Category Archives: Professional Profiles

Professional Profiles

Pete Spittler Discusses Art and Architecture

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It’s often been noted that the creative class is what keeps the cultures of cities alive and vibrant.  How exactly, does that play out, asks Pete Spittler? He has seen the creative class’ input in a direct way; Pete Spittler has helped realize some of those dreams as a creative force of his own. It was through the efforts of Pete Spittler and his firm that an important landmark in downtown Cleveland got a new lease on life.

Cleveland’s Allen Theater was built as a movie palace in the 1920s, but by the 1970s it had seen better days. The declining theater building was destined for demolition. According to Pete Spittler, the city at that time was operating under a urban removal program, but a local activist named Ray Sherardson saw the future potential of the old theaters In 1998 Pete Spittler and his firm faced challenges in the redevelopment and restoration of the Allen Theater, however; things like a new dressing room, loading docks and stagehouse all had to be built, and the dense downtown of Cleveland presented its own logistical problems.

There was much detailed cleaning and restoration work to be done, Pete Spittler notes, including illusionistic windows, figurated panels, and replacement of the building’s ornate original plaster work. The final result from Pete Spittler and his firm, however, is an urban showplace that seats up to 2500 people. Pete Spittler notes that in the most recent renovation and expansion of the Allen Theater, the complex is now the home to the theater program at Cleveland State University, and the centerpiece of the city’s Playhouse Square district.

 

Pete Spittler has a lengthy resume in architecture, urban planning and design. Pete Spittler served at Figgie International and The Austin Company as senior project manager. At The Austin Company, Pete Spittler spent time in Eastern Europe, studying industries that might be good candidates for privatization after the fall of communism. Pete Spittler has also traveled to Brazil in a consultancy role; today, Pete Spittler is president of GSI Architects.

 

Professional Profiles

What Politicians Often Face in the Aftermath of the Race

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When running for public office, candidates usually acquire what is known as a “temporary celebrity status,” whether on a national or local scale. This means that in the time they are running for office, the public eye is centered on them. When voters are considering their choices, no matter if it is a presidential race or a state or local race; they want to be confidant in the candidate. Voters want to know that their candidate is not only capable of performing this important job well, and that he or she stands for the people they represent, but that he or she is a respectable human being as well. Scandals, affairs, and mistakes can derail a candidate’s campaign, and when they occur such missteps often call for serious public relations.

In political races, it is important to appropriate that at the end of the day it’s one big, glorified popularity contest. While many will vote for the candidate they believe would make the best public servant, studies show that most voters simply cast their ballot for the person they like the most. That is why good PR or reputation management is so important; because when a candidate is running for office, the expectation is that the public will view them as a good, solid, upstanding individual. If a candidate makes a mistake, a PR agency or reputation management service provider can step in and recraft the online image to point towards the good the candidate has accomplished. But they cannot protect a candidate or politician from everything. Certain actions can be massively detrimental to a person’s campaign or career that they can simply not bounce back from. We know these stories all too well.

Candidates want people to know that they’re the right person for the job and that they actually care about those that they are representing. Reputation management is vitally important to any politician; it can determine the outcome of their political career and can also sway the results of any sort of election.

Professional Profiles

Tips from Carmack Moving and Storage – Effective Post-Move Organization

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If you are planning a move, Carmack Moving and Storage says that getting there is only half the battle.

The boxes have been unloaded, furniture is neatly in place, and now it’s time to get settled. Carmack Moving and Storage says that the move is really just the beginning. Now it’s time to set about getting organized and situated to actually live in your new home. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you open the boxes and unload, says the team at Carmack Moving and Storage.

Day 1

Start with what you really need. Carmack Moving and Storage says this does not mean what you think you need but what you absolutely have to have to function for those critical first twenty four hours. In the bathroom, you should focus on toiletries, towels, soaps, dental care, and toilet paper first, points out Carmack Moving and Storage. After that, you can get the make-up and shaving supplies ready.

