Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Mike Matthew

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

In just a few months, business owners who process credit card payments will benefit from a favorable new rule regarding Fraud Liability — so long as they meet certain criteria.

“Beginning in October, 2015, the liability on fraudulent transactions switches to the issuing bank instead of the merchant, so long as the merchant is able to process credit cards that have the new chip technology,” explains Terry Inman, President and CEO of Vecter Technologies, LLC. “The new chip technology is known in the industry as EMV (Europay MasterCard Visa) which is a technical standard for smart payment cards.”

“However, businesses that are unable to process smart cards will continue to be liable for fraudulent transactions,” Terry explains.

In order to benefit from this important change, Vecter Technologies is updating its current customer base, while also helping new merchants, by providing compliant credit card processing equipment needed to process EMV transactions.

“Vecter loans EMV capable equipment to qualifying merchants at no cost,” says Terry. “Vecter never leases equipment to its customers, as equipment is constantly changing to meet processing demands. In many cases, merchants are stuck in a lease where the equipment they are using is no longer a viable solution. Lease options can be a costly investment to the merchant.”

Terry goes on to say, “We encourage businesses to upgrade their equipment which will allow them to accept EMV, near communications, and swipe transactions now, and not wait until the liability shift in October.”

EMV cards, or smart cards, which have been in use for years in Canada and Europe, have a small computer embedded in them which significantly reduces credit card fraud.

“These smart cards help with fraud prevention and will not be usable if a thief attempts to skim the card numbers, which is unfortunately something that can happen with magnetic stripe cards today,” Terry stated. “Even though Pay at the Pump stations and ATM locations are prevalent to these type of fraudulent transactions, the Fraud Liability shift for these services will not go into effect until October, 2017. The reason for the delay is due to the significant equipment investment and the limited number of certified installation technicians across the country.”

“The liability shift gives issuing banks a real incentive to provide customers with EMV credit cards,” Terry said, “even though they are more expensive to manufacture than traditional magnetic stripe cards commonly used today.”

“This means smart cards will quickly become the standard card used by most consumers. It’s essential that businesses update their processing equipment so they are ready to accept smart card transactions,” Terry noted.

In addition to providing credit card processing services, Vecter Technologies has a proprietary point of sale system (POS) called Total Commerce. It also offers an industry specific POS system for cigar merchants called Fuego Total Commerce, and a software application specifically designed for private schools called Total Campus, in order to provide a cashless environment. In addition to having their own frontend gateway, they are also certified on most Point of Sale software solutions including tablet systems such as BreadCrumb, iConnect, and ShopKeep.

Vecter Technologies, with sales offices in 22 states, differs from its competitors as its sales agents earn a portion of the residual revenue instead of an up-front commission. “This creates a personal relationship between the agent and the merchant. It also provides a real incentive for the agent to assist in resolving any merchant related issues that may arise,” said Terry.

Vecter Technologies is a register Agent of Citizens Bank NA, Providence, RI and utilizes WorldPay as its primary acquiring partner.

Terry and his wife, Kristan, are the sole owners of Vecter Technologies, LLC. The main office is located in Land O’ Lakes, Florida. They welcome calls from business owners wanting to learn more about the upcoming industry changes and how they can prepare their business for the future.

(888) 795-1280

2711 Letap Court, Unit 102

Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

www.VecterTech.com

Vecter Technologies…A Direct Line to the Future

By Meaghan O’Neal

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Buck Rollings is passionate about making trees healthy and safe, and his employees at Omega Tree Service share that commitment.

Buck, a certified arborist, is the owner of Omega Tree Service — a commercial tree trimming company that has been in business for more than 30 years. Buck bought the business four years ago when he retired from the U.S. Marines Corps after 20 years of service.

With the business came crew members who had worked at Omega for many years.

“I was very fortunate to keep the crew that came with Omega,” said Buck. “Not only are these employees exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable, they’ve become like family because we spend so much time working together.”

Having an experienced crew is invaluable, Buck explains, because they keep alive the craftsmanship of tree trimming by training younger employees.

“Tree trimming is an art that is dying — a skill that can’t be found in books. It’s something you learn by doing,” Buck explains. “There’s a huge difference between having the knowledge of how a tree should look, and then actually being able to trim a tree safely and accurately.”

Once you understand how trees should be trimmed, it’s troubling when you see trees that are trimmed incorrectly, Buck says.

“There’s only one way to trim trees, and that’s the right way,” says Buck.

All of Omega’s crew members are certified, and all participate in ongoing training with other arborist in the area, as well as enrolling in programs taught by the University of South Florida. In addition, Omega Tree Service is a member of the International Society of Arborist.

