Club Cabeza

Aching Wrists? Ergonomic Changes Can Help

2014-04-28T10:39:00.000-04:00

Florida Rheumatologist and Immunologist Dr. Guillermo Valenzuela Offers Advice on Turning Your Office Into a Pain-Free Zone

Your hands ache and tingle, your back has shooting pain, your wrists hurt and your elbows feel as if you could not lift them any higher. If this sounds like you after a day of work, then you could be experiencing ergonomic issues that are keeping you from working at your best.

“When we work, there is often a divide between how we move and how our bodies are meant to move,” says Guillermo Valenzuela, M.D., F.A.C.R., a Florida-based rheumatologist and immunologist with Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists in Plantation, Fla. “This can lead to many rheumatology concerns, including arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.”

While your carpal tunnel is not one you can actually drive through, the tunnel is a passageway that houses nerves and tendons. If this passageway becomes inflamed from overuse or excess wear and tear, you experience tingling, numbness and/or pain in your fingers, especially the first three fingers.

Although Dr. Valenzuela offers treatments to restore function and reduce pain in your wrists, he also says that prevention is truly the best first-line resource against carpal tunnel. Also keep in mind that ergonomic issues are just one contributing factor to carpal tunnel -- arthritis, inflammatory conditions and metabolic diseases can also cause the condition.

While “Take Dr. Valenzela to Work Today” is not a holiday, he does offer advice to his patients concerning the appropriate settings for your work chair, positioning for your keyboard and height of your work screen. Whether you realize it or not, each of these aspects play a part in your hand and wrist pain. Take Dr. Valenzuela’s tips for an office makeover that doesn’t require painting or major furniture purchases (unless, of course, you want to make them).

Watch How You Mouse

Does stress have you keeping a death grip on your mouse? Lighten up, and you’ll also lighten up your wrist pain. As you work, look at where you are moving your mouse from. Instead of moving your wrist back and forth, focus on moving your forearm from your elbow instead. Keeping your wrist in a neutral and straight position can help prevent discomfort.

In terms of tools, a mouse that is symmetrical, or rounded on all sides, is preferable to a curved mouse that puts your hand and wrist in an awkward position. If possible, place the mouse on a slightly angled surface to the side of your keyboard. The worst positioning is the most common one -- with the mouse flat on a surface to your keyboard’s side.

Put Your Keyboard In Its Place

Keyboards that cause you to angle your forearms upward put extra strain on your wrist and elbows. This creates what seems like an open invitation for wrist aches and pains. A better position is a neutral or even slightly downward option. This takes the pressure off your wrists and allows your arms to rest more comfortably at your sides.

Take a Break and Stretch

Dr. Valenzuela consistently sees professionals from all fields who are constantly using their hands for typing or with tools, yet never take a break throughout a long work day. Giving your wrists a break -- even if just for 30 seconds to a minute -- can make a big difference between wrist discomfort and a pain-free work day.

Seek Help When Needed

Dr. Valenzuela has helped countless patients from all around the world find relief from carpal tunnel, arthritis and osteoporosis, particularly complicated cases where patients have not found relief with other interventions. His office is home to state-of-the-art imaging technology, and he and his team are constantly performing clinical trials researching new treatments.

“When patients feel like they have tried everything to resolve their symptoms, but the pain continues, it’s time to make a doctor’s appointment,” Dr. Valenzuela says. “So many patients live with the pain or brush it aside when I could be helping them finally find relief.”

Dr. Valenzuela practices at Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists in Plantation, Florida. For more information or to make an appointment, please call (954) 476-2338. You can also visit his website at www.valenzuelarheumatology.com. Dr. Valenzuela regularly updates his Twitter account with useful tips. Follow him at @Dr_ValenzuelaMD to learn more.

Will 2014’s New Mortgage Rules Affect You?

2014-02-10T09:43:00.000-05:00

Keller Williams’ Claudio & Robyn Petasne Emphasize The Importance

of Finding the Right Real Estate Partners

Changes to the home loan industry seem to be more the exception than the rule. But 2014’s new changes taking effect on January 10 are intended to protect the buyers, according to South Florida realtors Claudio and Robyn Petasne.

“The first major change is related to what the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau calls ‘qualified mortgages,’” Robyn says. “Qualified mortgages are intended to protect the buyer because they are ones the buyer can afford to repay.”

In 2014, qualified mortgages mean lender cannot take fees higher than 3 percent. Lenders also cannot grant loans that would exceed your debt-to-income ratio by 43 percent.

These new laws may protect homebuyers, but Claudio points out that he also views his and Robyn’s job as having a similar pathway.

“We want our buyers to be in their dream homes, but we also want to them to be in dream homes that means they don’t have to limit their lifestyle due to their mortgage payment,” Claudio says. “Our experience in South Florida real estate and our close partnerships with lenders means we can work with buyers to get the right house at the right price.”

One such partnership is with Priority Lending, where Dan Longman, President and CRMS, works with the Petasne’s buyers to obtain affordable mortgages.

“Our fees never exceeded this 3 percent mark and are typically around the 2.5 percent range,” Longman says. “However, as wholesale lenders, we are really able to offer a greater variety of loans in the first place. Even with these differences and changes in 2013, we’ve been able to navigate these waters with realtors like Claudio and Robyn and help their homebuyers move into homes.”

Buyers’ Outlook for 2014

As for the buyers’ outlook in South Florida for 2014, both the Petasnes and Longman are seeing more and more buyers qualify for loans in a timely fashion.

“One of the biggest challenges in 2013 is that the market seemed to be flooded at times with investors that were snapping up homes,” Longman says. “This meant well-qualified buyers were losing out to investors coming in and paying cash. But investment companies are backing off, which leaves more room for buyers.”

Having realtors that know the market well and always seem to know where the next best property for a homebuyer is can equal greater success, Robyn says.

“Our goals for 2014 are to help more buyers than ever to realize their dream of home ownership or to move into a home that’s a better fit for their needs,” she says. “We are prepared to help them navigate any changes to mortgage requirements and are proud to work with the right partners to help them get there.”

To find out more about how Robyn and Claudio can help you find or sell a home, call their office at (954) 770-6850 or by cell phone at (954) 260-5570. You can also visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SFL.HomeSales

Blog: http://greatlivinginwestbroward.wordpress.com/

YouTube: http://youtu.be/umUg-Bm1Pdc

Search for Homes Here: www.FtLauderdaleRealEstateForSale.com

Testimonials: http://www.zillow.com/profile/ClaudioPetasne/

Priority Lending is located at 9720 Stirling Rd. #207C in Cooper City. For more information on Priority Lending, visit http://www.prioritylendingcorp.com or call (954) 438-3776 or call toll-free at (877) 838-3776. Clicking on "Forms" will direct clients to a free quote process or loan application.

"The Last Schwartz"

2014-01-05T22:12:00.000-05:00

The Last Schwartz Production Puts the "Fun" in Dysfunctional Family...Check out the press release!

Are You In "Mortgage Shape?"

2013-09-18T09:20:00.000-04:00

Priority Lending Experts Outline the Three Best Steps You Can Take

Priority Lending’s Dan Longman, Presidentand CRMS, and Ken Zorovich, Vice-President and CRMS, have nearly 30 years of mortgage and lending experience combined. Through this experience, they have learned how to help prospective home buyers whip their finances in shape to qualify for homes they can both afford and love.

Step 1: Check Your Credit Score

While your credit score is not the sole determinant of your mortgage-worthiness, it is an important beginning. Many people have incorrect information on their credit report and don’t even know it.

“I’ve seen clients that have credit cards they’ve never applied for or late payments they were unaware of that appeared on their report,” Dan says. “While inaccurate information can often be removed, this takes time. If a person is hoping to take advantage of today’s low interest rates, this can really slow him or her down.”

Dan Longman, President

The Fair Credit Reporting Act states you can check your credit score for free from each bureau once a year. While there’s a lot of websites offering free credit checks, reporting companies only provide truly free scores through annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-322-8228. If you see something incorrect, contact the reporting agency or the credit bureau immediately. Priority Lending will also run a credit check for you when applying for any type of loan.

Step 2: Think About Down Payments

Securing a mortgage loan often means making a down payment. Traditional bank loans often require you to put down 20 percent of the purchase price. While this use to be a challenge chiefly for first-time home buyers, an affected housing market has meant current homeowners may have difficulty too. As a wholesale mortgage lender, Priority Lending is able to offer a greater variety of loans because they work with a variety of lenders. For example, Priority Lending can offer loans to qualifying applicants that represent 95 to 97 percent of the home purchase price.

“By offering a variety of loans, we can help clients evaluate what works for them given their finances and income,” Ken explains. “However, all clients should be prepared to pay some form of down payment.”

Ken Zorovich, Vice President

Think ahead and set aside funds—the mortgage process will be significantly easier.

Step 3: Start Getting Your Financial Documents In Order

Do you know where you can access your last two years of tax returns and two to three months’ worth of bank statements? If you answered “no”, then it’s time to focus on all the paperwork you’ll need to collect to turn into a mortgage lender.

Dan and Ken use their lending and real estate experience to help clients anticipate what kind of documentation they will need to gather in order to fully make a mortgage loan happen.

“Our ability to problem solve and see issues up-front has been what separates us from the competition,” Dan says. “Our knowledge and expertise in the business allow us to ‘pre-underwrite’ a file and help clients collect the documentation they need to get a deal done.”

By keeping solid financial records, you can easily access the information you need to secure a mortgage loan.

A Look Behind the Scenes of Amelia’s 25th

2013-08-01T08:29:00.000-04:00

KMK Productions Film Hits Video Distribution Aug. 6

What do you do when you want Hollywood stars like Danny Trejo, Margaret Cho and Jennifer Tilly to act in roles you wrote just with them in mind? If you are KMK Productions, the answer is “You call them.”

That’s just what Karin Kelts, Mark Whittington and Kim St. Leon, the trio behind KMK Productions did when casting their film Amelia’s 25th, which hits video distribution on August 6. On January 21, 2013, the production company brokered a deal for distribution rights with Breaking Glass Pictures.

The film takes the viewer on a day in the life of Amelia, a struggling Hollywood actress on the verge of turning 25. While most people are excited for their birthdays, Amelia doesn’t feel the same, especially since 25 is pretty much over the hill in the actress world of Los Angeles. Electra Avellan plays the title role and Whittington and Kelts also have roles as Peter the narrator and Eve, respectively.

Karin Kelts

Creating the All-Star Cast

In addition to the interest in the movie’s part-romp, part-dark comedy storyline, what is most interesting is how the movie came to be. Mark, who co-wrote the film with Nicholes Cole, wrote parts such as the psychic, with certain stars in mind.

Mark Whittington

“When I was writing it, I said ‘this is a Jennifer Tilly role that needs a person that’s quirky, sexy and maybe even a little weird,” he says. “Then we just called Jennifer Tilly, and she took it.”