Moving along to the kitchen, Carmack Moving and Storage explains that take out might be a good option for the first night. Once you are well fed and energized, you can set out paper plates and cups to use until you are ready to dig in and unpack the heavy stuff, adds Carmack Moving and Storage.

Before all of the heavy unpacking, make sure the bed is made. Carmack Moving and Storage says this will be handy at the end of a long moving day. If you have work scheduled for the day after, Carmack Moving and Storage says to find a few hangers and have your clothes ready to go – it’ll make the morning much easier.

After you’ve gotten settled enough to survive the first night, get some sleep. Carmack Moving and Storage points out that the task of finishing the move can wait until you are rested.

Day 2

Now, back to the kitchen… According to Carmack Moving and Storage, this is the heart of the home and deserves a few minutes of planning before haphazardly tossing pots and pans into cabinets. If you can, buy shelf liners before you start stacking dishes and install them while the kitchen is still bare, says Carmack Moving and Storage. Once it’s all clean and ready, determine the most efficient flow place kitchenware accordingly.

If you felt a little “off“ your first night in the new bedroom, chances are that some of the uneasiness was not having everything in its place, claims Carmack Moving and Storage. Night number two should feel a little more like home if you take the time to arrange things the way you want them. Carmack Moving and Storage says this is the time to sort socks and hang shirts and pants just so. If you folded your clothes before storing, unpacking will be much easier. As for closet-bound clothing, Carmack Moving and Storage has found that wardrobe boxes are the way to go. These allow for exceptionally easy transport.

Your living space is no doubt starting to feel a little neglected by the end of day two, says Carmack Moving and Storage. For sanity’s sake, Carmack Moving and Storage suggests moving unpacked boxes that don’t belong in a room to the garage. Make final placement adjustments on large pieces and hang pictures. Carmack Moving and Storage says this is also a good time to lay rugs, fill bookcases, and arrange movies and video game systems. If you didn’t wipe down surfaces before the move, do that before leaving a trail of knick-knacks in the dust, advises Carmack Moving and Storage.

Day 3

Yes, the other rooms still have to get unpacked. But if you have a guest room, Carmack Moving and Storage suggests getting that in order. By day three, you might be ready to call for help anyway – and they’ll need a place to sleep!

Finally, don’t fret if your belongings don’t quite fit into your new space. Carmack Moving and Storage says to stay focus on the positive: you did it; you moved. After a few weeks, you will begin to feel more at home and really begin to make the new digs your very own.

 

About Carmack Moving and Storage

Carmack Moving and Storage is owned and operated by the Carmack family. President and CEO Robert Carmack bought his first moving truck – an old pickup – in 1985 and has grown the company to include a full fleet of state-of-the-art box trucks, vans, and specialty moving equipment. For more information or to schedule an in home estimate with Carmack Moving and Storage, visit carmackmoving.com

 

Professional Profiles

Kavin Austin Blake Interview with ZRYLW

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Kavin Austin Blake is a longtime travel and sportfishing enthusiast. Recently, the staff of ZRYLW blog sat down to ask him a few questions about his quest for the biggest fish.

Q: You’ve been to a lot of different places in pursuit of deep-sea fishing…

Kavin Austin Blake: Yes, I’ve been fortunate to visit a lot of great destinations like Nova Scotia, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, British Columbia, and North Carolina.

Q: What is it that makes the waters off North Carolina so special?

Kavin Austin Blake: There are some pretty big fish there…in fact, off the coast of Cape Hatteras, someone caught a record Atlantic blue marlin, weighing 1128 pounds.

Q: I read somewhere about a record-size fish caught in the Amazon…

Kavin Austin Blake: I think you might be talking about the reports of 12-foot-long arapaima a lucky fisherman caught down there.

Q: Isn’t deep sea fishing pretty demanding?

Kavin Austin Blake: Yes, absolutely. It takes an experienced skipper, a seasoned fisherman and a boat that’s built to hold up in heavy seas and rough weather.

Q: Hasn’t the technology for deep sea fishing changed quite a bit in the past couple of decades?

Kavin Austin Blake: Yes, navigation systems have evolved a lot, and state-of-the-art fishfinders are pretty common.

