Specialist Barbara Bohannon discuss an upcoming project.
What is life like for you outside of work? My wife and I are very physically active; we are always hiking or biking. We are fans of music so you’ll often find us sitting on the porch in the evenings listening to jazz. We are also voracious readers. It’s not atypical for me to knock down 40-50 books a year. And while we don’t take too many trips to Italy, we travel a lot to see our family. We have a daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren in Alabama and a son in California. And a lot of family back in Kentucky where we are both from.
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MARKETING
DON’T WRITE OFF RESEARCH BY D UST I N S L I GHT HAM
I
n 2015, I was kicking off a project with a brandnew client. The first meeting started with a series of questions about one topic—the target customer. As the client described their target customer, something seemed off. They had been running a retail business for over 20 years and emphatically described a male buyer as their core customer. “This is who buys,” he said. “And this is who I want to attract.” Having encountered this situation before, our team knew that conducting research would make any future project, such as a website redesign, more valuable to the client’s business. So, we guided the customer toward adding research as part of their marketing project. We explained that leaders sometimes develop blind spots; research can either affirm accurate assumptions about the target market or uncover new information. Ultimately, the client trusted us and pushed their website design back three months so we could conduct research. During the three-month span, we developed a report from 10 one-on-one customer interviews and 750 in-store customer surveys. In this process, we discovered the core buyer was not male, as the client assumed. Instead, their core customers were young females. As we walked our client through the customer profile and the 70-page report documenting our findings, we were unable to read his reaction. He asked no questions. So, we presented a new website design, one that would attract a female buyer. However, the client remained quiet and left us wondering what he thought of the research. Soon, we found out the client put our data to the test. After meeting with us, he reviewed his point-of-sale data from the previous year and created a report of his top-buying customers. Being a small business, he knew each of these individuals well. As he thought about these individuals, they all had the similar buying habits and traits. He was surprised to find that our customer profile was right; his top customers were all young females.
After a few weeks, our client requested a meeting. During the meeting, he revealed his findings, showing how his data matched our research. Although he was initially surprised by our results, he trusted our team’s insights and put them to the test. As a result, he approved the new website design. Additionally, the client used his new customer profile to educate his internal operations team and guide them toward this new target customer. The moral of this story is simple. Research is important. 1) Research uncovers blind spots and bad assumptions. As a business owner, I have had bad assumptions about my customers. We all do. We make assumptions about our customers that can become reflected in all areas of our business—from sales and marketing to customer service and operations. 2) Research empowers your operational team. Oftentimes we encourage our clients to discuss the research and customer profile with their operational teams. Why? Well, in the story above, the in-store staff was able to recognize this target customer immediately and cater to her every need, resulting in customer loyalty and increased revenue. 3) Research eliminates wasteful spending. I personally hate wasteful spending and try to mitigate it at all costs. Having strong research in hand will allow you to make decisions that stray from “magic-bullets” and tactics that your target customer will not respond to. 4) Research increases sales and profitability. If you know how your target customer thinks and buys, this creates a focus that aligns all areas of your business: “This is who I serve, this is how they think, and this how I get to them.” The instance outlined above is not unique and is why we recommend research on the outset of every marketing project. Effective research will not only impact your marketing and sales efforts, but it will also uncover new opportunities that can impact other areas of your business.
Dustin Slightham is the CEO of 434 Marketing, an award-winning, full service marketing agency, focused on using customer research, data and a brand’s story to increase business.
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LEGAL to structure assets in such a way that long-term care can be provided without financially crippling your family. This type of planning should include not only financial assets, but also a business legacy. Business owners and partners in small to midsized firms should meet with those they work with and put together a plan of succession. If catastrophe strikes, co-workers and partners will be in emotional, mental and physical distress. An organized plan of action will not only preserve a business legacy, but will also provide peace of mind to those who helped build that legacy.
MEDICAL DECISIONS AND DECISION MAKERS When discussing critical medical documents, most people quickly think of “Do Not Resuscitate” orders and life support directions. This type of document is called a medical directive. Medical directives are important documents that can
END-OF-LIFE PLANNING NOT JUST FOR SENIORS BY REBECCA WETZEL
I
bring peace of mind to individuals and their families. However, for a younger person, a medical power of attorney is of even more importance. A medical power of attorney does not give directions. Instead, it names the person or persons who will make medical decisions in the event that an individual becomes incapacitated. Even if a person will eventually make a full recovery, there are medical decisions that need to be made during temporary incapacitation following car accidents and other unexpected events. Many factors, including maturity, temperament and geography, may contribute to choosing a proper medical power of attorney. An individual should consult with their family, loved ones and a legal professional to make this decision and properly execute the necessary documents.
PLANNING FOR YOUR CHILDREN
n business, success is not a result of luck; it is the result of careful planning. This is true for all aspects of life—paying for college, buying a home, starting a family. Yet, when it comes to
planning for critical medical incidents or the end of life, too many people put off even thinking about the topic. While most people trust their loved ones to make decisions on their behalf, they don’t realize what a burden this might be. Jamee Wetzel, a critical incident stress responder and grief facilitator with a master’s degree in family ministry, states that “Most people are aware of the emotional responses to grief, but few people know of the physical responses. These responses make decision making and clear thinking difficult, if not impossible, for a period of time.” For this reason, basic end-of-life planning in advance is one of the greatest gifts a person can give their loved ones.
PROTECTING A LEGACY Most life milestones come at a time of one’s own choosing such as college, marriage, or retirement. This is not so for death or catastrophic illness and injury.
When asked about what concerns them the most in the event of a sudden death or injury, most people respond with, “Making sure my kids are cared for.” Beyond finances, it is important to determine who will actually provide daily care for young children. Obviously, this a far more important consideration for a young person with minor children than for a senior with adult children. Children are not property. Children cannot be inherited by a relative in the same way that a car or a baseball card collection can be passed on. Nonetheless, providing some written guidance as to your wishes can provide great comfort to the mourners left behind. There may be a multitude of well-meaning friends and family who would be willing to step forward. Knowing the desires of the deceased can ease the burden of making that decision.
CONCLUSION Planning for the end of life may not be as fun as planning for retirement, but it is critical that everyone, even the young and healthy, put basic plans in place. Not only will proper planning ensure achieving one’s desires, but it will also relieve friends and family of the burden of guessing and reacting during a time of stress and grief. As such, end-of-life planning is not just practical, but also a gift of love. Disclaimer: This column is for informational purposes and should not be considered personalized legal advice. Individuals should seek the counsel of an attorney to address their particular circumstances and desires.
Many people believe that financial planning of this sort is not necessary unless they possess significant wealth. This is not true. Whatever a person has acquired through their hard work is worth protecting. Perhaps even more important than planning for death is planning for incapacitation. Coordinating with an attorney and a financial planner is imperative 22
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Rebecca Wetzel is a graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law. She is a founding partner at the law firm of Wetzel and Washburn in Forest, VA.www.wetzelandwashburn.com
BUSINESS PROFILE UNDER
BUSINESS TEN YEARS
MUCH MORE THAN MULCH LIBERTY LANDSCAPE SUPPLY’S MISSION TO BEAUTIFY BEDFORD BY EM I LY HED R ICK
H
ome to the National D-Day Memorial, Avenel Plantation, the Elks National Home and several other historic buildings and landmarks, Bedford is a town with deep roots and rich traditions. Like many historic towns, some buildings of yore have fallen into disuse with the passage of time. Some of them, however, get a second chance to thrive; such is the case with the historic Bedford Coal and Ice building on Grove Street, which is now the home of Liberty Landscape Supply. Liberty Landscape Supply was founded by Bryan Schley and Scott Elliot in late 2015 and opened for business in March 2016 after extensive renovations to the Bedford Coal and Ice building. “Our building was owned by the town prior to us moving in and setting up shop,” says Ashby Perrow, general manager of Liberty Landscape Supply. “According to some old fire insurance maps, the
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building has been here since at least 1912, maybe earlier. Though the building was fairly rough looking structurally, it was pretty sound. New windows and doors, ductwork, electric and plumbing were installed. The façade of the building was spruced up with some accent parging and, of course, some landscaping. The renovations really allowed the building to retain its historical feel, which we think is fitting because Bedford is such a historic place.” Liberty Landscape Supply sells mulch and stone, but it doesn’t stop there.
In addition to its unique housing, the business boasts nearly a mile of walking trails that allow visitors to see how different plant species work together before deciding what to buy for their own homes. “We had discussed selling plants from the beginning,” Perrow says. “We also knew that we wanted to set up our nursery in a way that would really make for a great experience every time you visited Liberty Landscape Supply. When the adjoining pieces of property became available this past winter, we hit the ground running. Working with Landscape Architect David Bennett, we came up with the series of walking paths, bridges, gazebo and pond area that would showcase our plant displays.” Onsite work began this February, and the business was selling plants by mid-April.
BUSINESS PROFILE A desire to both work with and enrich the community plays a central role in Liberty Landscape Supply’s offerings. Their gift shop features items from the Simply Southern Collection, but it also features crafts and wares from local artisans. Additionally, the business uses their warehouse for community events. “Last fall, we hosted a fundraiser for the Liberty High School football team with chili,” Perrow says. “We also had a fall event with Brunswick stew, pumpkin painting for the kids and specials on all of our gift shop items. We hope to continue with those events and host workshops and informative talks about gardening and landscaping.” Liberty Landscape Supply also connects customers with local landscapers. “We help customers find landscape contractors here in Bedford to do work for them,” Perrow notes. “This is beneficial not only to the customers, but also to the hardworking folks here making a living in the landscaping field. We also source as much of our inventory locally as we possibly can, which obviously helps to grow our local economy.”
