Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s hard to imagine anyone loving his or her job more than Jo-z Wilder — a State Farm agent who recently opened an office in Lutz.

“I’ve been providing insurance for 30 years, and I absolutely love it,” exclaims Jo-z, who this past January opened a State Farm location on State Road 54, just east of Livingston Avenue.

It was Jo-z’s experience at her husband’s State Farm agency in Spring Hill that brought her to the attention of State Farm officials.

“I’m grateful to have this new State Farm office,” said Jo-z. “While I looked at other opportunities in Tampa, I decided to pursue a central Pasco location because of all the new people moving here.

“Additionally, State Farm has begun writing new homeowners insurance again in Florida. This has made a lot of customers happy because they have been waiting for that opportunity.”

The new office has been such a success that Jo-z already has four experienced licensed agents — Joshua Dike, Kelli Handley, Robert Gomez and Jose Pomales, 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.”

Her new office has taken off, Jo-z says, because people know the State Farm name, recognize its exceptional reputation, and appreciate having a local agent to talk with about their specific insurance and banking needs.

“Many customers begin on the State Farm website, and are surprised to learn there is an actual office in their community,” said Jo-z. “People appreciate our old-fashioned, personal touch, and like that we’re open until 7 p.m., on Tuesday and Thursday. “

Agents are also available outside of regular office hours by appointment.

State Farm is the nation’s number one insurer for auto, home and life. Many customers take advantage of discounts offered when buying more than one policy from the company.

“We don’t just write insurance policies — we’re not selling a commodity,” said Jo-z. “We find out what’s most important to our customers, and then present products best suited for them.”

State Farm also provides banking services, including checking and savings accounts, home and auto loans, and credit cards that earn discounts on insurance premiums. In addition to writing insurance policies for auto, home and property, it also offers insurance for business, life and health.

Jo-z has been a Florida resident for 40 years. She grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York, and still farms today outside of Brooksville. She and her husband, Van Wilder, have four children and four grandchildren.

Jo-z is an active member of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber. Her office 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 is always happy to meet new residents, and enjoy offering the best coffee and tea around to visitors and customers,” said Jo-z.

23604 State Farm 54 • Lutz, Fl. 33559

(813) 616-JAKE (5253) • MyWilderAgent.com

It was just a year ago that Dr. Garret Soldano, a chiropractor for 10 years and owner of Integrated Spine & Pain Center, first learned about a new concept in health care that integrates traditional medicine with chiropractic care.

“The more I researched this model, the more excited I became,” said Dr. Soldano. “Instead of just treating symptoms, integrated medicine figures out what is causing your pain, and then develops a plan to not only fix it, but prevent it from coming back.”

Because just 10 percent of Americans use chiropractic services, and 90 percent use traditional medical doctors, Dr. Soldano jumped at the opportunity to open a new practice in integrated medicine because he would be able to help so many more people suffering from pain.

He found a perfect location in Wesley Chapel, located on State Road 54 just east of Saddlebrook, and opened Integrated Spine & Pain Center last spring. In just a few months, his practice has grown so much that he’s considering a second location in south Wesley Chapel or Lutz.

To illustrate how the integrated medicine model works, Dr. Soldano uses a check engine light as an example.

“When the check engine light comes on in your vehicle, you take it to your mechanic to figure out why the light came on so he can fix it and make the light go away,” said Dr. Soldano.

“It’s the same with your body. When you’re in pain, your body’s check engine light comes on. We unmask the reasons why you’re having pain, and then develop a treatment plan that unplugs the check engine light of your body, and keeps it off.”

Take headaches, for example. “It is not normal to have headaches, especially among children. Because we have traditional medical doctors on our staff, we can rule out the scary reasons for headaches — such as a brain tumor,” said Dr. Soldano.

“We often find that headaches are caused by a micro-trauma that results in a sprained spinal joint, and this is best treated with chiropractic care. We never use pain medicine as the solution, because pills only mask the problem and does nothing to fix it.”

A team of medical doctors, nurse practitioners and chiropractors examine every patient at Integrated Spine & Pain. Many patients benefit from two key treatment areas of integrated medicine.

1. Physical therapy with trigger point injections that promotes healing in the dysfunctional muscle. Injections break up knots caused by strains, and that helps patients get better faster.
2. Stem cell therapy uses donated placenta tissue to embed stem cells where there is inflammation. These stem cells help the body recruit antibodies from its own immune system to repair damage caused by inflammation.

Stem cell treatment is primarily used to repair damaged knees and shoulders. It offers much faster results, and with far less pain than surgery. It is FDA approved and covered by most health insurance plans.