Q: Tell us about a typical fishing boat…

Kavin Austin Blake: A modern deep-sea boat is pretty comfortable, with lots of luxury appointments in the cabin, but they’re still purpose-built for fishing, with a flying bridge and fighting chairs.

Q: What kinds of tackle do you typically use?

Kavin Austin Blake: As you can imagine, the tackle is pretty specialized too. Things like downtide rods, 30 to 80 lb line, and multiplier reels are pretty common.

Q: What about bait?

Kavin Austin Blake: Really, that depends on the fish and the waters. Some fish will go for live bait or chum, others artificial lures or rigged bait.

Q: It must be quite an experience to reel one in!

Kavin Austin Blake: It’s the totality of the experience. The serenity of being on the water and waiting for the strike, then fighting the power and size of the fish to bring him on in.

Q: That can’t be the only thing…

Kavin Austin Blake: No, I love visiting those exotic locations as well…

Q: Is that what keeps you coming back?

Kavin Austin Blake: Yes, experiencing different cultures, music, food, people…it’s all so enriching.

Q: What kinds of fish have you reeled in?

Kavin Austin Blake: Oh, things like mahi mahi, marlin, swordfish, sailfish, tuna…

Q: How big do some of these fish get?

Kavin Austin Blake: Anywhere from 1000 to 1500 lbs.

Q: So, for you, travel and fishing are the perfect combination?

Kavin Austin Blake: You could definitely say that, yes.

Professional Profiles

Rich Von Explains the Different Types of Real Estate Developers

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After more than a decade of experience in purchasing and improving distressed properties, Rich Von has noted several different kinds of real estate developers. Each developer brings his or her own special expertise to a project, says Rich Von. For the consumer, often the builder is the one primary point of contact, but these other players also perform an integral role to any building project. Below, Rich Von outlines those types of developers.

  • – Equity Developers— Rich Von says these developers are the financial force behind a project. Providing a certain amount of capital to get a project off the ground, equity developers put their own financial resources on the line to make a project happen. The percentage of equity owned by a developer/development firm can vary from project to project, adds Rich Von.
  • – Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)—A REIT is a trust that invests 75% of its own capital into a property with a large majority of the profits distributed to shareholders, according to Rich Von. Usually REITS invest in income-producing property, like shopping centers and hotels.
  • – Fee Developers—Fee developers put projects together for a fee with the understanding they will not earn a profit from the development, says Rich Von.
  • – Government Developers—According to Rich Von, government entities regularly develop projects using public funds, including government buildings, state parks, and schools.
  • – For-Profit Developers—Commercial developments, like a new store that is part of a national retail chain, are strictly for-profit, explains Rich Von, generally using the chain’s existing funds for development.
  • – Small Developers—Some developers simply build a small family home or two on an annual basis, notes Rich Von.

According to Rich Von, some projects require a combination of several of the above development types, with the combination maximizing the success and minimizing the personal economic impact of a development.

Professional Profiles

Michael Courouleau Discusses the Danger of Combustible Dust

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Michael Courouleau is an expert in environmental safety and health in the workplace.

Q: What are some unusual fire hazards in the workplace?

Michael Courouleau: Of course, everyone thinks of combustible chemicals or fuels, but dust is a major fire hazard as well.

Q: What kinds of materials can produce combustible dust?

Michael Courouleau: Coal, carbon, sawdust, fertilizer, cotton, flour, tobacco, soap, even dried blood can be hazardous in dust form.

Q: Are there questions about any material?

Michael Courouleau: Yes, petroleum coke is common in power plants and cement plants. It’s a lower-cost substitute for coal, but the jury is still out on its combustible qualities.

Q: What are the conditions for dust to become combustible?

Michael Courouleau: It has to be suspended in the air at certain densities or a certain concentration.

Q: Historically, how big of a problem has combustible dust been?

Michael Courouleau: OSHA figures show that more than 130 workers have been killed and 780 injured since 1980 in dust explosions.

Q: How recently has a dust explosion happened?

Michael Courouleau: As recently as 2008, at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, Georgia; 14 men lost their lives in that incident alone.