Because felling trees and trimming massive tree limbs can be extremely dangerous, Omega’s employees are trained to avoid accidents and know how to leave a tree so it’s safe for customers.

“Trimming trees improperly doesn’t just make them less appealing visually, but it can actually make them very dangerous to homeowners. That is why we put so much time into training and making sure our work is done correctly,” said Buck.

Another priority of Buck and his staff is prolonging the longevity of their customers’ trees.

“We are very passionate about finding ways to preserve trees, instead of doing major work just for the money,” he said.

With Omega’s extensive experience and equipment, it primarily focuses on larger tree trimming jobs. Buck and his crew do a lot of work in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes because there are so many mature, older trees in this area.

813-931-4741 • www.OmegaTreesTampaBay.com

By Mike Matthew

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Stephanie Metzger, owner of Steph’s Barber-Shop, and her staff of master barbers invite you to experience the look and feel of the neighborhood barbershop. It wasn’t too long ago when barbershops in small towns all across America were the hub of the community.

They were places where friends and neighbors came together, news was shared and people came to know one another as part of a community. These places still exist, though it can be hard to notice them when you’re driving by at 50 miles per hour, and your mind is buzzing with the day’s activities.

Steph’s Barber-Shop is an oasis of old-time peace and calm, tucked away in the Turtle Lakes Plaza on State Road 54 in Lutz, just north of 54 U-Store. Here you can take a few minutes to relax and actually enjoy a conversation with Steph, her barbers and your fellow patrons.

The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. It’s a place where fathers and sons can sit side by side as equals. Ladies are welcome, too. Two female barbers, Stephanie and Bev, and two male barbers, Si and Tom, take all the time needed to provide you with a perfect haircut.

It’s truly a family practice with an old-fashioned look and feel. “We have a passion for the old-fashioned art of barbering,” says Steph. “That’s how I keep my clients. Once we get you in here, we keep you. People start out as clients, become our friends and, soon enough, we’re all one big happy family.”

“Our barbers are masters having over 30 years of experience providing gentlemen’s cuts, kids’ cuts and cuts for women, too,” says Steph. “We specialize in hot towel shaves, flattops and fades, along with new haircut fashions for young men and college students.”

Prices are fair. Regular cuts are $15, $13 for seniors and kids. After four haircuts, the fifth is free. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. After-hour cuts are available by appointment.

“Give us a try from your friends at Steph’s Barber-Shop.”

Steph’s Barbershop is located at 24016 State Road 54 in Lutz. Stop on by, or give her a call at (813) 948-4247. You can also visit her Facebook page at Stephs-Barber-Shop for more information, along with the latest specials and coupons.

By Meaghan O’Neal

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Anahita Azharian is bringing safe, life-changing plastic surgery to the Wesley Chapel area with Magnolia Plastic Surgery Center.

In August of 2014, Dr. Azharian moved back to Tampa, her childhood home, to open her new practice and be closer to family. She had earned a Masters of Public Health in Infectious Diseases at University of South Florida before leaving the area 14 years ago for medical school at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale.

Dr. Azharian’s residency in General Surgery was completed at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Philadelphia, followed by a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

After her studies, Dr. Azharian worked in New York City until moving back to the Tampa area to open Magnolia Plastic Surgery Center.

Dr. Azharian enjoys owning her own practice for many reasons, but especially because it allows her to set her own high standards.

“Opening my own practice has been a good way to go by my own morals and values, and to do things the way I feel is right,” she says.

Her highest priority, and most important value, is patient safety. While Dr. Azharian acknowledges that any type of surgery comes with some risk, she always informs her patients if something is potentially dangerous, and encourages them to look at alternatives.

“Patient education is closely tied to safety,” said Dr. Azharian. “Many people who seek plastic surgery are not always educated about what it really entails. While plastic surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons, the procedure is still a surgery and should always be taken seriously.”

Honesty is another important value that Dr. Azharian lives by, and she strives to make sure that her patients are realistic about what they’re going to look like after the surgery.

“We make sure patients have realistic expectations so there are no surprises,” said Dr. Azharian. “We never give anyone false expectations.”

That doesn’t mean that patients don’t have amazing results. “It means that patients get what they actually need and want,” said Dr. Azharian. “We believe that everyone is different, and that someone else’s results won’t necessarily be yours. My joy comes from finding the right surgery for the right patient, and then setting the right expectations.”

Magnolia Plastic Surgery is different than other practices for many reasons, Dr. Azharian said, beginning with the fact that she is a woman.