Although Liberty Landscape Supply prides itself on the variety and quality of their material offerings, Perrow said he believes that making these local connections and offering top-notch advice is what truly makes the business stand out. “There was no place here in town to get plants as well as advice pertaining to landscaping prior to us filling that void,” Perrow says. “We hope to continue to build our customer base with a reputation for high-quality products and materials and, above all, top-quality customer service. We want to be the go-to place for the surrounding areas when it comes to filling the landscaping needs of homeowners and contractors alike. We want to create a welcoming space where folks want to spend time, not just their money.” In an effort to create an even more welcoming atmosphere, Liberty Landscape Supply plans to renovate a small building at the center of their property and use it as both a potting shed where people can make their own container plantings and as a site for workshops. The business also hopes to add more landscaping and seasonal products in the future. “We would love to start carrying hardscape (retaining wall, patios) supplies and possibly even feature an in-house design team,” Perrow says. “We also want to sell Christmas trees, wreaths and decorations this coming holiday season.” A Bedford native himself, Perrow takes personal pride in being part of a team that honors Bedford’s past while also beautifying and innovating its future. “Besides being lucky enough to spend the majority of my day outdoors working with beautiful plants, probably the most rewarding part of being at Liberty Landscape Supply is helping customers with plant choices and giving advice,” he says. “Being from Bedford County, a lot of our customers are friends, neighbors or even family, so it’s great to help them out any way we can. On a personal level, I love getting my hands dirty. It makes me happy to take a few plants, some mulch and some hard work and leave a space looking a little better than it did before I started. If I can lend myself to helping others find a little bit of that joy in their own lives, then it’s been a good day for me.” For more information visit www.libertylandscapingva.com.
AT A GLANCE Founded: 2015 Number of Employees: 1 full time, 4 part time Located: 1000 Grove St., Bedford Signs of Growth: Created walking paths to showcase plants; Plan to renovate small building to use as a potting shed
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FINANCIAL planning firm for some time now, I can say this is not the case. I’ve learned this type of opportunity gives the intern real-world experience in a field that would be very difficult to find a job in at a young age; a typical summer job usually doesn’t involve working in a professional setting. Furthermore, an internship gives the intern a chance to see if they truly want to pursue this career path. You wouldn’t buy a car before test driving it, so why would you pursue a career without trying it out? By test driving the career, an intern can adjust their path and goals based on their likes or dislikes.
BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYER
THE BENEFITS OF A LOCAL INTERNSHIP THROUGH THE EYES OF A FINANCIAL SERVICES INTERN BY JACO B C. RAN SO N
W
hen people hear the words “intern” or “internship,” especially in the context of the financial field, they often envision someone in their late teens or early twenties struggling to deliver a tray of coffee from across town to the office. The general thought people have about internships is that they are meant to serve the needs of the employer without much thought about the intern. Regardless of the characteristics portrayed in movies, internships have many benefits not only for the employer and intern, but also for the local community as a whole. BENEFITS TO THE INTERN For many young people wanting to direct their career towards the financial industry, getting an internship is just as important as getting a college degree. This was especially true for me as I entered my sophomore year at Hampden-Sydney College. Throughout the year, I looked through internship listings online trying to find the right one for my career path. Although I spent many hours scrolling through pages, I never thought how I might benefit from an internship. Admittedly, I had the idea that internships are just like Hollywood portrays them: a rite of passage for getting a good job in the future with no real gain in knowledge or experience in the present. However, after interning at a financial
Besides having an employee working for low or even no wages, there are a handful of other positive aspects for an employer who is considering starting an internship program. Employers are likely to find previously undiscovered talent; they will get the first look at the abilities of young professionals in their field. If an employer is impressed by an intern, they have a much better shot at retaining the intern for a full-time position before another firm, which is crucial in the competitive industry of finance. And by bringing an intern into the firm, the employer can also gain a new perspective on things from someone with a younger mindset. This different perspective often generates many new ideas that can be extremely beneficial for the business.
BENEFITS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Young people in the Lynchburg community with aspirations to become the next successful person in the finance field feel a lot of pressure to look for opportunities in larger cities such as Charlotte, Chicago or New York. This pressure comes from the common perception that because Lynchburg is a comparatively smaller area, there aren’t opportunities here. Contrary to this belief, Lynchburg is home to a number of successful, established financial firms along with many new, younger ones. One thing all of these firms have in common is the need for employees. If all of the young talent in the area hold the belief that local opportunities are too few and far between, how would Lynchburg retain its young professionals and how would these businesses grow in the future? Creating internship opportunities will help aspiring young professionals take notice of the area’s thriving workforce and consider starting their careers here.
TAKEAWAYS For the college-aged young professional with aspirations to work in the financial world, an internship is essential to getting a substantial job after graduation. It allows you to gain real-world experience all while building your network of connections. An internship also gives you the opportunity to find out more about yourself and what you want to do with your life. For businesses considering bringing on interns, there is much to gain. Not only are you helping the intern with their career, but you are giving the business a chance to see a younger and more modern view on certain practices and perhaps retain some local talent before it looks elsewhere. For the Lynchburg community, internships offer much more than meets the eye. Before finding my current internship, I had planned on moving away to a larger city as soon as I received my college degree. However, by realizing I can have a successful career working in the financial field in the Lynchburg area, my plans may well have changed. Jacob C. Ranson is a summer intern at Lynchburg Wealth Management, a fee-only retirement planning and investment management firm on the web at www.lynchburgwealth.com. He is a rising senior at HampdenSydney College studying business and a native of Appomattox.
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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
An Honest
REAL ESTATE MAN BY BI L LY HANS EN
I
n an industry sometimes known for selfpromotion, exaggeration and puffing up, Lowell Milton is disarmingly modest and selfdeprecating about what he has accomplished during his 60 years in real estate, but his body of work and those who have worked with him say different. He’s qualified as an expert witness in 46 Circuit Courts in Virginia and spent a good portion of his career sharing his expertise with judges and juries while testifying on the stand for condemnation and other real estate–related cases. In addition, Lowell holds both the SREA and MAI designations from the Appraisal Institute, has provided appraisal services to an extensive list of banks and corporate clients, and has also excelled at brokerage, development and investing. But Lowell is more than just his impressive resume; he is old school in the best way possible as a man known for his honesty, integrity, relentless work ethic and commitment to fair dealing.
work in the drafting room at the Virginia Highway Department, which was the very start of what Lowell calls his “accidental” real estate career. After two years learning the fundamentals by drawing plans and plotting cross sections in a setting where attention to detail mattered above all else, Lowell was promoted to right-of-way agent. This new job came with a car, a badge, and even an expense account for lunch, but it also meant heading out into the field to appraise the actual land where the new roads Lowell had been drawing would be built and to negotiate with their current owners. Not everyone is well-suited to the delicate task of negotiating the condemnation and taking of private land for public use, but Lowell was, and still is, a natural storyteller with the unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. As Jack Sorrells, an area executive with First Citizens Bank and Lowell’s banker for the last 20 years, puts it, “Lowell is as at home in the boardroom as he is on the farm.” Always an early adopter of new technology, Lowell got his hands on a Dictaphone in 1960 with plans to keep an oral record of all his negotiations with landowners. His supervisor, who started to notice the lack of written
THE HIGHWAY YEARS As the youngest of eight children born to a schoolteacher and a farmer in rural
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After leaving the farm and taking a few odd jobs in Farmville, Lowell served in the Army for two years. In 1957, Lowell finished his service and went right to
documentation on Lowell’s desk compared with his fellow agents, began to wonder whether his young right-of-way agent had been slacking on the job and
Charlotte County, Lowell developed his appreciation for a hard day’s work very
brought it up during a staff meeting. Luckily, Lowell was able to produce the tapes,
early on. Reflecting on his 60 years in real estate, gratitude is what Lowell feels
which were filled with meticulous notes from the field, and prove his diligent
more than anything because his humble beginnings “back in the boonies,” as he
efforts. A charge of lack of effort against Lowell Milton never would stick, but the
calls it, didn’t leave him with a whole lot of expectations about how life would go
practice of dictation did. Betty Powers, who has worked for Lowell in one capacity
and where it might lead.
or another since 1986, has spent more time listening to his recorded thoughts
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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE than anyone as he would dictate entire appraisal reports into his Dictaphone for her to type up on their new Apple II computer. Betty says, “Lowell has the gift of gab, but, more than that, he can make you see things logically. He was never complicated.” This ability to explain the complex in a simple way was one the qualities that made Lowell an excellent expert witness. Lowell’s love for learning was readily apparent as he jumped at any education opportunity that the highway department offered, which included several summer sessions at the University of Virginia. His boss, recognizing Lowell’s potential and his drive, gently encouraged him to head out and seek more for his career. He eventually did leave in 1965, but as Lowell says, “The highway department was a darn good training ground.” Even more, it’s where he met his first business partner, Bob Gentry, who started with Lowell back in the drafting room in 1957.
HANGING A SHINGLE After five years working as a staff appraiser for another firm, Lowell and Bob Gentry joined up again and hung a shingle for Milton-Gentry & Patterson, Inc. in 1971 in a modest basement office. Milton has been a constant name on real estate signs around Lynchburg ever since that day. As the two built their business, they hired both appraisers and agents. The list of people who have worked with and for Lowell over the years reads like a “Who’s Who” in commercial real estate today. On what he was looking for in a new hire, Lowell says, “I’d rather have a young fellow with common sense and sound judgment than someone with a master’s degree.” As both partners had a right-of-way background from their years with the highway department, they naturally specialized in appraisal for condemnation and worked on big projects, like the Gretna Bypass, that lasted months and years. Gentry, an MAI appraiser himself, said, “Lowell is the smartest person I know in real estate appraisal when it comes to math and numbers. If I had to hire an appraiser today, I’d hire Lowell.”
EARNING RESPECT An appraiser, almost by definition, can’t make everyone happy all the time. In fact, making people happy is not really the goal at all. Lowell defines the role of an appraiser very simply: “We don’t create value. We don’t distort value. We just interpret the real estate market.” Lowell gave his clients the same assurance on every appraisal assignment, telling them: “I’ll do the job as thorough and as honest as I know how. That’s all I can promise.” With this attitude, Lowell developed a reputation as an honest appraiser incapable of being influenced or swayed. Local commercial real estate broker Gary Case got his start with Lowell in the 1970s and the pair would later start a company together in the early 1980s. As Case puts it, “Lowell earned a lot of respect by doing everything above board and delivering the best appraisal. You can’t buy respect, you earn it. And Lowell did. He’s very honest and has a lot of integrity.” Case compared Lowell’s style as an appraiser to that of an honest referee who just calls it how he sees it. Case also admires Lowell’s openness to innovation and new ideas, saying, “Lowell loves to learn; it’s almost like a hobby for him.” When their partnership eventually concluded, they parted ways on good terms and remain friends to this day.
