Caffé Vero Coffee Roasters - Lake George NY

While the world might be huge....for those who love coffee it is a small world as they share their love of coffee and the best places to have your favorite java....

We were told of  Cafe Vero in Lake George NY and as with so many other locally owned businesses that are wonderful they are but virtually undiscovered. At one time they were located in the heart of the village but once they moved to a larger location a few miles down the road, it seems some people forgot all about them.

So we want to share with you this true gem. Lake George is in the Adirondack Mountains in NY State. If you have never been there you are in for a treat. It is a quaint village that is popular for summer vacations in NY State. You can find out more about this destination at the Lake George official site.  I have many fond memories of Lake George from my youth. While the area has changed some it still remains a great vacation spot.

This is what I could find out about Cafe Vero on the internet...... 
Cafe Vero is the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat, coffee, cappuccino and more! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting! Cafe Vero is open year-round, serving breakfast, lunch, and a variety of gourmet coffee drinks! With a wide selection of everything from homemade baked goods, to homemade pastas, Cafe Vero is the perfect place to grab a meal! Not quite hungry, but would love to take a break with a great cup of coffee or a cappuccini? Stop by and enjoy one of our coffee specialties.

From what the locals there have told me....this is all true and more. If you like Latte Art...wait till you see what they create. Check out their pictures at Latte Art. They sell their coffee's online and can ship them to you should you want to give their coffee's a try. I will be placing an order myself soon. Visit their website and you will get a feel for this local gem.

Supporting locally owned businesses in your own home town and when you travel is a great way to support the local economy. Why go to national chains just because you know what they are about. Live for adventure and find out where the locals go to eat when you travel and discover your own gems.....then be sure to share them with us.  

So if you are ever in the Lake George area be sure to stop in and give hem a try.... or maybe order some of their coffee from their online store. Let's show Cafe Vero that there are people who do support locally owned businesses!!!! 

Contracting Out A Custom Project

By Marty Untch 
M A Untch Ent Inc

Once the decision has been made on Contractor selection for your project with the helpful
information I provided in the first two Blogs, it is now time to move toward a contract
for construction……we will assume if the contract is for a new home you have the lot, or
one picked out to build on. If you are renovating your existing you are pretty much ready
to begin….

By this time your Builder of choice has spent many hours with you that was most likely
not billed out…Sales hours we call them…sometimes builders request a retainer for
some of this work, which is deducted/or/ applied later if the project moves forward in the
first billing cycle…retainers are not refundable if the project does not proceed….in either
event, you are ready for the next step...

This phase definitely has costs related and starts the meter turning. This is the planning
and development phase in which your dreams and desires are actually put on paper in the
way of Drawings detailed for preliminary review and final cost budgeting. Your Builder
and you will work closely with the design professionals to develop a good solid
Preliminary Plan ( floor plan & elevations ) to meet with your approval. By this time you
should know, like and trust your Builder and feel at ease moving forward.
You are making only a commitment at this point to proceed with the drawings and
design, NOT the final construction of the home…..that comes later…

Once the Prelims are completed and approved, your Builder can then perform more
detailed estimates of project cost. The Builder is now working with a good set of
drawings all to scale and can send out copies to the trades to adjust and nail down the cost
categories. This will provide some insurance that the home of your desires is in fact
within the budget you wish to spend…assuming all that comes in positive…it is now
time to finalize the Contract for Construction and payments…

There are essentially two types of construction contracts:
1. Fixed Price Cost
2. Cost Plus Contracts:
A. Cost plus % to Contractor
B. Cost plus fixed amount to Contractor
C. Cost plus fixed amount with bonus incentive

No matter which contract agreement is chosen for your project, you should always allow
between 10 – 20 % of the initial cost budget to have in reserves for potential cost
overruns. This is NOT to say the Contractor has made error in his cost estimate
projections….there are always factors that change cost projections such as…unknown
factors that pop up, inflationary cost increases on materials and equipment, and….the
desires of the Owners to add items or purchase extremely expensive finishes etc…
These cost overruns usually always occur in the last 50% of the construction, the
finishing phases. You may be 10% under budget at the “ under roof “ phase, but
remember….at this phase you are only about 40% through the project. The next 60% is
the most critical to cost budget control.

