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Passing it On By Bob Cox One day last month while getting ready to go to the gym for a quick cardio workout, I reached for my favorite distraction, the newest edition of Sports Illustrated. A small wave of disappointment swept over me when I realized that my subscription had lapsed and I was fresh out of mindless reading material. How would I endure the next 30 monotonous minutes of huffing and puffing, which would surely feel more like 30 days without something to take my mind away from the agony of it all. Fortunately, the solution came quickly enough to assuage my anxiety as I remembered a small stockpile of books I had purchased a few years earlier. I grabbed the one that stood out and bounded out the front door. As I was driving to the gym, I reminisced about the days long ago when I made the commitment to read something inspiring every day for 30 minutes and how empowered I felt while challenging all my preconceived notions about the limitations of myself and others. Before I reached the parking lot, I realized how much I missed reading right after waking up, so I resolved then and there to again take the best advice I’ve ever heard nearly three decades ago. That advice was to read something positive and inspiring every day. When you do this, you will
surely be blown away by how much better you feel as you read about how other people that have found creative new ways to reduce misery while adding more joy in their lives. That’s when an unwelcome intruder, a negative little thought that lurks in the dark crevices of my mind had to ruin my Kumbaya moment by throwing in its two cents about how expensive it would be to purchase brand new books every week or so. That’s when I reassured the little worry wart that I could patronize our neighborhood used book store and get what I needed for a fraction of the cost. I would also feel good about keeping our dollars in the community, which would help improve local employment opportunities and enhance our infrastructure. Seconds later, a close cousin of the previous thought had to whisper sweet nothings in my ear, and believe me they were nothing, by saying how impractical it would be to start a new book collection in our small living space which could easily feel cluttered. Moments passed when another solution presented itself as I resolved to pass on each book to someone I care about and then ask them to do the same. As I reread my first book by Chris Prentiss titled “Be Who You Want, Have What You Want”, my mind drifted towards my business and I suddenly realized what was missing from our magazine, which was a larger selection of inspiring articles. A few years back, I had written several articles about famous people from the past, but after a few months I had lost my passion for it. A short while later, another fresh idea emerged and I was feeling more excited than I had in years when I decided to ask the local people I meet in my daily business travels about their unique and untold experiences and the various ways they have gathered insights into finding deeper levels of peace and happiness. From here on out, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing, starting with this edition. In this month’s edition of Go For It Magazine, you will find four powerful and compelling articles about local business people who have dealt with everything from ordinary to extraordinary challenges while sharing what they’ve learned about life and themselves. You may feel deeply motivated after hearing about how these folks emerged from their self doubts to become stronger, wiser and more confident. If you want to help your loved ones experience more joy and happiness, read something positive and inspiring like this magazine, and then pass it on. When they’re finished reading, ask them to pass it on and so forth. You’ll never know how many lives you will transform. Bob Cox is the founder and publisher of Go For It Magazine. He can be reached by phone at (916) 266-3115. His email address is coxrobert@comcast.net. Go For It Magazine is owned and operated in Rancho Cordova, CA. Copyright © 2017.
