Category Archives: General

When Is The Best Time To Asphalt Your Driveway?

April 24, 2020 aiube243

Hargrove Sealcoating
A new asphalt driveway can elevate the look of your home. It’s a durable surface where you can walk or park your car. To make it last for several years, asphalt must be properly installed under optimal conditions by an asphalt paving professional.

Choosing The Best Conditions For Asphalt Work

In its workable state, asphalt is viscous, flexible, and easy to pour and spread across a surface given the right environmental settings. Asphalt can be difficult to manage when it’s too cold outside, and teams would need to work quickly before the asphalt cools and hardens. On the other hand, it can take longer for asphalt to cure when it’s too hot. The ideal temperature would be somewhere near 70 degrees. This typically happens in spring, late summer, or early fall depending on where you live.

Why Precipitation Matters

Precipitation is another important factor to consider when planning asphalt paving work in Nashville. Water seeping into the sub-base will freeze during winter, which causes it to expand and damage the asphalt above. Heavy rainfall can cool down the asphalt surface before the team could have the chance of properly leveling the material.

Review Project Timelines

The amount of work to be done on your driveway will affect the timing of your asphalt paving project. It could only take 1 to 2 days to refresh an existing driveway, but it can take a week if you are planning to install a new one entirely. Consult with a Nashville-based asphalt paving contractor and schedule your project accordingly.

Remember: The first two weeks are the most crucial for your new asphalt driveway; it is still vulnerable and prone to breakage during this time. Do not drive on it for 3 to 5 days, and wait for up to 7 days before parking a vehicle on it. If you do, park in the early morning or in the evening when temperatures are lower.

For your asphalt paving and repair requirements, call Nashville-based Hargrove Sealcoating at 931.619.6718 for a free consultation and quote. One of their service advisors will be happy to assist you.

General

Nashville Cybersecurity Service Recommends Running Security Response Drills

April 3, 2020 aiube243

Digital security is important for businesses of all sizes and in all industries. However, those that fail to plan for a data breach or other cyber incident are risking their businesses. Nashville-based cybersecurity service ImageQuest says those that have plans but failed to test them with practice drills could be no better off than those with no plan at all. In light of many recent data breach events, we reached out to ImageQuest. What we learned was that it’s best to practice what you’ve prepared.

What Is A Security Incident Response Plan?

One of the first questions we had for the cybersecurity service provider was what, exactly, a Security Incident Response Plan is. They told us this is simply a planned series of events that a company’s leadership and IT staff would take in case of a digital compromise.

This plan is put into place to both protect a company from financial losses and to ensure that its clients’ data remains safe.

Tabletop Exercises

A cybersecurity incident response plan does not look the same for each business. However, the cybersecurity service tells us that all companies can benefit from running what’s called tabletop exercises. This is a chance to test the efficiency and effectiveness of the response strategy. More importantly, it gives business leaders a valuable opportunity to identify weaknesses in the plan.

Weaknesses that tabletop exercises can shed light on include when steps are taken prematurely and must be reordered. It can also pinpoint additional company executives or contacts that must get involved.

Why So Important?

Cybersecurity service advisors from the Nashville company use the following example of a potential cybersecurity incident at a large accounting firm. We will call it Acme Accounting. Imagine this scenario:

You are an executive at Acme Accounting. You’re coming up on tax filing season and are consumed with work on multi-million-dollar client projects. Suddenly, you are interrupted by your IT manager, who tells you one of your vendors has experienced a data breach. You realize immediately that this means that your clients’ sensitive information may have been compromised. You have planned for this, so you are not that worried.

Unfortunately, you have never practiced your plan. Shortly after your IT Manager’s alert, you realize your plan does not work as envisioned. You are now scrambling to decide what to tell your customers while simultaneously trying to figure out how to deal with the problem. Now you must figure out how to mitigate damage for the affected clients while retaining the trust of your entire client base.

Had your management team simply taken the time to run a series of security drills, you could have avoided your current state of panic and corrected the gaps and mistakes. You would have known exactly what to do, when to do it, and who within your organization would lead each step of your response plan.

A Better Way

ImageQuest’s cybersecurity service offerings can help businesses in Nashville and beyond create and practice their Security Incident Response Plans. This may include everything from how to save data in the critical first moments to what to say to your clients when it is time to issue a statement. By running routine drills, your workers will be ready to handle the unexpected.

