Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The new community of Bexley in Land O’ Lakes is getting lots of recognition for its parks and trail system, beautiful homes from prestigious builders, and new elementary school that opens this fall.

Yet to be discovered by many, however, is Bexley’s best-kept secret —The Twisted Sprocket Café.

This gem of a café is located inside The Bexley Club, which is part of the amenity center for Bexley residents. People are often surprised to learn that the community’s restaurant is also open to the public, and that the cafe offers so much more than a traditional grab-and-go menu found at most clubhouses.

The Twisted Sprocket Café is headed up by clubhouse and café Manager Ashley Davis, a talented young chef and FIU graduate who has created a surprising menu of delightful recipes that are getting rave reviews from local food bloggers.

One of the café’s most popular sandwiches, the Bexley Club, received outstanding kudos by blogger Mike Sylvester, who posts at The Geeky Traveler website.

“The Bexley Club,” Sylvester writes, “is jammed, packed full of goodness and wrapped in a soft, but warm, crispy Tuscan baguette and layered with a little ranch dressing.”

Sylvester describes the Twisted Sprocket Salad as “overflowing with flavor and textured with walnuts, dried cranberries, tomatoes and bacon, all served on a huge bed of spring mix. The honey mustard vinaigrette that was chosen rounded this salad off perfectly.”

Most menu items are made from recipes created by Davis, including smoothies and milk shakes, French toast, omelets, pastries, sandwiches, flatbreads, quesadillas and desserts.

The Cafe overlooks a lovely lake in a serene woodland setting that is a mile or so from busy State Road 54 to the south and the Veterans Expressway to the west. Decks overlook the lake with cabin-like chairs and tables, and guests enjoy the view inside from tables, booths and a friendly, old-fashioned counter. During cooler months, folks enjoy fireplaces located inside the café and on the deck.

“We’ve created an inviting, comfortable restaurant that is perfect for eating inside or out,” said Davis. “The décor has an eclectic feel that is neither modern nor rustic, but something in-between. It’s perfect for morning coffee with friends, someplace different for business meetings and a relaxing restaurant with no wait for families getting together for a weekend breakfast or lunch.”

Davis invites area residents to bring their laptops to the café and spend a few hours catching up with work, or staying in touch with family and friends. The Café serves Buddy Brew, a rich specialty coffee made in Tampa, craft beers from Big Storm Brewery in nearby Odessa, and has a respectable section of wine.

Working alongside Davis, are Assistant Manager Ashley Fairbanks, and café attendants Leah Palacio and Adrianna Caruso.

HOURS: 10 to 6 Mon – Sat • 12 to 6 Sunday

16950 Vibrant Way, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

(813) 491-4879 • bexleyflorida.com

From the moment you walk in, you can literally see the difference. At Starkey Ranch Animal Hospital and Rehab Center, the rehab therapy wing alone seems as big as other veterinary clinics, and is definitely a lot more open than most.

This is by design. Having 1,500 sq. ft., of open-concept rehab space is much more calming to both pet and owner, than some cramped, little, windowless room. Owner, Dr. David Sheridan, D.V.M. says, “It feels like they’re at the gym, because basically they are.”

He’ll also tell you that in rehab it’s important for the pet owner to be an active part of the process whenever possible, that way they can see all the benefits first-hand. Dr. Sheridan, whose staff includes a certified canine rehab therapist, has been practicing locally since 2004.

In addition to being a licensed vet, his background in exercise physiology allows him to apply additional knowledge to pet treatment, be it in post-operative rehab therapy, or while overseeing the fitness training of agility dogs.

His wife, Melissa, the animal hospital’s administrator, grew up locally in Carrollwood. They are the parents of three adult children. Their family owned business on Gunn Highway in Odessa was opened in 2009, under a different name. The Sheridans took over the facility in 2015 and renamed it last year to better reflect the variety of services they offered.

As a full-service veterinary hospital, they do much more than just rehabilitation therapy. As you’d expect, more familiar services, such as vaccinations, dental care and medical diagnoses, are offered. But, so are things like acupuncture treatment, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, and ultrasound therapy.

Additionally, they offer laser therapy, and can treat cardiac, renal, hepatic, dermatologic and endocrine diseases, as well as diabetes. Turning back to the rehab side, one of their two treadmills is the underwater variety for use in hydrotherapy.

It’s clear that Starkey Ranch Animal Hospital and Rehab Center strives to provide the most complete veterinary medical and rehab care around. Call to schedule an appointment for your pets today, and see the difference for yourself.

