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 Business - Archives

Christmas spirit alive and well at local business

Kim Everett | December 3, 2010

The owners and employees of Truly Noble Services, Inc. feel fortunate to have been able to keep their doors open in today’s tough economy and will be paying it forward this holiday season. 

They will offer free photos with Santa at their showroom location at 2909 Broadway Boulevard in Garland on Dec. 20, 21, and 22, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.  There will also be refreshments, door prizes, and fun activities.

Additionally, the Truly Noble Services, Inc. showroom is a drop-off sponsor location for the Toys for Tots Foundation.

“It’s not just a charity to us.  It is a moral obligation,” said Brandie Glover, the company’s marketing director.  “Without people paying it forward, there would not be an American spirit left.”

This is Truly Noble Services’ first year to provide pictures with Santa, but it is not the first time that the company has given back to the community.  In the past, they have provided items and services for individuals that were unable to afford what they needed.  Most recently, they installed sub-flooring at no cost for a wheelchair-bound customer.

The company is also working out details with Habitat for Humanity on how they can help them by providing products and community service hours.

Truly Noble Services, Inc. was started in 1989, and since then, the company has expanded to several other states.  It is family owned and operated and was built around sound values and morals. 

They offer cost effective services and remodels, and they work on jobs with individual homeowners, brokers, banks, investment and management companies, in every category of both residential and commercial.  The owners’ original goal was to provide a “one stop shop” for consumers, and they offer service on everything from the foundation to the roof.  Their slogan is “From the foundation to the roof, we’ve got you covered.”

The company’s coverage areas are the DFW Metroplex, Houston, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.  In addition to the Garland showroom, they have one in Oklahoma City.  They employee local contractors and sub-contractors, as well as office staff for both locations. 

According to Glover, they are hoping for a big turnout at the photos with Santa event.  “It is amazing that such a thing as pictures with Santa Claus can lift the spirits of a child and family. So if we can pick up the tab, we are more than happy to do it,” she said. “Plus, we get to experience and enjoy the Christmas spirit on each and every child’s face that is in the pictures. That is definitely enough for us.”

Firewheel Town Center adds new retailers

Posted November 13, 2010

Firewheel Town Center will offer new retail stores this holiday season. Shoppers will find an eclectic mix of more than 120 retail stores and restaurants, including Macy’s, Dillard's, Dick’s Sporting Goods, DSW, World Market, and Old Navy, as well as specialty stores new to the area.  

"We are very excited about the unique collection of stores at Firewheel Town Center, as many are new to the Garland area," said Tina Venetis, general manager.  "We anticipate Firewheel Town Center to be the market’s most popular retail destination, in large part because of its unique retail and entertainment mix."

New stores include:

Dessertapalooza - a dessert shop to take care of holiday baking needs.  Holiday selections include chocolate peppermint cake, carrot cake, pumpkin bread, cranberry bread, pumpkin cheesecake, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, and sweet potato pie.  Baskets are available that showcase great coffees and desserts.  Dessertapalooza sells individual desserts that can be customized with toppings, as well as whole cakes, pies, and cupcakes by the dozen. The store is located between Nestle Toll House and Sonic.

Learning Express Toys - a specialty toy store for children ages 0-13.  The leader of specialty toys and children’s gift category, providing fun and friendly shopping with a knowledgeable sales staff and expert advice for parents looking for the perfect toy. Products include toys, books, games, stationery, construction toys, dolls, plush toys, dress up, puzzles, developmental toys, outdoor toys, jewelry, and learning aids. Learning Express Toys is between Claire’s and Justice.

Crazy 8 – a new fashion concept from the Gymboree Company, Crazy 8 offers stylish clothing for children of all ages from infant to size 14.  From fashion for newborns to girls and boys, the store offers quality and durability in children’s wear.  The holiday catalog offers children’s fashions and sweaters.  Crazy 8 is located next to Express and Kay Jewelers.