The story was similar to stars Danny Trejo, of Machete fame, and Margaret Cho, who plays a sex shop owner.

“Part of Margaret’s early comedy routine tells of how she grew up working in her parents’ bookstore, which had a pornography section,” Mark explains. “She was a perfect fit and said yes within 24 hours.”

Working Against Type

Trejo’s part was more interesting because it is a comedic role, where he typically plays more serious, often villainous action roles.

“Danny’s got an amazing sense of humor, and I can guarantee viewers have never seen him this funny,” Mark says.

Another interesting facet of this movie is the role of Emilio Cruz, the rich and powerful Hollywood director. Even KMK Productions producers were surprised when legendary director Robert Rodriguez agreed to play the role, marking his onscreen acting debut. Rodriguez and Trejo will work together once again on the sequel to the successful Machete, called Machete Kills that hits theaters in October 11 of this year.

These elements, plus top-notch storytelling equal a movie in the vein of 200 Cigarettes, Garden State and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.

“It’s the ‘little movie that could,’” Mark says. “We’re very fortunate we got our first choices on all the film’s roles.”

Click here to visit the IMDB page for Amelia’s 25th or purchase the film at the following retailers:

Find Amelia’s 25th at the following platforms on August 6:

Amazon.com and Amazon.ca

Barnes & Noble

Deep Discount DVD

DVD Empire

Best Buy

Newbury Comics

FYE.com

MoviesUnlimited.com

FamilyVideo.com

Fans can also “save” the movie to their Netflix lists for future release or purchase the film at the Breaking Glass Pictures website at http://www.shop.breakingglasspictures.com/Amelias-25th-BGP359.htm.

To view the IMDB page on Amelia’s 25th, visit http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1845774/ or visit the movie’s website at http://www.Amelias25th.com. For more information on KMK Productions, visit http://www.KMKFilm.com or http://www.KarinKelts.com.

Grow Your Business and Your Relationships

2013-05-13T16:58:00.000-04:00

Mike Sneiderman

Business Owners See Signs of Economic Growth

From increases in consumer spending to an increase in RV purchases (yes, it’s an economic indicator: click here to read more), many signs point to an economic upswing. But what about the experiences of individual business owners? According to Dan Varner and Mike Sneiderman, they are seeing their own signs the economy is rebounding.

Dan Varner, owner of Varner Claims Consulting, LLC, has seen an increase in employment in the industries he commonly works with, including the trucking, manufacturing and home and commercial construction industries (to learn more, visit their YouTube Playlist by clicking here).

“The economy is rebounding, and more shipments of goods leads to increased freight demands,” Varner says. “With the aging workforce and stricter workplace guidelines, I’m seeing the upper level of the workforce retiring, and companies hiring new workers.”

With exponentially more workers, another percentage comes up: the number of injured workers, which means a higher volume of insurance claims. Helping companies with injured workers create return-to-work solutions is Varner’s specialty. After more than 30 years experience working in claims insurance, Varner has taken this knowledge to help businesses achieve cost savings while placing injured workers in light/transitional-duty programs that keep them working during their medical recovery.

A Proactive Mindset

Because the risk for injured workers rises proportionally with an increased amount of workers hired, Varner encourages companies to take a proactive versus reactive approach.

“A proactive approach means business owners having a light duty program in place,” Varner says. “We can assist business owners in controlling claims costs and the injured worker is happy because he or she is making more money remaining at light/transitional positions compared to staying home collecting benefits.”

One of the reasons employers may not take the cost-saving approach to return-to-work solutions is simply a lack of knowledge in what is often a complicated insurance matter and manpower to support the program. Varner uses his considerable nationwide industry connections to make a light/transitional duty program easy to execute for a business owners.

Even during a tough economy, Varner has been able to carve out a niche and grow his business. He attributes his success to multiple factors that appeal to companies: flat-rate fees, a 100 percent placement rate for injured workers, an electronic time tracking program and perhaps most importantly, ease of accessibility to Varner himself.

“My company and employees react instantly to requests,” Varner says. “A company doesn’t have to go through hoops and five or eight people to reach me, which can make all the difference when a company needs immediate placement for an injured worker.”

Business Refresh

Mike Sneiderman, co-owner of SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY sees economic indicators of his own via his sign business that creates outdoor and indoor signs, banners, graphics, letters and displays. Sneiderman says more and more new businesses are coming in to work with the SIGNARAMA team to create distinctive signs that build brand recognition and attract customers.

“You can have the greatest products, but customers must be able to first find you,” Sneiderman says. “The right signage is welcoming and sets the tone for the new business.”

The SIGNARAMA team, which include Mike’s co-owner son Dave, uses its award-winning approach to help new businesses craft the message they want to send to customers via custom, eye-grabbing signs.

Another economic indicator Sneiderman is seeing more customers with existing businesses coming in for new signs, displays and banners.

“When the economy was at its lower points, updating signage and interiors was often a point that got overlooked,” Sneiderman says. “But now businesses are seeing its overall value in retaining and attracting new customers. Neglecting the appearance of your business can send the message you may neglect other aspects of the business transaction as well.”

Much like Varner, Sneiderman advises a proactive approach when it comes to maintaining business success. By regularly replacing faded, poorly lit or outdated signage, businesses appear more successful and inviting.

“First impressions are everything,” Sneiderman says. “My company will work tirelessly with a business to ensure a first impression is a strong one.”

Learn more about Varner Claims Consulting, LLC, visit www.varnerclaimsconsulting.com, call (312) 450-3259 or e-mail Varner at dan@varnerclaimsconsulting.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at @VarnerClaims.

Learn more about SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY, visit www.signsdb.com or call (561) 278-7446. You can also follow the business on Twitter at @SignaramaBocaDB or visit the welcoming sign professionals in person at SIGNARAMA located at 2905 S. Congress Avenue, Suite E in Delray Beach.

Maesk Group Offers Weekend Couples Seminars

Communication, togetherness and awareness -- these are some of the hallmarks of a healthy relationship. If you feel yours could improve in one or several of these categories, Doug Maesk, M.A., Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), is offering weekend seminars for couples throughout the month of June.

Doug Maesk

“These seminars will be ideal for couples considering marriage or those who have been together for a while but are struggling,” says Maesk, a Fort Lauderdale-based counselor with more than 10 years experience. “These seminars will focus on fostering intimacy, removing barriers to healthy communication and increasing awareness of each partner’s role in the relationship.”

Maesk offers a unique approach to counseling and is trained in Gestalt Therapy, a therapy form that takes an integrated approach to healing.

“I feel I meet people where they are,” Maesk says. “If a patient is interested in more of a feelings approach, I will go there with them. If they want a more cognitive, intellectual approach, I will go there with them. In other words, my work is very person-centered.”

Maesk specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, adolescent psychology and couples counseling. He emphasizes that entering counseling is not a lifetime commitment. He often works with many clients over a three- to six-month time frame, helping them to ease worries and feel happier, two feelings they may have previously thought impossible.

‘What I want people to know is that I have helped thousands of people over the years to lead happier, more productive lives,” Maesk says.

Want to know more about Maesk’s services and weekend seminars, call (954) 353-4680 or e-mail doug@maeskgroup.com. Maesk’s offices are located at 2821 E. Commercial Blvd., Suite 210, in Fort Lauderdale.

April Dorsey of The D-Tales Shares Sassy Tips for Service Business Owners

April Dorsey of The D-Tales

With wedding season fast-approaching, April Dorsey, the wedding planner extraordinaire of The D-Tales, is working hard with brides and vendors to create picture-perfect and crazy-fun wedding events. April’s schedule is so busy because she knows her stuff when it comes to attracting clients—and here are some of her tips for how she does it:

You’ve Got to Go Mobile
The D-Tales offers a kick-a website, plus a mobile-optimized site. According to April, 67 percent of mobiles users say that when they visit a mobile-friendly site, they’re more likely to buy a site’s product or service. Personally, April says she has seen an increase in web traffic by 25 percent, especially from Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad.

Make Space for Reviews and Referrals
Customer reviews and referrals are a major revenue source for April.

“Brides want to hire someone who they have been referred to by a close friend,” April says.

Because April’s business is sometimes considered a “luxury” one, she says referrals provide a first-hand experience to explain why her business is needed to avoid issues and stress that can arise from planning a wedding. Another avenue similar to referrals is the “Reviews” section of her website. Opening her site to client reviews has resulted in an increase of visitors to the site by 25 percent.

Carve Out a Unique Space for Yourself
April’s mission is not to provide wedding planning services as usual for her brides. She’s a think-outside-the-box wedding planner that specializes in sassy brides with unique visions for their big days. Rock-and-roll-themed weddings? She’s planned those. Ethnic weddings? She’s planned those too. And she knows that each bride needs a varying level of guidance in advance of her big day. That’s why April created an expanded menu of services categorized by time, such as “Brainstorming Session,” “Month of Help,” “Help Me Finish” and “I Want It All.” April’s seen her revenue increase by 25 percent in four months after increasing her offerings.

For more information on The D-Tales, visit TheDTales.com, call (407) 687-6552 or e-mail April at April@TheDTales.com.

Quality Products, Male Boudoir, and Social Advertising

2013-03-27T13:49:00.002-04:00

“When the customer comes first, the customer will last.”-Robert Half

It’s a not-so-well-kept secret that customer service is a key to keeping and maintaining lasting customer relationships. Without it, you may get a customer in the door, but you won’t guarantee you will ever see that customer again. Since Club Cabeza knows more than a few customer service artistes, we have polled several area businesses for their customer service tips and tricks.

Customer Service Tip #1: Quality Products

Romi DiRoberto, President and Design Consultant for Florida Design & Associates, Inc., has worked with her husband and his cousin at their family owned interior design business since 1993. The company’s “Shop At Home” services range from window and drapery design to home interior consulting. When customers call DiRoberto, they know they can count on a wide and high-quality product selection.

Romi DiRoberto

“One of the things that matters most is the quality of service and product,” DiRoberto says. “If my clients are not happy, then I am not happy. I think that is a direct reflection of my personality as well as the way that I think any and all businesses should be represented.”

DiRoberto says a strong knowledge base of the construction and design industries allows her to find the right products to show clients. She is always looking for new offerings, including the Coulisse product line of pleated shades, roller shades and gliding panel systems.

“They have a sleek design and when they are fully raised, the head rail almost disappears,” DiRoberto says. “The roller shades have many options as well and will fit any window in any room in any style of home or office.”

DiRoberto has taken this business knowledge to her Pompano Beach-based doggy-grooming salon called “Doggy Stylin’.” The same values in providing quality services carry over into the business where dog groomers Jeannie and Mary have more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.