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Broken Neck...Unbreakable Spirit By Bob Cox way to Richmond, clueless to the dangers While working as an engineer for the that lied ahead. Near the small town of Fleur, Santa Fe Railroad, Jim Vierra’s entire world an unreported incident occurred when the was literally turned upside down in a matengineer of the previous train damaged a ter of seconds. After graduating college and switch and tried in vain to repair it. getting a job as a mechanical engineer, Jim By the time Jim’s mile long train reached quickly realized he wasn’t cut out for working that point while zipping through the darkindoors from morning till night. His cousin ness at 80 mph, it was three in the morning told him that the Santa Fe Railroad was hirand the conductor was fast asleep. When ing, so he followed up and got a job on the the train hit the jimmy rigged switch, the Jim Vierra refused to live in fear after ground floor as a brakeman in Richmond, CA. first four cars made it through unscathed but surviving a horrible train accident. Just 18 months later, Jim ascended the the fifth car clipped the switch and flipped the ranks and became one of the youngest engineers in the comentire train on its side. Jim was thrown violently headfirst into pany’s history. His astonishing promotion happened because the thick bulletproof glass window. Minutes felt like hours as he never missed a shift while eagerly accepting every call for he waited motionless for help to arrive. work when the railroad was shorthanded. After several MRI’s, Jim’s neck was broken and would reFor the first couple of years, Jim was living the dream, ridquire a risky surgery that could leave him paralyzed from the ing the rails from one spectacular adventure to another and neck down for life. If that news wasn’t grim enough, another getting paid well for it. Jim soaked in the breathtakingly beaupatient sharing the same room had just been through the tiful landscapes and canyons that most people would never same surgery and was paralyzed! Jim was in such a precarious get to observe. One full moon night, while slowly crossing a state that if he did something as simple as sneeze, it could’ve bridge at Fraser Canyon, he saw a majestic white owl flying sibroken his spine and possibly killed him. lently outside his window in search of a meal. The raptor was After a complicated and gruesome surgery, Jim came wise to glide nearby as the ground beneath the train shook through as good as possible with no paralysis. After three like an earthquake, causing small critters to scatter about. weeks in the hospital, Jim was released and began regular The fateful day that changed Jim’s life forever began just physical therapy treatments. The doctors told him that he like any other day. After five long years on the railroad, the would have to avoid all activities that involved any kind of imnovelty had worn off and the reality of life separated from pact forever because the metal in his neck could be broken, family and friends sunk in. He drove a hotshot train from Calwhich could cause him to drown in his own blood. Many
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of the things that Jim loved to do, like weight lifting, wakeboarding, snowboarding and dirt biking would be off the table for the rest of his life. While Jim was extremely grateful for all the skilled medical professionals who helped him during his recovery, he also confessed that he just couldn’t follow doctor’s orders. “I think I was just stubborn. I’ve been so active my whole life, to have someone telling me that I’d never be able to do anything again, I just didn’t accept that. After watching that guy become paralyzed, it really made an impact on me. The idea that I was going to live a full life but not be able to do so many of the things I enjoy, I might as well have been in that guy’s shoes”, recalled Jim. Today, Jim is the picture of health, strength and vitality, and he thoroughly enjoys an active and healthy lifestyle. He also has an amazing attitude and actually credits the accident for being a very good thing because it became the catalyst for embarking on a new career that he had a lifelong passion for: motorcycles. After retiring from the railroad, Jim purchased Nor Cal Scooters and he loves his work and his life. I asked Jim a few questions about Nor Cal Scooters. Q: How long he stayed at home before getting back out into the work world? A: Not long. I ran into a buddy of mine who opened this shop and he ran out of capital. He asked me if I wanted to invest, so I came in as a 50-50 partner and I eventually bought him out. Q: When did you start selling scooters? A: Several years ago, we started selling scooters and quads and it was actually more rewarding. Growing up, you couldn’t separate me from my motorcycle. When we started selling scooters, I realized that most of the people that were coming in were first time riders and they had that same passion that I had when I first started riding.
Community Events Proudly Sponsored by Nor Cal Scooters Concerts in the Park Each Saturday & Sunday in July Carmichael Park, 5750 Grant Ave. Different bands each night. Info: carmichaelpark.com Our Town Day Tuesday, July 2, 5pm-8pm Rancho Cordova City Hall, 2729 Prospect Park Dr. Our Town Day was actually three events all rolled into one: an exhibit of fine art by Rancho Cordova artists; music by the Rancho Cordova Civic Light Orchestra; and a display of entries in the 10th Anniversary Birthday Cake Decorating Contest. Rancho Cordova Fourth of July Monday, July 3, 4-11pm, Tuesday, July 4, Noon-11pm Hagan Park. Rancho Cordova Fourth of July is a two-day festival celebrating the local community and our American heritage. Park, Rec & Eat It Thursday, July 6, 2017 5pm–9pm Carmichael Park. 5750 Grant Ave. Join Carmichael Recreation and Park District and SactoMoFo for our monthly Park, Rec and Eat It food truck event. Food trucks, vendors and entertainment!