It may not be possible to prevent every security incident. But our conversation with ImageQuest has helped us better understand that having a plan in place and practicing each step of that plan before a disaster occurs is the best way to prevent serious ramifications.

If you are looking for a cybersecurity service in Nashville, Louisville, or Bowling Green, visit ImageQuest online at ImageQuest.com or call 888.979.2679 for more information.

General

Nashville VW Repair Shop Dishes On Das Auto

January 3, 2020 aiube243

Volkswagen is one of the most popular vehicle brands on the road. However, GPO Tuning, Nashville’s premier VW repair, maintenance and tuning provider, says that most drivers know astoundingly little about the German company. We recently sat down with techs from the busy performance tuning shop to get the inside scoop about what is under the proverbial hood.

Q: Thank you for sitting with us today. We have heard that Volkswagen has a very long history. Can you fill us in?

GPO Tuning: Absolutely. There are a few things that many people do not know. First is that the brand we have all lovingly come to know as Das Auto (The Car), was originally thought up by the most abhorrent human being in history: Adolf Hitler. But the brand has ties to many beloved historical figures as well, and the first “People’s Car” was designed by none other than Ferdinand Porsche.

Q: What is the most popular Volkswagen?

GPO Tuning: That is an easy question to answer. The Beetle is the most iconic of the Volkswagen models. Although they were discontinued, we offer VW repair for all Beetles, no matter their condition or age. Interestingly, there were more than 21 million Beetles sold before production was pulled. We’re personal fans of the Scirocco and Corrado as well. The new GTI’s and Golf R’s are fantastic cars as well. It’s too bad the TDI’s (VW Diesels) had the Dieselgate incident, as those are great cars too.

Q: We understand that the Volkswagen group actually owns many other brands as well.

GPO Tuning: Correct! Although few people know it, Volkswagen owns Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, and Audi. Our certified VW repairs techs in Nashville are qualified to handle diagnostics and repairs on these and other German vehicles. We also offer performance tuning for drivers who want more than what their vehicle offers directly from the assembly line. Volkswagen owns so many brands that more than one out of every ten vehicles sold worldwide is manufactured by the group.

Q: In the US, we tend to love our GMC’s and Fords. How prevalent are Volkswagens in the states?

GPO Tuning: The US market is one of the most coveted among auto manufacturers. Because of this, competition is brutal. Despite our lingering affection for our American and Japanese vehicles, Volkswagen does sell around half a million cars in the United States each year. Incidentally, for those buying in Music City, GPO Tuning is one of the only shops in Nashville that specialize in VW repair and service.

Q: It sounds like it is growing in popularity. How many people does it take to make all of those vehicles?

GPO Tuning: Around 600,000 people receive a paycheck from the Volkswagen Group. Almost half of those – 270,000 – work at a single location in Germany. Volkswagen is not the only automotive giant across the pond, either. Around 2% of Germany’s workforce works for either VW, BMW, or Daimler. These manufacturers are known overseas as the “Big Three.”

Q: That is a lot of people turning wrenches…

GPO Tuning: It is. This does not even take into account companies that provide VW repair. The 600,000 folks that work for Volkswagen and its subsidiaries are involved in design, sales, marketing, and production, not service.

Q: We are beginning to think that we need to start the new year with a new vehicle. We appreciate your time with us today and look forward to speaking with you again. Before we close, can you tell our readers a bit more about GPO Tuning?

GPO Tuning: We are an independent Nashville-based VW repair shop, and we offer service to most European automobiles. We employ a team of the most experienced automotive technicians and have been serving the Nashville area since 2003. For more information about GPO Tuning, visit www.gpotuning.com.

General

Types of High Fence, Installation, and Why You Need a Solid Perimeter Boundary

December 6, 2019 aiube243

If you own any kind of agricultural or hunting land, you need a good fence to keep your investment from harm. While a small barrier wforks for some scenarios, most often, a fence of at least six to eight feet is the most effective. Today, we sit down with Straight Shooter Game Fencing, an Alabama-based installer with decades of experience, to discuss the different types of agricultural fencing.

Q: Good afternoon. We are so glad that you could join us today. Fencing is not something most people think about, but we understand that it’s pretty important for many different reasons. We would like to talk about some of those today as fencing pertains to agriculture.