Yoga Synergy Spa & Wellness Center - believes in the innate ability for people to learn how to support their bodies through life as pain free as possible. Customers have nothing to lose but tension and inches. Try 15 days for $15.00 and learn how to live Yoga inside and outside the studio.  Yoga Synergy Spa offers corporate Yoga and private sessions. The center is between Lane Bryant and Merle Norman.

Cha & Blooming Tea - specializes in bold, brisk tea selections and subtle, flavorful choices.  Cha & Blooming Tea features three daily selections of hot and cold teas and has a selection of flavorful teas full of antioxidants, which protect against illnesses like heart disease, arthritis and cancer by neutralizing free radicals. The store is next to James Avery Craftsman.

Deb’s Oils - gift ideas with quality, locally produced fragrance products including candles, creams and butters, and scrubs. Bath and body products include lotions, washes, gels and creams with shea butter, coca butter, sweet almond oil and beeswax-packaged in easy to carry travel tins. Deb’s Oils offers exfoliating soap products including Laugh Out Loud with Rosemary and Oatmeal, By the Way with Oatmeal Pumpkin Flakes, and WakeUp Sunshine (with Lemon Butter and Luffa). It is between Gloria’s Mexican Restaurant and Master Grill Churrascaria.

Spirit Wear Embroidery - gifts for baby showers, bridal showers, and birthdays.  This custom embroidery shop offers free embroidery with purchase and custom apparel and gifts that are unique with embroidered personalization of names or monogrammed initials.  Children’s apparel, monogrammed towels, bridal gifts, corporate shirts, personalized birthday gifts, and wedding showers.  Since pets are people too, they have a clothing line for dogs.  The store is between Chico’s and Brookstone.

Rupé Fashion Mansion - an accessory lover’s dream, this store offers everything from rings to handbags. Located next to Journeys, Rupé is filled with affordably priced purses, necklaces, scarves, headbands and every accessory imaginable. There are colorful displays of fashion jewelry for every occasion.

Just StringZ - professional brow sculpting (threading) and facial hair removal in minutes.  The Just StringZ technique is the safest, gentlest, and most sanitary way to remove facial hair without the risks of tweezing, waxing, plucking, laser, or razor. Services include fruit facials, henna hair color, glitter body art, waxing, motives cosmetics, bridal makeup, highlights, and skin care. Just StringZ will open in November near Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop and D’Vine Wine.

Real estate corner:  Renters beware!

Marcia Ramsey | November 3, 2010

It seems as if every real estate market brings out its own set of scams.  One that is sweeping the country, including this area, are renters who are lured into paying upfront fees only to find out that the property is in or is going into foreclosure.

Let’s say that you are going to lease a property for $1,000 per month with a $1,000 deposit and a $300 pet deposit – a total of $2,300 paid to the owner in certified funds prior to occupying the property.  Be sure that the seller is current on the payments prior to turning over those funds.  In addition, ask who the mortgage company is and get a customer service phone number for them, along with the loan number.  When calling the mortgage company, let them know that you are not requesting any personal information – you just want to know if the payments are current at this time. 

Once the property is foreclosed, the occupant usually has 10-15 days to vacate the premises.  Of course the original owner is nowhere to be found and neither are your dollars.  Different mortgage companies have different guidelines and some are easier to work than others.  The long and the short of this is that you are out all of your funds, a place to live, and we all know that moving is not cheap.  At this point the mortgage company is the owner and they want to secure the property, get it vacated, and get it on the market as quickly as possible.

Should you encounter an owner that will not provide the requested information, DO NOT give this person any money and move on to another property.  Don’t become a statistic in this ever-changing market.

Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, 214-632-5225

 

Where's the In-N-Out?

Kim Everett / October 7, 2010

The famous restaurant chain, In-N-Out Burger, announced in May that Garland would be the site of its first Texas location.  Recently, several local television news broadcasts have run stories about the chain opening locations in other North Texas locations with no mention of the proposed Firewheel Town Center restaurant.