Customer Service Tip #2: Find Your Niche

Photographer Noël de Christian found a niche in the photography business, and has made a life’s work out of it.

“My services are rather niche-oriented since I don’t photograph everything under the sun,” de Christian says. “I basically photograph adults with a strong focus on men. Us men are usually neglected from professional photography — though it’s getting better — with a much stronger emphasis on women, children and families.”

When de Christian found his niche in the photography world, the results were life-changing for him and his clients.

Noel de Christian Photography

“I believe that today’s men are starting to realize that they can be photographed professionally for personal reasons and still enjoy the session and its outcome,” he says. “I have client who mentioned to me how their new pictures have changed their lives for the better and how others see them.”

Offering a vast array of services that include portraits, headshots, male physique and fashion and what de Christian terms “Dudoir” or male boudoir shots, de Christian’s prestige and reputation as a photographer have grown as he continues to cultivate his business. One of the latest industry trends he has observed is producing high-end coffee table books from his photographs. He works with high-end book production companies to produce books options that include images printed on metallic paper to binding in rich leathers. de Christian says his clients utilize the books as a gift to a significant other or as an elegant way to display and capture a moment for a lifetime.

“Everyone has a story to tell, and it’s my job to tell that story through images,” de Christian says.

For more information about Florida Design & Associates, Inc., visit floridadesignservices.com or follow them at twitter.com/FLDesignAssoc. To find out more about Doggy Stylin’ grooming salon, visit www.pompanodoggystylin.com or call toll-free at (888) 482-2399.

For more information on Noël de Christian photography, visit noeldechristian.com or follow de Christian on Twitter at twitter.com/Photo_Noel. You can also call (954) 777-3000 for more information.

Identifying Marketing Trends: Social Advertising
With more than 1.06 billion monthly active users, it’s hard to deny the promotional capabilities of Facebook from a marketing perspective. In October, Facebook rolled out a “Sponsored Posts” option that allows you to promote friends and business’ posts for a fee. According to Facebook, the “Promote Post” function is especially beneficial to those making charity fundraising efforts, accomplishments, sales and personal announcements, such as an engagement. This option joins a growing marketing approach known as “social advertising.”

Marnie Goldberg, Amplification, Inc. Social Medium

“Sponsored posts are extremely effective at increasing your reach and helping you target specific demographics,” says Marnie Goldberg, Social Medium at Amplification, Inc., a South Florida-based social media company. “We have been very successful with fan acquisition campaigns for a number of clients and with promoting a specific event."

Goldberg cited several examples from her social media clients, including a recent sponsored campaign of a YouTube video for Polo Trace Golf Club that increased video views by a factor of five within a few days (Click here to view the video "Ladies League at Polo Trace Golf Club"). An awesome side effect was an increase in fans, too. Meaning by sponsoring the video, Polo Trace’s fan page on Facebook also acquired new fans as a result.

Goldberg calls this the “halo effect.”

“When you are trying to acquire fans for a Facebook page, having some sort of messaging is essential,” Goldberg says. “Combining video and sponsored posts has given us great success.”

Thanks to Facebook’s tracking metrics, social media reach and effectiveness is more than anecdotal. Goldberg says Facebook provides a wealth of information, including impressions and unique visitors.

“As marketers, we can then use this information to calibrate our efforts and adjust messaging whenever necessary,” Goldberg says.

Party in the Park will be held on May 5.

Sponsored Facebook efforts are best centered around a fan acquisition or messaging agenda. Another way to employ it is by pushing a specific event. How many times a week or month do you get event invitations from these same friends who work as a club promoter or DJ? The new Facebook capability circumvents that consumer numbness or apathy. Goldberg utilized Facebook metrics to fine-tune the audience, selecting age groups, specific demographics and Facebook users who liked certain music types, outdoor concerts and communities for an upcoming music event to benefit the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade County. After one week, the number of RSVPs had increased by almost 80 percent—an eye-catching jump from previous event-related marketing efforts. (Click here to view the Parks Foundation's event invite for "Love-In Party in the Park").

“When we help clients target their efforts, they see better results,” Goldberg says. “Making the cyclical connection among video, sponsored posts and fan acquisitions is a natural fit.”

For more information on Goldberg and Amplification, Inc., please visit www.amplificationinc.com and follow them at @We_Amplify_You.

The Original American Picker

2013-03-02T11:50:00.001-05:00

The History Channel’s American Pickers show chronicles the traveling exploits of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz of Antique Archaeology on their quest to find highly collectible antiques for resale.

While the concept has revitalized an interest in antiques, the concept is not a new one to Stephen “Steve” Gano and the Randolph Rose family. That’s because Gano has been traveling the world for more than 50 years, amassing one of the largest Asian art and antiques collections in the country for Far Eastern Antiques, a business whose holdings include Manhattan and Florida showrooms and a Yonkers-based warehouse.

Making Their Start

The story of Far Eastern Antiques begins with Steve’s military service in Thailand. He would purchase antiques in the Thai villages where he was stationed, sending them back to his aunt’s Greenwich Village-based antiques store. When he returned to America, he began selling the antiques in a Manhattan-based shop and in the Yonkers-based home he converted into an art gallery.

In an early 1970s summer, Steve asked his cousin Randolph Rose, a teacher at the time, to watch his showrooms as he went on a buying trip. Rose saw the potential for the business. When Steve returned, they partnered together with Steve as the buyer and Randolph as the salesman.

The Rose Family proudly runs Far Eastern Antiques

The partners were the perfect personality complements for each other, according to Austin Rose, Randolph’s son, who now helps to run the business alongside his family. Randolph is the outgoing salesman who’s always wearing a smile while Steve is the quiet, mild-mannered procurer of items.

“Steve has a great eye for everything to do with Asian antiques,” Austin Rose says. “He has an almost photograph-like memory for items and the ability to recognize high-quality, historic pieces.”

As the business grew, Steve continued to travel to China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and India. Adopting the “freestyle” techniques of the American Pickers, he would build relationships with vendors and residents of smaller towns, going into villages to purchase the rarest of items, including antiques from burial digs.

Taking History Home

The Yonkers-based warehouse houses thousands of antiques.

While Far Eastern Antiques started as a small business, it has outgrown nearly every building it occupied. The store was initially open only to those in the “trade” or design business, outfitting homes with beautiful and rare Asian art. Today, the Manhattan showroom exists along with the real showstopper that is the Yonkers warehouse, which features more than 70,000 square feet of merchandise spread across several floors. The warehouse is just a short, 20-minute train ride from Manhattan.

“When you walk in, it’s hard not to feel like a kid in a candy store,” Austin says. “When designers come in, they are almost in shock at the beauty and volume of antiques collected over the years.”

Far Eastern Antiques offers a variety of art and furniture.

With almost 50 years in the Asian art and antiques business, Far Eastern Antiques now has quite the history itself. The warehouse and showrooms are now open to the public. Collections include every imaginable decorative and furnishing item, including cabinets, chests, tables, screens, sculptures, trunks, tables, seating and ceramics. Even if you can’t make it to one of the destinations, you can shop the company’s online collections.

“We are the ultimate destination for those with a love of Far Eastern antiques,” Austin says. “It’s like our own Antiques Roadshow, filled with the most amazing antiques and furnishings imaginable.”

Visit http://www.fareasternantiques.com to view the collections and for more information. Far Eastern Arts & Antiques’ New York City Showroom is located at 799 Broadway at 11^th Street, New York, NY. Call (212) 460-5030 to reach this location. The Yonkers Warehouse is located at 500 Nepperhan Avenue, and you can call (914) 423-2047 or (800) 462-5851 to reach this location.

Making The Grade in Standardized Testing

2013-02-26T15:31:00.000-05:00

“Put down your pencils and please turn in your test booklets.”

These are the words thousands of high-school students hear each year when taking the SAT or ACT tests that could determine college admission and/or college scholarships. Such standardized tests have been the source of frustration, excitement and success for young students.

There’s only one problem. Scores are dropping nationwide. The College Board organization that writes and manages the SAT reported the lowest scores in 40 years and a 20-point decline since 2006, according to The Washington Post.

Focused Preparation

ElDeiry

Preparation for such a daunting test requires a deeper understanding of the test itself and a focus on a student’s learning and test-taking style, according to Mike ElDeiry, owner and instructor with Weston-based Broward Tutorial Services, also known as BTS.

Broward Tutorial Services provides small-group preparation with eight or fewer students and private tutoring for SAT and ACT preparation as well as ACT/SAT Diagnostic testing to give students a baseline for what they might score on the test and areas for improvement.

“The key to success is not volume, but quality,” ElDeiry says. “Taking small-group classes gives our students a personalized approach while relating to the struggles of fellow students. Students have to start early in taking practice tests, putting the time in studying and practicing—and practicing some more.”

Broward Tutorial Services boasts an impressive track record of success, with many students raising scores by over 300 points on the SAT. After studying at Tufts and Harvard Universities and earning an MBA from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, ElDeiry used his experience as an algebra, math and business professor, to prepare students for these and other areas of college testing. ElDeiry teaches these small-group classes with language arts expert Adam Moss, a reading and English professor who specializes in coaching students at every skill level in preparation for grammar and reading examinations.

While ElDeiry and the BTS team try to pinpoint each student’s potential for improving testing scores, additional portions emphasized include time management, recognizing “trap” questions and process of elimination.

Expect Success

Florida’s lottery-funded “Bright Futures” program sets a minimum GPA and ACT/SAT scores for automatic scholarships to any Florida public college/university. These requirements create a more competitive landscape for college admissions and scholarships. The ability to help a student achieve the desired score and beyond is one of the reasons ElDeiry continues to provide test preparation services.

“I always knew that teaching was my calling, and my fellow instructor Adam and I both have a special skill for seeing where students get stuck and what they get stuck on,” he says. “Helping students be able to afford college is life-changing.”

For more information about Broward Tutorial Services, please visit BrowardTutorial.com or call (954) 667-6500. To view a listing of upcoming small-group classes, click here. Online registration is available.

KMK Films Inks Deal for "Amelia's 25th"

2013-02-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

Karin Kelts of KMK Films

In “Catching Up With Karin,” Karin Kelts — model, actress, and film and television producer — hinted at a new feature film project in the works. On Monday, January 21, 2013, Kelts’ company KMK Films sold the distribution rights to the film, Amelia’s 25th to Breaking Glass Pictures. Kelts, an international model and actress, also stars in the film as Eve.

Electra Avellan plays Amelia

Starring Danny Trejo, Jennifer Tilly, Margaret Cho, Ashley Parker Angel and Electra Avellan as Amelia, the film takes the viewer on a day in the life of Amelia, a struggling Hollywood actress on the verge of turning 25. While most people are excited for their birthdays, Amelia doesn’t feel the same, especially since 25 is pretty much over the hill in the actress world. Amelia has some sources of wisdom to guide her along the way, including a movie star, photographer, casting director, psychics, plus-size sex shop owners and a cross-dressing neighbor. The movie also features the first on-screen appearance by director Robert Rodriguez of From Dusk ‘Til Dawn and Desperado fame.