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: Absolutely. Obviously, we believe that it is important, and we are happy to explain why.

Q: Wonderful. We would like to start by touching base on the different types of fencing materials one might see on a farm, for example.

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: For as long as man has existed, so have fences. In the early days – prior to the Bronze Age – fences started out as little more than rocks laid on the ground with the intent of outlining a man’s land. This evolved through the years to include wood and metal, which are two of the most common materials used today. There is also light-duty mesh netting, cable, and PVC fencing.

Q: Which is the most effective?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: That depends on the application. If you are trying to keep a dog contained, for example, a four-foot traditional chain-link fence should do the trick. But, our company focuses on high fencing installation, meaning that we provide fencing and gates for gaming preserves, small airstrips, and large agricultural operations where reducing predator entrance or livestock exit is crucial.

Q: Why would you install a high fence at an airstrip?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: For many of the same reasons that commercial airports have a visible and nearly impenetrable barrier. A small airstrip, one that might be used for a small rural neighborhood or crop dusting, for example, is at risk of many of the same security concerns as a big airport. High fence installation can keep intruders out and prevent potentially fatal contact with wildlife.

Q: That is a great point.

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: Something else that a fence can do for a small airport is add a sense of prestige, much like a gated community.

Q: You also mentioned game preserves and agriculture. How does agricultural fencing benefits land designated for either of these activities?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: When you pay for high fence installation for either of these scenarios, what you are buying is peace of mind. If you are a rancher, for example, the last thing you want is your cattle wandering off of your land. If you own a game preserve, you want to keep predators away from your product. Farm operators can protect both their animals and their crops by adding something as simple as a fence. A tall fence is usually recommended for these properties as they also serve to keep deer away. We use a high-tensile material that can withstand being hit by an errant cow, for example, or a running coyote.

Q: Is it necessary to add perimeter protection to your entire property?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: Not always, but that again depends on the purpose. When we do a consultation for high fence installation, we start by asking how many linear feet of fence the client thinks they need, based on their measurements. We then further narrow it down by figuring out what purpose they want to get out of the fence. If their goal is to protect a small garden from rabbits or a single pen of pigs or chickens, fencing just that area might make the most sense. Sometimes, it is most logical to put a boundary around the entire property. This is usually the case for farms, ranches, gaming preserves, and airports.

Q: Is high fence installation expensive?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: When compared to what it can do for you, the answer is an easy “no.” While we probably would not recommend it for everyone, most of our clients have valuable assets to protect, whether this is a small airplane or hundreds of head of cattle. By having a fence professionally installed, these individuals have an added layer of security against forces that can impact their livelihood.

Q: That is a great point, and we appreciate you speaking with us today. Do you have anything that you would like to add before we close?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: Just that we encourage people who are considering a fence to compare the cost of doing it wrong against the additional expense of professional fence installation.

For more information about Game Fencing and other Fencing Installation Services, please visit https://ssgamgefence.com or call 256-381-2675.

General

ADHD And Your Child: A Beginner’s Guide

November 19, 2019 aiube243

Educators from Currey Ingram Academy, a Nashville-based boarding school for children with learning differences, including ADHD, offer information about the disorder in today’s spotlight topic.

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common learning disorder present in more than three million children in the United States. According to administrators from the ADHD boarding school, many students with an attention disorder have difficulty sitting still, practicing self-control, and paying attention in class. Unfortunately, in a standard classroom environment, these children are often viewed as having behavioral issues because they are disruptive to other students.

Signs of ADHD

You would be hard-pressed to find a student from elementary through high school that did not have the occasional hiccup when it comes to following directions. Daydreaming, drifting off in class, and being bored are all common and normal behaviors in children. However, children with ADHD struggle far more than their peers when it comes to things such as attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

Inattention may point to ADHD when the child has immense trouble staying on task. They may not listen to directions, and this may be construed as defiance when an educator is not trained to recognize ADHD. Boarding school teachers at Currey Ingram explain that smaller class sizes, more one-on-one time with the students, and providing direct and explicit instructions are all strategies that can help with inattentiveness.