Q: Do people really love riding their scooters? A: Yes, I’ve even had people with cancer tell me that riding their scooter is like medicine for them. I’ve had older people say they can’t believe how much fun it is and how they wish they had a scooter when they were younger. It’s amazing and actually very enjoyable to watch people light up. Q: Are scooters a good alternative for people who are reluctant to ride a motorcycle? A: The scooter is perfect for people who have never driven a motorcycle. They’re easier to control because they are light, easy to maneuver and they stop quickly. Plus you don’t have to learn how to shift gears. Q: Why should people buy a scooter from Nor Cal Scooters? A: Our scooters are a fraction of the cost of other new scooters and are built even better. A new Vespa scooter can retail for over $5,000 and your first service is around $240. Our scooters start at just $1,299 and we offer free oil changes and basic service for the first five years! Q: How does your service department compare to other scooter shops? A: Our service is amazing. We started out fixing Harley’s and sport bikes, so our mechanic JJ is incredible. Our guys are real motorcycle guys, so you’re not going to find someone that can fix scooters as fast, inexpensively or as well. July 2017
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A Kid at Heart
By Bob Cox his reply was refreshIf you were to ask ingly simple: “I just a room full of kids love kids! Whenever from ages one to 92 I see them playing if they would like to and having so much experience more joy fun, it always leaves and happiness in life me smiling,” replied to raise their hands, Morris. I imagine that all but From the time one would do so. Wacky Tacky has over 24,000 square feet of soft, safe and exciting play space for kids of all ages. he opened the first The one that didn’t Wacky Tacky back in would be the crazy guy shouting back at the voices in his 1985, Morris has thrived from the experience of observing head while being escorted out in a straight jacket. kids and their parents light up from the moment they step Sadly, the vast majority of people worldwide are less inside one of his facilities. “I think the parents love it even than happy when it comes to how they spend a significant more than the kids! They love to see the joy and excitement portion of their waking hours. Only 13 percent of people their kids have while playing, exploring and bonding with on earth actually like going to work and less than one in new friends,” Morris said. three American workers are happy (29%), according to a Morris is convinced that a few hours of play at Wacky recent poll by Gallup. That’s almost as shocking as it is sad, Tacky is much more than just idle fun, its excellent therapy especially when you hark back to the days of your childfor the entire family. “This is so good physically and menhood when adults asked what you wanted to be when you tally for kids and their parents. Too many kids these days sit grew up. Unhappy, disenchanted and unappreciated was at home playing a variety of electronic devices, like Xbox, not your answer. TV, computers and games on cell phones. When kids come With those statistics in mind, it is rare to find people like to Wacky Tacky, they leave their electronic devices behind,” Morris Qurraa who truly love their work. Morris is the owner explained Morris. of two spectacular indoor play parks in the Sacramento area Now that the scorching days of summer are here, (Roseville and Rancho Cordova), and it’s something he’s Wacky Tacky is a great alternative to outdoor parks. They ofjoyously shared with the public for over 30 years. When I fer children a cool, safe and comfortable place to run, jump asked him why he always seemed so upbeat and optimistic, and explore. Kids of all ages will have a blast and that includes all you parents out there who are just itching to jump into the action and set your spirit free. Children also reap all the physical and emotional benefits of burning off pent up energy while engaging their imaginations, and without the risks of sunburn, dehydration and heatstroke. Parents can kick back in comfortable seats and glorious air conditioning while watching their kids be kids. It just doesn’t get any cooler than Wacky Tacky. Wacky Tacky is the ultimate indoor playground, featuring over 24,000 square feet of soft and safe play space, along with a cafeteria for refueling. Your little ones will surely have a blast exploring 3 story jungle gyms and enormous slides while navigating through the mouth of a great white shark. Not to worry; however, as his teeth are as soft as they are pearly white! I asked Morris a few questions about his two thriving indoor play parks and here’s what he had to say.
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Q: Can you tell us about the new café and nursing room that opened in Rancho Cordova? A: The Wacky Tacky Café opened about four weeks ago and we offer a variety of healthy food, like sandwiches. We also have a variety of snacks and we make everything fresh from scratch. The café has large windows so that you can keep an eye on your kids while enjoying a moment of quiet. We also just opened a new nursing room here in Rancho Cordova, which is a very quiet and private room for mom’s and their babies. The Wacky Tacky Cafe is now open in Rancho Cordova, just a few steps away from all the action.