THE DEVELOPMENT GAME Running in parallel to his other real estate activities, Lowell also tried his hand
running partnership of his career. With Lowell as the real estate man working the numbers and Neal overseeing the building, they developed and invested in several properties in the area, including bringing the first Veterans Affairs Community Clinic to Lynchburg. Of their partnership, Neal says, “There was never a cross word between us in our entire time together,” and points to Lowell’s “extremely honest” nature as a key to his long-term success. The two also developed a number of retail strip centers, which Lowell was fond of as an investment because of their simplicity. As Lowell puts it, “In the real estate business, you don’t really have to be that brilliant or smart or educated, as a lot of people can testify, but if you can recognize an opportunity, there are a lot of places you can go.” Lowell does seem to worry about the people thinking there is easy money to be made in real estate brokerage or development. “If you go into the real estate developing business with the idea that you are going to make [money] on every project, you better get into something else. You can be Einstein, but you’re not gonna make a profit on everything.” One development that was definitely more of a learning experience for Lowell than a financial success was the Carriage Square residential development on Boonsboro Road, which was started in the early 1980s and predated the Milton & Neal partnership. Widely acknowledged to be a project way ahead of its time,
at the development game in 1986 by partnering with Joe Neal, a local builder
Carriage Square is still today a sought-after place to live, but, by virtue of being
and Lowell’s cousin, on what became arguably the most successful and longest-
birthed in the wrong generation, it was a money loser for all partners involved. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Lowell remembers the sting of the loss just like any real estate investor would, but, to him, it remains the development he is most proud of because, even when the financial losses were mounting and any profit potential had vanished, they never threw in the towel and stayed committed to putting out a good product until the project was completed.
STARTING AGAIN In 2003, Lowell, who was 68 years old at the time and leading a thriving brokerage business and appraisal business, felt chest pains in the middle of a workout and eventually ended up on the operating table having quadruple bypass heart surgery. While Lowell would eventually recover from the health scare after a successful surgery, he made plans to retire and wind down his work life, eventually selling both his brokerage business and his appraisal business. Lowell says, “I really was going to retire. I stayed home for about three days and said, ‘I can’t take this anymore.’” So, Lowell started over again. He hung another shingle in another modest office with a small team and got back to his craft.
A WISE CONCLUSION At 82 years young, Lowell has spent 60 years in real estate and has no plans to stop, but he has slowed down a little. Part of that slowing down meant that it was finally time to bring his 30-year partnership with Neal to a close and divide up their holdings. Dissolving a real estate partnership can turn ugly and sometimes resemble a messy divorce, but Lowell benefitted from prior experience dissolving partnerships and navigated this potentially volatile situation with a desire to be fair above all else. Lowell sat down at his desk and divided their entire holdings into two lists. Once he was satisfied in his own mind that the scales were equally balanced, he put the two lists down in front of his longtime partner and said, “Take your pick, Joe. I’ll take the one that’s left.” A partnership that took 30 years to build was successfully concluded in about 30 minutes without a costly legal battle or even a hint of hard feelings. Marveling at this simple and elegant solution, his longtime attorney, Bernard Baldwin from Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams, says, “How much more fair can you be?”
A MAN OF VALUE Lowell Milton’s career stands as a model of how to succeed in this business without ever having to trade in your integrity. The benefit of nearly an entire generation being trained or influenced by a man known for his honesty and fair dealing is that the commercial real estate world in Lynchburg today is a tight-knit community marked by mutual respect and fairness. Lowell Milton’s career answers the question, “What would happen if an honest man from humble beginnings armed with little more than a love of learning and his word showed up every day ready to work, surrounded himself with good people, and did things the right way for 60 years?” The answer: He would become a recognized master at his craft and earn the respect and admiration of his peers.
Billy Hansen, MAI serves the Lynchburg area as the principal commercial real estate appraiser of Hansen Realty Advisors, LLC and as an agent with Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer. To discuss more, email him at hansenrealtyadvisors@gmail.com.
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After receiving numerous nominations, a panel of local business leaders selected the following 25 young professionals as being among the best and brightest of their generation.
PH OTO G RAPH Y BY M I C HAEL PATC H
Whether they own a small business or work for a large corporation, these individuals are truly “on the move” not only in their places of work, but also in the community.
Sara Abbe BIO: Unit manager in the Engineering Department at BWXT’s Mt. Athos Road facility. Sara has lived and worked in the Lynchburg area for 11 years. She has been with BWXT in roles of increasing responsibility for eight years and previously worked as a process engineer at Georgia Pacific’s Big Island mill. She graduated from North Carolina State University with two engineering degrees and serves on the Engineering Advisory Board at Sweet Briar College.
projects/challenges into smaller steps helps me get started, stay motivated, and provides natural points to re-evaluate my plan.
So far in my career, I am most proud of… the fact that my job makes a real difference in the defense of our nation.
What I love about working in Lynchburg is… the lack of traffic! Whenever I travel to bigger cities I realize how much I take that for granted.
When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… think about what kind of example I want to set for my children. I want them to grow up realizing that life will present us with personal and professional challenges outside our control, but our reaction to them is in our control.
The best piece of advice I have ever received… even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Breaking big
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Ken Arpino
So far in my career, I am most proud of… doubling our company’s revenue two years in a row. Wolfbane has made huge advancements as a business and I am so proud to be a part of it.
BIO: Director of Development for Wolfbane Productions. Ken is an accomplished actor, writer and improviser, and has been seen in the Broadway touring companies of Mamma Mia!, Legally Blonde: the Musical! and Hairspray. Now, splitting his time between Appomattox and NYC, Ken is thrilled to do his part to provide Broadwaycaliber entertainment in Central Virginia. Ken is also a founding member of the newly formed Experience Appomattox campaign and serves on the boards of the Appomattox Chamber of Commerce and the new Lynchburg Artisan Trail.
When I started my career, I wish I had known… there are no wrong answers. Some things will work better than others, but ultimately each decision makes you better, so go for it. Over the next five years… I strive to attract a more diverse tourism base, increase visitor spending, and enhance the “Appomattox Experience” for anyone who finds themselves in Appomattox County. I will continue to grow and nurture arts and culture initiatives and hope to partner with many more local businesses. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… put the fifth cup of coffee down. Caffeine can be your enemy.
Stephanie Atkinson BIO: Owner of The Conscious Mercantile and Live Trendy or Die. Stephanie is a New Jersey native and fourth generation small business owner who currently owns two specialty retail shops in the Downtown Lynchburg area, utilizing a combined 12 years of experience in managing, merchandising, planning and marketing. Believing that organic growth is the key to a uniquely successful Downtown, Stephanie carries over 40 local artisans in her commercial spaces, serving as a springboard for their growth. She will open The Windblown Apothecary in late August 2017. The best piece of advice I have ever received… was, “It took five years for your father and me to make money so stop complaining.” This came from my Mom whenever I was worried about sales during my first year. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that Bob Marley’s song [“Everything Is Going To Be Alright”] was true. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… that it is a very small trusting city populated by people who are the first to offer help and then take you to a happy hour. Something not many people know about me is that… I come up with all the visual designs in the shops. Everything is custom built by my husband and I like to reflect the historic integrity of our spaces. 32
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Patrick Bolling BIO: Associate Attorney at Woods Rogers Edmunds & Williams. Patrick focuses his practice on commercial transactions and litigation. He also is the President of the Board of the Arc of Central Virginia, serves on the Executive Board of the Young Lawyer’s Division and the Real Estate Section Council of the Virginia Bar Association, is a member of the MIX Committee at the Academy Center of the Arts, and was the 2016 Volunteer of the Year for the Daniel’s Hill Community Garden. Patrick lives in Lynchburg with his amazing wife, Anna, eight-month-old son, Onex, and black lab, Delta. My inspiration and motivation come from… my late grandfather, Onex. He was a WWII veteran and self-made man. He provided opportunity for my whole family with only a degree from Huddleston High School, hard work and the love of my wonderful grandmother, Helen. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that a successful legal practice is built on personal relationships, just like any other business. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… remind myself that I am fortunate to be able to have a tough day at work. Something not many people know about me is that… I am a musician (to stretch the meaning of the word). I play the mandolin, guitar and drums. In law school, I had a band that played local bars and breweries. We never got our big break.
Jessica Clarkson BIO: Assistant Vice-President of Business Development at Member One Federal Credit Union. Jessica is also a member and Social Chair of the Lynchburg Morning Rotary Club, Chair of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance Ambassador Team and Board Member for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Board Member for Susan G. Komen Virginia Blue Ridge, Council Member for Leadership Lynchburg, but most importantly (and challenging) is her job of being mom to a spunky four year old named Olivia. So far in my career, I am most proud of… having the opportunity to chair Lynchburg’s first “Big Wigs” campaign for Susan G. Komen Virginia Blue Ridge. Our goal was to raise $10,000 and we raised almost $22,000 for local mammograms, breast cancer screening and breast cancer research. The best piece of advice I have ever received… came from my dad who would always tell me, “Don’t sell yourself short.” When I start to doubt myself or feel overwhelmed I think about that and realize that life has thrown me some curveballs, but I am capable of persevering. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that there are people out there who are eager to take you under their wing and help you grow in your career. It’s important to have a mentor. Something not many people know about me is that… I’m an avid reader. I always wished I had a cooler talent, but I can read really fast and read about three books a week. Also, I’m super competitive with Fantasy Football (and have won our family’s league the past two years… in case they are reading this).
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Shaun Conway BIO: Senior GIS Programmer/Analyst for the City of Lynchburg. Shaun also serves on various committees focusing on wellness, process improvement and volunteering. Before joining the City of Lynchburg in 2007, Shaun received a B.S. degree with an emphasis in geography from James Madison University. Having spent the majority of his childhood as a military dependent living in Germany and traveling Europe, he now calls Lynchburg home. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the small things I get to do every day that help others. Whether it’s a cop who needs a map or a professor who needs demographic data, knowing I was able to help someone do what they love to do is always rewarding.
on that opportunity if you are unwilling to admit what you don’t know. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… that Lynchburg offers the very best of two worlds. It has the charm, character and community of a small southern town while, at the same time, it benefits from the energy, excitement and diversity of a larger city. Lynchburg is truly unique. Something not many people know about me is that… although my job is dependent on technology, I am a collector of hobbies that don’t require screens or a WiFi connection. My current focus is on beekeeping and woodworking.
