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

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

 

Frankie Bordeaux Q&A: The Boys and Girls Club of America

Frankie Bordeaux has worn many hats throughout his life. From Boys and Girls Club executive director, businessman to property management and real estate developer to NCAA basketball official, Frankie Bordeaux has experienced many things—but few compare to making a difference in the lives of families and children. Recently, Frankie Bordeaux answered a few questions about the Boys and Girls Club of America and how it has affected his life.

Q: Tell us a little about the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Frankie Bordeaux: The Boys and Girls Club is an organization that makes a difference in children’s lives by promoting education and career programs, character and leadership programs, health and life skills, sports and fitness initiatives, and more.

Q: How long were you, Frankie Bordeaux, involved with the Boys and Girls Club?

Frankie Bordeaux: I’ve spent time volunteering and working with the organization for more than 25 years.

Q: How did you serve the organization?

Frankie Bordeaux: I started out as program director for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Durham, N.C. and then also as program director for the Boys and Girls Club of Winston Salem, N.C.  I served a two year stint at each club.  Finally, I was blessed to serve as executive director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Nash and Edgecombe Counties in Rocky Mount, N.C. for 20 years.

Q: What were some of your duties in that role?

Frankie Bordeaux:  My main responsibilities were planning, program development, budgeting, fundraising and board development. The Boys and Girls Club is a non-profit organization; therefore, so we relied on the generosity of donors.

Q: How did you work in the community?

Frankie Bordeaux:  I served as a liaison between the club and various community entities such as civic organizations, foundations, schools, businesses and industries.  I also served as a liaison between the club and parents. I communicated constantly with parents and children to create awareness of our programs and all that we had to offer.

Q: Do you still keep in touch with people from the Boys and Girls Club?

Frankie Bordeaux: Absolutely. I consider the people I met working there to be some of my closest friends, and I regularly keep in touch with the families I worked with.

Q: How does the Boys and Girls Club help with children’s education?

Frankie Bordeaux: The Boys and Girls Club teaches children ways to balance their workloads and their schedules in order to be successful in their studies, to stay in school, and to attend college and get a great education.

Q: And how does it help with children’s athletics?

Frankie Bordeaux: Fitness is important for children, so the Boys and Girls Club programs designed to get kids moving, get them out of the house, and get them active.

Q: Why did you retire from the Boys and Girls Club?

Frankie Bordeaux: I loved every minute of my time with the organization, but after twenty-five years of service I felt I needed to take the time to focus on my own family and to do the things that I wanted to do.

A resident of Greenville, North Carolina, Frankie Bordeaux has been involved with non-profit organizations for many years. Frankie Bordeaux worked not only with the Boys and Girls Club of America but also with the United Way and Unity Lodge.  Also, Frankie is a former member of the Rocky Mount Planning and Zoning Board.

Zrylw Offers Fitness Tips for the New Year

Losing weight is a resolution that millions of Americans make every year. The question is, how to keep motivated long enough for the endorphins of exercise to really become a habit? Zrylw has some ideas to help you meet your fitness goals for 2013.

One of the best ways to start losing weight is to limit alcohol and desserts to twice-a-week in January. Even the most conscientious people tend to overindulge in December, so it’s a good idea to cut back on the decadence during the beginning of the year. Eating “clean” will make a person feel good, which will make reaching fitness goals more doable.

Adding intervals to different workouts is a great tip for enhancing exercise benefits. Many studies have shown that pushing through the comfort zone of working out can elevate a person’s metabolism for up to a day and a half after exercise. That extra boost can help people avoid gaining weight even after December indulgence.

Taking a yoga or pilates class can help people to reduce stress levels. Research has shown that stress-related hormones can put weight on the waistline, so learning how to control stress can be a benefit, both mentally and physically.

Drink more water than you think you need because people often mistake being hungry for being dehydrated. And studies have shown that by the time a person realizes that they’re actually thirsty, they’re dehydrated. Regular water is great, but coconut water is good too because it gives the skin a lovely glow.

Even if a person can’t get to the gym, doing anything is better than doing nothing. Take the stairs two at a time and work the glutes. Or take turns standing on one leg and then the other. Balancing for even just 4 minutes a day can help people fight off injuries in the future. When people get older their natural sense of balance diminishes, which can lead to slips or falls. So, its never too early to work on balance for health protection. Plus, it’s a little silly looking – which can make a person laugh at themselves – and laughing burns calories too.