Change orders create much difficulty and paperwork to a fixed contract to construct on a
Custom Project. If a fixed contract is desired be sure to have every detail of quality of
product and ample Allowances that are clearly defined. Specifications must be very
detailed…this is usually NOT the norm in residential construction….the plans do not
include this detail and there are no specification booklets as is common in commercial
construction projects. This opens the door to a lot of Extras and potential problems
between Contractor and Owner….most of which is lack of detail and communication….
Cost plus contracts would be the preferred method of contracting for a custom home or
renovation project. I listed three different types of cost plus contracts above…basically
these are all a form of Construction Management Contracts, where the Owner is hiring
the services of the Contractor to manage, supervise and oversee the complete
construction process.

These are fun projects with much less stress for both parties in that there is a Partnership
agreement between Owner and Contractor to construct the project together. If the Owner
desires to perform some of the work this is usually welcomed to reduce costs. All cost
savings on the project go directly to the Owner….on the other side…all cost overruns are
also the direct responsibility of the Owner. However…if a good sound cost budget is
prepared there are usually no problems at all….and in most cases our clients have saved a
lot of money….

Bottom line….The owner receives all their desires and a quality job at net cost the contractor is guaranteed a fair margin for his work, talent and ability with minimal risk factor…

More detail of Cost Plus Contracts:

Contract A : Cost plus a % of costs. This is simply that the Contractor will add the
agreed percentage to every cost ( materials, labor and sub-contract ) relating to the
project. This is a simple method, however more costly to the Owner….if Owner chooses
a $ 1000 chandelier for lighting fixture over a $ 100 Home depot fixture Contractor
makes more $$....same with all aspects of the project costs….it usually takes the same
amount of time to coordinate the expensive applications as it does the cheap
applications….I would much prefer a % of cost contract with a “high roller” client in Naples every
day….but that would not be doing due diligence to my client….

Contract B : Cost plus fixed fee. This is the most fair and equitable cost plus agreement.
Contractor knows the approximate amount of the project cost, and he also can budget the
amount of construction time involved for his services….he then fixes in a project
management fee that is usually billed out monthly for supervision, and project
management. Contractor has no incentive to push for or recommend a higher priced
product or trade…he is strictly “ Riding for the Brand “ so to speak…..comes from my past cowboy days…..ha ha…

Contract C : Cost plus/ fixed fee with incentive. This is also a good tool to use in
contracting a project. The Contractor will receive a % of cost saving bonus at the end of
the project for bringing the project in under budget….this could be as much as 50/50 split
of cost savings…however negotiated, the Owner feels very comfortable the Contractor is
looking after his best interests in order to receive a bonus…this works very well for owners that are out of state and not around much during the construction process…

We strive to make the construction process as stress free and fun as is physically
possible…this can be one of most exciting times of your life, or one of the most
miserable…..hopefully some of our insights, knowledge and experiences will assist you
in having a wonderful experience with your construction project.


M. A. Untch Enterprises Inc. 
CBC1254369 Fl Lic 
2197 Randolph Dr
Fort Myers , Fl 33905
Tel: 239-690-9874
Fax: 866-440-1180
Email: mau@raex.com

The Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of Backups?

by Joseph Serrago Lanterns Light LLC

It doesn’t matter if your digital world is a 300 station multi-server network or just the desktop in the family room that is mostly used for Pintrest and your kids do their homework on.  Most likely there is something on that machine that you do not want to lose. I know a backup strategy can sound overwhelming but it can be simpler if you break it down like this.

Who is doing your backups? Who is going to be responsible for restoring them and make sure that they were done and verified?

What is being backed up? Is it just the server data? Is it just the customer database? The User profiles on the computers?

When are the backups happening? Can you still work during the backup? Can your customers still get to your site?  How long will it take to back up? How long will it take to restore?

Where is this data being backed up to? Is it on-site? Are we using the cloud as a backup?

Why do we need to back this up?  If we lost it can we find it? Would it better to re-install it or get a new version? Are we using it anymore?

How are we backing up this data? Are we imaging the whole drive? Are we just making copies of the files? Do we need to encrypt the files?  Was there a program used to back up the data? Do we have the install disk for the program for when we need to restore?

These points should look familiar they are the “5W’s and H” of journalism (See 9th grade English does come in handy).  Everyone who has data they do not want to lose should ask these questions and  if you don’t like the answers to them something needs to be done about it.  Now the graphic above is just a “for instance”  an example.  Every business is unique and every user different.