813-852-2227 • 727-845-4566 • 

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Monday, Wednesday

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Saturday

 2046 Gunn Highway• Odessa, FL 33556 • (just off of SR-54)

Scott Hatch understands how intimidating and confusing computers are for many people. And that’s why he prides himself for being able to talk to customers about their computer problems and needs at a level that they understand.

“It’s unfortunate that 90 percent of computer technicians have difficulty explaining a computer problem and solution in language that regular people understand,” said Hatch. “Which means, after they leave, the customer often has no idea what was done, and then are very frustrated if the problem happens again.”

This is never the situation with Hatch, who operates SB Hatch Computer Services in Wesley Chapel.

“My first goal is to always make someone feel comfortable with me,” said Hatch. “Whether it’s the CEO of a company, or an entry-level employee, I know how to communicate so they do not feel intimidated and are at ease asking me questions.”

Hatch has been working on computers for over 30 years. In the 1970s, before there were even PCs, he immersed himself in computer technology. He even predicted back then that someday every home would have a computer.

Hatch joined the Army in 1982, working in field artillery, and was the only person in his barracks who had a computer. He began taking classes in programming, and when he was discharged from the Army seven years later, quickly found work in the data processing department of a New Hampshire hospital.

From there, Hatch was recruited by a Fortune 500 company and moved to Colorado, where he worked for 20 years until last August, when he moved to Wesley Chapel to set up his own business.

“I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and my wife wanted to live in Florida,” said Hatch. “We chose Wesley Chapel because of its booming economy, proliferation of home-based businesses and the many suburban neighborhoods with families needing help with technology,” said Hatch.

Hatch identifies himself as a good listener, which is why 90 percent of his business comes from repeat customers.

“While competency is of course important, what my clients appreciate most is that I truly listen to their needs and then explain in language they understand, what needs to be done. Plus, I focus on solving the issues they called about, without trying to upsell other services,” he said.

In addition to working with families, much of Hatch’s work is with small businesses, in particular medical practices and legal offices. He offers the same technical services found in larger IT companies.

“The difference is that I touch every customer and personally advise them,” said Hatch. “Plus, because I purposely keep my business small and overhead low, my rates are very affordable.”

SB Hatch Computer Services charges a flat $50 an hour. And, unlike many IT companies, there is no trip charge. When someone calls for service, an appointment is typically scheduled within a day or two.

Hatch is currently offering families and businesses a free Wi-Fi analysis and wireless speed check — a $100 value.

Many people complain that their Wi-Fi coverage is inconsistent and spotty in different rooms. With businesses and families depending on cell phones and digital devices more and more, improving Wi-Fi reception makes a huge difference in productivity.

“Wi-Fi makes sense for consumers and businesses because they don’t have to buy extra hardware. Set up properly, Wi-Fi can meet security requirements, including HIPAA regulations,” said Hatch.

(813) 563-4242

Behind every successful business there is a leader whose vision has shaped the company as it overcame the challenges of growth, and has put in place the groundwork needed for continued success.

Dana Spears is that leader at Cornerstone Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, one of Pasco’s most successful family businesses.

Dana has lead Cornerstone for over 11 years. Her determination and never-give-up attitude has resulted in the company growing from six to sixty employees, with over $8 million in sales.

Dana attributes much of Cornerstone’s success to being a woman-owned business.

“Women understand that nothing is more important than being customer centered. It’s the little things that we do in the first 30 seconds that sets the tone for exceeding customer expectations,” said Dana.

“When people call, they assume we have the technical expertise to solve their problem,” she continues. “What they remember is how they felt when they first talked to our customer service rep, or first meet our technician at their door. It’s the kind, helpful voice, the clean uniform and shoe covers, the tech who focuses on them and not their phone, that sets us apart.”

Every Cornerstone employee is trained to the company’s high customer service standards.

“As a mom and wife, I know how it feels to allow someone into your home,” Dana explains. “When we send a tech to a customer’s home, I feel just like I am sending them to my own home. Over two-thirds of our calls come from the woman in the family, and as a woman, I fully understand her concerns and expectations when she allows someone into her home.”

GENUINE EMPLOYEES

Outstanding customer service begins with hiring the right people who exemplify her company’s values, Dana said.

“We hire people who are genuine, honest, trustworthy, clean-cut and live their life with good ethics and morals,” said Dana. “Most are local people who live in our service area, and are committed to their community.”