This news left many wondering whether the burger chain restaurants' plans had changed.

According to In-N-Out's Vice President of Planning & Development, Carl Van Fleet, the Garland location is still in the works, along with an additional restaurant on Caruth Haven in Dallas.  "We have yet to begin construction on either location, so it is still a little premature to try to predict an opening date, but we are definitely going forward with both locations," Van Fleet said.

He also said that the company is pursuing a few other sites in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, but that those are in various early stages of development.

"Once we begin construction, it usually takes us about five months to open for business," Van Fleet said.

The first In-N-Out Burger was opened in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California.  Their philosophy was to “Give customers the freshest, highest quality food you can buy and provide them with friendly service in a sparkling clean environment.”

Real estate corner: Inspections a must for sellers and buyers

Marcia Ramsey | September 5, 2010

As a prudent buyer of property a very important part of your transaction is going to be getting the property inspected by a licensed inspector. Even if the seller is selling the property in "as is" condition you need to know about the component parts of the home and what you are purchasing.

The inspector will check out heat, air conditioning, roof, wiring, plumbing, drainage, windows, attic, foundation, and any built in appliances. This process can take up to two and one half hours and comes with a written report including photos of each deficiency. The cost can range from $300 to $400 and should include a termite inspection as well.

If you are buying a foreclosed property or a property owned by a bank or government entity, they are not going to do any repairs, and you really need to know the condition of the property. In the case of a private individual owner, you can sometimes negotiate repairs to be done to the property.

In any case, be certain that you know what you are buying. Most insurance companies will not insure a roof that is in poor condition, and if you are getting a FHA loan, there are certain deficiencies that they will not loan on.

Because this inspection is such a critical part of the selling process, I suggest that sellers get a pre-inspection prior to putting the home on the market. There are small things that can be addressed before they become a problem. Call your realtor or contact the Texas Real Estate Commission for a complete list of licensed property inspectors.

Real estate corner:  First things first, pre-qualify for mortgage

Marcia Dye Ramsey | August 16, 2010

Prior to looking for the home, you need to look for the mortgage.  All lenders welcome pre-qualification appointments, and most of the work can be done over the phone, fax, or computer. 

A mortgage loan person can guide you to the right price range, furnish details on working on credit scores, and tell you how much you will need to go to the closing.  Don’t leave this up to chance; you will have to go through this process sooner or later, and it needs to be sooner. 

Ask the mortgage agent for a letter stating what you can qualify for, as most sellers want to see this prior to even looking at an offer from you.  Items that you’ll need to provide are current pay stubs, bank statements, verification of retirement or other income, and possibly explanation letters on any diverse credit reporting. 

Know your credit scores, as they can be worked on and fixed.  Don’t let the fear of a credit report keep you from homeownership.  There are professionals who specialize in credit repair.  Ask your mortgage person who they recommend, get a couple of names, and do some comparing.  Ask about gift letters from family, seller assistance programs, and city grants for homebuyers.  There are many ways to finance your purchase. 

With interest rates at an all time low (4.35 percent and falling), now is the time to begin the purchase process.  Stay with people that are recommended to you, and ask your real estate professional for some guidance.  The worst case scenario is venturing out on your own and finding people that you don’t know or whose track record you are not familiar with.  Don’t become a statistic in the process.  Smooth sailing!

Real estate corner:  Getting your house in order

Marcia Dye Ramsey / August 3, 2010

Putting your home on the market to sell requires "getting your house in order." Homes that are in great condition not only sell faster, but in some cases, for a little more than the neighbors’.

Curb appeal is a must, with lawn cut and edged and bushes and trees trimmed so that the house is visible from the street. Put some color out in the front.  Large pots of flowers with various colors work wonders. They can even be silk ones, which sometimes look nicer and never need watering.