Working alongside Dr. Soldano is Supervising Medical Physician Dr. Don Pham, O.D., Chiropractor Matt Eichler and Nurse Practitioner Viviane Goncalves. Office Manager Paige Cochran assists patients with scheduling and filing insurance claims.

Dr. Soldano is a 2007 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He lives in Wesley Chapel with his wife, Jennifer, who holds an MBA and is CFO of the practice. Their sons, 9-year-old Jack and 6-year-old Alex, attend Wiregrass Elementary.

If you’re suffering from pain, Dr. Solano wants to see you.

“If you’re in pain, then you’re not healthy. It’s not normal for pain symptoms to come back,” explains Dr. Soldano. “Please call my office and see how our practice of integrated medicine can help you become pain free.”

Integrated Spine & Pain Center of Florida Inc.

29141 Chapel Park Dr. Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Conveniently located right next door to SADDLEBROOK RESORT

813-994-5200 • www.IntegratedSpineAndPainCenter.com

Dr. Shahida Choudhry had two overriding goals when she decided to open her own pharmacy earlier this year.

1.  To provide patients with highly personalized pharmacy care and follow-up at prices that are less than chain pharmacies.
2.  To have a flexible schedule that allowed more time for her family, which includes an 8-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter.

“I strongly believe in a balanced approach to life,” said Dr. Choudhry. “Owning my own pharmacy allows me to be a better pharmacist and mother.”

After working as a pharmacist for nine years at a local grocery chain, Dr. Choudhry opened Palms Pharmacy this past April. Her new store is in Palm Pointe Plaza — a location that’s convenient for her patients in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel.

Palms Pharmacy’s customer service begins at the counter, where the staff prides itself on personalized care that is compassionate and friendly, yet also professional and efficient.

“Our goal is simple — we strive to better your overall quality of life,” said Dr. Choudhry. “We know the local doctors, and work with them to save our patients money on their prescriptions — which can be hundreds of dollars.”

Palms Pharmacy keeps prescription prices low by using manufacturers’ coupons and minimizing overhead costs. And, because it is highly specialized, it offers solutions to unusual medical problems that most retail pharmacies cannot provide.

“Our ability to compound, and our access to specialty pharmaceuticals, means we are able to handle the most complicated of patients,” said Dr. Choudhry.

Palms Pharmacy routinely calls and sends text messages to patients when their prescriptions are ready. For those unable to come to the store, there is free delivery as far away as Zephyrhills, Dade City and Land O’ Lakes.

“It’s all about helping our customers get the prescriptions they need, when they need them,” said Dr. Choudhry.

A pharmacist for 16 years, Dr. Choudhry received her bachelors and doctorate in pharmacy from Long Island University in 2001. After marrying her husband, Irfan — an occupational therapist — the couple moved to California for five years, before settling in Wesley Chapel in 2006.

Working alongside Dr. Choudhry is Naivis Valdes, a certified and registered pharmacy technician, who has worked with Dr. Choudhry for 10 years.

“Navis and I want to partner with you and assist in providing the best care and attention you deserve,” said Dr. Choudhry. “Please give us a call and let us show you how we can save you money, while providing the best pharmacy care you’re ever received.”

17008 Palm Point Dr., Tampa 33647

(813) 252-0963 • (813) 252-7017 (fax)

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It was just a year ago that Great Clips opened at Arbor Square in Land O’ Lakes. But, already this neighborhood salon has headed up several fundraising campaigns to support its community.

Most recently, the salon collected back-to-school supplies that are being donated to Pasco County schools. Earlier fundraisers supported the Pasco County Animal Shelter.

“We strongly believe in giving back to our community,” said Assistant Manager Nicole, who started as a stylist and has now taken on additional responsibilities and helps manage the operations of the salon. “Our salon’s first year exceeded our expectations, and we want to show our appreciation for the support we’ve received from our customers and friends.”

Coordinating the back-to-school fundraiser were assistant store managers Nicole Gerhart and Melissa Haus. Other involved employees were Julia Murphy, Tim Worth, Sara Sullivan and Flower Diaz.

The experienced employees at Great Clips cut and style hair for busy families who want to look their best, need flexibility and want affordable prices. Its staff has years of experience, and are just as knowledgeable about the latest trends and techniques as stylists working at more expensive salons.

“We are very, very good at cutting hair,” said assistant manager Nicole, who has worked at the salon since it opened, along with Sara and Flower. “Our entire team works extremely well together, and we always put our customers first.”

Many customers visit Great Clips before or after shopping at Publix, which is located in the same plaza. For walk-in guests, the wait is usually minimal.