When I started my career, I wish I had known… just how little I actually knew. Every day is an opportunity to grow and learn and you miss out
Codie Cyrus BIO: Co-owner of C&C Piping and Fabrication. Codie is the owner of a husband and wife–run, welding repair and maintenance company that specializes in process piping and mechanical support. She was awarded a $15,000 grant from Altavista On Track and the company was recognized as the Small Business Development Centre “Business of the Year” for 2017. So far in my career, I am most proud of… growing. We started this company with trade knowledge and a prayer. We are what we are today due to hard work and building great relationships. Over the next five years… I would like to add an apprenticeship/internship program at our company to allow the youth in our area to get some
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hands-on experience in their field of choice. I feel that if we have skilled labor in our area then the economy will grow around it. My inspiration and motivation come from… God. We are all put in a place on this earth and He blesses each of us with a talent or talents. It’s our job to take them and use them for the growth of His kingdom. The best piece of advice I have ever received… was from my father who said, “Don’t get above your raising.” It was his way of reminding me to stay humble and don’t let it go to your head.
2017 Moore & Giles would like to congratulate
Elizabeth Stroud on her selection as one of Lynchburg Business Magazine’s Millennials Magazine on the Move.
Congratulations to Jamie Glass, an amazing young professional, and all of the other Millennials on the Move in the Lynchburg Region. Together, you are creating positive change in our Region.
Where Creativity and Commerce Connect
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Ted Delaney BIO: Executive Director of Old City Cemetery Museums and Arboretum. Ted is at the helm of this destination, now the most visited historic site in the City of Lynchburg. He was raised in Lynchburg and graduated from the University of Virginia. He writes, lectures, and consults extensively on many topics related to local history and genealogy. Ted currently serves on the boards of Historic Sandusky and Opera on the James.
My inspiration and motivation come from… local history and its incredibly rich and colorful—but often forgotten—people, places, artifacts and stories. I love the challenge of finding the missing pieces, putting them back together, and sharing them in interesting ways. When I started my career, I wish I had known… change is normal and healthy. Pretending it won’t happen or fighting it ultimately makes things worse. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… literally stop and smell the roses outside our office.
So far in my career, I am most proud of… contributing to something that will long outlive me.
LaShonda Delivuk BIO: CMO, Brand Strategist & Commercial Film Producer at About 90 Marketing and Life Focus Pictures. LaShonda Delivuk is a serial entrepreneur from Dinwiddie, Va. She made her home in Lynchburg in 2008, and since relocating she has started four successful ventures that all generated profits within the first year. She is the President Elect of the Rotary Club of Lynchburg Morning and serves on the board for Living Bread Ministries. She is happily married to her husband Josh. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the Kickstarter campaign I facilitated with my husband which saved a theater in Virginia from closing by generating $25,000 in 15 days. Since this fundraiser, they have successfully funded multiple summer theater seasons using the system we created. Over the next five years… I hope to release my first book, start a movement and be debt free. The goal is to have more… to give more away. I would also love to take a trip to Brazil to visit the churches I’ve helped plant through Living Bread Ministries. When I started my career, I wish I had known… to get a loan before you officially start. But here’s the thing—if I had known how hard it would be to be an entrepreneur I would have never gotten started. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… sit still, sing worship music until the truth of the lyrics sinks in and reminds me how good God truly is. 36
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2017 BIO: Executive Vice President and Senior Operations Officer at Bank of the James. Brandon began his Bank of the James career in 1998 as an intern while finishing his business degree at Virginia Tech and was hired as a management associate in January 2001. He leads a dynamic team of 13 employees within the functional areas of Deposit Operations, Information Technology, Bank Secrecy Act, Facilities Management and Real Estate Valuation. He serves on several boards: the Downtown Lynchburg Association, the Kiwanis Club of Lynchburg and the Lynchburg Parking Authority. When I started my career, I wish I had known… how to effectively communicate in order to achieve success personally and professionally. I believe we need to continually
Brandon P. Farmer work on improving our communication skills, which leads to improving our relationships. Over the next five years… I want to explore Italy, France, Scotland, England and Australia. I appreciate the historical sites of Europe, great wine and challenging golf courses. My inspiration and motivation come from… my wife April. She is my best friend, and she always provides the support and critical feedback I need to succeed. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… try to focus on prioritizing my tasks to lessen the anxiety of work. If I can resolve an issue or achieve a goal, there is that bit of satisfaction when you’re done.
Nicholas Steven George BIO: Founder of The Listening, Inc. Since 2013, The Listening has sought to use the performing arts to mentor young people and engage the community by holding regular events. Nicholas also works as a schoolbased clinician for the local community services board, and lives in Lynchburg with his wife, Brittney, and their two children, Naomi and Noah. When not binge-watching “Parks and Recreation” or “The Walking Dead,” Nicholas enjoys spending time with family and friends and perfecting his own horchata recipe. So far in my career, I am most proud of… being able to send a local young artist to the 2017 Artist as Citizen Conference in New York City. My inspiration and motivation come from… my parents, Steve and Margaret George, and each educator who showed me the life-changing power of words and art. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… being constantly surprised at the passion and talent found in its citizens! Something not many people know about me is that… I used to be a part of a lip-syncing cover band called “Hawt Sawse.” We released a few videos way back when, but the band broke up once we started getting married. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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CONGRATULATIONS
Jessica!
Member One is proud to recognize Jessica Clarkson, Associate Vice President of Business Development, for being selected as one of Central Virginia’s 2017 Millennials on the Move.
congratulates
Brittany McGeoch
on being chosen as one of Lynchburg Business magazine’s Millennials on the Move! We commend Brittany on her outstanding work in the Campbell County Youth, Adult and Community Services and her dedicated service to our residents.
To learn more about Campbell County Youth, Adult and Community Services, visit www.co.campbell.va.us/ 367/Youth-Adult-andCommunity-Services
Lynchburg Beacon of Hope Congratulates our incredible Millennial on the Move: Heritage High School Future Center Director Leidra McQueen 434.515.5082 PO Box 1261 Lynchburg, Virginia
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Blake Gederberg BIO: Co-owner of Speakertree, Lynchburg’s Record Shop. Blake is an aspiring serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist with a local focus. His sole mission is to grow Lynchburg to be a city filled with excitement and entertainment. Coming up on one full year as a new owner of Speakertree, he recently moved the shop to Downtown Lynchburg (901 Jefferson St. G7). He plans to continue growing the shop with his business partner, Nick Cotrufo, while also looking to the future for more business opportunities and ventures. Over the next five years… I hope to be a full-time entrepreneur and start working towards other goals in my life such as being a venture capitalist and investing in local projects that I feel could be huge for our city and its entertainment market.
The best piece of advice I have ever received… is the world tries to convince you that you must work on your weaknesses but the most successful people in the world focused on their strengths and built a career they were proud of. Life is too short to worry about your shortcomings. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… OPPORTUNITY. It’s pretty much an open canvas right now. If you’re determined, you can build a life for yourself as an entrepreneur. Something not many people know about me is that… I was an awful student in middle school and elementary school. I hated school. No teachers believed I would succeed in anything and then I turned my life around and ended up going to college and getting my degree. I’m still not a fan of “school,” but I like to learn.
Jamie Glass BIO: Deputy Director of Economic Development at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. Jamie is instrumental in the marketing and recruitment efforts of the organization and is responsible for economic development research, project assistance and regional support. Jamie serves as immediate past President of the Board of Directors for the Town of Altavista’s Main Street program, Altavista On Track. She also serves on the Altavista Area YMCA Board of Directors. Over the next five years… I want to help our region reach its full potential. The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is a five-year plan, so assisting to accomplish the goals set forth by our regional leaders would be a great start. I am thankful for the opportunity to assist with the execution of this project with our partners at the Local Government Council.
My inspiration and motivation come from… hands down my daughter, Kentley. I want her to look back when she is older and say, “Mom rocked it!” Whether we realize it or not, our children are always watching us. The best piece of advice I have ever received… find your work/life balance. Sometimes it is hard to turn off the email and allow yourself to recharge, but I have found it is key to managing stress and being a better employee. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… Google work-related memes. I use humor to balance stress. I email funny stuff to my co-workers, and we have a good laugh. There is nothing Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute can’t cure!
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The City of Lynchburg is proud to congratulate Shaun Conway, Senior GIS Programmer/ Analyst, for being recognized as one of the “Millennials on the Move.” Providing excellent customer service, creating innovative solutions and having a positive, can-do attitude are hallmarks of Shaun’s work.
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2017 COMMUNITY
IMPACT
APPRECIATION
Community Impact Awards
Does your company support local charities? Is your company making a difference in the Lynchburg community? If so, we want to highlight you and your incredible work that makes our area a great place to live.
Nominate your business today at
LynchburgBusinessMag.com Nominations are open through August 18
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Chris Glover BIO: Assistant Principal at P.L. Dunbar Middle School for Innovation. A Lynchburg native, Chris was formerly a history teacher and coach at Heritage High School and served as an Urban Education Doctoral Fellow and Evaluation Coordinator for Freedom School Partners in Charlotte, NC, where he also received his Ph.D. in Urban Education. He is passionate about diversity, education and racial reconciliation and is an active participant at Hill City Church. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the relationships I have built with students and communities. I have worked with diverse students, families, and communities in both Lynchburg and Charlotte, and I enjoy the opportunity to build relationships and bridges across differences. One of my favorite things as an educator is seeing students when they are adults. My inspiration and motivation come from… family, friends and faith. I have been beyond blessed in my life to have so many wonderful influences and opportunities—things that many others never receive. I try to use my blessings and privileges to help others, and this motivation comes from Jesus, in whom I see love, service, justice, reconciliation and community building as central. When I started my career, I wish I had known… the systemic issues and inequities in education and the community that marginalize some and elevate others, including myself. Researching, listening and learning about those issues changed the way I educate and advocate. Something not many people know about me is that… I twice modeled for bridal shows while in college, which had me walking down runways and dancing to country music in various tuxedos.