The project is KMK Films’ second feature film to go into distribution, but that doesn’t mean Kelts is resting on her laurels.

“I’m never one to slow down,” she says. “I’m constantly reading scripts and developing television programs via the television side of my production company, Long Legs Production.”

A Miami native, Kelts’ goal is to continue to bring film and television projects to Florida.

Click here to visit the IMDB page for Amelia’s 25th or visit KarinKelts.com to learn more about KMK Films and Long Legs Production. You also can follow her on Twitter at @KarinKelts.

Family Owned Businesses Anticipate Success in 2013

2013-01-15T09:51:00.001-05:00

Family Enterprise USA released recent results of their annual poll concerning growth and employment expectations in 2013. After polling 230 family-owned firms, an estimated 70 percent of respondents reported revenue growth in 2012 and the same number anticipate continued profit growth for 2013.

After big-box retail stores reported a modest 3.1 percent increase in sales for the 2012 holiday season, the shift may be moving back toward the family owned business, whose profits currently represent 50 percent of the Gross Domestic Profit, according to Inc. magazine.

The Randolph Rose Collection is a family owned business.

Austin Rose, a second-generation family owner with the Yonkers, New York-based Randolph Rose Collection has seen these trends firsthand. For more than 40 years, the Randolph Rose Collection has created bronze sculptures, fountains and statues for private and public display. Randolph Rose, the company’s founder, has three sons who now operate and grow the business.

“Our company identity is as a family business,” Austin says. “When someone calls our business, they know they’re speaking to someone from the Rose family, and that we take a personal interest in each and every project.”

The “personal” may be one reason family-owned businesses are still seeing success in a tough economy. Austin says many customers are long-time customers who continue to return for additional public works projects or the installation of a sculpture in a new or renovated home.

Building a strong reputation within the art community is one of the reasons Austin says their family’s sculptures are seen around the world from some of New York City’s finest homes to a library in Ottawa, Canada, to a custom Davey Crockett sculpture for a Tennessee-based science museum. (Modified text in link)

Adjusting to Changing Times

"Reflections" fountain from The Randolph Rose Collection

Family-owned businesses are associated with tradition, which sometimes implies lack of willingness to change. It is the Rose family’s ability to adapt to changing times that lends itself to success, Austin says. For example, the business extends itself to custom creations, such as a sculpture of a beloved pet or a life-sized statue of an honored city official.

Customization represents a trend that’s been 15 years in the making, according to “The Los Angeles Times.” Companies such as Starbucks have worked to perfect it with drink modifiers such as skinny, double-shot or no-whip. The 2006 Burger King slogan “Have It Your Way” helped to revive its business while customized iPods and Nike shoes help to boost profit margins.

While often labor-intensive, customization represents a growing aspect of the family’s business. “Our motto is, 'we can turn your inspiration into our creation,'” Austin says. “The personalized aspect of our business reflects this and helps us hone our skills in customer service and idea execution.”

A sculpture of the Rose family dog, Bailey

For more information on the Randolph Rose Collection, visit RandolphRose.com or call toll-free 1-800-462-5851. While you will get a family member, Bailey, the company’s Labrador retriever will not answer the phone.

Fashion Design, Video Marketing, and The BioDome

2012-12-20T18:48:00.001-05:00

As Club Cabeza and Amplification, Inc., celebrate a successful 2012 and look to 2013, we wanted to say a big thank you to our readers and wish you a very happy holiday season. Now…onto the fashion!

Three Questions for: Viktor Franovik, Franovik Designs

Designing eco-friendly fashions, consulting with clients and attending editorial photo shoots—while most people do these things in a week, this sounds like an average morning for Viktor Franovik of Franovik Designs. Half of the design duo with Francisco Perez, Franovik Designs creates fashion-forward and eco-friendly clothing items for clientele.

Design Duo Viktor Franovik and Francisco Perez

Hot off the heels of a widely successful Runway Splash/Elements of Green Fashion Show and LS1426 Fashion Week (see video here) where Franovik Designs showcased couture creations, Franovik sat down with Amplification, Inc. to discuss life, business and, of course, fashion.

Club Cabeza: Give our readers some insight into the history of Franovik Designs—what inspired you and Francisco to launch this fashion venture?

Viktor Franovik: Francisco and I have a combined 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. Francisco came from a fashion family because three of his four brothers are in fashion and his mother is a seamstress. His father also owned a sports clothing-manufacturing company in Caracas, so fashion has always been in his bloodline. For me, I have always been interested in the arts, drawing, painting and graphic design. Fashion serves as a creative outlet with crafts and manual creations.

We united forces to work together on Halloween and carnival costumes for friends, clients and pageant contestants. We created outfits and costumes for Miss St. Lucia, Miss Florida USA, Ms. Latina International, Latina World, Latina Top Model, Miss International and the Miss Earth and Teen Earth organizations, where Franovik became the official costume designer for three years.

Club Cabeza: Part of your company’s mission is to promote eco-friendly design. What are some ways your clothing is eco-friendly?

Viktor Franovik: Innovation and creating something new and different has always been our goal. We see the worth in items, creating something new from vintage pieces, family heirloom, draperies and curtains. We take something that already exists and create a new piece from that, recycling it instead of putting it aside. We do not want to add to the waste of the world. (Click here to see some eco-friendly Franovik creations).

Club Cabeza: Describe your typical client (if there is one!).

Viktor Franovik: Our clients are people, mostly women, that look for a special garment that will stand out in a room and show them off as special individuals. Our clients are ready for new experiences. They want beautiful, different, one-of-a-kind “Wearable Pieces of Art.” They appreciate innovation and fashion and how these come together in our designs.

To see Franovik Designs for yourself, visit the Franovik Designs YouTube Playlist. You also can visit their website at Franovik.com to view editorials, fashion shows and causes supported. Franovik also offers personalized style consulting services. E-mail Franovik at info@franovik.com for more information.

Video Rocks!

If you don’t know what the term “Sesame Street” generation means or what the four types of learners in the world, then you haven’t read Steve Cabeza of Amplification, Inc.’s latest white paper on MyHealthcareExecutive. Titled “Behold: The Power of Video,” the paper outlines how video can act as the driving force behind all digital marketing efforts. From advice on how to successfully populate your YouTube channel to the right video length to capture the most viewers, you don’t have to be a healthcare marketer to take advantage of what video has to offer.

This article is the second installment in a series of white papers for MyHealthcareExecutive. Click here to read “Twitter:A Platform Hospitals Can’t Afford to Ignore” and stay tuned for more tips and advice from Amplification, Inc.

Take Shelter With The BioDome

While no one likes to think of the worst happening, preparation against threat of chemical or biological emergencies is the best protection. That’s why Fort Lauderdale-based company The BioDome offers lightweight, easy assembly shelters for protection against chemical and biological threats. These shelters are fire-resistant, have air filters that can absorb noxious fumes and can be assembled in 10 minutes or less.

The shelters are ideal for those who live in high-rise apartment buildings, particularly those that live above the seventh floor. This is because fire protection ladders often fail to reach above the seventh floor, and more than 90 percent of high-rise related deaths from fire are in those higher than the seventh floor.

The BioDome offers a variety of shelter options—to find out more about how this potentially life-saving shelter works, call 1-877-208-3860 or visit www.TheBioDome.com to learn more.

The Ninth Wave, Demo Time, and Social TV

2012-10-30T09:26:00.001-04:00

Six Questions for: Daryll Dobson

By: Rachel Nall, Writer, Amplification, Inc.

Club Cabeza recently included a review of The Ninth Wave’s latest CD, Time in Transition. After giving the CD a listen, I sat down with Dobson to learn more about the musical influences surrounding the CD.

Time in Transition Available Now!

Club Cabeza: What were you and your band members hoping to accomplish in creating this album?

Daryll Dobson: The band has been formed to create music that awakens the cosmic consciousness of our audiences. The message of the music is one of universal hope, love and cosmic energy. The Ninth Wave is a channel for this awareness, for music and spiritual energy.

Club Cabeza: Who are your musical inspirations for this album?

Daryll Dobson: The music is inspired by Western and Eastern Masters.

Club Cabeza: It seems you took these inspirations to create new inspirations. What would you consider the source of the musical message?

Daryll Dobson: The songs are inspired by many important mystical places, ancient alien theory, the Mayan calendar and the December 21, 2012 planetary alignment. These are the sources of the message and as important as the music itself.

Club Cabeza: How much of a challenge was it for you as an accomplished jazz composer and guitarist to incorporate and improvise Indian music concepts?

Daryll Dobson: The performance of the music requires a high level of technical execution on all instruments due to the complexity of both genres.

Club Cabeza: What can listeners expect when they purchase the CD?

Daryll Dobson: They will receive a message, not verbal, but an intuitive knowing that we are much more than the activities we pursue every day.

Club Cabeza: This is your first recording as an ensemble, but your fifth CD as an artist. Where can listeners find your other recordings?

Daryll Dobson: Previous recordings include: The Mind Electric featuring Daryll Dobson, L. Shankar, Tony Thunder Smith, Fernando Saunders and more; Studio 21, a solo jazz excursion; Healing Intentions featuring Gerry Brown, Kenwood Dennard and Rael Wesley Grant; and Reality Check featuring Kenwood Dennard and Rael Wesley Grant.

Ready to check out “Time in Transition” for yourself? Visit facebook.com/ninthwavemusic or airplaydirect.com/theninthwave. The album is available on iTunes, AirPlayDirect and abstractlogix.com.

EcoCentric October Update

October continues to be a busy time for EcoCentric, a South Florida-based, environmentally friendly contracting company that is wrapping up several key projects and ramping up new ones.

In the new project category, EcoCentric been awarded the contract and are in process of completing a 55,000-square foot demo job out of 92,000 square feet at a Kmart in Plant City, Florida. Following the demo job, the existing location will be converted to a Ross store. This job has a radical and impressive amount of recycling of materials including asphalt, metal, and much more, making EcoCentric the right fit for this undertaking. The EcoCentric team expects more than 100 tons of metal will be recycled. Following the demo’s completion, the building will be converted into a Ross, Marshall’s and Pet Supermarket complex.

Another demo job recently added is a boarded-up building in Miami located at 79th Street and NW 2nd Avenue. Like the Ross project, this is a recycle-heavy job with walk-in refrigerators and freezers. Additional forthcoming projects include a demo job at the Panera Bread Company in Davie and a selective interior demo job for Ann Taylor Loft at Aventura Mall.

Speaking of Aventura Mall, EcoCentric is putting the finishing touches on the H&M store job and is 99 percent complete on this project. The Saks Fifth Avenue project at Bal Harbour is also in the finishing stages and is estimated at 80 percent completion.

