Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By William Jacko

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When the World Trade Center collapsed during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Steven Papola was close enough to see it fall, as he was on his way to begin the recovery effort at ground zero.

That was the day he gave up a successful insurance business in Blue Point, New York, to resume full-time work as an officer for the New York Police Department, where he had worked previously for 15 years.

After assisting with the 9/11-recovery effort, Papola moved to Florida and served a 10-year stint as a deputy sheriff with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. This past March, he returned to insurance sales, opening an Allstate office in Lutz.

Steve views insurance as a natural extension of serving and protecting the public.

“A customer is a customer, whether you’re wearing a uniform serving them in one capacity, or wearing a suit and serving them in another capacity,” says Steve.

He also considers Allstate, informally called Big Blue, a natural business partner for a former police officer from the NYPD Blue.

Now, Steve protects people against financial loss.  His agency offers many types of insurance — automobile, homeowners and property, flood insurance, and business and commercial.  He is especially proud of the specialty lines offered, including motorcycle, boat, recreational and off-road vehicle insurance. Papola also offers more than just Allstate products, including life insurance, annuities and retirement plans.

Allstate allows us to access alternative markets that it has selected to be stable enough to meet the standard of Allstate’s quality control, when Allstate has determined the risk to be unacceptable to its underwriting. Those alternative markets are in Property and Commercial Insurance. This allows agents to access additional Homeowners Insurance companies, as well as other companies, not affiliated with and not part of Allstate. Allstate has re-entered the homeowners insurance market with the introduction of Castle Key Indemnity Insurance Company on a limited basis and, if the risk qualifies, the insured is likely to save significantly.

Steve likes to compare the quality of customer service at his agency with those of online, toll-free number insurance services.

“I own this business,” Steve said.  “This is me.  I represent Allstate, I have skin in the game, and will never treat you like that 800 number.  I’m going to make sure you are treated well and are satisfied.”

Steve believes that Allstate agencies like his are an integral part to a community.

“We help communities grow, because we open agencies and employ people who come in and work with us from the local area,” Steve said.  “An Allstate agency is not just a place that sells insurance. It’s a business that contributes to the community and puts people to work.”

Papola’s Allstate office is located at 1528 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 102, in Lutz, in Tropical Village Plaza across from WalMart.  For more information, call (813) 995-6013, or visit Agents.Allstate.com/Steve-Papola

Published 5/16/18

Andrew C. McDannold, of Lutz, is not your typical attorney. In his office, a warm and inviting space near Lutz Preparatory School, McDannold deliberately takes the time – frequently, over a cup of coffee – to learn as much as possible about his clients. By understanding their stories, he says, he’s able to create legal solutions tailored to achieve each client’s unique goals.

“No one knows what tomorrow will bring. That’s why it’s so important to have a plan in place today,” said McDannold. “We help you build a legal framework that provides additional support if you lose the ability to make medical or financial decisions, ensures your minor children will be appropriately cared for, and defines exactly how your assets will be distributed after your death.”

One of McDannold’s biggest challenges is the natural tendency of people to avoid thinking about death. “Everyone expects to wake up tomorrow. We all know in the back of our minds that it may not happen, but we persist in our expectation because it’s unpleasant to think about the alternative. So, most people remain blissfully unprepared for the future.”

To help you take the first step, McDannold offers a free initial consultation and handles most matters on a flat-fee basis. He can help you create wills, trusts, medical directives, and a wide range of specialized planning solutions, regardless of your age or economic situation.

In addition to traditional estate planning, McDannold Law helps clients with legal issues unique to seniors and persons with special needs; estate administration and the probate process; and guardianships for minors or incapacitated adults.

McDannold also fights to ensure disabled veterans receive the benefits to which they’re entitled, and he has successfully advocated before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in Washington, D.C.

McDannold, a Tampa native and graduate of North Carolina State University, is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Air Force. During his military career, he commanded a squadron responsible for managing aircraft maintenance, created logistics plans for U.S. Central Command, and served two tours of duty in Iraq as a military advisor.

When the time came to prepare for his second career, McDannold’s planning and problem-solving experience drew him to the legal profession. He attended Stetson University College of Law, graduating cum laude and earning the Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law.

17894 N U.S. 41, Lutz

(813) 397-6330

McDannoldLaw.com

Published 5/9/18

Owning and managing a successful business requires a lot of time, energy, experience and knowledge. A key ingredient, however, is passion, and Eddie and Tamara Griffin are overflowing with it for their business, Mac Daddy Sales and Service in Land O’ Lakes.

The couple launched the business in 2000, equipping the shop with the latest in hydraulic lifts, ultra-sonic cleaners, and a staff certified to work on all major brands and types of small engines. As an authorized warranty repair shop for Honda, Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Kawasaki, Dyson and other brands, they also service vacuum cleaners, generators, scooters and boat engines. Their motto is “If it has a motor, we can fix it!”

Eddie Griffin is a longtime resident of Land O’ Lakes who met his wife Tamara in Lutz. Speaking with great pride, she says her husband is a natural-born genius with engines. “He has an inner ear for mechanics,” she says. “His combination of hands-on experience and training allow him to solve any glitch that comes along. He’s dogmatic in neatness and quality, personally checking every repair before releasing it back to the customer.”