On the inside get rid of clutter so the buyer can see the home. Pick up and put away anything that is not absolutely necessary. Beds should be made, and there should be no dishes in the sink or dish drainers. Clear off the counter tops, and take magnets and papers off the refrigerator. Make sure there are no dirty clothes about, and the pets are in carriers! In other words, you don’t live there anymore. Get rid of any visual distractions.

Plug-ins are a wonderful way to make the house smell nice. Do not smoke in the house, as it is a turn off for buyers. Also, be careful of pet odors like cat boxes and doggie smells.

The total presentation of your home is critical. It is the difference between someone making an offer or going to the next showing. Don’t sell someone else’s house…sell yours!

Rep. Joe Driver announces grant for Garland library 

Posted October 2, 2010

State Representative Joe Driver and members of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission will present $44,634 in Loan Star Libraries grant funds to the city of Garland Public Library in a special ceremony Oct. 19 prior to the regular City Council Meeting.

Joining Representative Driver in the presentation will be Peggy Rudd and Brent Byler from the Texas State Library, Joyce Baumbach from the Texas Library Association, Garland Mayor Ronald Jones and Bettye Haynes from the Garland Library Advisory Board. 

The grant is among those awarded to 541 accredited public libraries from $6 million approved by the Texas State Legislature for the fiscal year 2011 Loan Star Libraries program. Loan Star Libraries grants provide critically needed operating funds that augment local funding and allow the Garland Public Library to deliver a higher level of service to all patrons.

Past Loan Star Grants have made possible such enhancements as public desktop and laptop computers, a patron self-checkout workstation, flat screen patron messaging systems and exterior WIFI laptop tables.  The library has begun the process of upgrading branch library manual exterior signs to electronic signs capable of multiple messages.

"I am excited to announce that since 2002, the Garland Public Library has received a total amount of $329,231, which includes this year," said Rep. Driver.  "The library has done an exceptional job upgrading their technology systems to provide services to all Garland citizens."

Until the Texas State Legislature began funding the Loan Star Libraries program in 2002, Texas was one of just six states that did not offer direct financial support to public libraries. For many Texans, these libraries provide their only source of free Internet access, as well as information and learning resources of all types.

Representative Driver, who is a member of  the House Committee on Appropriations, worked to include this funding in the state's budget. "I am proud that my colleagues and I were able to secure funding for this important endeavor. These funds will allow us to make great strides in further serving the community of Garland," said Representative Driver.

 

Garland Power & Light celebrates Public Power Week

Posted September 24, 2010

Garland Power & Light is celebrating Public Power Week, October 3-9, along with more than 2,000 other electric utilities that collectively provide electricity on a not-for-profit basis to 45 million Americans. 

“Public Power Week is a chance for GP&L to acknowledge that the public power formula works in Garland.  We are absolutely dedicated to providing top-notch service and the lowest rates possible,” said Ray Schwertner, director of electric utilities.  

Public Power Week is a national, annual event sponsored in conjunction with the American Public Power Association (APPA) in Washington, D.C.  APPA is the service organization for community- and state-owned electric utilities.

“We are proud to have served Garland for 87 years,” Schwertner said.  “For us, the hard work is rewarding since our customers are our neighbors and friends.”

“GP&L knows how vital electricity is for the people of Garland, and we continue to find ways to deliver it reliably, safely and with special attention to the environment,” Schwertner added.

GP&L initiated electric service in Garland on April 23, 1923.  Today, it serves nearly 68,000 customers and is the fourth largest electric utility in Texas and the 42nd largest in the United States. 

 

Garland gets Texas’ first In-N-Out Burger

Kim Everett / May 26, 2010

No schedule has been announced, but the famous In-N-Out Burger chain will open its first Texas location in Garland at the corner of Town Center Boulevard and Lavon Drive near Firewheel Town Center.  The City Council approved the necessary zoning changes for a fast food restaurant with a drive-through at this location at its last meeting.  The location will also offer patio seating.