That’s where I come in, I am Joseph Serrago and I teach computers how to behave themselves. I can help you or your company find a good solution to protect your data.  I will be happy to sit down with you and we can answer these questions together. I look forward to hearing from you.

Showers for Homeless Fort Myers

Showers for Homeless Ft Myers is a local not for profit public service ministry/ charity serving Lee County and surrounding areas. It was founded by its Homeless CEO Drew Broderick right here in ft Myers with his own money over a 2 year period. Drew a homeless low income man designed and built the worlds first climate controlled mobile shower unit for the homeless to get a hot heavenly shower so they can look for work, keep the job they have or just face their peers without shame. So far they have given out over 1000 showers and many of the homeless have been able to get jobs just from the simple solution of being able to clean up to be presentable for hire.

Showers for homeless are ISO board members and organizers. Needed is a pr person, a marketing person, a grant writer, a fund raising organizer and any other power players that can add to this mission. It takes a team of professionals to run a mission like this. If you have ever dreamed of owning or running a local, state or national not for profit and you have the skills to do so and the passion to be the change that you want to see in this world then contact Drew at 239-223-8576 so we can set up a team meeting and form a board and committees.

Showers for homeless are in need of supporters, sponsors and partners to fund this mission to cover an $800 a month overhead. Also needed is a 14ft box truck or any truck that will pull a heavy 14 ft enclosed trailer to be donated to the cause to better serve the community. Specially need people to spread the word to the community, churches, businesses, corporations and medias to grow this much needed service.

For more info or to donate you can go to our quick easy link at www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/msh8/showers-for-homeless… or visit and like fb page Showers for homeless ft myers or contact Drew at 239-223-8576.

Expressions by Rose on Sales Statistics

 By Rose Noesen

I came across some interesting statistics on sales.  I would like to share with you.

·         * 48% of sales people never follow up with their prospects

·         * 25% of sales people make a first and second contact and then do not follow up

·         * 12% of sales people make a first, second and third contact and then stop

·         * ONLY 10% of sales people make three or more contacts with their prospect

Where do you find you self in this statistic?  I am sorry to say in the past I have been in both the 48% and 25% group for my business.  Once I saw it in black and white I realized why my business is not growing as fast as I wanted.

Here is another interesting statistic of what percentage of sales are made after each contact.

·         * 2% of sales are made on the 1^st contact

·         * 3% of sales are made on the 2^nd contact

·         * 5% of sales are made on the 3^rd contact

·         * 10% of sales are made on the 4^th contact

·         * 80% of sales are made on the 5^th to 12^th contact

·        * 95% of sales are made after the 3^rd to 12^th contact

Again where do you find yourself?  If you are like me you see that you have a need for improvement to grow your business.

These statistics are all great information, but we need to look at how they can be implemented.  We are all very busy and have excellent plans to do the necessary follow up to grow our business and also let the prospect client that they are important.  However, some of the best plans don’t get done. 

It is very important that you establish a relationship with your prospective client.  They are more likely to do business with a person they have a relationship with.  So you need to start the relationship in the first contact and then build on it.  That is by getting to know your prospective clients by taking notes of likes, family and interests.

You need to determine the best plan or system to ensure that you will do the initial contact and the follow up on a timely basis.  The contact can be made in one of four ways: cards, phone calls, text messages, and electronic messaging. 

Expressionsby Rose/Send Out Cards has a great system that can assist you.  If you would like further information, please feel free to contact me at 701-799-0414 or expressionsbyrose@gmail.com.  I hope that you will use these statistics to look for ways to improve your business.  Wish you great success and growth in your business. 

The Importance of Good Web Design

Your website is the center of all your marketing efforts be it online or more traditional marketing. This is where potential customers or clients find out about you, your products and services. A site that is well designed brings more credibility to you and your business. It should show that you are serious about your business. Did you know that the average person makes up their mind to continue staying on a website in mere seconds and if they do stay they only read 30% of the text? Google recently announced that mobile responsive sites will rank higher as more and more people use smart phones and tablets to access the internet.


Our Guest today Galia Silverberg with Media Refuge will be discussing why it is so important to have good web design, some common mistakes, branding, and the must haves for good web design. If you have created your own website or are thinking of creating your own website, you will want to listen to this discussion as she discusses some valuable information with you.