Jawansa Hall BIO: Owner and Creative Director of Blackwater Branding. Jawansa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art and Graphic Design from Virginia Intermont College. Within two years of launching his advertising agency, Jawansa and his team have created strong campaigns for James T. Davis Paint Center, Bowen Jewelry Company, the Lynchburg Hillcats and others. Jawansa also helps support area nonprofits, including Riverviews Artspace and the YWCA, by developing marketing materials that help them advance their mission. Over the next five years... I want businesses as well as nonprofits to view Blackwater Branding as the premier branding and advertising agency in Central Virginia. Our goal is to develop strong relationships with each business we serve. Additionally, we want to leave a positive social footprint throughout the region—not just for branding and advertising, but also for community engagement. The best piece of advice I have ever received... has come from my mother, father and father-in-law. Mom: “Son, when you know better, do better. Lack of knowledge is never a strong excuse.” Dad: “Ideas are a dime a dozen. Execution is what makes you valuable.” Fatherin-law: “If you ever find yourself the smartest and brightest in your circle, it’s time to get a bigger circle.” When I started my career, I wish I had known… PATIENCE! Put away the checklist and time tables, slow down and enjoy each part of the career. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… it’s large enough to allow economic opportunities that can sustain strong new businesses yet still small enough that you can sit down with the Mayor or a city council member and have your thoughts directly heard. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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Dave Henderson BIO: Owner of The Water Dog. Now at the helm of Lynchburg’s riverside taphouse and oyster bar, Dave comes to the position from the corporate world. After 10 years, 18,250 conference calls and 10,950 coffees, he left that life behind to pursue his passion. He figured life is too short. Over the next five years… I hope to continue being part of helping make Downtown Lynchburg an amazing place!
When I started my career, I wish I had known… that if you really want something, you have to work your tail off to get it. No one is going to change your personal situation in life except you. You have to be the change you want to make. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… the true community that’s here—running strong through Lynchburg’s social scene to its arts and cultural opportunities. It’s just a fun place to live and work! Something not many people know about me is that… my wife would claim that I have too many hobbies in life…but I call it simply being constantly curious!
Brittany MC Geoch BIO: Children’s Services Act Coordinator for Campbell County. Brittany completed her Bachelor’s in Social Work at James Madison University in 2010. She is a Campbell County native and is delighted to be working in her home community. When not at work, Brittany loves spending time with her husband, one-year-old son and their two dogs. She also volunteers at her local church and in the community. So far in my career, I am most proud of… collaborating with Rustburg Elementary School, Robert Dawson and the United Way to start a backpack program to provide at-risk students with meals for weekends and holidays. My inspiration and motivation come from… the youth and families I work with each day. I try to strive to make our community and our system of care better for all families in Campbell County. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… think about my family and the joy I feel when I see their faces when I get home each evening. Something not many people know about me is that… whether it’s at lunch or dinner, I always eat the dessert.
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2017 BIO: Director of the Beacon of Hope Future Center at Heritage High School. Leidra is a graduate of Heritage and the University of Virginia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Leidra is a former member of UVA’s College Advising Corps and the University of South Carolina’s TRIO programs. Ultimately, passion for student access and success in higher education for students in her hometown brought her back to Virginia in 2013. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the students I have watched grow into young men and women pursuing their dreams, contributing to their collegiate communities, and wanting to “pay it forward.” Watching their maturation process is what I live to see! The best piece of advice I have ever received… is, “Finish strong.” My dad is a retired college football coach and this is one of
Leidra Mc Queen the many -isms he taught me. I use this advice as a motivator in my professional and personal life. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that life could be this good and that there could be longevity in making a career out of service and passion. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… that bar none, this is home. I moved a lot growing up, but I proudly claim Lynchburg as home. It’s true that “there’s no place like home” and I love contributing to the betterment of this city.
Derek L. Polley BIO: Self-Employed Financial Consultant. Derek is married to his lovely wife, Nina, and they have three children: Lauren, London and Ace. He founded Lynchburg’s first and only professional basketball team, the Lynchburg Legends. He currently serves on boards for Lynchburg City Schools, Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra and Friends of Lynchburg Parks and Rec. Originally from Houston, Texas, Derek graduated with a degree in business management from Liberty University with a focus in finance. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the Lynchburg Legends completion of over 600 hours of community service right here in the Hill City while serving local nonprofits, after school programs and community events. My inspiration and motivation come from… my wife and kids. AKA #TeamPolley. They believe in me and support my crazy ideas, even when nobody else does. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that my mistakes would eventually build the foundation for my success. Something not many people know about me is that… I collect globes, maps and any form of cartography.
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Megan Robinson BIO: Director of Flames Club Operations at Liberty University. Megan has primary responsibility for the donor experience, including management of football game days for 1,500 members and guests at multiple locations. She is responsible for fulfillment of member benefits and privileges, including priority seating and parking for football, basketball and baseball. Megan coordinates daily Flames Club operations, including directing more than 50 annual events, managing the annual budget and more.
So far in my career, I am most proud of… being able to help the Flames Club grow from about 600 members before I started to over 1,000 members now. The best piece of advice I have ever received… is don’t be afraid of taking risks. Even though my resume did not reflect any prior development experience in athletics, I am glad I took a chance and pursued this new career field. I found a job I enjoy, where I can serve and support others. When I am having a tough day at work, I always… turn to my faith. Even during the tough days, I know that the Lord will guide me through it and I try to look at every opportunity and experience with a positive mindset. Something not many people know about me is that… both of my parents were in the Army, so we had the neat opportunity to live in two foreign countries, Germany and South Korea.
Justin Siehien BIO: COO and General Manager at Blue Ridge Optics. After graduating from the University of Florida in 2007, Justin relocated to Virginia to work at BRO as the operations manager. Since starting there nearly 10 years ago, and under his shared guidance, the company has grown to over 30 employees at an average yearly growth rate of 15 percent, with no signs of slowing down. He currently lives with his wife and two children in the greater Lynchburg area. Over the next five years… we hope to transition Blue Ridge Optics from a service based optics company to a vertically integrated brand. From crystal growth, fabrication and thin film coating to final assemblies, we are aiming to be a single source solution. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that each failure is an opportunity and that you need to keep an eye on the big picture when things don’t turn out as planned. Some of my strongest relationships in business have come from proving we can handle unforeseen problems, and we stand behind our work. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… it is a small city with big resources. The influence from multiple colleges, tech companies such as Areva, BWXT, and the Centra network have been a catalyst for growth and development in the city. Something not many people know about me is that… I’ve recently become quite obsessed with traditional Japanese culture. The concepts of simplicity in mind and movements (Zazen, Umami, Wabi-Sabi) offer a balanced and, for many, an essential perspective of life—yet these concepts are so foreign to the western lifestyle.
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Elizabeth Stroud BIO: Vice President of Bags and Accessories at Moore & Giles. Elizabeth is a graduate of Hollins University and Parsons School of Design. She previously worked for Hermès in New York City. Elizabeth returned to Lynchburg in 2009 and is married with two children. In addition to her work at Moore & Giles, Elizabeth co-founded MIX, a young donor’s society of the Academy Center of the Arts, and has guest curated two art shows at the Ann White Academy Gallery. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the relationships I have developed. I work with an incredible team of people within Moore & Giles and within our industry. In the eight years I have been with the company, we have seen a lot of change, and I think we are one of the hardest working and most fun groups of people in Lynchburg. When I started my career, I wish I had known… that jobs, companies, people are always evolving. As soon as you’ve figured something out, it changes. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… the pace of life. After living and working in New York, it has been incredibly refreshing to live and work in a place that values family, community and rest. Something not many people know about me is that... my “alternate” career is jingle writing. I love to make up little jingles about everyday life. My children, though young, are already very embarrassed by it.
2017
Chelsey Tomlin BIO: Associate Director of Patient Engagement and Outreach at Johnson Health Center. Chelsey was born and raised in Amherst County and recently moved to Nelson County with her husband and dogs. She joined Johnson Health Center in 2014. Her background is in health promotion and she’s currently pursing a Master of Nonprofit Leadership Studies at Lynchburg College. She enjoys kayaking, reading and shopping at vintage stores in her spare time. Over the next five years… I hope our community will continue its focus on poverty initiatives and be able to show the impact made on lives. The best piece of advice I have ever received… was from my grandmother. She said, “God laughs at the plans we make for ourselves.” When things don’t go as I plan, this phrase often comes to mind! When I started my career, I wish I had known…what I was passionate about. There’s nothing more fulfilling than meshing your passion and career together. No worries to those who aren’t sure what their passion is; experiences often help illuminate your passion. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… take a deep breath and eat dark chocolate covered raisins. Research the benefits of dark chocolate and you’ll be doing the same!
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2017
Kevin Welsch BIO: Marketing Manager for robotics and conveyor manufacturer, Simplimatic Automation (Forest). Kevin has prior marketing experience with Innerspec Technologies and as a co-founder of Hello Studios. Kevin is a graduate of Liberty University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications, as well as a master’s degree in business administration. Kevin and his wife, Mandy, are active with Gospel Community Church, its church plant in Rhode Island, and with other area nonprofits. So far in my career, I am most proud of… the positive impact I’ve had on my employers and the community that I call home. Lynchburg has
been a great place to build my career and I’m thankful for the successes I’ve had so far. When I started my career, I wish I had known… how important it is to build, develop and maintain meaningful relationships. Having strong interpersonal connections is vital to not only career advancement, but also to personal development and overall well-being. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… try to focus on the important things. All too often we can get caught up in the details of life and forget about the big picture. Also… Maylynn’s ice cream with my wife always helps. What I love about working in Lynchburg is… how we have all of the perks of a major metro without the headache. We have tons of restaurants, a great airport, rail service, entertainment, and beautiful mountain views (all without a major commute).
Leah Wiebe BIO: Executive Director of Vintage Lynchburg. Leah created Vintage Lynchburg—a bi-annual vendor market—as well as Regeneration—a home décor business— in 2012. Leah has also worked alongside the Downtown Lynchburg Association and volunteers on various committees. While she is proud of her Midwest roots, Leah has lived in Lynchburg for 14 years and has fallen in love with its residents, history, beauty and potential. Along with her husband and four kids, she is thrilled to call this city home. So far in my career, I am most proud of… Vintage Lynchburg! This event has brought so many of our residents together to shop from local makers, create community, and provide inspiration. Over nine events, our little event grew from 17 vendors and 800 in attendance in 2012 to a highly anticipated, bi-annual event in Downtown Lynchburg with nearly 100 vendors and over 4,000 attendees. The best piece of advice I have ever received… “Learn how to say, ‘No.’” This is something I am working really hard on, but seem to forget so often! There will always be more good things than we have time for and learning how to say no to some of those good things allows us to be more present and focused on what’s at hand. When I’m having a tough day at work, I always… take a deep breath, get a (another!) coffee, and fight through. Having stress-relief built in to my schedule outside of work really makes those tough moments more bearable. For me: it’s a run or yoga and time with my friends and family. Something not many people know about me is that… I come from a large family. I have three brothers and three sisters!