Councilman Douglas Athas, the representative for the area in which the restaurant will be built, said in a recent blog, “Just mentioning the name will literally turn millions of people hungry and salivating.”  He’s right.  Anyone who has enjoyed the burgers, fries, and shakes at In-N-Out gets a smile on their face when talking about it.

The first In-N-Out Burger was opened in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California.  Their philosophy was to “Give customers the freshest, highest quality food you can buy and provide them with friendly service in a sparkling clean environment.”

In 1976 there were 18 locations, which grew to 93 by 1993, and 149 by 1999.  The burger chain now has locations in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, as well as California.  The Garland location will be the first in Texas, but more are expected in the Lone Star State in the future.

According to their website, www.in-n-out.com, it is still a privately owned company, and the Snyder family does not have plans to go public or offer franchises.

The walls come tumblin’ down

Kim Everett / May 4, 2010 -- Photos by Billy Gallion

Demolition of the vacant Minyard’s Grocery Store on the northeast corner of Jupiter and Arapaho Roads began this week.  The building, which originally housed a Safeway Grocery Store, was built in the late 1970s.  Since Minyard’s closed several years ago, the 55,000 square foot building has sat unoccupied.  Minyard’s had tried unsuccessfully to sell the building.

Councilman Rick Williams is happy to see the building come down and new development begin.  “It was important to eliminate the building.  It sat like a haunted house on an entranceway to Garland,” he said.  “It means that Garland is going through more and more redevelopment.”  He cited the successful Saigon Mall that replaced the Target store that once stood at the corner of Belt Line and Jupiter Roads.

QuikTrip Corporation will construct a QT service station/convenience store on the corner, and because they do not need all of the property, their intention is to sell off the back two-thirds of the land to a development company called Appleseed Corporation.

Potential development by Appleseed includes an upscale, neighborhood-friendly car wash along with a two-story office building that would, among other uses, serve people who work at home by offering conference rooms and temporary office space for rent.  According to Williams, the concept has been compared to American Airlines’ Admirals Club.

QuikTrip Corporation, which is headquartered in Tulsa, Okla., currently has four stores in Garland.  The company has a good reputation, according to Williams, who said that their stores are clean and their prices are good.

The new location at Arapaho and Jupiter will be different from existing Garland stores in that it will have entrances at both the front and back of the building.  This difference will serve to accommodate development behind the store so that it does not face an empty brick wall. 

 

Kohl’s unveils Garland store remodel

Announcement / April 19, 2010

Kohl’s announces the re-grand opening of its Garland store, which will unveil a new look on Wednesday, April 21.  New features and store enhancements, which vary by location, include:

Redesigned Home and Junior’s departments
Updated Children’s, Jewelry and Shoe departments
Updated fitting rooms with lounge areas
New merchandise displays to highlight trends
Updated check-out stations
Updated restrooms for enhanced comfort and convenience

WHEN:  April 21

WHERE:  Garland Kohl’s - 3353 N. George Bush Highway

Kohl’s customers can stretch their budgets with the same world-class national and exclusive brands they love at a value they can appreciate, but in an updated and easier to shop environment. Some of the brands offered at Kohl’s include: Levi’s, Carter’s, Nike, adidas, Bali, Simply Vera Vera Wang, Food Network, LC Lauren Conrad, ELLE Contemporary Collection, Dana Buchman, Candie’s, Tony Hawk, apt.9, Jumping Beans, SONOMA, Cuisinart, KitchenAid and more.

As a family-focused, value-oriented company, Kohl’s strives to be an active member of each community where we do business. Throughout the year, Kohl’s sells special Kohl’s Cares for Kids merchandise for $5 each with 100 percent of the net profit benefiting children’s health and education initiatives nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, the program has raised more than $126 million. Through Kohl’s A-Team, associates are encouraged to volunteer for local youth-focused nonprofit organizations, and Kohl’s matches their efforts with corporate grants.

Kohl’s was recognized in September 2009 as the number one green retailer according to Newsweek’s 2009 Green Rankings. All stores feature high-efficiency heating and cooling systems; occupancy sensor lighting for stockrooms, break rooms and offices; and a recycling program for cardboard boxes, hangers and packaging.