“I can relate to what society expects of a woman, and to the changes in a woman’s body as she ages,” she says. “Most of my patients are women and I share many of the same perspectives and experiences.”

Dr. Azharian also says her practice is different because of the amount of time that she spends with her patients.

“I never rush people out the door and want my patients to feel comfortable,” she says. “I take time to listen so patients can fully explain what they want,” she said.

Magnolia Plastic Surgery Center works with many breast cancer patients, many whom are referred by the Florida Medical Clinic.

Watching the progress and strength of cancer patients has been especially gratifying for Dr. Azharian and her staff. They often see patients from the start of their cancer treatments, through complications, and to when treatment ends

Dr. Azharian seeks to deepen the good reputation of the Magnolia Plastic Surgery Center by valuing her patient’s safety, being honest about her results, and giving patients the best surgery that they can have. Her ultimate goal is to do the best surgery she can every single time.

(813) 563-2220 (ask for Wanda) • 2404 Creel Lane, Suite 102 • Wesley Chapel • www.magnoliapsc.com

By Meaghan O’Neal

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Joey Marchica has been in the Italian food business for almost 40 years. So when he had the opportunity to open a new restaurant in Land O’Lakes, he also saw it as an opportunity to pass along his family heritage to his son.

It’s been a year since Joey and his son, Nicky, opened Lake Padgett Bistro, which is located in the Lake Padgett Community Center in Land O’ Lakes. It had always been Joey’s dream to work with his son and to help him be successful in business, just as he had worked alongside his father.

Joey’s mother and father were from Sicily, Italy. When they came to America, the Marchicas brought their recipes with them, and today those recipes continue to influence the menu and food served at the Lake Padgett Bistro.

Growing up, Joey worked with his father making pizzas in Brooklyn, New York. In 1986, Joey moved to Tampa to open his own pizza restaurant — Scotto’s in East Lake Mall. It was there that he met his wife, Gina, a part owner in Lake Padgett Bistro.

In addition to Scotto’s, Joey was involved in the opening of Pizza Suprema, located on Collier Parkway, now owned by Joey’s family.

Joey and Nicky firmly believe that they are unique in the food service business, because they are a family owned business. They take great pride in their operation, beginning with the freshest possible ingredients. They never use any product that is frozen or premade.

The Marchicas believe their greatest assets are their customers. They love to feed people with good tasting quality food. “One of the things we would like our customers to know is that we are not a fast food restaurant. All of our food is made fresh to order. We do not have food waiting in a box ready to serve, it is all prepared fresh for you,” said Gina Marchica.

Lake Padgett Bistro specializes in calzones, hot subs, baked pastas, and, of course, pizza. The menu also offers salads, cold subs and American favorites such as hamburgers, chicken fingers and steaks. Joey and Nicky also make custom orders for customers who have unique food allergies or other needs.

Lake Padgett Bistro delivers to the surrounding area for no extra charge. It also does catering for all events.

“Lake Padgett Bistro is Land O’ Lakes’ best kept secret,” said Joey. “It’s been exciting to watch our business grow, and it’s so gratifying that once people find us, they recognize us for the hidden gem we are and keep coming back.”

Like his father, Nicky is looking forward to being involved in the family business for a long time. “I am excited to be able to carry out our family legacy of pizza making and wonderful Italian family recipes,” he said.

813-406-4440 • 4533 Savanah Way, • Land O’ Lakes

By Mike Matthew

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

Debi Bolusi and Ernest Van Glahn are two award-winning realtors in the Exit Prime Realty family serving Land O’ Lakes and neighboring communities. Debi received her first Exit Award for Excellence in Customer Service in 2014. Ernie won the 2014 Sales Person of the year award and was voted the Most Valuable Player for the brokerage.

Both Ernest and Debi have been awarded Agent of the Month multiple times in 2014.

Debi moved to Odessa three years ago from New York. She started out with ReMax, but left when Exit Prime Realty contacted her. “We have a great family of realtors here,” says Debi. “I’m glad I made the switch.”

Ernie is a retired New York City Officer from the New York City Police Department. He rose through the ranks quickly to the rank of Captain. He retired after 20 years. He served as a Commanding Officer when he retired. He moved to Florida and has lived in Land O’ Lakes for the last eleven years.

“My niche is working with our nation’s heros,” says Van Glahn. He is a Military Relocation Professional. He works with members of the military, law enforcement, fire fighters, EMT’s, and school employees. He is also an Employee Benefits Director for a non-profit organization, “Hero Home Source.” Ernie gives back part of his commission to these heroes at closing for their service to our nation and community.