Q: What makes Wacky Tacky superior to other indoor play parks? A: Wacky Tacky is the safest and cleanest place for kids. What makes us different from other kid’s facilities is that we are a family owned small business and we care about our customers. Also, Wacky Tacky is a new concept around our area and I was the first one to have a jungle gym style birthday facility for kids in our area.
For more information about Wacky Tacky’s two exciting locations in Rancho Cordova and Roseville, call (916) 476-3260 or (916) 783-3355. Their website is www.wackytacky.net. Also, be sure to ask them about their rewards program. Become a Wacky Tacky Member and enjoy future savings, special offers and exciting updates via text message.
Q: Aside from loving kids, was there any other reason you decided to open Wacky Tacky? A: Yes, I opened it because I have three kids and one was still young at the time. There weren’t any good indoor play parks for kids; the ones that existed were old, dirty and super expensive. I wanted to open a place that was fun, clean and safe for kids. Most importantly, I wanted a location that was one of a kind. Q: Why is this a great place to host a party for kids? A: Wacky Tacky is very safe, super clean and a place where kids and parents can play together in very big and fun jungle gyms. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of things which are provided and the staff is very friendly. This is the perfect place to host a birthday party, with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Q: What’s new and exciting at Wacky Tacky? A: In Roseville, we’re going to upgrade all the play space and have more activities for the kids. In Rancho Cordova, we will be adding new rides and a state-of-the-art 5D theatre, which is something very special and really exciting. I don’t want to talk about it too much and spoil the surprise for everyone.
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The JMJ Philosophy Lights the Way By Bob Cox at ease while in Annie’s presence, which is a Life is long and incredibly boring in rare occurrence in an oftentimes cold business stretches, especially if you were a fat little world. What’s even more impressive about munchkin like me growing up in the 1960’s. Annie is she’s always been upbeat while very Those were practically the stone ages; long much at peace, in spite of the fact that she’s before the internet, video games and cable travelling through life at warp speed, working TV. The highlight of long summer days was tirelessly while raising four energetic young getting under the skin of one or more of my girls and one boy and basically cramming in a three older sisters. In those crazy days of my week’s worth of activities into a single day evyouth and boy were they crazy, boredom ery day! Even when she took her girls out on was a fate worse than death, or so I thought an all day shopping extravaganza, she made since no one I’d ever truly loved and cared the experience more meaningful by taking a about had ever passed away. Now that I’m much needed break in the park for a picnic a lot older and a brain cell or two wiser, I lunch. know better as I’ve felt the unbearable sting On those occasions when Annie is not at of saying farewell to a loved one forever. I her best, she finds solace by simply looking at can honestly acknowledge how truly short the enormous challenges that so many other and precious life is. people around the world have to deal with Solatube solar lights by JMJ Annie Graham, a partner for JMJ Natural every day. “I really try to put things in perNatural Lighting are less expenLighting in Rancho Cordova understands that spective a lot of days and think long term. sive than traditional skylights feeling all too well. Her brother in-law Tony As terrible as it might sound, comparing your and can be installed in just a passed away very unexpectedly from an accicircumstances to other people, we could be couple of hours. dental drowning four years ago at the age of so much worse off. We are really very blessed, 41, leaving behind a wife, three children and a large numeven when things are hard and times are stressful, it still ber of bereaved family members. “That opens your eyes could be so much worse,” said Annie. about life being really short and every day is supposed to be When I asked Annie if she had any other tips on how a gift,” explained Annie. to stay so optimistic, I was impressed by her authentically From the first time we met, I’ve always felt completely