Cornerstone was founded in 2006 as an air conditioning service company. In 2012, it expanded into plumbing services, and two years later added electrical services.

“We expanded because our customers kept asking if we could provide other home improvement services,” said Dana. “They trusted us and were comfortable having us in their homes, and we wanted to accommodate them.”

Dana’s husband, James, has a strong background in both air conditioning and plumbing, and has lead the company’s advancement in technical services.

“James is a problem solver with great technical knowledge and the ability to understand what’s going on very quickly,” said Dana. “Our company was able to expand successfully because of his technical expertise in so many areas.”

All of Cornerstone’s technicians are specialists that have specific training in their field. “This means our A/C guys are experts at air conditioning, and do not go out on plumbing and electrical calls,” said Dana. “We have certified plumbers and electricians for those calls.”

WARRANTY TEAM

Cornerstone warranties all of its work, and has a dedicated team of experienced technicians who follow up on any warranty problem. There is no charge for this service, and techs keep coming back until the problem is 100 percent resolved.

Cornerstone also maintains a separate maintenance department for customers who want regular cleaning services and preventative check ups. These technicians focus on service only, and do not promote additional services or products during their visits.

Also working in the family business are Dana’s mother, Dolores, daughters Morgan and Hannah, and son Josh, soon to be son-in-law Michael, and boyfriend-in-law Ronnie. (Daughter Taylor works in banking.) Dana and her children are all graduates of Land O’ Lakes High School. Per youngest son will be starting kindergarten this year.

“We are successful because we’ve built our business on reputation and trust,” said Dana. “James and I are hands-on business owners, and always stand behind the work of our employees. Our motto is to go above and beyond customer expectations, and everyone of our employees strive to make that happen every day.”

Cornerstone phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available around the clock, including weekends and holidays. Call (813) 949-4445 anytime, day or night. For more information, visit their website at CornerstonePros.com.

It’s been a busy year-and-a-half since Jo-z Wilder opened her State Farm Insurance office along the State Road 54 corridor in Pasco County.

“We have been so welcomed by the community, that we’ve surpassed all the goals we set for ourselves when we opened,” said Jo-z, owner of the State Farm agency.

Jo-z attributes part of her success to being in the center of the booming business district of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel. Her office is located on the south side of State Road 54, just east of Livingston Avenue, and minutes from I-75 and U.S. 41.

“We’re convenient to so many people — which is important because our clients like to come to the office to work with our agents,” said Jo-z. “Of course, we also conduct business online, or telephone but many people prefer sitting down with their agent face-to-face to talk about their insurance needs.”

“We find that people appreciate our old-fashioned, personal touch. Plus, they appreciate that we’re open Tuesday and Thursday until 7 p.m., and are available by appointment outside of regular office hours,” she said.

For many families, Jo-z’s office provides all their insurance and banking needs — auto, homeowners, renters, life and business policies, as well as checking and savings accounts.

“State Farm writes more auto, life & homeowner insurance than anyone else. It’s our goal to be a one-stop service for our customer —providing all the insurance they need to protect themselves and their families,” said Jo-z.

When it comes to auto or homeowners insurance, which State Farm is perhaps best known for, Jo-z and her team can offer discounts for good drivers, good students, low mileage and good driving habits. Plus, they can apply discounts to multiple vehicles or policies in the same household.

“Right now, we are offering a huge discount on auto insurance for customers who also have their homeowner’s insurance with us,” said Jo-z. “In addition to great rates, our homeowner’s policies provide more comprehensive coverage and higher limits — up to $500,000 — than most other companies.”

Roofing and pet liability are good examples of State Farm’s comprehensive homeowner coverage. State Farm policies can provide full replacement cost of roof damage, and liability coverage in case a pet is involved in an incident with injuries.

Working with Jo-z are four experienced, licensed agents —Joshua Dike, Dominique Sinson, Jose Pomades, & Claudia Montes who additionally speaks Spanish.

“I have an incredible team that makes people feel at home in our office,” says Jo-z. “We genuinely care about our customers and our community. We don’t just write insurance policies — we find out what’s most important to our customers, and then present products best suited for them.”

Jo-z is an active member of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce. Her office primarily serves families in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and New Tampa.

“Please feel free to call or stop by anytime,” said Jo-z. “My team looks forward to meeting with you and helping you find the best insurance services at rates you can afford.”

Jo-z Wilder • State Farm

23604 State Road 54 • Lutz, Fl. 33559

(813) 616-JAKE (5253)

MyWilderAgent.com