Check Out Business Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Whats Up SWFL on BlogTalkRadio

Tips for Dealing With Phone Scammers

From Linda Loraine - Independent Associate Legal Shield

 Be nice, until it’s time to not be nice,” said Patrick Swayze’s character in the movie Road House, referring to situations when it’s best to pass on the niceties. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently spoke of such a situation in their consumer information blog. They point out that scammers take advantage of peoples’ desire to be polite or respectful in an effort to take the consumer’s money or personal information. 

The following phone call scenarios are some situations in which the FTC says it is okay to be a little less than polite if a caller:

1.   Asks for personal or financial information

2.   Asks you to wire money to them for any reason

3.   Keeps talking and asking questions

4.   Makes threats against you

If you find yourself in any of these situations with a caller, do not hesitate to hang up. If you are concerned that there is any validity to the story the caller gave, contact the associated person or business directly. For businesses, perform an internet search and see what comes up. If it’s a legitimate business, you should get at least some useful information, such as a website, address and phone number. If a caller claims they are someone you know and have an emergency that warrants a request for money, don’t rush to wire the money. Try calling them directly first. If that doesn’t work, call a shared friend or family member to ask if the caller is actually in the situation as claimed.

Our Identity Theft Plan is here to provide assistance as well. Here's how we are different from other companies that offer ID monitoring:

1. We protect against all 7 types of ID theft, not just financial

2. We provide complete restoration of your credit, if affected by ID theft, to pre-theft status - at no additional cost. If you don't have restoration (not resolution which is a handy dandy packet and an 800# to guide you through), then you're paying someone to monitor and tell you you have a HUGE problem You are going to have to fix.

3. Our protection is provided by the world's largest risk mgmt co, Kroll - exclusively to LegalShield due to our network of law firms nationwide because......

4. Kroll reports that 70% of ID theft cases require legal advice and/or assistance.

Linda Loraine - Independent Associate Legal Shield

Identity theft affects millions of Americans each year. LegalShield offers two high quality identity theft plans. So in the unfortunate event something does happen to your identity, you’ll have professional help in getting your identity restored to what it was before the fraud occurred. 

Email Linda for more information:  livemoreworrylesstoday@gmail.com

 

Spirit of 45

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9TH

 

PLEASE JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE LEE COUNTY’S- 

NATIONAL SPIRIT OF ‘45 DAY IN FORT MYERS ON AUGUST 09, 2015
SANIBEL HARBOUR MARRIOT RESORT
Address: 17260 HARBOUR POINTE DR
FORT MYERS, FL 33908
(LAST EXIT BEFORE SANIBEL OFF SUMMERLIN RD.)
 4:15-7:15 PM
DINNER SERVED FROM 4:15 - 5:45
WWII VETERANS TRIBUTE / CEREMONY WILL BE FROM 5:45-7:15

FREE FOR WWII VETERANS AND THEIR SPOUSES. 

FOR ALL OTHERS, COST WILL BE $20 PER PERSON. 

RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY 07/29/2015.

SPONSORSHIP FOR 2015 SPIRIT OF ’45:

1.      HALF-PAGE AD IN PROGRAM: $50

2.      FULL PAGE AD IN PROGRAM: $100

3.      ONE FREE TICKET TO DINNER/CEREMONY & FULL PAGE AD IN PROGRAM: $150

4.      TWO FREE TICKETS TO DINNER/CEREMONY & HALF PAGE AD IN PROGRAM: $200

5.     TWO FREE TICKETS TO DINNER/CEREMONY & FULL PAGE AD IN PROGRAM: $250

6.      F0UR FREE TICKETS TO DINNER/CEREMONY AND A HALF PAGE AD IN PROGRAM: $500

7.      FOUR FREE TICKETS TO DINNER/CEREMONY AND A FULL PAGE AD IN PROGRAM: $750

8.      SIX FREE TICKETS TO DINNER/CEREMONY AND A FULL PAGE AD IN PROGRAM: $1,000

** PLEASE NOTE: HALF-PAGE ADS ARE 4 ¼” L X 5 ½” W; FULL PAGE ADS ARE:  8 ½” L X 5 ½” W

** CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO: AMERICAN LEGION POST 303

PLEASE EMAIL: EAPTAKER@EASTCOMMERCESOLUTIONS.COM OR CALL: (800) 527-5395, X-852