heartfelt and tender reply. “I feel like I’m not the one to be giving advice and I sometimes feel like I’m not a very nice person, even though I try to be nice to everybody. This is really hard for me because you represent such good things, and it’s not that I’m a bad person. I am a good person but sometimes I feel bad about my thoughts and feelings,” Annie confessed. Being able to express your true thoughts and feelings is crucial when the goal is to establish deep, powerful and enduring relationships with cherished loved ones. Anything less than pure honesty becomes a barrier to real intimacy and genuine connections. Fortunately, Annie’s personal philosophy is shared by her close knit family; many of who are integral participants in this very special family owned and operated business. I asked Annie what it was like to be a vital part of this very unique family business. Q: How have you incorporated your personal philosophy into the business at JMJ Natural Lighting? A: We are very honest people. We’ve never, ever tried to gain for ourselves by taking advantage of other people. According to our religion, that’s the opposite of how you’re supposed to live your life. Our business model is always to offer a really great product with really great customer service, with honesty and integrity. What you put out there is what we’re hoping to get back eventually. Q: Do you have any specific examples of how your business practices genuine honesty? A: Sure. When our guys go out, for example, if a customer thinks they need two Solatubes but they really don’t, they will always tell them that instead of just installing two and taking the extra money. We strive to be trustworthy in every regard. 10 GO FOR IT
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Q: What does JMJ Natural Lighting offer? A: We sell and install Solatube brand tubular solar skylights, which are guaranteed to be the brightest on the market. We offer a lifetime installation warranty on our installs and this is our 23rd year in business. Q: Why do people buy solar skylights in general and Solatubes in particular? A: We do have an excellent reputation and Solatube is guaranteed to be the best and brightest tubular skylight on the market. Tubular skylights are a fantastic option when compared to traditional skylights because they’re installed quickly and they are significantly less expensive. Our prices start at just $475 installed on our 10 inch model on comp roofs and we work with all types of roofs. Q: Why are solar lights less expensive than traditional skylights? A: Because there is usually no permits required when installing Solatubes. Solatubes go between the rafters, so there are no structural changes. With traditional skylights, you have to cut through the rafters and install a box, which means that you have to have a permit, which drives up the costs and extends the timeline. Q: How long does it take to install a Solatube system? A: Solatubes are generally installed in an afternoon. Usually, if it’s just a really simple install, they can do it in an hour to an hour and a half.
Q: Do Solatubes change the look and feel of your home? A: Yes, there’s a huge change to the look and feel of your home. It brings in more natural light and there are a lot of studies out there that show how good natural light is for our physical and mental well being. Unlike skylights, Solatubes don’t have heat or cold transfer coming down into your home because the tubing is made of aluminum. Q: How did your business begin? My parents Jerry and Joann Buckman opened the dealership in 1994 and then my husband Damen started working for my dad back in 2001. Four years later, Damen’s parents, Stacy and Sandy Graham, saw what a great business it was and purchased it in 2005. My father retired and they have been doing it ever since. I started working in the office after Tony passed, because his wife Shannon, my sisterin-law had been doing it for years and then she actually needed to get a paying job. So, it’s safe to say that we are truly a family run business. Q: Does JMJ Lighting do anything else besides installing Solatubes? A: Yes, we’ve done a lot of skylight replacements lately. We work with Sun Optics, Velux and JC Berry Manufacturing up in Redding, who do a lot of fabrication for us as well. Editor’s notes: For more information about JMJ Natural Lighting, check out their website at jmjnatural lighting.com, call (916) 635-7652 or visit their showroom at 11255 Sunrise Gold Cir. in Rancho Cordova.