Q: Have there been any other notable explosion incidents?

Michael Courouleau: Unfortunately, there was a massive explosion at an ADM facility, and another grain-dust explosion in Galveston, Texas, that killed nine workers.

Q: What is the so-called “Fire Triangle?”

Michael Courouleau: Fire occurs when there’s an ignition source, fuel and oxygen. In this case, the dust is the fuel.

Q: Where, then, would the ignition source come from?

Michael Courouleau: It can come from equipment that causes a spark or heat, hot work processes, improper tools, electrical equipment, even improper work clothing.

Q: What are some other examples of dust explosions?

Michael Courouleau: The worst by far was a 1977 explosion at Westwego Continental Grain; it killed 36 people and destroyed 48 or 73 grain silos. Most of the fatalities came from men being trapped in a cinder-block control tower that was crushed by a falling grain silo.

Q: What sort of regulations are in place to prevent this sort of accident?

Michael Courouleau: OSHA has standards for grain handling, and the NFPA has published fire protection standards. Facilities need air monitoring systems, fire hazard protection systems, maintenance and (above all) training programs in the workplace.

Q: What are the measurements for this sort of hazard?

Michael Courouleau: Combustible dusts are measured by explosive severity, maximum explosive pressure and minimum ignition energy.

Q: What other factors are involved?

Michael Courouleau: Those measurements are all tied in to chemical properties, particle size, concentration of the flammable material, and the flammable characteristics of the suspended materials themselves.

 

Lifestyle, Professional Profiles

Jeffrey Nimer Offers Tips to Celebrate Vegetarian Awareness

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Any time of year is the perfect time to embrace all that a vegetarian diet has to offer, said Los Angeles Chef to the stars Jeffrey Nimer. His kitchen is stocked with a variety of local produce and whole grains, and he recommends that people start to take advantage of their farmers markets for seasonal items.

The tradeoff on missing out on those Fourth of July burgers and franks may be worth it, says Jeffrey Nimer, as research shows that vegetarians tend to weigh less and have lower rates of cancer compared to their omnivore peers. Although October is officially Vegetarian Awareness Month, any time of year is the perfect time to embrace a meat-free diet, says Haute Chefs Los Angeles Owner and Executive Chef Jeffrey Nimer.

Initiated in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society, whose mission is “to promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism,” Vegetarian Awareness Month kicked off with World Vegetarian Day on October 1. The goal of Vegetarian Awareness Month is to celebrate fresh produce, whole grains, nuts, and legumes, and ways to cook them creatively, reports Jeffrey Nimer.

“For me, there’s nothing better than organic, local food,” states Chef Jeffrey Nimer. “Most people don’t understand, but by buying the best product out there and simply preparing it, the food will speak for itself.”

Jeffrey Nimer, whose client roster boasts names of A-list celebrities, is a classically French-trained culinarian. He has worked with many talented, world-renowned chefs, such as Nuevo Latin Chef Douglas Rodriguez and Miami Beach Chef Mark Militello. Jeffrey Nimer created Haute Chefs in 2005 and says that it is critical to be ahead of the latest trends while creating a diverse, inspired, and scrumptious menu.

In his kitchen, Jeffrey Nimer keeps a variety of in-season, local produce that he purchases from the local farmers market. Some of the seasonal produce choices in the Los Angeles area include root vegetables, such as pumpkins and yams, apples, and golden chanterelles. He emphasizes the importance of patronizing farmers markets to get the highest quality local produce.

“Vegetarians have a huge palate of different produce, and you can be very creative with vegetables and produce,” reports Jeffrey Nimer. “Really breaking it down and being very creative displays the mindset of at talented cook.”

The National Institute of Health has reported that vegetarians tends to consume fewer calories and lower levels of fat and cholesterol, while getting more fiber, potassium, and vitamin C in their diets. The closer a person follows a strict vegetarian diet, says Jeffrey Nimer, the lower their risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome. Whether a person is vegetarian or not, anyone can benefit from a diet high in fiber and low in fat, with a combination of vitamins and minerals, according to Jeffrey Nimer.