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HUMAN RESOURCES
AMONG THE GENERATIONS Embracing the Differences
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BY CO L L E E N M C LAU G H L I N
rganizations continue to experience an increasingly diverse workforce. While surface-level diversity (that which is visible) can and does play a part in the thoughts, the attitudes and resulting behavior of employees, that which stems from a deeper-level of diversity impacts the success of the workplace. One area of deep-level diversity stems from the differences between individuals from various generations, and these intergenerational differences cause some of the most trouble in the workplace today. Most prevalent are those differences between the newer members of the workforce (Generations Y & Z) and the baby boomer and Generation X employees. It is imperative business leaders develop strategies to mitigate the negative impact of the differences while capitalizing on the positive aspects of the intergenerational workforce. Critical questions business leaders should be asking include 1) what are the intergenerational differences influencing organizational success? 2) what is the impact? and 3) what can be done?
DIFFERENCES AT A GLANCE Research has identified differences between the younger generations and those who have been serving in the workforce a bit longer. The areas found to be of the greatest influence are those relating to communication and commitment. The older generational members often view millennials and Gen Z employees as challenged when it comes to communication. The perception is that younger employees have difficulty carrying on a person-to-person conversation whether face-to-face or on the phone, whereas the Gen Y or Z employee considers himself or herself to be quite adept at communication. Why the difference? Part of the answer is due to the utilization of technology. While most millennials are skilled at utilizing technology, it is viewed as a distractor rather than a tool. In contrast, millennials perceive their older colleagues as being slower in responding to messages and unwilling to adapt to technological changes.
The second critical issue to address is that of commitment. Here is where much of the conflict occurs when it comes to the baby boomer and Gen X generations verses the Gen Y and Z generations. Research has indicated there is a significant difference in perception of commitment to the millennial to an organization. When more than 6,300 job seekers and veteran HR professionals were asked, 84 percent of millennials said they believe they are loyal to their jobs while in the same study, only one percent of HR professionals said they believe millennials are loyal to their positions and employers. Another study found the average length of time a millennial remains with his or her employer is three years. If this is the case, and those same millennials view this as commitment and loyalty, therein lies part of the issue. The millennials’ view of loyalty and commitment diverges drastically from the baby boomer generation. Related to the retention of millennials is the strength of their work ethic. While 86 percent of millennials in the same study viewed themselves as “hard-working,” only 11 percent of the HR professionals agreed that to be the case. When it comes to performance appraisals, this is an obvious issue to address. How do we convince millennials and Gen Z employees to remain in an organization if they discover their performance was actually perceived as poor?
THE BOTTOM LINE A company’s profit and revenue stream can be deeply hurt when there is conflict in an organization. The objective for any for-profit company is to add value to stakeholders while achieving its mission and gaining a competitive advantage. Yet, with continued conflict as a result of the intergenerational differences, it is necessary to identify the impact of the problems and allocate resources to address the problems. A low rate of retention of millennial and Gen Z workers, ineffective communication, decreased job performance and job dissatisfaction are just a few of the impacts identified as a result of intergenerational conflict.
THE ANSWER So, who is correct? Are millennials committed to their employers or not? How do we identify what is needed for our companies to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage while respecting and embracing the differences among generations? We must identify ways in which we can better retain valuable knowledge, skills and abilities that all employees bring to our organizations. Addressing the issues of conflict may be as simple as intentionally practicing new social norms. Encouraging the sharing of ideas and acknowledging input and performance outcomes is a start that is cost-effective. For instance, millennials are known for their ability to multitask. Organizations can use this exceptional skill to their advantage and design work with the need for multitasking in mind. In contrast, baby boomers and Gen X employees have a wealth of experience and knowledge to be shared with their younger counterparts. Finally, encouraging coaching and mentoring to take place across generational lines within an organization has been shown to make a significant impact in reducing the intergenerational conflict among employees. It is time for business leaders to embrace and capitalize on the differences within their organizations. In doing so, the organizations are more likely to experience the competitive advantage they seek. Colleen is an HR professional with 15 years of experience; she currently serves as a professor of business and as an HR consultant.
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WYNDHURST Medical Aesthetics and Hormone Clinic • Botox/Dysport • Dermal Fillers
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HEALTH MATTERS
REJUVENATE YOUR CAREER CONFIDENCE HOW NON-INVASIVE PROCEDURES CAN BOOST YOUR SELF-ESTEEM WITHOUT THE KNIFE BY MEGAN L. HORST
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lthough a balanced diet and exercise are the main ways to boost your physical appearance, some businessmen and businesswomen are looking to noninvasive procedures as an option to take off a few years. “Unfortunately, as people age, they are perceived as less energetic and less effective,” said Kristen Kuk, physician at Aesthetics by Ridgeview Dermatology. According to a study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, almost three quarters of women agree that a youthful appearance contributes to getting a job, being promoted, and keeping clients. “I have often seen women in my practice who are specifically seeking procedures to help them appear more youthful because they feel they have been passed over for promotions or positions they are well-qualified for and lost these advancements to younger, less experienced colleagues,” Kuk said.
She says self-confidence plays a key role in being competent and efficient, and, for many people, their appearance is tied to their self-confidence. Instead of taking the leap to plastic surgery, there are a number of procedures, treatments and products that can help improve problem areas.
Peels, for example, work well for people with acne, fine lines, wrinkles or hyperpigmentation. Stephanie Wright, Master Aesthetician at Wyndurst Aesthetics, explained that peels are one of their common non-invasive procedures. “A chemical peel, like our SkinMedica, SkinCeuticals or VI Peel, is an exfoliation procedure where an acid solution is used to remove dead and damaged upper skin layers to smooth the skin’s surface and texture, helping with wrinkles, acne and scarring,” Wright said. “It speeds up the cell turnover rate, increasing collagen and hydration resulting in younger looking and radiant skin. This also allows your skincare products to work better, and your makeup to apply more evenly.” Another popular non-invasive procedure is Microneedling, which promotes the skin’s production of elastin and collagen. “[These] are two substances that are responsible for the tone and elasticity of our skin, but whose production decreases significantly with age,” Kuk said. “The procedure involves passing a microneedling pen over the face slowly, while tiny needles go in and out of the skin at a very shallow depth.” Although this procedure might sound painful, it actually feels like an electric toothbrush being passed over your face. “Microneedling is good for patients with scarring and/or fine lines and wrinkles,” Kuk said. Botox, which is an injection that allows certain muscles in the face to relax, is another option. “This relaxation of the muscles helps to smooth out wrinkles over time and can prevent the development of new wrinkles,” Kuk said. Similar to Botox, Dermal fillers can improve lines and wrinkles. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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HEALTH MATTERS “It works differently than Botox in that the filler helps to shallow wrinkles by directly filling them in,” Kuk said. “This can be done on almost any area of the face. Popular locations for injecting fillers are the lines between the nose and mouth, and lines around the mouth. Fillers are also excellent for Before replacing volume in the face, particularly in areas such as the cheekbones and temples.” Wright can give her first-hand experience with using Botox and how it improved her appearance. “For me, when I concentrate, I look angry,” Wright said. “Botox helped to soften and lift my eyes to look friendlier.” Another common complaint is neck fullness, otherwise known as a “double chin,” which can be associated with weight gain but not always. “There are two nonsurgical procedures that can help with this issue,” Kuk said. “Kybella is an injectable product that causes the fat cells in the neck to undergo cell death. It is done via a series of small injections in the area of fullness and takes only a few minutes. A second option is CoolSculpting, which can be done on the neck to reduce fat cells by lowering their temperature to the point that they undergo cell death.” CoolSculpting can be done in other areas of the body as well, such as the abdomen, back, upper arms, inner thighs and outer thighs.
Wright says in addition to cosmetic procedures, they can also help improve a person’s appearance through their full weight loss center. “This helps patients internally with energy, confidence and feeling empowered with achieving and maintaining a goal for their health. Overall, weight loss is After an additional service to help in every area of our life, including being available to do the best we can for our jobs,” she said.
Kuk says because the decision to have an aesthetic procedure done is a highly personal choice, a consultation is crucial. During a cosmetic consult, they develop an individualized plan that fits the needs and desires of each patient. “I like to spend a fair amount of time talking with patients about their goals and concerns, as well as answering any questions they have,” Kuk said. “There are a lot of options when it comes to aesthetic procedures, and it’s important to understand what each of the procedures entails, as well as what kind of results to expect.”
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| (434) 363-4190 | 101 Candlewood Ct. Lynchburg, VA 24502 | (540) 759-7500 | 278 Westlake Rd. Hardy, VA 24101 | (434) 333-7370 | 300 Enterprise Dr. Ste. E, Forest, VA 24551 7/7/2017 12:05:06 PM
HEALTHCARE Although historically the medical team has been led by physicians, we are starting to see these patient-centered teams utilize additional providers. One such provider is the Physician Assistant. PAs have been around for 50 years, and as a patient, if you have not received care from a PA, the chances are you will. There are over 115,000 PAs practicing in every area of medicine across the U.S. PAs are nationally certified and state-licensed medical providers trained to diagnose and treat patients as well as prescribe medication. PA education is modeled on the physician medical school curriculum, and PAs are educated to make lifesaving diagnostic and therapeutic decisions while working autonomously or in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team. They are certified as medical generalists with a foundation in primary care, and also have the option to seek additional education within residency and fellowships to receive additional certification in specialty and subspecialties of medicine.
PAs AND THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF HEALTHCARE
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BY J E R E M Y M . WE LSH , DH S c , PA-C
ver the last decade, the number of people who need healthcare and the number of healthcare professionals needed in the industry have dramatically changed. No longer does Marcus Welby come to your door. Our population is aging. Medicine is more complex and its delivery and the professionals who are delivering it have changed. Your doctor’s office used to be on the corner. If it is down the street now, chances are the local hospital has bought it, or you might even receive your healthcare at a hospital clinic. Consistently discussed are the concepts surrounding both access and affordability of healthcare. These are key elements that are extremely important to both the providers of healthcare and the patients that utilize our healthcare system. Healthcare is becoming more about the big corporate giants, and it affects the way it is delivered to you now and in the future. In this new era of healthcare delivery, focus has shifted away from the individual provider acting as the sole guardian of each patient’s needs. The era of “Team-Based Care” is upon us, and Physician Assistants (PAs, as they are called) are an instrumental part of the medical care team. A PA can increase both the access and quality of care given to you and your family.