Dennis Dachtler Sacramento on Prudent Planning for Professionals

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento based retirement planning consultant and founder of Dachtler Wealth Management, explains why medical professionals need a helping hand while their hands are busy helping others.

Q. I am still a medical student. My advisors tell me that I really need to consult with a wealth planner. Why?

As a future medical professional, you’ve probably already gotten a glimpse of how hectic your life will soon be. Most physicians barely have time to sleep. Financial planning takes a great deal of time…time you likely won’t have.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. What tools are available to help a busy professional manage future living expenses?

We offer a variety of wealth planning tools on our website and we are available by phone and email to answer questions or address concerns.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. How can I monitor my savings/investment progress?

Dachtler Wealth offers quarterly progress reports and clients have access to a “personal wealth” homepage where a summary of accounts is neatly organized and ready to view 24/7.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. I have several important documents relating to my assets. Is there a secure way to store these online so that my loved ones can access them of something were to happen to me?

The personal wealth homepage also offers ample storage for wills, deeds, and even precious family photos.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management

 

Q. I only have time to check my investments while on the go. Can Dachtler Wealth help me keep track without making me sit still?

Yes, we can. With our mobile app, keeping tabs on your money is as quick and easy diagnosing a seasonal flu.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. Why is planning ahead so important in the medical field?

Medical professionals spend so much of their own money out of pocket for things like education, practice startups, and insurance. While you should earn a livable income, with all of the expenses, you need to make sure to set aside for later.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. I have concerns about Internet security. How do I know my information is safe?

We utilize only the latest software. We update security measures often and accounts are always monitored for unusual activity.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. What financial products does the team at Dachtler Wealth Management offer?

Aside from financial planning, we also provide life and annuity based products.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. How long has Dachtler Wealth been in business? Is the firm BBB accredited?

We opened in 1989 and are a Better Business Bureau Member with an A+ rating.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

Q. I’m ready to secure my future, and my family’s. How do I get started?

Call us at 800.333.1855 – we’ll figure out a strategy just for you.

Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Based Wealth Management Expert

 

For more information about Dennis Dachtler, Sacramento Retirement Planning, or for wealth calculators and statistics, visit dachtlerwealth.com.

 

Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp. (AIC).  Member FINRA/SIPC.  AIC and Dachtler Wealth Management are not affiliated.  Additional products and services may be offered through Dennis Dachtler, Heather Dachtler or Dachtler Wealth Management that are not offered through AIC. The opinions and views stated in this publication are solely those of Dennis Dachtler and Heather Dachtler and should not in any way be considered to be an endorsement by Ameritas Investment Corp.

This is not an offer of securities in any jurisdiction, nor is it specifically directed to a resident of any jurisdiction. As with any security, request a prospectus from your Registered Representative. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.  A Representative from Dachtler Wealth Management will contact you to provide requested information.  Representatives of AIC do not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney regarding your situation. Securities products are currently limited to residents of AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, KS, LA, MN, MO, NC, NE, NM, NV, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT & WA.

Marketers LLC on the Truth about Working from Home

Marketers LLC knows there are many falsehoods about working from home. In an effort to correct these assumptions, Marketers LLC offers a few facts about this topic. The team at Marketers LLC specializes in providing marketing help and business plans for businesses everywhere, giving them an inside view of the new work-at-home trend.

Fact #1: Telecommuting requires extra hours. As Marketers LLC recently learned, telecommuters actually put in, on average six or more extra hours per week. Marketers LLC has found that many employers, clients, and customers expect telecommuters to be reachable at all times. As Marketers LLC points out, this makes it harder for these workers to draw the line between work and home life.

Fact #2: Telecommuting requires discipline. In an office environment, Marketers LLC points out that simply showing up each day is enough. Marketers LLC states that working from home means getting no credit for simply being at a desk each day. Those who work from home are accountable for their work output, Marketers LLC has found, and often held to higher standards than office workers due to their lack of visibility.

Fact #3: Telecommuting is isolating. If someone is a sociable person, Marketers LLC cautions that working from home can be maddening. Marketers LLC states that it might help to plan a lunch with friends to break up the monotony of working alone.

Fact #4: Telecommuting is not easy. Among the many issues Marketers LLC has uncovered with working from home, one of the biggest is the abilities required of those who work at home. Strong discipline is required, Marketers LLC has found, as well as the ability to work independently.