Customers who want to plan ahead can check in up to two hours in advance by using the Great Clips mobile app, which puts them at the top of the wait list when they arrive at the salon.

A regular haircut at Great Clips is $14 for adults (men or women), and $12 for seniors and children 10 and under. If you use the Great Clip’s coupon printed in The Laker, a haircut is just $6.99.

Other services are also priced lower than traditional hair salons. Perms start at $35, a blow dry and style begins at $20, and formal up-do hairstyles are also offered at very reasonable prices.

(813) 693-HAIR (4247)

GreatClips.com

7818 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

(Publix plaza next to Connerton)

Mon-Fri 9-9, Sat 9-6, Sun 10-5

One of the newest names in real estate in Pasco County is the Toolbox Sisters — a unique moniker that captures the knowledge shared by two sisters who maximize new technology to assist their clients.

Amanda and Allison Vaughn wanted a memorable name for their company, and one that extolled the importance of technology when selling or buying a home.

“As former teachers, Allison and I understand the importance of knowing how to use technology effectively, and the need to embrace innovation that makes research even more accessible,” said Amanda.

“Teaching also taught us to be good listeners,” Allison adds. “People tell us of their frustrations with other Realtors who are insistent on showing them homes outside their budget, or in areas where they don’t want to live. We always listen to our clients, and by incorporating the latest in technology, match their needs and desires with the best possible options for their family.”

The sisters’ interest in real estate began in 2011, when they moved from Independence, Missouri, to Wesley Chapel for teaching jobs. Learning much from their personal relocation experience, they began to invest in real estate by buying and flipping houses, doing most of the renovation work themselves.

Amanda and Allison had so much fun investing in real estate, they decided to study for their Realtor licenses and sell real estate full time. Being younger than many full-time Realtors, the Toolbox Sisters have a long-term approach to their business.

“It’s never about the number of homes we sell, but rather the quality of service we provide our customers,” said Amanda.

“We build relationships with our clients by educating and guiding them as trusted advisers. We use tools that most clients are unfamiliar with — something they greatly appreciate.”

New home representation is an area that the Toolbox Sisters specializes in.

“Most people believe they’ll get a better price if they buy direct from the builder because there’s no real estate commission to pay. But, that simply is not true,” said Amanda. “Builders always include commission in their pricing, and they don’t give the commission back as a discount if the customer buys direct.”

The Toolbox Sisters also helps buyers look for resale homes, and even “For Sale by Owner” homes. For sellers, they use technology to get the most money for their property that the market will allow.

Call the Toolbox Sisters at (813) 563-7915 or (813) 756-8688 to begin your journey to find the home of your dreams at the best price, best location and with the most incentives.

After 21 years working for a large financial services company, Lisa Huston wanted to turn her life around a complete 180 degrees. The stress from her job was affecting her health, and she knew big changes were needed if she wanted to be healthy again.

Lisa listened to her body, and then followed her dream, to open a European-style luxury spa in Lutz last February.

“I wanted to help people de-stress, relax and look great,” said Lisa. “My dream was to open a day spa where clients could decompress and not be rushed — an environment with no churning and burning – no pressure.”

From these goals arose belle âme Day Spa & Salon, a beautiful facility located in Osprey Cove office park close to State Road 54, just east of Lowe’s.

“Belle âme in French means beautiful soul,” said Lisa. “I love its meaning, because it captures perfectly what we strive to do here every single day.”

After visiting some of the most renowned spas in the world, Lisa took the best of what she saw to her 3,300-square-foot day spa.

The moment clients walk through the front door, they are transported into a world of relaxation. Every service from head to toe is available, including massage therapies, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, facials, microdermabrasion, Photon/LED treatments, eyelash extensions, waxing services and a full-service hair salon.

Spa and salon services, which are designed for both women and men, are performed by some of the most talented professionals in the area. Services are sold individually, and many clients choose the spa’s affordable packages.

Belle âme also has salon packages that cater to small groups, such as bachelorette parties, girls’ night out and family special occasions.

“We love hosting groups,” said Lisa. “It’s so rewarding to see a group of friends have a great time relaxing and celebrating their special event.”

Only natural or organic products are used and sold at the spa, including Oway, Surface, Bella Luccè and Skin Script Rx use.

“What we worry about, what we eat, shows up in our skin and hair,” said Lisa. “We do not want to be putting chemicals on our clients —organic products do the job so much better, and much more safely.”

Call Lisa today to schedule a luxurious private getaway at belle âme Day Spa & Salon. It’s close to home, reasonably priced and open seven days a week with convenient, extended hours.

(813) 949-8400 • BelleAmeDaySpa.com

9 to 9 Mon – Sat • 10 to 6 Sunday