WHO PARTICIPATES IN TEAM-BASED CARE? The truth of the matter is, in the last few decades, it has become extremely rare for any healthcare provider to operate without a team of highly-skilled and competent partners. A recent article by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that team-based care is essential to the delivery of high-quality primary care, and that these teams will have better success and outcomes by remaining patient centered.
A SOLUTION TO ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY PAs work collaboratively and partner with physicians and other healthcare professionals in the delivery of care throughout all specialties of medicine. The Lynchburg region utilizes PAs in almost every specialty, and they provide patient care while being involved in healthcare administration. The average PA provides care to 16 or more patients per day, which has a true impact on your access to both primary care and specialty care. Studies have also shown that PAs reduce hospital readmission rates, length of stay and infection rates. All of these reductions have been shown to provide a major impact on cost to the current healthcare system. Additionally, team care has the ability to treat many more people in a given population. Results indicate that PAs enhance care coordination, increase access and elevate health outcomes, all while tapping into the additional benefit of being cost effective for both individual practices and larger clinics or hospital centers.
PATIENT CARE AND SATISFACTION WITH PAs Misperceptions still exist with regard to seeing a PA and not a physician. It’s important to remember that PAs partner with physicians and other healthcare professionals in the care of patients. PAs are required to take similar continuing medical education courses as physicians do and have similar requirements for maintaining licensure throughout the majority of states. A study published this year in Medical Care looked at community health centers and found PA-delivered care was equivalent to care delivered by physicians. A Harris Poll also shows 93 percent of patients who have been treated by PAs are satisfied with the care provided and consider the PA a trusted healthcare provider.
CONCLUSION Medical care delivered within the U.S. is increasingly complex, and patients will need continuous access to well-educated, clinically trained medical care providers. As the healthcare system provides additional access points, it will be essential for these facilities to be staffed with patient-centered, team-based, providers. This year the PA profession celebrates its 50th anniversary. A review shows PAs are providing high quality healthcare while also increasing access and affordability for their patients nationwide. Patients will increasingly be cared for by PAs that operate within the team-based model. PAs will be essential in the future delivery of quality, accessible, affordable healthcare at both the local, state and national level.
Jeremy M. Welsh, DHSc, PA-C is the Associate Dean of Graduate Health Sciences at Lynchburg College and is the Founding Director of the PA Medicine program and the Doctor of Medical Science program. His medical career has been in emergency medicine and his professional career has been working with local, state, and national organizations on healthcare advocacy specific to PA utilization. www.lynchburg.edu/pa
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TRANSPORTATION FEATURE
CONNECTING THE DOTS STUDY LINKS TRANSPORTATION, BROADBAND ACCESS TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY S UZANNE RAM S EY Photo Credit: Amtrak
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bout a year ago, regional stakeholders in the areas of transportation and economic development commissioned a study to look at the role connectivity in transportation and broadband development plays in the regional economy. The study also identified how improving connectivity could positively impact economic development. The Lynchburg Regional Connectivity Study was initiated by Shannon Valentine, Lynchburg-district representative for the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Valentine saw research and forecasting being done on the state level, regarding trends in transportation, demographics, economics, technology and other areas, and she wondered if something similar could be done in the Lynchburg region. “They look at all of this data and business activity and research to try to help the Commonwealth of Virginia make good investments today that prepare us for the economy of tomorrow,” she said. “It’s fascinating to me.”
“So I was looking at this and learning about these economic and transportation trends, and I was wondering, ‘Could we take that approach and make it come alive at the regional level?’ And that’s what we did.” The study, involving the City of Lynchburg, Town of Bedford and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell, is the first of its kind in Virginia. Valentine said the goal was to answer this question:
“How can we tie transportation systems to economic development, to make that correlation clear and measurable, and to be very deliberate in trying to make the best decisions possible that really would support and strengthen the regional economy of Lynchburg?” The study identified three themes—Broadband Connectivity, Inter-regional Connectivity and Labor Market and Intra-regional Connectivity—and eight strategy areas: Placemaking, Local Bottlenecks, Transit and Transportation Demand Management, Intercity Passenger Rail, Air Service Development, Access on Key Highway Corridors, Cargo-Oriented Development and Broadband Development. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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TRANSPORTATION FEATURE
LOCAL BOTTLENECKS— The intersection of Lakeside Drive and the Lynchburg Expressway, which has seen increasing traffic since the Fresh Market Station shopping center opened in 2013, is named in the regional study as one of five areas of recommended action.
The Local Bottlenecks strategy area is about alleviating traffic tie-ups and improving commuter traffic flow and safety. Recommended actions include improvements on Route 622/ Lynbrook Road, Candlers Mountain Road, South Amherst Highway and Lakeside Drive. According to the study’s executive summary, the “cumulative, long-term impacts” of relieving bottlenecks, forecasted to the year 2050, Potential leaders also were identified, including the “could reach approximately Lynchburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism, $140 million in additional Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, Greater Lynchburg business sales and $77 million Transit Company and other organizations. in value added to businesses.” “We have a 125-page document that includes a lot of Rick Youngblood, the Virginia data and statistical study,” Valentine said, adding that the Department of Transportation’s document’s executive summary is a “true, dynamic, working Lynchburg District transportation document that makes it very easy to identify and track Photo courtesy of Amtrak/Ryan Parent planning manager, said the decisions that are being made, progress that’s being made or “ultimate goal is to support economic development” and the City of Lynchburg’s changes that are being made.” “long-range planning initiatives—how they want to see Lynchburg grow.” Here’s an overview of the strategy areas along with comments from Access on Key Highway Corridors focuses on “maintaining and potential leaders: improving good access to the interstate system and on key corridors that Placemaking, as defined by the study, “is about enhancing our urban connect the Lynchburg region to national and international markets.” centers so that they become the focus of new life and economic activity.” Recommended actions involve some of the same areas addressed in the section Placemaking involves what Anna Bentson, assistant director of Lynchburg’s on bottlenecks— Candlers Mountain Road, in particular—along with working Office of Economic Development and Tourism, describes as “asset-based with the surrounding regions to improve travel to areas beyond Lynchburg. development,” building on an area’s strengths, rather than using a “build-it-andOf particular interest to Youngblood is the section of Wards Road located they-will-come thought process.” south of Liberty University in Campbell County. He describes this as an Wayfinding, something the Downtown Lynchburg Association is working on “economic corridor” with its recent boom in hotels and restaurants. It’s also a this year, is one part of this. “We’re working on a new wayfinding system to help popular route for truckers, commuters and travelers. people more easily navigate the downtown district,” Ashley Kershner, the DLA’s “If you can provide a safer corridor there, you might see more economic executive director, said. development,” he said. “This new system also will include improved parking signage and Transit and Transportation Demand Management deals with the corresponding informational maps and materials to ensure visitors from Greater Lynchburg Transit Company and alternative modes of getting around, Lynchburg and elsewhere feel welcome.” such as cycling, walking and ridesharing. 56
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TRANSPORTATION FEATURE
Actions currently underway include, among other things, the Lynchburg Central Business District Circulator, which will start carrying riders around the historic downtown area in late summer. GLTC also is working with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation on its 2017 Transit Development Plan. One goal of this plan is to boost bus ridership. “We’ve seen a decline in ridership over the last couple of years,” GLTC general manager Brian Booth said. “Through this planning process for the Transit Development Plan, I want to look at what might be causing that and how to adjust or alter services to [...] increase the ridership that we’re seeing.” Intercity Passenger Rail aims to “enhance Lynchburg’s role as a passenger rail hub for the region” by building on the success of its Amtrak services. Amtrak’s Crescent and Northeast Regional trains, which offer daily, round-trip service from Lynchburg to Washington, D.C. and beyond, have been extremely popular. Service will be extended to Roanoke this year. Valentine said the DRPT is working with Amtrak to better market their services to local college students and their families, local businesses, and companies who do business in the area or might want to relocate or expand. “That’s why the study is not called a ‘transportation study,’” Valentine said. “It’s called a ‘connectivity study.’ That’s just one example of how we can use the document and are using the document currently.” According to Mark Courtney, director of the Lynchburg Regional Airport, much of what he’s been pursuing in Air Service Development is in line with the study’s recommendations. “I worked with them through this entire process,” he said of the three consulting firms: Economic Development Research Group, Michael Baker International and Renaissance Planning, who conducted the study. “I tried to emphasize our current strategic air service plan for this airport and quality of service relative to the entire region. Essentially, I wanted to see ... if that would dovetail with what their recommendations are.” Recommended actions include developing a “regional narrative” about the airport’s value; increasing ridership; tightening the bond between the airport and regional economic development groups; and seeking a connection with Washington Dulles International Airport.
Cargo-Oriented Development focuses on freight rail service. More specifically, it looks to enhance what the study describes as “local readiness to respond to freight rail-oriented development opportunities.” As Valentine says, it involves “being aware of what opportunities actually exist for ground service in Virginia and beyond” and “watching that and identifying what resources are available for our community.” The study also recommends increasing awareness of the Virginia Rail Industrial Access program, working with local economic development groups on industrial site development, and maintaining “open lines of communication” with the railroads. The Broadband Coverage strategy area recognizes the importance of access to good, affordable broadband coverage. The study states that, “Good broadband attracts a global workforce,” “integrates under-served and rural communities into wider social and economic networks” and “helps unite the region through more equal access to business opportunity in rural areas.” Recommended actions, some of which are underway, include improving broadband access in rural areas and marketing the “existing fiber optic network” to companies and entrepreneurs who might start businesses in or relocate to the region. “Our goal is to meet the needs of a growing, thriving, innovative community which includes industry as well as our workforce,” Megan Lucas, CEO and chief economic development officer with the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, said. Lucas added that “companies evaluate broadband access in their siteselection process. If that’s a box we can’t check, we miss business expansion and relocation opportunities.” The full study can be found at vtrans.org under the “Current Research” tab.