The position of the American Dietetic Association, published in a 2009 report, represents their official stance on vegetarian diets:

“It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life-cycle including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood and adolescence and for athletes.”

One of Jeffrey Nimer ’s many vegetarian specialties is a green and white asparagus salad. During the heart of fall season, asparagus is integral to Nimer’s menus.

Jeffrey Nimer founded Haute Chefs LA in 2005. The Los Angeles based catering company offers the finest culinary delights to both Hollywood’s elite and the general public alike. Jeffrey Nimer is known for combining the best service with scrumptious menus for any occasion. Nimer has received numerous awards and recognition as a world class facilitator of diverse, inspired services. Haute Chefs and Jeffrey Nimer offer personal chef services, catering, restaurant consulting and cooking classes and are pleased to accommodate clients to create a breathtaking culinary affair.   

Professional Profiles

Rich Von Alvensleben – Home Remodeling Opportunities for Construction Workers

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The economic crisis and rampant home foreclosures are hitting families in every state in America, but Rich Von Alvensleben says the problem is especially pronounced in California. In fact, Rich Von Alvensleben sees countless run down and vacant homes throughout the state that no one wants to purchase. However, Rich Von Alvensleben says this downturn has led to a major opportunity for blue-collar workers in the construction business that need work.

Rich Von Alvensleben says that although new home building is still slow, many people are opting to instead remodel and clean up vacant homes that have been lost due to foreclosures. In many cases, Rich Von Alvensleben says that simply remodeling or expanding a once neglected home can turn it into a showpiece for a family. Rich Von Alvensleben has seen many examples of unwanted homes being transformed into magazine-worthy homes due to the expertise of the construction crew. These transformations, says Rich Von Alvensleben, can often increase the desirability of a home tenfold.

California-based & licensed One Up Construction has thrived due to the remodeling boom, according to Rich Von Alvensleben. With so much demand for in-home construction and drastic changes to existing architecture, Rich Von Alvensleben says the company has had the opportunity to expand its work force to more than 30 full time, part time, and sub contractors who all work together to “rehab” these unwanted homes. In fact, Rich Von Alvensleben says that One Up Construction currently works on anywhere from 5 to 15 homes per month to get them to a level that can catch the eyes of new homeowners looking for that first place to call their own.

Rich Von Alvensleben also says that the company has a new division that works on rehabbing new rentals for Invitation Homes, a subsidiary of the multi billion dollar hedge fund, Blackstone Group LP (BX), —one of the largest single family home buyers in the nation. According to Rich Von Alvensleben, this opportunity not only gives the company the ability to clean up vacant homes throughout the area, but also gives them the revenue to continue doubling their work force of construction workers and contractors who need stable jobs. In addition, Rich Von Alvensleben says the company can create housing for families that otherwise might not be able to afford a home of their own.

This is a trend that Rich Von Alvensleben says may outlast the recession, as many homeowners and homebuyers may find it more economical to simply remodel rather than build a brand new home.

 

In the world of real estate investment and construction, Rich Von Alvensleben is a respected name. Over twelve years of ventures in the industry, Rich Von Alvensleben has made a specialty of acquiring, rehabilitating and selling distressed properties. Rich Von Alvensleben has profitably overseen a $40 million real estate fund and has companies bought and “flipped” approximately 1,700 homes, which sets him apart in an industry where most competitors have only been operational since the great real estate crash of 2007-2008.

At the beginning of his professional career, Rich Von Alvensleben was stationed at the Antarctic for four months as a commercial diver for the United States Antarctic Research Program. There, Rich Von Alvensleben was tasked with setting up a desalination plant for drinking water. The resume of Rich Von Alvensleben also includes a post as co-founder and sales manager of the marketing and sales powerhouse, World Concepts LLC, and a term as founder/co-owner of Associated Drilling Company.

Rich Von Alvensleben lives in the greater Sacramento area, where he serves as a volunteer at Del Oro High School amongst other volunteer duties. Rich Von Alvensleben loves to pursue outdoor fun with his family, such as hiking, cycling and camping.