Another completed project is that of a large, floating boat dock in Key Largo.

EcoCentric looks forward to adding more new projects using their environmentally conscious methods. To see EcoCentric’s projects for yourself, visit the Amplification, Inc. YouTube Channel where you can see EcoCentric Demolitions and Removing Metal from the Waste Stream.

What Is Social TV? Find Out Here

Guest Blogger Don Tolep on Social Media

Where ever I go everyone is talking about social media. Retailers have Facebook stickers in the window asking their customers to “like” them, restaurants create incentive's for their customers to Yelp for them, Golf Country Clubs are sending out tweets on their new membership offers and so on.

So how does social media and the use of mobile apps affect TV advertising and other traditional marketing venues? Does this mean that traditional TV advertising is as obsolete as the audio cassette player? Well, the research is quite surprising.

It appears that TV’s share of the overall marketplace remains very strong. According to Nielsen and Scarborough research, TV continues to increase at 3 percent per year while the Internet continues to eclipse print space.

Digital advertising is certainly the future and using social media is at the tip of the tongue of marketers, however since TV viewing audiences remain engaged, marketers need to continue using TV as a main segment of their advertising budget.

Why is that you ask? There are many factors to this explanation. The ability to stimulate emotion and high quality audio and video is partly the recipe. Audiences love to relax in front of the TV with their favorite sporting event or reality show. Of course, their iPhone and tablet is handy and in use simultaneously. This is a no-brainer for our multitasking, younger generation folks.

The top advertising agencies are advising their clients to blend their messages over a “multi-screen” format. TV still helps a brand stand, build frequency and place a message in front of a targeted and sometimes localized demographic. Although a banner ad or Google search cannot match that, getting peers to speak directly to their peers about that same product or service without it sounding “salesy” is word-of-mouth advertising on steroids. What a combo!

The future is a new category called Social TV. Marketers will be able to measure a TV ad’s impact by determining how many users are tweeting during an advertisement and overall likeability. Marketers also can track integrations between the brand and the user. Stay tuned…

Don Tolep is a Marketing and Advertising Specialist based in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. For more information, visit DonTolep.com or e-mail Don at dtolep@gmail.com.

Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds, Guns & Ammo: They Belong Together

2012-10-11T07:54:00.001-04:00

April Dorsey, planner extraordinaire at The D-Tales

Gotta Have It: Popcorn Bars

Dare-to-be-different wedding planner April Dorsey of The D-Tales is always on top of the latest trends in weddings and events. So when Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds got hitched a few weeks ago, they used an idea April suggests for weddings: serve-yourself popcorn bars. In this special post, April shares her must-have ideas on creating your own Reynolds/Lively-inspired popcorn bar.

Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds served popcorn to guests.

Giving wedding attendees gifts that don’t gather dust on a shelf or take a place of honor in the bottom of a trashcan are tough to come by. Candy buffets have been doing the trick, but there’s a new sweet (or salty, your choice) in town: Popcorn bars. From plain to caramel-covered, you can create a gourmet popcorn bar that looks cool and tastes even better.

Add these to your must-haves list:

•Five to seven containers. Whether they’re glass or plastic, make them interesting shapes, colors, whatever catches the eye.

Different-colored popcorn options make tasty gift bags.

• Tablecloth and decorations that match your overall theme. This can be as simple as bud vases with flowers from the ceremony or favorite framed photos.

• Scoops for popcorn. You don’t want your little cousin Timmy to ruin it for everyone by dipping his grubby hands in.

• Bags. Instead of ordering custom bags, why not buy bunches of multicolored bags and slap a fun sticker with a logo of your wedding on it? Or you can even place lots of stickers on the table for your guests so they can personalize their own bags.

• Popcorn! Garrett’s popcorn from Chicago (http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/) is always a winner and can be ordered with ease. Popcornopolis also is a fave (hello, they have pretty pink strawberries and cream popcorn!!!!).

Commit to be different, brides! Popcorn is in!

If you are sassy, unique and have a big event around the corner, contact April at The D-Tales by e-mailing April@TheDTales.com or calling (407) 687-6552. You also can follow her on Twitter at Twitter.com/TheDTales.

The Holidays Are (Almost) Here

When department stores put out their Christmas merchandise, the holidays will be here before you know it. If you have not found the perfect venue for your office party, product launch or annual get-together, it’s time to give Bridget Sternshein, Director of Corporate Events at The Opium Group, a call.

The Opium Group owns Miami’s luxurious, most exclusive hotspots that make the perfect backdrop for a holiday-themed event. Locations include Cameo, Mansion, Mokai, Opium Nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Set. In addition to the venues themselves, one of the best attributes in working with The Opium Group are the people. Sternshein and her team take a service-oriented approach to planning and can coordinate an unforgettable event from start to finish. The venues can accommodate small- to large-sized events, depending upon your needs.

Don’t miss the opportunity to host an event at one of The Opium Group’s venues. Contact Sternshein at (954) 770-7029 or via e-mail at Bridget@TheOpiumGroup.com.

And Now For Something Completely Different...

HollywoodTacticalArms.com

From gun enthusiast to beginner, Hollywood Tactical Arms offers a friendly, no-pressure approach to purchasing a new gun, knife or tactical accessory.

“We’re knowledgeable without being gruff, and we’re here to answer any questions you have,” says Keith Camilo, Hollywood Tactical Arms Director and Owner. “You should never feel embarrassed about a question you have when you’re in our store.”

From a fresh coat of paint in the store to a brand-new YouTube channel, you can see Hollywood Tactical Arms for yourself. Check out the latest video where Keith shares what’s the latest and greatest in the tactical arms world by clicking here.

Hollywood Tactical Arms prides itself on carrying high-quality specialty items from names like Nightforce, Glock, Hoyt, Sig, Leupold and Microtech. If you are interested in a long-range AR-15/M-4 rifle, Hollywood Tactical Arms gives you a place to shoot it, thanks to their long-range facility that shoots out to 1,000 yards.

Become of a friend of Hollywood Tactical Arms by visiting facebook.com/HollywoodTacticalArms where sales, training classes and new videos are frequently posted. The store is located at the corner of Lucky Street and 441 in Hollywood or call the store at (954) 348-5470.

Varner Claims Consulting Offers Return-to-Work Solutions

With more than 30 years of experience working in claims insurance, Dan Varner of Varner ClaimsConsulting (VCC) brings a unique perspective to the return-to-work aspect when dealing with Worker’s Compensation and Disability claims.

Follow VCC on Twitter at @VarnerClaims

When on-site light duty is not an option for an employee, VCC assists companies in establishing off-site, light/transitional duty work assignment as an alternative resource to any current employer program. Though based in Florida and Illinois, the company has a nationwide network of off-site work assignment connections that provide light/transitional duty with all job tasks being within the employee’s physical restrictions, which are outlined by the physician.

In addition to expertise and connections, VCC prides itself on responsiveness and customer service. An estimated 87 percent of employees are placed within 24 hours and 12 percent are completed within 48 hours. Varner and his staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to client requests. As an added convenience, VCC also offers electronic time-card tracking that is accessible at all times to employers.

VCC saves employers money and gets employees back to work. To learn more about the company and its services, visit www.varnerclaimsconsulting.com, call (312) 450-3259 or e-mail Varner at Dan@VarnerClaimsConsulting.com.

Ready To Take Aim?

2012-09-30T09:21:00.001-04:00

In an era where arms and ammunition stores look more like the Wal-Mart of gun shops, Hollywood Tactical Arms aims to do things a little differently.

The Hollywood, Fla.-based store is just across from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and focuses on tactical and home defense arms and accessories. When you step into the store, you can expect to see Sig 9mm, AR-15/M-4 rifles and Hoyt bows and bow products. They have calibers starting at .223 going all the way up to .50. The store also has Microtech knives, Luminox watches and Leupold, Leica and Steiner binoculars and scopes.

NightHawk Custom 1911's

Who You Talkin’ To?

Much of the inspiration for starting the business came from past treatment at other gun shops. If you have found gun stores a little…intimidating in the past, Hollywood Tactical Arms Director and Owner Keith Camilo says you aren’t alone. Many arms stores have personnel who are less-than-friendly and/or less-than-knowledgeable.

HTA offers a wide selection of arms and accessories.

“Most of the employees that work here are either past military or past law enforcement officers,” Camilo says. “We’re knowledgeable without being gruff, and we’re here to answer any questions you have. You should never feel embarrassed about a question you have when you’re in our store.”

Camilo says customers range from a law enforcement officer to a person who always wanted to own and shoot a long-range rifle. Thanks to the employees’ expertise, Hollywood Tactical Arms is able to address a number of questions, from what’s legal to carry to how to clean the gun to in-depth specs about a particular firearm.

“All of our associates are professional and cordial—they don’t make up any answers, and they’ll find out for you if they don’t know an answer,” Camilo says.

Time to Try

Tactical firearm purchase often comes with a question: “Where do I shoot it?” Hollywood Tactical Arms is home to a long-range facility that shoots out to 1,000 yards. In addition to memberships to the long-range facility, Hollywood Tactical Arms offers a number of classes from rifle to conceal-and-carry classes. From how it works to how to care for it to how to shoot it, the store offers classes for a number of skill levels.

“We want to be the place people come back to and feel comfortable,” Camilo says. “We’re looking for lifelong customers.”

See Hollywood Tactical Arms for yourself on YouTube by clicking here. The store is located at the corner of Lucky Street and 441 in Hollywood. To learn more, see the newest inventory and get listings for classes, visit the Hollywood Tactical Arms Facebook page. You also can call the store directly at (954) 358-5470.

Helping Injured Employees Return to Work

2012-09-27T10:25:00.000-04:00

Attempting to understand the insurance industry, particularly in Worker’s Compensation and Disability claims, can seem like speaking an entirely new language.

Unless you are Dan Varner, that is.

Varner is the owner of Varner Claims Consulting (VCC), a nationwide company with offices in Florida and Illinois dedicated to providing return-to-work solutions for businesses and their employees. With more than 30 years experience working in claims insurance, Varner brings a unique perspective to the return-to-work aspect when dealing with Worker’s Compensation and Disability claims.

The employer’s traditional approach is providing on-site light duty to an employee, when possible. However, this is not always an option for some employers. Employers are not always able to accommodate light/transitional duty work assignments within their operations. This may be due to the physical nature of the workplace, proximity of injured worker residence to the employer facility or an employer may not have a light/transitional duty program in place.

VCC off-site, light/transitional duty work assignment is an alternative resource to any current employer program. The company light/transitional work assignment program is an employer-based decision that can be spearheaded by the employer, claims handler, case manager, insurance company, third party claims administrator, broker, etc.