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BUSINESS PROFILE OVER
BUSINESS TEN YEARS
BIKES UNLIMITED 50 YEARS AND STILL PEDALING STRONG BY DREW M ENARD
E
ven as it climbs past its 50th anniversary, Bikes Unlimited is not downshifting. The shop is thriving—bucking a stagnant trend nationwide—
as it basks in the ever-brightening glow of Lynchburg’s
downtown revitalization.
“The cycling industry always does pretty well, but it has definitely been flat for a while,” explained John Seinar, owner of Bikes Unlimited. “We have experienced great growth, and the cycling community in Lynchburg is really growing, which is an awesome thing to watch.”
It certainly doesn’t hurt to be spinning in the hub of downtown Lynchburg (where the shop moved from Lakeside Drive six years ago). At 1312 Jefferson Street, Bikes Unlimited is right off the Blackwater Creek Trail, draping its shadow on the popular paved bike/foot path in the evening. “Couldn’t ask for a better spot,” Seinar said. “Downtown is thriving. We are right next to the best restaurants in town. You’ve got bikes, food, beer, coffee, trails—it’s all here.” Among its services, Bikes Unlimited offers bike storage, saving customers the back and forth hauling to the trail and giving them space an apartment may not have. The shop fits right in with the rustic aesthetic of the Riverfront. The interior of the storefront displays exposed brick and high, open ceilings with an open green area right out its side door set before a backdrop of chipped gray stones pooling around train tracks. 58
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BUSINESS PROFILE
AT A GLANCE Founded: 1967 Number of Employees: 9 Located: 1312 Jefferson St., Lynchburg Signs of Growth: Over 10 percent increase in total sales last year; Organizing weekly community ride—Pints After Pedals
When Bikes Unlimited is open, the outdoor lawn brings a unique offering to the downtown scene—rentals. “It gets bigger every year,” Seinar said. “More people know about it, more people are out riding—they are expanding the trail system, and we are expanding our fleet. We are always offering more bikes and different styles.” Inside, the company appears to live up to its name. The sales floor is staged with an eclectic range of products, including high-end road bikes, classic-looking cruisers, mountain bikes, youth cycles and more, in limitless sizes and colors, as well as parts, tools and apparel. Custom orders can also be made and Seinar matches online prices in most cases. Though the online world has cut into the market of brick and mortar stores, Seinar has observed many customers prefer the relational aspect of the shop, not to mention the expertise. “We have a combined experience of over 100 years,” Seinar said of the team of nine. “That is a level of experience that is unmatched. People come here for the community as much as they come here to get their bikes worked on.” One aspect he loves about cycling is that it brings people together. “It is such a diverse clientele, which I love because I love people,” he said. “A lot of elite athletes come through here. So do many families and people with stories of incredible weight loss success.”
“When you think ‘bike shop,’ you think high end, guys wearing tight clothes. We reach people [and] we give them a better alternative at a price point that’s not unattainable. We still sell bikes that are [high-end]. But we cater to everybody. That’s my favorite part about this job. One moment I’m working with the CEO of Centra, the next I’m helping a homeless guy with a flat.” Seinar added that “we work on absolutely anything. We don’t discriminate [against] any bikes; it doesn’t matter if you got it from Walmart or if it is a $15,000 bicycle.”
Seinar and the team strive to go above and beyond for their customers. They will even pick up bikes for repair. “Whatever we can do to be more convenient for you, we will try to do it,” Seinar said. Bikes Unlimited tries to get the community involved through various riding opportunities. In addition to sponsoring a race team and some races, they host day and overnight rides, encouraging people to explore the beautiful Central Virginia landscape and its many trails. Weekly (most of the year, as weather allows), the shop partners with the Water Dog and Oskar Blues Brewery to host Pints After Pedals, a Tuesday evening ride starting at the shop around 6 p.m. Anyone is welcome (Seinar hopes to see 200 people one day) to attend the ride down Blackwater Creek Trail and then to stop for brews at the Water Dog. “It’s slow and chill and fun. We go down to the Greek Orthodox Church and back. It’s a really cool sense of community; it’s not cliquey.” A Michigan native, Seinar has been working in bike shops since he was 14. He was a technician for Bikes Unlimited while studying locally for a few years before a stint in Raleigh. He came back to take over ownership in 2014. “Cycling has always been a really big passion of mine,” he said. “And I’ve always wanted to own a business. I kind of like doing my own thing, and I like having a vision and working toward completing that.” At 28, Seinar has knowledge beyond his years, but he isn’t the most tenured on the team. Behind the long counter in the repair room, Doug Main keeps his hands busy as he responds to the question, “How long have you been here?” “Way too long; must be in a rut,” he jokes. He’s worked at Bikes Unlimited since 1976. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy it. Just a little bit.” “The personalities of the employees make Bikes Unlimited what it is,” Seinar added. “It comes down to the people we have here, the years of experience and the relationships they have cultivated in the community. I just want to continue that.” The history helps to make the business all the more rewarding for the young owner. “I love hearing the stories,” Seinar said, “A dad coming in and getting a bike for his son, or a grandfather coming and getting a bike for his grandson, and they are like, ‘I got my first bike at Bikes Unlimited in 1975,’ and they are getting a bike for their son or grandson. It’s a cool thing.” For more information, visit BikesUnlimited.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017
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www.thalhimer.com Lynchburg 434 237 3384 Roanoke 540 767 3000
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Call JES Foundation Repair for your Free Inspection and Estimate!
877-845-6597 Formerly
REAL ESTATE
IT AIN’T WHAT THEY CALL YOU, IT’S WHAT YOU ANSWER TO… OBSERVATIONS ON MILLENNIAL HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS BY DAN VOL L M ER
W
.C. Fields knew what he was talking about, even 100 years ago. You can define a person (or a generation) however you choose. But each individual person accepts or declines that definition by their actions and attitudes. This is not a new truth. It should come as no surprise, then, that many who technically fall into the millennial category do not find the moniker personally applicable. This was true of prior generations—Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomers. Even those referred to as “The Greatest Generation” often decline to be labeled as such. There’s a lot of talk (one might even call it “buzz”) about this generation— not just throughout the media in general, but also across the real estate world. Headlines like “Why More Millennials Are Finally Getting Into the Real Estate Market” (Washington Post, 6/7/17), “Millennials Drive Housing Confidence Higher” (CNBC, 3/7/17) and “Who’s Powering the Housing Market? Surprise! It’s Millennials” (NBC News, 6/5/17) are just a small sampling. Oh, and let’s not forget that earlier this year Zillow launched RealEstate.com—a website designed specifically for millennials looking to buy a home. Over the past six months, I’ve had the opportunity to work with eight couples that fall under the broad definition of “millennials.” One of those was selling their first home. Three of them were buying their second home. Two of them were new to our area, and one was moving back after several years away. And although our market is flush with townhouses—which one might expect to be a popular option among this crowd—all seven buyers bought single family homes. As I surveyed my experience with these clients, I looked for common denominators. What were the repeated questions, attitudes or experiences? Were there any common threads? It may surprise you (or maybe not) that I couldn’t find any. I couldn’t come up with a single cohesive element in my interactions with these eight couples. Well, I take that back. They all financed their purchases. None of my millennial clients made all-cash purchases, so there’s that. Also, none of them were demanding, none had overly high expectations, and all seemed truly grateful for the guidance of a professional. None of those seem related to the
stereotypes about their generation, though. In fact, some of it seems counter to what we’ve been led to expect. Peter Stewart was a seller client this past spring, and I asked him about whether he had done research about the process online. “Honestly, I didn’t research anything,” he responded. I asked if he had any concerns about the selling process, and he said, “I really didn’t know how the process worked or how listing prices were determined.” Finally I asked him if he had any insights for ways to improve the real estate transaction, to which he responded: “Nothing! The process was quick and easy!” Peter was easy to work with, he did everything I asked him to do, and it was a quick and easy process. Nate and Morgan Sullivan are repeat clients of mine; I sold them their first home in 2010, then listed it for them when they moved away in 2015. As life often does, a job opportunity brought them back to Lynchburg, so I have the opportunity to work with them again. I asked Nate some of the same questions. “We felt very prepared—we knew exactly what we wanted and what kind of home we could afford. Zillow proved to be a valuable resource for us in the fact that we were able to compare homes and prices. There were probably more homes in our price range than we had expected.” This time around, we looked at four homes on a Thursday, and then one more on a Saturday. That home—which had been on the market less than a day—was the one they decided to pursue, and their offer was accepted Saturday afternoon. Having an understanding of the market and the need to move quickly prepared them to take advantage of a great opportunity. Just out of curiosity, I asked Nate what the real estate industry could do to better serve the millennial generation. I found his answer interesting: “I think many younger adults today are looking for affordable, non-traditional homes. They want homes that are affordable and unique. There is so much potential to creatively revitalize spaces that have been neglected.” One last note: both of these clients said they didn’t really resonate with the term “millennial,” but neither seemed bothered by it either. In other words, you can go ahead and call them that, but I wouldn’t expect them to answer to it. Dan Vollmer is an Associate Broker at Re/Max 1st Olympic and member of the Virginia Association of REALTORS Board of Directors. Find him at www.danvollmer.com.
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MADE IN LYNCHBURG
HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL PRODUCTS AND MANUFACTURING THROUGHOUT THE REGION 2000 PARTNERSHIP
MEANWHILE BACK ON THE FARM TOTES & LEATHER GOODS Heather and Bobby Harris launched Meanwhile Back on the Farm in 2016, born of their desire to create handmade products together that represent the wholesome lifestyle of their upbringing. Heather stumbled upon her innate love of the handmade early in her life while sewing duffle bags to sell at the farmer’s market. Bobby grew up spending weekends in his father’s furniture factory, cultivating a deep passion for the process of creating and building. Hand sewn from the finest organic materials—vegetable tanned leather, waxed canvas and Liberty of London fabric—they excitedly share the harvest of these seeds they have sewn since childhood. PICTURED: Meanwhile Back on the Farm totes come in a variety of colors. The wax canvas is treated with oils and waxes from a generation-old formula, which gives the fabric a lifelong resistance to inclement weather and everyday use. NOT PICTURED: They also sell an Organic Jalapeño Mustard for use as a dip, sandwich spread and a condiment.
www.meanwhilebackonthefarm.com (434)509-2275
Let Us Know! Do you know of a product manufactured locally? Let us know at shelley@lynchburgmag.com.
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Monument Terrace in Lynchburg, VA
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