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When Problems are No Problem new adventure. “One of the things that I have By Bob Cox learned about myself over the years is that I Chris Barr didn’t realize he had been living am most motivated by problem solving. My life on auto pilot without any genuine sense biggest adrenaline generator is when there’s of purpose until two major events jolted him something that needs to be fixed or some back into the game of life. Shortly after celhurdle that has to be overcome. And as I look ebrating his 65th birthday, Chris’s store had back, that’s been true my whole life,” exbeen robbed, which initially left him feeling plained Chris. violated, disheartened and directionless. InUnder Chris’s sage stewardship, within a stead of caving in to self pity, Chris, who is the few months, the dying franchise experienced franchise owner of Granite Transformations in a resurrection of optimism and passion. Chris Rancho Cordova, used these opportunities to was able to restore trust and confidence in the dig deeper into his soul for some much needChris Barr, the franchise owner loyal workforce that had hung in through the ed self examination. of Granite Transformations of toughest of times and they all teamed up to He also reached out to a few trusted Rancho Cordova. give their customers the care and attention friends and colleagues to get some constructhey deserved. Several years after all the substantial probtive feedback, which affirmed what he suspected. He had lems had been rectified, Chris found himself in the unchartbecome bored after completing his mission of resurrecting ed territory of malaise and apathy. a failing franchise and transforming it into a shining success. Six years earlier, he had heard about the growing problems “Because we had solved all those specific problems of a distant franchise over 3,000 miles from the comfortand the business had been humming along for years, I able corporate office where he worked in Florida for Granite found myself just sitting and watching it happen. Letting Transformations. that evolve without direction wasn’t just status quo, it was When Chris heard that the franchise had been vacated a negative thing because you start to lose momentum. and was in serious need of steady leadership in every facet And when I lost momentum personally, the rest of the of the business, the challenge and potential opportunibusiness reflected that. My salespeople were not quite as ties were simply too tempting for Chris to pass up. So, he energetic and creative, my install crews were a little bit and his family hopped on a plane and embraced a brand less put together and the whole business suffered from
All the World’s a Stage... ...and Life is a Cabaret! (So, what good is sitting alone in your room?) 1. The BEST 4th of July Celebration: Rancho Cordova at Hagan Park. Something for everyone: carnival, concerts, parade, 5k run, food, fun & FIREWORKS! 2. Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors: July 15 & 16 at the Folsom Amphitheatre and July 22 & 23 in Village Green Park, Rancho Cordova 3. Taking Center Stage & Humor workshops (and more): ExpandMyBrand.biz is offering several workshops to assist businesses & professionals to be seen, be heard, be remembered AND be profitable! For more details about these and other local events, visit BobsPocket.com. See you out there! * Visit BobsPocket.com for links to these organizations, Bob’s bio, past blogs, and more! 12 GO FOR IT
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that lack of forward momencial, which is why we offer a tum,” Chris recalled. lifetime warranty where other After a brief period of self companies do not. reflection and crucial feedback from his friends and Q: How are you able to colleagues, Chris was able to transform a kitchen in just spring forward by gathering one day? a renewed sense of purpose A: We go over the exand passion. “There was a isting counter surface, so moment this January when there’s no demolition to live that switch just got flipped. through. Once we’ve built a I personally transitioned to a physical template of all the place where I was motivated surfaces that we’re going to not by fixing the business but cover, we do all of the conby focusing on rebuilding it struction work in our shop from where we were, which Granite Transformations is offering a new line of products that have the look here in Rancho Cordova. was a healthy place,” said of natural stone without all the drawbacks. Chris. Q: What are the core From that brief low spot, the franchise has thrived principals you follow to achieve success in business and while experiencing another positive transformation. “There in life? are some specific things we did but this is fundamentally A: I don’t want to sound sanctimonious about this but a reflection of the change in energy level here. I also got we believe as a company in being fair. We treat our employmore involved with customers and received a lot of posiees and our customers well. If there’s a problem, we fix it. tive feedback about the quality of our work, which gave me It’s that simple. even more energy. I feel grateful that we recognized what we needed to do and we got a lot of personal satisfaction Q: Is there anything else new at Granite Transforand validation out of making it happen and then seeing the mations? results. Yes, two things. We have a line is called Trascenda. It’s Year over year, Granite Transformations is now up over a product we manufacture that looks like natural stone with 25% in sales and the future looks extremely bright. I spoke the movement