The second indication of ADHD is hyperactivity. Keep in mind that most children are hyperactive sometimes. Students with ADHD may be like this all the time. They might have trouble being quiet when it is requested and often can not sit still even when they know that getting up or moving their hands and feet is inappropriate. One strategy that Currey Ingram employs to assist students with hyperactivity is block scheduling. Students in the school’s boarding program are given 15 to 30-minute breaks between classes. This offers an opportunity for the student to move around. Further, their days begin with a mentoring session, and classrooms are set up ahead of each day to provide an appropriate environment for learning. Lessons are written on the whiteboard, and any potential schedule changes are noted as early as possible.

Impulsiveness is also a sign of ADHD and the one that administrators at the learning differences boarding school note can get a student into the most trouble. Impulsive individuals react before they think. They tend to take more risks than their classmates and might be looked at as unfriendly; it is not uncommon for a student with ADHD to take things that belong to others without permission. Impulsiveness is also seen in risk-taking behaviors.

To assist with impulse control issues, Currey Ingram’s boarding school implements tactics to minimize disruption. This might include a daily report card, which can help students target positive behaviors, such as remaining in their seats, participating quietly and appropriately during instruction time, and following their teachers’ directions the first time given. Students may also receive positive marks for staying focused and getting to class on time.

Can a learning differences boarding school help?

For a student with learning differences like ADHD, a boarding school with teachers trained in special education can make a huge difference. One thing that Currey Ingram teachers do differently is focus on positive behaviors. Instead of issuing demerits or losing privileges for inattention, students with ADHD receive praise for desired actions. Further, students who are in school with their peers that also have learning disorders may play off one another’s positive behavior through an underlying and highly encouraged system of peer modeling.

Visual aids and progress tracking are used to help students create goals so they can receive motivating rewards. As an ADHD-focused boarding school, Currey Ingram also emphasizes predictable routines. Days are streamlined so that students with executive functioning skill deficits have fewer things to remember and can thus function and focus with fewer distractions.

Each day and boarding school student in grades 9 through 12 receives a daily planner. These are used in conjunction with things like color-coded materials and electronic calendars to help with organization; it is not uncommon for students with ADHD to lack organizational skills.

Young adults with ADHD are not learning impaired, but they do have challenges that other students do not. Fortunately, with persistence, patience, and practice, this and most co-occurring learning differences may be overcome.

If your child has been officially diagnosed with ADHD, a boarding school can help them achieve their true potential. Contact Currey Ingram today at 615.507.3173 to schedule a campus tour and find out more about what the school has to offer.

General

ImageQuest Explains The Many Layers of Cybersecurity

August 9, 2019 aiube243

ImageQuest
When it is time to protect your business, it is dangerous to have too little security. This is especially true as it relates to your and your customers’ sensitive data. A single breach of your systems can result in significant financial losses, reputation damage, even business bankruptcy or closure. But there are ways to avoid this situation. Keep reading as ImageQuest offers information on how a layered cybersecurity service plan can stop intruders on the path to your data.

Q: What does it mean to have layered cybersecurity defense?

ImageQuest: This simply means to have multiple levels of protection in place. A well-implemented cybersecurity service plan for a Nashville business will focus on three areas: prevention, detection, and response. Each of these aspects of your business’s digital security works on a different level to give your business comprehensive coverage.

Q: Can you explain how to prevent online security threats?

ImageQuest: Specific to businesses, the first step is to ensure that your employees are trained in ways to both spot and avoid cyber attacks. As part of our cybersecurity service, we offer Nashville businesses Security Awareness training. This covers a broad spectrum of policies and practices that put your employees in a better position to keep your company safe.

Another important facet of prevention is ensuring that your systems remain up-to-date. A consistent patching strategy can help fill gaps where hackers might see an easy opening. There have been many incidents over the last decade of major attacks happening because businesses failed to apply the most recent security updates to their operating systems. The 2017 “WannaCry” ransomware attack is a good example that affected FedEx and other large corporations.

Q: What is the next step?

ImageQuest: Beyond prevention, there is detection. Detecting a cybersecurity threat is in itself a layered strategy. It includes things like IP access restrictions, multiple log-in attempt block out, and multi-factor authentication. ImageQuest’s Nashville-based cybersecurity service experts can use these tools to identify areas of your business’s strategy that needs to be upgraded or changed to meet current needs. Cyber threat detection is one of the best ways to alert individual employees as well as your IT department to potentially malicious access attempts.