 

Garland business honored by
Firestone Building Products Company

Announcement / April 1, 2010

Firestone Building Products Company, LLC, recently presented R & B Roofing LLC with its prestigious 2010 Firestone Master Contractor Award. The local firm is among 261 distinguished commercial roofing contractors presented with this honor for its consistent excellence in commercial roofing installations over the past year.

Since 1988, the Master Contractor program has applauded outstanding roofing firms for achieving Firestone’s high level of criterion. Throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Master Contractor status is awarded based on total square footage installed and outstanding inspection ratings.

“R & B Roofing LLC has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Firestone’s high standards of roof system performance. This, coupled with its dedication to superior craftsmanship, is what led them to win the Master Contractor award,” said Mike Vall, president of Firestone Building Products.

“Firestone is pleased to recognize R & B Roofing LLC for maintaining its first-rate performance during this challenging time in the building industry. This accomplishment can truly give building owners confidence that their roofs have been installed by a highly skilled roofing professional.”

For information on the roofing company, visit www.rbroof.com.

 

Garland shoppers get new grocery store choice

Kim Everett / March 16, 2010

Since ALDI’s first store opened in Iowa in 1976, the retailer has grown to more than 1,000 stores in 29 states.  The stores carry approximately 1,400 items including fresh meat, produce, canned goods, and frozen foods, and their core concept is “Incredible Value Every Day.”

ALDI follows a “less is more” approach to grocery retailing.  The stores are smaller than most chain grocery retailers, and they carry fewer items.  Approximately 95 percent of their offerings are ALDI select brands.  They also carry a few national name brands.

According to Denton division vice-president, Scott Huska, ALDI takes important steps toward being environmentally friendly.  The company invests in energy-efficient refrigeration equipment, and store windows are tinted with efficient, energy-saving material.  In addition, the stores are smaller than typical grocery retail outlets – 16,000 square feet compared to 50,000 square feet – and they leave a smaller footprint.

ALDI has a shopping cart deposit system, so that the cost of paying an employee to retrieve them from the parking lot does not have to be passed on to the customers.  A quarter is inserted into a machine to release a cart, and when the cart is returned, the customer gets the quarter back.

In addition, ALDI charges for shopping bags instead of hiding the costs in their prices.  Customers are encouraged to bring their own bags, which results in less waste, which is more earth-friendly.

According to Huska, the first Garland store, located at 1601 Northwest Highway, will employ anywhere from 10-20 people, depending upon the sales volume.  The second location at the corner of Buckingham Road and North Garland Avenue is scheduled to open in May and will employ the same number of people.

“It has been great working with the city of Garland,” Huska said.  “We are excited about the warm reception that we’ve gotten here.”

Store hours are Monday – Saturday – 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Additional stores are opening in nearby cities including Dallas, Richardson, Mesquite, Rowlett, Plano, and Frisco.

 

Four Seasons Market gets shoppers out of the cold

Kim Everett / January 9, 2010

The Four Seasons Market at Firewheel Town Center has moved inside for the winter, but the move has not affected the quality of vendors and products available.  The market, which was started last year in early November by Vincent Hirth and Florine Bowman, is enjoying good attendance and good reviews.

“This is the second largest market of this type in Texas as far as the number of vendors,” Hirth said.

Each Saturday’s vendor list includes a variety of food vendors as well as booths for wine, spices, baked goods, dry mixes, sweet treats, and jewelry.  Food can be sampled at the vendors’ booths and/or purchased for serving at home.  Shoppers can also enjoy lunch while shopping at the market.

The market, which is patterned after European-style markets, is a family-friendly opportunity to meet local farmers, food producers, and craftsmen.

The market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  During the winter months, it is located indoors at 305 Riverfern Avenue.  During warmer months, it is held in the park at Firewheel Town Center.