of marble but has absolutely none of the with Chris about some of the other great things that are downside that natural stone has. It’s completely non pohappening with his business. rous, durable, low maintenance and it has the lifetime warranty plus it’s just gorgeous. Second, we’re offering a greatQ: What have been the greatest rewards of owning er focus on delivering the same speed and quality of our this franchise? cabinet refacing projects. With cabinet refacing, instead of A: There are two things I find greatly rewarding. The ripping out old cabinets, we start with the basic skeleton of first is the incredibly positive feedback we get from our cusyour cabinets. Everything that’s visible is new, including the tomers. Everybody that we do work for fills out a review doors, the drawers and the hardware. We have expanded form and we get enthusiastic feedback 99.9% of the time. our staff and now have a fantastic new cabinet crew. The second thing has to do with the team we have here. I’ve come to know and respect these people and their famiEditor’s notes: Granite Transformations is located lies. They are an astonishingly great group of people. at 11367 Trade Center Dr. # 130 in Rancho Cordova. Their phone number is (916) 851-9745 and their webQ: Can you tell us more about the feedback? site is www.granitetransformations.com. A: There are at least four things that we hear consistently. First, most people love the idea we can do all of the messy part at our place and then install in a day instead of several weeks of downtime, mess, noise and confusion. Second, our product is the most durable product on the market and it is zero maintenance with a lifetime warranty. Third, our products are beautiful, so our customers love showing off their transformation. Finally, our customers love the overall professional, no-stress experience of working with us. Q: What sets Granite Transformations apart from other countertop companies? A: We’re the only company that can install a brand new counter in one day. The other thing that sets us apart is the actual finished quality of the product. There are some other good quality products available but ours is really quite speJuly July2017 2017 GO GO FOR FOR IT IT 13
Car Tech Talk Tooting Our Own Horn on a White Horse By Dave Trux and I had not experienced any mechanical noises One of the greatest challenges of promotnor engine hesitation, his good news was this was ing your own business is getting people to bedefinitely NOT a drive chain issue. lieve that you’re sincerely committed to putting He advised me that my car didn’t have enough your customer’s needs first and foremost. Why, miles to have this part malfunction or deteriorate. because the average person is inundated by sales Justin then gave me even better news when he told people hyping their products as being the latest me his shop felt the issue was related to a faulty and greatest or new and improved. If that’s really cam position sensor, which would cost approxithe case, have we been settling old and crummy mately (wait for it...) only $300! Bottom line, the products all these years? diagnosis cost, two cam sensor parts replaced, laFor those reasons, I was thrilled when I discovbor and an oil change cost me a total of $650! ered the glowing five star review we received re- Michelle Lowe and her I’d prayed to be led to an Audi mechanic with cently from one of our customers, Michelle Lowe, Audi A6 received integrity, kindness and empathy, and this has been who was told by another shop that the repair bill on extraordinary service answered at Valley Motorwerks. If you have an isfrom Valley Motorwerks. her 2007 Audi A6 could wind up being in the neighsue with your BMW, Mini, VW or Audi, please give borhood of $4,000. She was wise enough to not cave into the Valley Motorwerks a chance to treat you right. They are fast pressure of accepting their diagnosis and came to us for a sectoo, as they only took three days to repair my ride and have it ond opinion and we’re all glad that she did. Here’s Michelle’s back to me. I was treated very respectfully (historically, someexperience in her own words, slightly edited to fit this space. times a chore for male mechanics when dealing with female Valley Motorwerks stepped up to be my ‘Prince Charmcustomers) throughout this diagnosis and repair process, and I ing’ in this matter, but true to form, I had to kiss a frog first, was kept apprised of my car’s status at every turn. which was another shop who’d misdiagnosed my car’s isIt’s true, sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs before sue. I won’t name the ‘frog’ here, but the owner estimatyou can find your Prince Charming, but personally I prefer my ed that my check engine light had come on as a result of a frog (legs) fried crispy, served hot and that’s the end of that! ‘drive chain’ issue. He advised the cost would be somewhere —Michelle Lowe around $3,900-$4,300. Yeah, dollars. I realized that this is an Audi and therefore repairs would be expensive, but really? Editor’s notes: Dave Trux is the owner of Enter Valley Motorwerks on their white horse. I knew of them Valley Motorwerks. He can be reached at his because they’d successfully completed a previous unrelated reshop, which is located at 11403 White Rock pair on my car. The following Monday afternoon, Justin advised Road in Rancho Cordova, CA. His phone that after consulting the issue with another master mechanic number is (916) 636-9526 and his website is in his shop, they deduced that because the car was drivable www.vmwerks.com.
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