 

Professional Profiles

Jay P. Clark Discovers the Beauty of Lake Powell

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Jay P. Clark works hard on his Idaho ranch. When it’s time to relax and enjoy life, Jay P. Clark prefers to indulge his love for the great outdoors with beautiful waterfront scenery. Recently, while on his honeymoon, Jay P. Clark and his wife explored Lake Powell, which is located on the border of Utah and Arizona. Jay P. Clark relayed his experience at Lake Powell to the staff at Zrylw.

Zrylw: I understand that you took what some might call an unusual approach to your honeymoon, spending it on a boat. Tell us a little about that.

Jay P. Clark: About a week before our trip, I set up a boat with everything we would need for the week, including a place to sleep, a shower, and a kitchen.

Zrylw: You stayed on the boat throughout your honeymoon?

Jay P. Clark: We did take occasional side trips for some adventure, including a hiking trip and kayaking.

Zrylw: Did you fish while you were there?

Jay P. Clark: Absolutely! We both took advantage of the plentiful crappie and Northern Pike, which can only be supported in deep waters like those found at Lake Powell.

Zrylw: You mentioned earlier that your trip took you past Rainbow Bridge. Tell us a little about that.

Jay P. Clark: Rainbow Bridge is one of the world’s longest natural bridges, so that was exciting to see. We also visited Glen Canyon Dam.

Zrylw: That definitely sounds exciting. What is Glen Canyon Dam?

Jay P. Clark: Glen Canyon itself allows visitors to see formations that can point to erosion that goes back millions of years. While we were there, the dam’s water levels dropped dramatically, blocking our access to some of the camping areas.

Zrylw: That makes for an interesting trip…

Jay P. Clark: The interesting thing about it is, because the waterline can change with each visit, visitors feel like they’re getting a new experience each time.

Zrylw: Do you plan to visit again?

Jay P. Clark: Yes. One week isn’t nearly enough to give someone the full experience. There are more than 90 canyons around Lake Powell, in addition to all of the other things to see and do. I’m sure my wife and I will be frequent visitors to the area.

Jay P. Clark runs Clark’s Crystal Springs Ranch, LLC, where he harvests standard crops, as well as a few cutting-edge crops like camelina. He looks forward to many more breathtaking vacations on Lake Powell in the coming years.

Professional Profiles

Zrylw Discusses the Optimism of New Year’s Resolutions

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People who are striving to improve themselves – and who are using the impetus of a New Year’s resolution to start – shouldn’t feel alone. Nearly 50% percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. And of those, approximately 40-45% keep them.

That’s a lot of cigarettes not smoked, cream puffs passed up, and homes de-cluttered across the country. In fact, so many people make those goals at midnight, that the government has a website with resources for resolutions. The topics range from becoming healthier by drinking less alcohol, to helping the planet by learning how to recycle. There are also more ambitious resources on the site, like learning how to travel internationally.

Of course, New Year’s resolutions don’t need to be grandiose. In fact, some of the best plans involve small steps that will lead to lead greater confidence, which will hopefully lead to bigger and better plans in the future.

For instance, it’s difficult to make plans to travel internationally when one is constantly behind on credit card payments. But if credit card bills keep getting buried under junk mail, the clutter can overwhelm a person to the point of inaction, because clutter is simply delayed decision making. So something as small as learning to organize a desk and mail area can make a person feel more confident.

However, one of the most important things to concentrate upon is keeping obtainable goals. It’s not realistic to drop 20 pounds by the end of January (and if you do, it’s certainly not healthy.) No smoker is never not going to be tempted again, nor will a person with a sweet tooth walk by a bakery without a twinge of longing.

However, the fastest way to self-sabotage is to quit trying. One chocolate brownie isn’t the end of the world, the important thing is to do better tomorrow.

One of the reasons that New Year’s resolutions are so appealing, is that a brand new year creates a sense of optimism. The chance to make a goal and reach it is something that everyone aspires to. Amd the difference with making a goal on New Year’s Eve, is that there’s a shared sense of inspiration.