Taking your detection strategy even further, ImageQuest’s managed detection and response program utilizes the latest advances in artificial intelligence coupled with the knowledge of expert security engineers to monitor for threats around the clock. Our Security Operations Center (SOC) in Nashville specializes in proactive cybersecurity service methods to stop attacks before they happen.

Q: How can I mitigate damage in case of a breach?

ImageQuest: How you respond to a security incident is essential to your business. The final piece of the cybersecurity puzzle is to implement procedures that allow for a swift response. Keep in mind that the sooner you take action, the less likely your business will be adversely affected.

ImageQuest can help you implement incident documentation procedures that allows you to track exactly what happened that left your business vulnerable in the first place. This is important because it gives you an opportunity to access real-world data that can lead to significant improvements in your security operations. Having a consistent incident documentation procedure is looked upon favorably by regulators.

No matter how many security measures you have in place, your company should routinely practice how an incident will be handled. ImageQuest’s experts can walk you through your entire cybersecurity infrastructure and help you better understand how your organization’s actions might affect your stakeholders in the event of a security incident. By testing your processes now, your systems and employees will be better able to respond quickly and efficiently under the duress of a cybersecurity emergency.

General

Google Users Search for “Robin Williams,” “World Cup” in 2014

January 13, 2015 AdminR Leave a comment

Google recently presented their annual report of the leading search terms of 2014, with the results showing a diverse number of interest among Internet users over the last 12 months.

Overall, the top trending term was “Robin Williams,” the popular, award-winning actor and comedian who passed away on August 11. Finishing in the runner-up position was “World Cup,” a tribute to the international

soccer tournament held every four years in locations around the world. This year’s edition took place in Brazil between June 12 – July 13.

After “Robin Williams” and “World Cup” came “Ebola,” the rare and deadly disease that gained global attention towards the latter part of the year.

Along with the list of the most popular search terms, Google shared its countdown of the top YouTube videos. It comes as no surprise that the winning clip featured an animal. In the number-one entry, a dog dressed up in a spider costume incited laughter among YouTube users worldwide.

Google has emerged as the most significant search engine in the world. In the United States, the company currently holds a 67 percent share of the online audience. By comparison, Microsoft Bing has garnered a mere 20 percent share. All statistics are courtesy of ComScore, a technology firm that offers statistics for a wide range of industries and companies.

Firehouse Subs, Qdoba Among America’s Favorite Restaurants in Terms of Dining Satisfaction

November 21, 2014 AdminR Leave a comment

According to a recent study, Firehouse Subs scores high marks among American consumers.

Market Force Information surveyed 6,100 consumers for a research study that examined the leading restaurants in four major food categories: chicken, sandwiches, Mexican and pizza. Participants were asked to share their satisfaction rates of recent dining experiences, as well as the likelihood of their referrals to friends and family members.

The results were compiled and the researchers calculated a Composite Loyalty Score that expressed the overall satisfaction for today’s consumers. In the category for sandwiches, Firehouse Subs scored the highest loyalty score (68 percent), trumping Panera Bread (62 percent). Jimmy John’s finished in third place at 54 percent.

Qdoba Mexican Grill won the Mexican category and Papa Murphy’s finished first in the pizza category. Qdoba surpassed Chipotle Mexican Grill, 65 percent to 63 percent. The leaders were followed by Moe’s Southwest Grill, Del Taco, Taco John’s and Taco Bell. Papa Murphy’s stood tall followed by Pizza Ranch, Papa John’s, CiCi’s, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Little Caesar’s and Sbarro.

Respondents ranked their satisfaction on seven attributes: fast service, value, healthy food, quality food, friendly service, atmosphere and accommodating children.

Firehouse Subs has recently introduced a number of menu changes, including the addition of low-fat menu items under 500 calories. Co-founders Robin Sorensen and Chris Sorensen have also created lighter takes on old favorites such as the Hook and Ladder Light. Capitalizing on the latest food trends, the Sriracha Beef is another new feature.

The authors of the study reported that Firehouse Subs emerged at the top of the list due to its impressive line of specialty hot sandwiches, as well as its support of public safety causes and organizations. Firehouse owns and operates over 750 restaurants throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

General

Join a Sports League to Enhance a Fitness Routine

January 5, 2014 AdminR Leave a comment

Joining a sports league is the best way to start or maintain a fitness routine. Playing an organized sport can benefit your physical, mental and emotional health.