Tamara Griffin previously worked for USAA, where she learned to multitask, listen to customers, document service and submit claims. She is the friendly voice on the phone and the smiling face customers see when they visit the shop. Like her husband, she is committed to providing excellent service.

“Mac Daddy blends technology and mechanics in a way that makes our service unique,” she explains. “We take pictures of the equipment and make videos of the mechanic explaining the repairs needed. We then email these to our customers in advance with the estimate. Plus, all their old parts are returned to them when they pick up the repaired equipment. We want to be their service center for life, not just today.”

Besides servicing and repairing engines, Mac Daddy’s also sells new and refurbished mowers, air compressors, pressure washers, blowers, chain saws, and ATVs and golf carts. Brands they carry include Encore and Bad Boy mowers for both commercial and residential use, Honda and Simpson pressure washers, and Campbell Hausfeld air compressors.

“We stand behind every item we sell,” says Eddie Griffin. “That’s easy to do because we sell the best – like top of the line Zero Turns with welded framed and decks. Plus, we educate our customers on the proper maintenance they can do to avoid future performance issues. You won’t get that kind of support at a box store.”

The public is invited to attend Mac Daddy’s Cinco de Mayo Customer Appreciation Day on May 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They’re located at 6630 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, just north of S.R. 54.

6630 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O Lakes, FL 34638

(813) 406-7796 •"> 

Published 5/2/18

Growing up in New Jersey with five sisters, Luis Ortega discovered his love of hair styling at an early age. From simple braids to updos for prom, he was the go-to guy in his house for the latest look. Ignoring his passion, his first job out of high school was with Quest Diagnostics.

“I thought the medical field was a smart choice,” says Ortega. “I enjoyed that work, but when I turned 35, I knew something was missing.” Having moved to Tampa, he enrolled at Bene’s Career Academy, and earned a degree in cosmetology and barbering, clocking 1,500 hours of classroom and field work.

It wasn’t long before Ortega was making a name for himself in the hair industry. When an opportunity to partner with stylist Brian Villegas came along, the two decided to open Stilos Salon and Barber in Land O’ Lakes. With a combined 14 years of experience, the duo offers a wide range of services to make their clients look and feel their best.

“We love to pamper our guests with the details they want, including colors galore and special treatments,” says Ortega. “We value our client relationships and are dedicated to consistently providing high customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service, using only quality products, and furnishing an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere at an acceptable price.”

To keep their skills current, they attend at least three national hair shows each year. Ortega says they’re very excited about the upcoming international trade show in Orlando. “Attending the Premiere Orlando event is the highlight of our year,” says Ortega. “We get to rub elbows with stylists from all over the world, like Sam Villa, the education artistic director for Redken. He’s one of the most inspirational teachers in the industry. We love that we can bring the latest techniques, products and trends back to our customers.”

What they love best, however, is seeing the smiles on their customers’ faces. “I enjoy taking people’s ideas and making them reality,” says Ortega. “The services and care we provide are very personal. We have a very loyal customer base, and it’s a joy to watch individuals evolve and to be a part of their personal transformation.”

Call Stilos Salon today to schedule an appointment for the best haircut of your life. It is conveniently located in Land O’ Lakes on U.S. 41 in the Wilderness Commons plaza, about four miles north of State Road 54.

7016 Land O’ Lakes Boulevard

813-428-6412

Published on 4/25/18

Robin Winter of Let’s Bee Organized remains true to her lifelong mission of helping others, by transforming homes and workspaces to achieve greater balance in one’s personal and professional lives.

Her 16 years experience in human resources draws many parallels to her work as a professional organizer at Let’s Bee Organized, a company she recently founded.

“Helping companies define and execute their best practices consistently enables them to become more efficient, which results in positive employee morale and increased profits. In the same manner, having a well-organized home that runs efficiently results in many positive benefits for the entire family,” said Robin.

One of Robin’s primary goals for her clients is to move them in a positive direction by turning their chaos into order.

“As a busy working mother of four, and a professional in business development and human capital management, I fully understand how challenging it is to keep everything and everyone moving in the right direction,” said Robin. “Getting organized and staying that way allows more time to do the things you enjoy, so you can live life to the fullest.”

Robin has the unique ability to find solutions that inspire and motivate individuals— at home and in the workplace — through the development of successful plans and processes.

“I find it very rewarding to help families become better organized, to give them more time to do things they love best, and more time for each other,” said Robin. “I approach every situation with enthusiasm, a positive outlook and a sense of humor.”

Robin has been a successful entrepreneur for more than 10 years. A Tampa Bay area native, she owned and operated a highly popular coffee shop in the Lutz area, and later founded a high-end furniture consignment boutique in Wesley Chapel.

These experiences gave Robin an in-depth understanding of strategic space planning and relocation tactics, as well as interior design and contract management.
Robin’s passion for helping others restore order to their homes and offices led her to establish Let’s Bee Organized, which primarily works with families and businesses in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

“Let’s Bee Organized will transform your space for the better,” said Robin. “We help people understand that there are simply better ways to manage their stuff, as well as their time, in general. That way, the clutter won’t creep back into their life — after all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

To learn how Let’s Bee Organized can make a difference in your life, call Robin today to schedule a consultation. 

813-693-1062 (office) •813-382-9502 (cell)

• LetsBeeOrganized.com

Originally Published : 4/18/18