That’s where VCC comes in: the Company has a nationwide network of off-site work assignment connections that provide light/transitional duty with all job tasks being within the employees physical restrictions which are outlined by the physician. These off-site work assignments are typically in a non-profit facility.

“This is an advantageous solution for all parties,” Varner says.

VCC serves a wide variety of businesses on a national level and examples of common industries that benefit includes self-insured employers, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing and construction companies.

Bottom-Line on What Separates VCC From the Competition

Placing employees for light/transitional duty is a major service aspect for VCC, but not the only service offered. Varner says a large part of his business is to provide solutions for businesses regarding managing return-to-work issues. His experience and connections in the business mean the company has a large amount of expertise from which to draw.

Follow VCC on Twitter: @VarnerClaims

Speed and responsiveness are other aspects that set VCC apart. An estimated 87% of employees are placed within 24 hours and 12% are completed within 48 hours. Varner and his staff are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to requests. The company also offers electronic time-card tracking that is accessible at all times to employers.

“This business is about making and maintaining relationships while providing the results all parties deserve and expect on return-to-work handling,” Varner says.

To learn more about Varner Claims Consulting, LLC, visit www.varnerclaimsconsulting.com, call (312) 450-3259 or e-mail Varner at dan@varnerclaimsconsulting.com.

Time to Start Planning

2012-09-13T08:53:00.000-04:00

Amplification, Inc. is thrilled to be working with social media legend The Dude Dean on some upcoming projects. Dean's got a full social media calendar schedule, and he recently shared some of his don't-miss events with the Club Cabeza family.

New Tech Community Three-Year Anniversary

September 20, 2012 is the three-year anniversary party for the New Tech Community. Not familiar with the New Tech Community? If you are a web developer, web marketer, social media user, accessibility expert, production artist, content writer, web producer, small business owner or are hoping to be any of these, the New Tech Community is here for you. The Community holds monthly educational meetings that are free of charge and give you an in-person method to expand your social media network while learning what you need to succeed from people who have.

The Anniversary Party will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at a location in Boca Raton to be announced soon. The free tickets are still available via EventBrite. Click here to check it out and find out information. The event starts with a networking program, so bring your business cards and get ready to get social.

Are You Ready for Some Kickball?

Techies and sports may not always go together, but all bets are off when it comes to kickball. Recently The Dude Dean and other South Florida tech legends got together to leave it all out on the field. (It's also where The Dude Dean spotted this social media tramp stamp.) The kickball field, that is. In August, teams from Broward, Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach played on the kickball field of battle. If you are interested in being a part of the re-match, visit the Broward Facebook group and ask one of the members pretty-please. No professional kickball experience required.

Here's more info about Dean:
The Greatest Living American Dude: SEO Consultant, Social Media Maverick, and Elite Space Monkey in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Think Green. You can follow Dean on Twitter, StumbleUpon, and Facebook.

Environmentally Friendly + Building Projects = EcoCentric

EcoCentric is an environmentally friendly contracting company operating in South Florida and The Keys. Their ever-growing and thriving business is going full-steam in September. Some of the projects the company is working on include being in the final clean-up and punch-out stages of the H & M retail job at Aventura Mall, in Aventura, Fla. Click here for a video detailing some of the eco-friendly construction conservation measures EcoCentric was able to take on this project.

EcoCentric also is 50 percent complete on a phased demolition project for the Saks 5^th Avenue at Bal Harbour Mall. Another challenging project is the phased demolition for the Pottery Barn in Boca Raton. The store will remain open during the process, and EcoCentric is already 20 percent complete on this job.

Other new projects in the works include the Churro Mania kiosk demolition at a Walmart in Broward County.

Visit EcoCentricPartnersLLC.com for more information, updates and videos.

Make Your Holiday Event Unforgettable

Fall is getting ready to be in full swing, which means it's time to prepare for the holiday season. If you want to elevate your holiday party, award show, seated dinner or product launch, it's time to call The Opium Group, one of the nation's leading hospitality conglomerates.

Swanky Mansion Nightclub

A few weeks ago, Jeff Nelke, Vice President and General Manager at Access Destination Services shared his experiences in working with The Opium Group. Jeff described The Opium Group as knowledgeable, flexible and service-oriented. And The Opium Group's venues are the most luxurious locations in Miami Beach: Cameo, Mansion, Mokai, Opium Nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Set. See for yourself by clicking here.

For an event your guests won't forget, planned with every detail from start to finish contact Bridget Sternshein, Director of Corporate Events at The Opium Group, at (954) 770-7029 or by e-mailing Bridget@TheOpiumGroup.com.

A “Hidden Gem” of Florida

2012-08-15T08:47:00.001-04:00

The Beautiful Polo Trace Golf Club

In 1989, famed golf course architect Karl Litten and Joey Sindelar, PGA Tour Professional, designed the Polo Trace Golf Club. Since its opening, the Delray Beach golf course has attracted members and clientele from all over the country.

If you haven’t played at Polo Trace in a while, however, it’s time to give the course another go. That’s because Polo Trace has made many changes throughout the years that up the stakes at the golf course, making it the perfect spot for the everyday player or the out-of-town business guest you will be entertaining.

Scenic Views

Designed to resemble the rolling hills of Scotland, the course is a sprawling, lake-style, 18-hole golf course where you can spot wildlife and lush greenery in addition to looking for the pin.

“One of my favorite things about the course is how scenic it is,” says Kathy Brown, General Manager, at Polo Trace Golf Club. “Whether you are a great golfer or not, it’s just beautiful to go out there. I feel like I see something different every day.”

While there are hardly any trees on the course, there is Loxahatchee grass, designed to resemble a course perched on the ocean. The greens themselves are champion turf.

Another newer feature was the addition of luxury homes to the course, which allowed for changes to the layout of several of the holes. As a unique aspect, homeowners on the Polo Trace course are not required to be members—but it’s hard for most residents to resist the course’s pull (click here for video from Polo Trace).

The scenery is not the only aspect that can feel different with each return visit. The course has 13 holds with water features, so Brown recommends “bringing a lot of golf balls” if you are just starting out at Polo Trace. Playing the course in the wintertime also can up the challenge because the winds can keep you guessing. And you’ll definitely need your driver on holes 9, 10 and 11—they’re all back-to-back par 5s for those up to the challenge (click here for a description of each hole).

“Our members tell us they love the course because the holes are not predictable,” Brown says. “Every day is a different day out there, which is part of the excitement and challenge of the changes we’ve made to make this a superior golf course.”

Getting There

Polo Trace golf app

The golf course is semi-private, meaning visitors and Delray Beach residents can call and book a tee time. The staff makes it easy, and if you’re a planner, they accept tee time bookings well in advance for special occasions and events. If you have an iPhone or Android phone, you can download a free Polo Trace Golf Club app that allows you to book tee times, keep score and use GPS yardage markers (click here for the iPhone app link).

Playing just once at Polo Trace just might be all you need to want to become a member. Members get two weeks’ advanced tee times among other benefits, plus access to a world-class golf course. Different level membership options exist. The more casual player may wish to take advantage of the membership that is $999 per year and $49.99 for each time you play. However, seven-days-a-week golf enthusiasts may find the $3,999 premium membership a better fit as you can play without paying extra for each individual round.

The final benefit of Polo Trace is that it truly is a golf course designed and maintained with the golfer in mind.

“We are not just a golf course to pump out volume,” Brown says. “Our dedication to our members and guests in making every round a world-class experience makes this course a true hidden gem of Florida.”

Ready to hit the links? Visit PoloTraceGolf.com for more information or call 1.866.GOLF.POLO or 561.495.5300 to set up your tee times, which are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The course is located at 13479 Polo Trace Drive in Delray Beach.

Need help with social media marketing? Amplification, Inc. social media marketing company can help.

Your Social Calendar Just Got a Lot Fuller

2012-08-06T20:07:00.001-04:00

The Most Glamorous Properties By Air, Sea or Plane

When Italian Vogue, Victoria’s Secret and music superstars like Timbaland featuring Pitbull need a location for their latest photo shoot or music video production, they call Bridget Sternshein, Director of Corporate Events with Miami Luxurious Production Rentals.

This premiere production rental company offers three charter/rentals:

The Spirit of Miami, a JetStream 41 charter jet that holds up to 10 passengers, plus a jump seat for a flight attendant.

The Villa D’Eau, a spectacular mansion that provides a gorgeous, contemporary backdrop for productions. The shooting possibilities are endless, from the mansion’s view of Miami Beach to the outdoor cabana to the Asian modern décor-inspired interiors. The NFL and L’Oreal Paris are just two of the major brands that have utilized Villa D’Eau for productions. The Villa also is available for private events and parties. Its clean, open spaces and unforgettable views make it an ideal location.

The L’Esterel private yacht that is available for charters. This modern yacht was completely refitted in October 2011 and features three staterooms with a dedicated head. Take in some sun on the boat’s deck complete with sun lounge and cover or entertain in the yacht’s huge dining room.

Each rental has been designed with meticulous attention to detail to provide the most unforgettable experience. Visit miamiluxuriousproductionrentals.com to learn more and see 360-degree views of each rental for yourself.

For more information, contact Bridget at (786) 507-3448 (office), (954) 770-7029 (cell) or via e-mail at bridget@theopiumgroup.

Download It!

The Polo Trace Golf Club App

This week’s app of choice comes from the Polo Trace Golf Club in Delray Beach. Simply search for “Polo Trace Golf Club” on the iTunes App Store to download the ultimate golfing app.

From an interactive scorecard to booking a tee time online, the app is a one-stop shop for golf enthusiasts. You also can get live, up-to-the-minute updates on each hole, giving you the measurements for the yard to carry bunkers, green front, green center and green back.

When you’ve finished your round, you can use your app to check out the food and beverage menu for the day. Further proof the Polo Trace Golf Club has thought of everything.

Ready to hit the links? Click here to download the Polo Trace app or visit PoloTraceGolf.com for more information or call 1.866.GOLF.POLO or 561.495.5300 to set up your tee times, which are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The course is located at 13479 Polo Trace Drive in Delray Beach.

Get There!

The time has arrived for the Tunnel to Towers Fort Lauderdale Kick Off Bash. Mark your calendars for Friday, August 16, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m. at McSorley’s. If you are a registered runner, you get free admittance. If you haven’t registered yet (and you really should), you can make a $10 donation at the door.

Enjoy two for one drink specials, plus support an amazingly awesome cause that goes directly back to the Stephen Siller Foundation. The event is sponsored and championed by the great folks at Patriot National Insurance Group, an insurance holding company focused on workers’ compensation insurance. Click here to learn more about the foundation and the walk itself, which honors the heroes and families of the 9/11 tragedy.

If you can’t make it to McSorley’s, the event itself will be held on Saturday, September 8 at 7:30 a.m. beginning at Huizenga Park at the intersection of Las Olas and Andrews Avenue.