Where to start

Gather a bunch of people together, form a team, and join a sports league. You can even join by yourself and get assigned to a team. It may seem intimidating at first, but you will probably end up with some new friends in no time.

Sports leagues are not free, in fact, they can be quite expensive. Luckily for a team, the cost can be split among many people. Another alternative is to find a sponsor. Many small businesses will gladly sponsor teams, especially if the team wears shirts with the business logo or name on it, or otherwise supports the business. If money is tight and you cannot afford

to join a sports league, start your own. Gather some friends together and agree to meet once a week for some fun and workout.

Physical benefits

In addition to the benefits of physical exercise you get during the game, the adrenaline rushes will make you feel good and want to exercise more often. This will have a snowball effect, and you will feel better and better and want to exercise even more.

Mental benefits

Focusing your mental powers on something completely different from your daily routine is a fantastic way to relax. This will help you better tackle whatever your daily grind requires, improving your overall well-being and the efficiency needed at work or school.

Emotional benefits

Hanging out with friends a few hours a week can do wonders for your emotional health. Getting together with people who share the same interests makes us feel more connected.

General

Interview with Charles C. Brennan: The Rock & Roll Academy’s First Concert

January 20, 2017 Charles C. Brennan Leave a comment

Charles C. Brennan, founder of the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy, recently hosted the Academy’s first concert designed to showcase the talents of attendees. When Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash showed up, Charles C. Brennan was able to provide students a once-in-a-lifetime experience. An important part of the community, Charles C. Brennan says the Academy is able to provide underserved children an outlet for their creative talents. By being able to perform alongside a legendary guitarist, Las Vegas resident Charles C. Brennan found the children were further motivated to pursue their aspirations.

Charles C. Brennan spoke with the staff of Zrylw about the concert, as well as Slash’s impression of the work the Rock & Roll Academy is doing.

Zrylw: Talk to us a little about how this came about. How did you meet Slash?

Charles C. Brennan: I was introduced to Slash at Rockfest in Wisconsin, when he opened for KISS. We struck up a conversation about the Academy and he was intrigued.

Zrylw: This was actually his second visit to the Academy, correct?

Charles C. Brennan: Slash came by during the KISS dedication ceremony, when we dedicated four rehearsal rooms to the rock band. He was impressed by the work we’re doing and wanted to find a way to show his support.

Zrylw: What, in particular, impressed him?

Charles C. Brennan: He noted that we are the first free service that allows members of the Boys and Girls Clubs to learn music. And by being in attendance, he was actually the first celebrity musician to see the kids publicly showcase their talents.

Zrylw: He also performed with some of the kids, from what I understand. How did that come about?

Charles C. Brennan: One of the bands chose “Knocking on Heaven’s Door,” a Guns N’ Roses song, to perform. When Slash heard about that, he decided to get up on stage and perform it with them. It was an amazing experience for those young musicians, to be able to play with a true professional in front of their peers.

Zrylw: Slash made a statement about the importance of volunteers, too, while he was there…

Charles C. Brennan: Yes, he spoke on the importance of getting children involved and also spoke to the music community at large about the importance of volunteering to help these young aspiring musicians. Working with someone who has a true talent can make a big difference in these kids’ lives.

Zrylw: Who would have expected Slash has such a soft spot for kids…

Charles C. Brennan: He emphasized that he’s a father himself and because of that, he realizes how crucial it is to provide a great foundation to children in order to steer them in the right direction in life.

Zrylw: Can we expect more concerts from the students at the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy?

Charles C. Brennan: You can count on it! I’ve made a 20-year commitment to both the program and the facility, so we’re in this for the long haul.

Zrylw: What motivated you to start the Academy?

Charles C. Brennan: I was inspired by the work Alice Cooper has done with his own program geared toward youth. As a kid, I was a member of the Boys and Girls Club in the Sioux Falls area and I know how much of an influence the program can have on what a child becomes.

Charles C. Brennan lives in Las Vegas, where he founded the Dollar Loan Center franchise. With more than 80 locations in four separate states, Charles C. Brennan has helped the Dollar Loan Center grow into a profitable enterprise that helps consumers with affordable loans.