Fact #5: Telecommuting saves money. Not only does a telecommuter save money on the daily commute, Marketers LLC adds that it helps save on dining out, clothing expenses, and those constant collections for co-worker birthday cakes. Marketers LLC points out telecommuting can also help save on childcare costs. However, Marketers LLC cautions that having kids around often creates far too many distractions to be workable. Additionally, children may also provide unpleasant background noise on professional calls, Marketers LLC believes.

It takes a special person to telecommute successfully, Marketers LLC acknowledges. However, for those who are up to the challenge, Marketers LLC believes the situation is ideal. Working from home lets a person create his or her own work environment and rules. The key to success, Marketers LLC says, is setting those rules in a way that encourage you to work as hard, if not harder, than you would in an office.

 

Kavin Austin Blake Interview with ZRYLW

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.

Rich Von Explains the Different Types of Real Estate Developers

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.

Michael Courouleau Discusses the Danger of Combustible Dust

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.

 

Jeffrey Nimer Offers Tips to Celebrate Vegetarian Awareness

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.   

Peter F. Spittler Discusses Urban Redevelopment

Today, the staff of Interviewing Experts had the opportunity to speak with Peter F. Spittler, a renowned architect and urban designer from Ohio. Peter F. Spittler has left a mark on many urban areas, through sustainable development and creative design.

Interviewing Experts: What does it take to execute your ideas for revitalizing an area?

Peter F. Spittler: Vision! It takes the ability to look at an urban brownfield site, a derelict factory, an abandoned railroad yard, and think about how it can be renewed, overhauled and re-purposed to respond to a market demand.

Interviewing Experts: What is it that drives you? Or, maybe another way of saying it is, what is your core conviction going into these projects?

Peter F. Spittler: I fervently believe that we can’t afford to keep expanding into suburbia. The impact of suburban sprawl on traffic, air quality, roads, taxing districts…we can’t afford it. Our future is in dense urban development where those infrastructures already exist.

Interviewing Experts: Tell us about the Pickwick and Frolic in Cleveland…

Peter F. Spittler: Sure. Working closely with Nick Kostas, we started out with a 1922 department store, gutted it, repurposed it with a 300 seat restaurant, 120 seat cabaret complex, 400 seat Hilarities comedy club and Martini Bar, while keeping the building’s exterior character and architectural details intact. Nick was a pioneer on East 4th Street in Cleveland and Pick Wick and Frolic was the flagship project. Since then there has been over 150 million dollars of investment on the street

Interviewing Experts: What were some of the special details that you included in that building?

Peter F. Spittler: We did things like refitting a giant chandelier salvaged from an old department store in Akron, built a vintage-style marquee, restored some of the building’s façade with custom-cast stonework. Most importantly, we created a unique dining and entertainment experience. The Hilarities comedy club is considered one of the finest comedy clubs in the country.

Interviewing Experts: Weren’t you involved in another urban project in Cleveland?

Peter F. Spittler: Yes, the Flats East Bank. The project is a 500 million 24 acres of mixed-use retail, office and residential development located at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. Phase 1 will be completed Spring of 2013 and will include a 500,000 sf office building, a 150 room Aloft Hotel, several restaurants, a fitness center along with a 14 acre public park and a 1,200 lf riverfront boardwalk

Interviewing Experts: I recently read something about your Midtown Miami project; could you describe that for our readers?

Peter F. Spittler: Midtown Miami is a 1.4 billion dollar urban redevelopment projected located on an abandoned railroad yard. The project is located just south of Miami’s world renowned Design District and includes several thousand residential units and a variety of retail, restaurants and entertainment venues. The project filled an enormous retail void located in section of the city. The project came to fruition through a collaborative effort between the City of Miami and the developers, Midtown Equities and DDRC. You just cannot have 56 acres of urban property sitting there being underutilized…it makes no sense and everyone agreed.

Peter F. Spittler serves as manager of Forum Architects. Peter F. Spittler ’s responsibilities have included program management, planning and design as well as investor and government relations and much more at the firm. Prior to this, he was a founding principal and president of GSI Architects, Inc. Peter F. Spittler is a graduate of Kent State University’s architecture program. Peter F. Spittler also served as senior project manager at Figgie International, where he worked with teams on commercial and industrial development. At The Austin Company, Peter F. Spittler took on many of the same duties, as well as traveling to Eastern Europe to consider the privatization of government controlled industries in that region. The hands-on approach of Peter F. Spittler has given him a great insight into how to make things work successfully in the world of urban redevelopment and public/private financing.