Sign up today and meet us at McSorley’s! Registration is only $25 and can be performed online by clicking here. Visit tunneltotowersfortlauderdale5k.com to learn more about the race’s mission.

The Opium Group: A-List Corporate Events from Start to Finish

2012-08-02T14:16:00.000-04:00

Jeff Nelke, Vice President and General Manager at Access Destination Services, needed a high-end venue for a corporate event he was planning, he called The Opium Group, one of the country’s most successful hospitality conglomerates.

While you may know The Opium Group as the owners and operators of ultra-luxurious clubs like Mansion, they also offer a corporate events planning service. When companies host awards shows and parties, full-service seated dinners, product premieres, cocktail parties and corporate receptions, The Opium Group offers planning services from start to finish.

Jeff had experienced frustrations with previous venues, where he felt like the planners made promises and plans they could not deliver upon. Getting it “right” is vital to Jeff’s job. At Access Destination, he is responsible for knowing the South Florida area inside and out. When his clients want to plan a conference, reward trip or meeting, he assists the company in all aspects of planning.

Jeff found a company who did deliver when he contacted The Opium Group. He said he found a company that offered services as creative and exceptional as the venues themselves.

Bridget Sternshein, Director of Corporate Events at The Opium Group, worked with Jeff on both venue site selection and creative production in relation to the event.

“Bridget’s knowledge of all aspects of corporate event planning combined with an ownership group that knows how to keep it fresh set The Opium Group apart,” Jeff says.

Meeting the Challenge

One of Jeff’s challenges with planning his event was that he was planning a themed party, yet wanted to retain the glamour of The Opium Group’s locations.

The Opium Group worked to achieve and deliver this goal, Jeff says.

“They worked with us to incorporate our theme while keeping the integrity of the unique Miami Beach venue,” he says. “I was impressed with their flexibility.”

Set, one of The Opium Group's amazing venues

Live the Dream

The Opium Group manages five venues, which reads like a list of Miami’s top nightclubs. These include:

• Cameo

• Mansion

• Mokai

• Opium Nightclub at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

• Set

Because the Group’s venues already have operational, security, bar and serving staff, event planners like Jeff do not have to make contact with individual events companies. A single point of contact means less hassle and only one number on a speed-dial to ensure a successful event.

“If you have ever been sold a dream only left to deliver a nightmare, you will really appreciate Bridget and The Opium Group’s team,” Jeff says. “They are outstanding at understanding the service concept of over-deliver.”

To learn more about The Opium Group’s available venues, click here or contact Bridget Sternshein, Director of Corporate Events, at (954) 770-7029 or e-mail Bridget@TheOpiumGroup.com.

For more information on Access Destination Services, contact Jeff Nelke at (954) 927-0507 or visit the company’s website by clicking here.

South Florida Social Media Success

2012-07-25T09:09:00.000-04:00

I'm Steve Cabeza, I run Amplification, Inc., a social media marketing and management company and I am about to give you some free social media marketing advice. Want to get your product, service, and message more attention? Shoot some video and hang it in YouTube. Yeah, it's that easy.

Remember: 1. The average YouTube (which is owned by Google) video is 2 minutes, 46 seconds in length, so keep your productions at that length or shorter because, 2. the shorter your video is, the more likely it will be shared. Sharing is caring, because sharing helps your message to go viral.

You don't need expensive equipment or sophisticated training to make this happen. Most smartphones have a camcorder. You can edit videos you have uploaded right in YouTube. I shot, filmed and edited this short video teaser using only two EVO HTC smartphones and YouTube as a "teaser / promo video" in advance of a speaking engagement about social media for the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. You can also hire Amplification, Inc. Check out our YouTube Channel and our video-sharing website www.ShareMETV.com to help with your needs.

Kevin Madok is a candidate running for the Monroe County, Florida Clerk of Courts. He is leveraging video content shot and uploaded by others to further his campaign on social media. Here's a recent video interview of Kevin produced by Conch Records. Great idea by Conch Records, because their message is piggybacked along and gets delivered by association to anyone and everyone who is searching for content about the candidates taking part in the race to be the next Clerk of the Courts.

Congratulations to the Scott Israel Campaign for recent endorsements by The Miami Herald, the Broward County Police Benevolent Association and the National Women's Political Caucus. Amplification, Inc. is supporting Scott Israel's campaign for Broward County Sheriff. Check out Scott's website www.ScottIsraelforSheriff2012, and find him on Facebook by clicking here.

Amplification, Inc. has produced video content for LadysFootball.com recently (NFL's Best Catches) and the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade County. Speaking of Parks, check out this recent article in The Miami Herald about the fitness zones that have been created by placing outdoor gym equipment in parks. Great idea and great job by Miami-Dade County!

Here is a brief video history of South (Miami) Beach, put together to support the efforts of MRA Design of Miami. Read more about MRA and the retail, hospitality, residential, condo and commercial experience they bring to the table. Click here to go to MRA's Facebook page.

More Than the Princess Option

Meet Michele Yulo, the innovator behind the Princess Free Zone company and movement who describes herself as “on a mission” to provide alternatives to the traditional “princess” product for girls.

“The inspiration for Princess Free Zone came from my little girl,” Michele says. “She didn’t like the traditional princess-y girly stuff. I wanted to give her other heroes, clothing, toy and book options that extended beyond the princess idea.”

See Michele’s concepts come to fruition for yourself on her website, PrincessFreeZone.com. Hit up the “Shopping” area to find unique t-shirts for girls including a fun-loving octopus riding a skateboard to a shirt bearing the message for Princess Free Zone: Kind = Cool.

Michele also has written a fully illustrated book, Super Tool Lula: The Bully-Fighting SuperHero! The book is perfect for those ages 6 and up and features Lula, a super hero who uses magical tools to fight bullying.

The book is part of a larger inspiration Michele has discovered since launching Princess Free Zone: to eradicate bullying and encourage acceptance of all people, including the girl who wants more than the princess option.

“My focus is on gender stereotyping and how it affects kids and adults,” Michele says. “I want my anti-bullying message to shift the way kids see other kids.” Michele’s blog has been featured on sites such as The Frisky and Huffington Post.

Michele sees a big future for the Princess Free Zone, from an action figure doll to a television show to a tool belt for girls. She is actively looking for investors to expand her brand.

To read Michele’s blog posts, the latest news articles on issues concerning gender stereotypes and bullying and shop Princess Free Zone items, visit PrincessFreeZone.com.

Social CPAs and the South Florida Housing Market

On June 11 through 13, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants combined social media with its Orlando conference plus its Tampa conference to equal the Mega CPE Conference.

With presentations simulcast in both Tampa and Orlando, the conference featured elite keynote speakers such as Florida Governor Rick Scott and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. The conference also featured two names familiar to the Amplification, Inc. family: Steve Cabeza, Social Media Idea Man at Amplification, and Dan Levine, CPA, South Florida real estate investor and developer.

“It was really an exciting and successful event,” Dan says. “Combining the conferences was a bold attempt to make the event more fun and social.”

Dan presented his perspective on the current state of the South Florida housing market. In his current job capacities, he says he has seen many people buying homes for renovation or re-sell as the market starts to make a return.

At the conference, Dan urged cautious optimism.

“It’s a very good time to buy, but it’s possible we have not yet seen the bottom of the housing market because there are many foreclosure and short-sell homes still on the market,” Dan says. “While some developers may be able to afford to buy, they may not have the buyers because today’s buyers often lack cash or credit.”

Dan says he perceives the market will be a “landlord’s” market for some time, where people are renting, not buying.

“The message is that it’s a good time to buy, but there is always a need to be careful,” Dan says.

For more sage advice from Dan, follow him on Twitter at @DanLevineCPA.

To watch a clip of Steve's FICPA presentation, click here.

Mark Your Calendars!

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run recreates the final steps of firefighter Stephen Siller, last seen running through the Brooklyn Battery tunnel with 75 pounds of gear strapped to his back en route to the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks. The event, originally intended as a way for New Yorkers to honor fallen heroes, has now become a yearly tribute to everyone who lost their lives that day and transcends the tragedy by honoring firefighters and all first responders.

Last year, to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, communities around the country, including Fort Lauderdale, hosted Tunnel to Towers Runs. This year's run will take place on September 8, 2012 at Huizenga Park. For more information, go to www.tunneltotowersfortlauderdale5k.com and join me at the Kick-Off Bash at McSorley's Beach Pub on Thursday August 16, 2012 starting at 6:00 p.m. Find the Facebook event here.

A Sign Company with Superpowers

2012-07-17T14:39:00.000-04:00

Letters, Banners and Everything in Between

The Levis JCC honored SIGNARAMA for service.

When Mike Sneiderman, President of SIGNARAMA, BOCA RATON/DELRAY BEACH started his sign business in 1994, the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center was one of his first customers. After years and hundreds, possibly thousands, of signs created later, the Levis JCC recently honored SIGNARAMA with a “Certificate of Appreciation” for years of “understanding the Center’s needs, dedication to detail, creativity, quality and timely completion of every job.”

Like SIGNARAMA, the Levis JCC has a long history of serving the community. Since 1983, the Center has offered services to community members of all ages. This includes a wide range of programming and philanthropic opportunities, from summer camps for kids to physical fitness classes to a thrift shop whose proceeds support community members, to music and theater productions. The non-profit organization has a variety of services to educate, entertain and enrich the lives of its members.

George Feld, a long-time volunteer and board member at the Levis JCC, has worked with Mike’s team at SIGNARAMA for many years.

“We often have incredible deadlines where signs are ordered today, but we really needed them yesterday,” Feld says. “SIGNARAMA always understands and meets our needs.”

A Strong Partnership

Because the Levis JCC offers so many events throughout the year, they often find themselves in need of signage and banners for events. In addition to creating these offerings, the Center relies on SIGNARAMA for everything from dynamic monument-style entry features and directional signs to dimensional lettering applied to the Center’s buildings. Feld says the lettering helps visitors not only find the right place, but also gives a positive, visually appealing representation of the Center.

“One of the key factors we hold as a business, is to value our customers, whether they are long-term like George and the Levis JCC or someone who has just walked in the door and needs a fully lit sign for their new business,” says Mike, who owns SIGNARAMA with his son, Dave. “We provide a service that offers creative, visually appealing products at competitive prices.”

While SIGNARAMA’s business has grown since the company first worked to create signs for the Levis JCC, what hasn’t changed is SIGNARAMA’s commitment to customer service. It’s why Feld and the Levis JCC know they can call SIGNARAMA at a moment’s notice and get the products they need.

“They are able to allocate and divide their time to make sure their customers get taken care of,” Feld says. “They’ve never let us down, and they produce quality work at a very fair price.”

To find out more about these featured organizations, visit:

• The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center at www.levisjcc.org.

• SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY by calling (561) 278-7446 or visiting www.signsdb.com. Or you can visit the welcoming sign professionals in person at SIGNARAMA located at 2905 S. Congress Avenue, Suite E in Delray Beach.

Doctors, Miami Marlins, Storage Wars and SMO!

2012-06-19T09:45:00.000-04:00

Do The Write Thing!

Can I be honest with you? I would not be as effective, interesting, or grammatically correct without the tireless assistance of Rachel Nall. Rachel is a former colleague of mine from True North Custom Media.

Amplification, Inc., Writer Rachel Nall

Bottom Line: Rachel Rocks! She makes my clients happy. She seemingly is always smiling, at least when we talk on the phone. Awesome demeanor.

She is efficient, self-governing, effective, timely, professional, and an-all around fabulous person. She doesn’t know how often I speak fondly of her (whilst mocking her Tennessee optimism). I didn’t think Daniel K. Brantley could be easily replaced, but “Rach” is quickly making D-Brizzle a distant memory and becoming a social media legend.

Need a freelance writer? Reach out to Rach, she is Amplification, Inc.-approved. She also writes for LiveStrong, NationalGeographic.com, The Arizona Republic and EverydayHealth. Follow her on Twitter at @RachelNall.

Decisions, Decisions!

I am not an SEO guy. There are many (many) things I need to learn about social media marketing (SMM), social media optimization (SMO), and search engine optimization. When asked whether a business (with presumably limited resources) should spend money on SEO or SMM the short answer is always “Yes.”

Just ask Lloyd Golburgh or Kyle Brown. They do two divergently different things for a living. One is stud attorney, and the other is a stud general contractor. Both have sterling reputations and are local gents who have outstanding credibility of growing up and conducting business locally.

Both also have invested a ton of time, resources, effort and money to ensure that their business are “top ranked” when someone searches for their respective services…Try Google-ing either “Fort Lauderdale DUI Attorney” or “General Contractor Coral Gables.”

But, alas, the phone isn’t ringing… It could be the economy…

Steve Cabeza with Amplification, Inc. Social Media Marketing Company thinks differently. “It is as simple as the difference between your message being passive (waiting for someone to search for you) or dynamic.” Cabeza says a social media effort helps to wake your message up and help it get out there and be heard and therefore more likely to be encountered.

First Name, Miami. Last Name, Marlins.

Shout out to Alex Buznego, Manager of Digital and Social Media at the Miami Marlins, and the entire Miami Marlins organization for the VIP tour and red carpet treatment extended for their inaugural social media night in the swank “social media lounge” at the new Miami Marlins Ballpark, on the site formerly known as the Orange Bowl.

The food, the company, the way we were treated was all “Excelsior!”

“The idea behind the event was to bridge the gap between the digital and real-life worlds,” Alex says. “Every day our loyal fans promote us on Twitter, Tumblr and more — we want to repay the favor by bringing them into the Marlins experience.”

Speaking of, the Marlins’ have got social media on lockdown. They’ve got an awesome mobileapp, Facebook page, Twitter and Pinterest page.

The social media event was one of the hopefully many the Marlins will host throughout the season, Alex tells us. Head to this link to apply to be a part of the next Social Media Lounge.

Mobile Med

Focusing on vital issues in the medical community.

Have you seen my scintillating video opinion pieces for MD News? Click here to view some fiery healthcare opinion for the site’s “Critical Condition” issues.

Jason Skinner of TNCM, one of my all time favorite former colleagues from my 9-5 days says the new mobile version has launched. Are you an MD or healthcare worker? If so, you need this link.

MD News recently released an iPad edition of MD News — it’s fascinating and user-friendly, redesigned exclusively for tablet users and available for download in the iTunes app store, offers readers:

• iPad-exclusive content

• sleek, easy-to-navigate design

• dual-viewing format

• video and audio footage

• additional statistics and interactive graphics

• slideshows

• links to featured practices and businesses

• regional content roundups

• and much more!

“Physicians and other healthcare professionals are among the nation’s leading adopters of the iPad, and now MD News is available at their fingertips — in the office, at home and on the go,” says Jason Skinner, CMO of True North Custom Media, which publishes MD News.

“This new, interactive format gives our readers more ways to read, watch, search, and share the most salient business and practice management news and perspective.”

MD News? Yep, there’s an app for that. Download it here.

Love Storage Wars? Not When It’s Your Stuff

If we say Jarrod and Brandi, Darrell Sheets, Barry Weiss and Dave Hester, and you say Storage Wars, you’re likely a fan of the A&E hit that pits treasure seekers against each other to win storage lockers and sell the goods inside.

More than 5 million viewers tune in to new episodes of Storage Wars each week. But while it’s fun to watch the fights and finishes, what wouldn’t be so fun is if your personal belongings and collections were on the other side. [ Click here to see a recent interview on YouTube ]

Sadly, that’s what can happen if you were to pass away and the storage locker or even safe deposit box remains unpaid or undiscovered by your family. That’s why the team at FindYourPolicy.com offers safety deposit and storage locker registry along with the opportunity to register your life insurance policy.

In an earlier feature, we shared the story of Michael Hartmann, the Find Your Policy co-founder whose father passed away and had to search for information regarding his father’s life insurance policy. Armed with his knowledge of the life insurance industry, Michael and his brother Edmund started FindYourPolicy.com, the nation’s only life insurance registry.

Registration on the site is free — you are asked to fill in the company name that holds your life insurance and the last four digits of your Government Issued Personal Identification number, which is your Social Security number in the United States. Through registering on the site, your loved ones have one, central location to turn to that won’t change addresses. In turn, you also can search the FindYourPolicy.com database to find someone’s life insurance policy.

The company where your storage locker and safe deposit boxes are located likely won’t contact your loved ones regarding your valuables. Don’t wait for the folks at Storage Wars to find it—register it on FindYourPolicy.com.

“The entire process takes no more than two minutes to register on a database that never goes away,” Hartmann says. “It’s a great safety net, and it’s free.”

Ready to protect your loved ones? Visit FindYourPolicy.com and register your policy for free or e-mail info@findyourpolicy.com with any questions. To link up on social media sites, visit www.findyourpolicy.blogspot.com, on Delicious by clicking here or follow on Twitter: @FindUrPolicy.

The Secret to American Productivity

2012-06-06T09:30:00.002-04:00

What would make Americans work an extra hour each day isn’t overtime pay or even more flexible hours. But they will work the extra 60 minutes if they have a better-designed workplace, according to a research study the Gensler architecture firm conducted.

Cameron Free, Marketing Assistant with the Boca Raton, Florida-headquartered ClientFirst Settlement Funding, business knows this firsthand.

SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY's creation

“Our office is a huge first impression for potential employees,” Free says. “There have been candidates that came to job interviews and said that their first impression of our company is the sign at the door.”

The orchestrator behind this sign is SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY. Mike Sneiderman, who is the co-owner of SIGNARAMA along with his son Dave, met with marketers at ClientFirst to determine the best way to make a good first impression for employees and clients alike.

As a company that purchases and sells structured settlements and annuities, ClientFirst wanted a sign that had a physical presence. The result was an 8-foot long, 2-foot tall sign installed with special lights to provide a backlight that flooded the front portion in a halo of light.

“It’s a drop-dead gorgeous sign,” says Sneiderman, who recently accepted a national award from SIGNARAMA for his business. “The sign provides the perfect complement to the large, open spaces the building has.”

When ClientFirst expanded their office space from 25,000 to 50,000 feet, adding an entire new floor of space, the company called on SIGNARAMA to make yet another sign.

“I think that one sign is very impressive, but two identical signs is that much more impressive,” Free says.

Don’t Ignore the Details

From signage to a logical office layout, office design is a vital part of productivity and status.

“Don’t look at an office as merely a space, but an opportunity to plan a space well,” says Jeri Rosenthal, Owner of MRA Design, a residential, hospitality, commercial and retail design agency based in Miami, Fla. “You can take a floor plan and maximize the space you need, optimizing it even if an office is short on space.”

Sneiderman reminds his sign clients that first impressions are a chance you only get once. Choose high-quality signs that make an impact and endure over time, and you won’t need to constantly replace them, which can save you money over the long run.

“To us, our sign speaks very highly of the work that we do and the quality we deliver,” Free says.

To find out more about these featured businesses, visit:

• ClientFirst Settlement Funding at www.clientfirstfunding.com

• MRA Design at www.mradesign.com or call (305) 762-6222.

Delivering What's In Store for Caché

2012-05-23T10:16:00.000-04:00

Caché and MRA Design Boast a 20-Year Business Relationship

MRA Design delivers Cache's signature look.

Twenty-year romantic relationships are rare today, but even rarer is the 20-year business relationship. Customer service, delivering on projects and continuing to push creative boundaries are the secret to Miami-based design firm MRA Design’s and nationwide specialty retail store Caché’s business success.

One of the first cues that MRA Design offers special customer service touches is when you call the main office phone. Jeri Rosenthal, Owner of MRA Design, answers the phone.

“Our policy has always been to focus on customer relations and make our customers feel like family,” Rosenthal says. “Getting someone’s voicemail doesn’t give off that feeling.”

MRA Design has been designing both retail and residential spaces since its inception. For Caché executives, MRA’s ability to provide a store that looks expensive, yet doesn’t have to be in terms of design elements, is why the company continues to rely on MRA Design.

“Our company is a fast-paced environment, and we need a partner who provides great concepts and drawings with a fast turnaround,” says Clifford Gray, Vice President of Construction at Caché stores. “MRA has a great design eye, and they pay attention to giving us a store that looks rich and beautiful, but is conscious in terms of costs. That’s very critical in our business.”

Constructing a High-Class Retail Space

Caché has more than 260 stores in 43 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and MRA Design helps to keep their look fresh. The retail stores are intended to provide the feel of shopping in a boutique with the convenient access to an upscale mall. To design a space, MRA Design starts off with the client’s mission and goes from there.

“We do full design from concept to completion,” Rosenthal says. “They give us a space layout, and we design it from floor to ceiling, including fixtures, flooring finishes and full construction documents.”

While the customer service aspects haven’t changed in the 20-year business relationship, technology has. MRA Design used to provide hand-drafted designs. Today, design technology allows MRA Design to streamline their process and e-mail Caché a 3-D model of a new retail store, outlet or re-vamp of an existing store.

Whatever the project or process, Gray says he feels valued as a customer.

“Without question, it’s a company with integrity, who always pays attention to detail and there for you when have questions or needs,” Gray says. “I feel they care about me as a client, and they hit the mark with the concepts we ask them to execute.”

To find out more about these featured businesses, visit:

• Caché specialty clothing stores at www.cache.com.

• MRA Design at www.mradesign.com or call (305) 762-6222. Facebook & Twitter.

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