“Prospective clients should ask about our 59-Day Guarantee,” says Ernie. “If we don’t sell your home in 59 days, we’ll pay you $1,000 at closing. Give us a call to find out the details. There are some conditions that must be met, of course.”

“This is a great time to sell your home,” says Debi. “It’s a seller’s market. The existing home inventory is low. Many sellers are receiving their asking price or more.”

There is also a great deal of new home construction going on in the Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel area. State Road 54 is being widened to accommodate the growth. There are also a number of new shopping centers on the books. More schools will need to be built to accommodate the growth.

Ask about their guaranteed sales program for new construction. Qualified buyers may have their existing rental lease bought out as part of the settlement on a new home.

Debi and Ernie have solid relationships with area lenders. They work hard to get you the very best financing. They also work with people who’ve had credit problems in the past, helping to get their credit repaired, so they’ll be able to obtain financing.

“A number of zero-down financing programs are available,” says Debi. “Right now the USDA is offering 100 percent financing for many areas in Pasco County. Interest rates are still low. We’re also not seeing as many foreclosures as there were two years ago. The market is good.”

Debi and Ernie want to make the sale and purchase process as stress-free as possible. “We deal with all the stress, so our clients don’t have to,” says Debi.

“One thing we always recommend is a home inspection,” says Ernest. “It’s the best two to three hundred dollars you can spend on a home purchase. You don’t want any surprises after closing that could have easily been resolved or avoided prior to the sale.”

“There are numerous types of technologies we use to get your home sold,” says Debi. “Exit Realty is the technology leader. Other brokerages simply do not have these technologies.”

Ernie and Debi works closely with relocation buyers from locations all over the country. They are able to assist these buyers with the sale of their existing homes, even those that are located in other states. Debi is Short Sale Certified.

Ernie was the first employee in the Land O’ Lakes office when it opened in August two years ago. Now they have fifty agents. The real estate market is booming. Anyone considering a career in real estate should give Debi or Ernie a call. The company provides a great deal of training and support to their agents.

“We also do a lot of local charity works such as the Jason Ackerman Foundation, which helps children who’ve lost a parent,” says Debi.

Exit Prime Realty is located at 20625 Amberfield Drive in Land O’ Lakes. The office phone number is (813) 241-6800. You can reach Debi directly at (917) 797-6376 and Ernie directly at (727) 267-2347. Visit their website at HYPERLINK “http://www.ExitPrimeRealty.net” ExitPrimeRealty.net for more information.

By Meaghan O’Neil

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When transitioning to an assisted living and memory care community, The Commons on Pretty Pond in Zephyrhills is the perfect community. “It is our goal to make the transition from home to our community meaningful and worry free.” Keaton Hobbs, Community Outreach Director at The Commons explains.

“The quality of life our residents enjoy is at the core of our mission. Research shows that activity, both physical and mental can improve the overall quality of life. Our goal is to create a whole person wellness attitude and change how we think and act in relation to our residents. “Aging Gracefully” is not a program but rather the embodiment of an attitude about the quality of life we provide our residents. It is the platform upon which family members and staff alike participate to present those attributes that will allow our residents to rediscover the joy available in life.” Keaton explained.

To keep residents active, The Commons offers an activity program that engages the mind, energizes the body and nurtures the spirit. Activities include: health & wellness programs, fitness & exercise classes, craft classes, puzzles, memory games, card games, social events, spiritual and cultural programming and exciting and fun outings. Other thoughtfully designed common spaces meant to be enjoyed include a beauty salon, library and billiards room. Additionally, The Commons provides transportation for shopping and doctors’ appointments.

Keaton explains that many of their residents enjoy volunteering and giving back to the community. Residents have organized fundraisers for causes such as Breast Cancer Awareness and Wounded Warriors. Other residents enjoy making jewelry to sell in The Commons’ store.

A year ago, The Commons added a Memory Care Village designed specifically for seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease and/or other memory loss not typically associated with the normal aging process. Twenty-one apartments are dedicated specifically to Memory Care, which provides our residents with separate living and dining areas, as well as an enclosed outdoor courtyard. In the Village, our associates and residents spend their days “Reflecting on past accomplishments, Rejoicing in the moment and Renewing spirits each day!” Keaton said.

All 132 apartments at The Commons on Pretty Pond are licensed for assisted living and offer various levels of care. The month-to-month rent includes 3 meals per day, weekly housekeeping, laundry services, activities and entertainment, transportation and utilities.

The Commons has a variety of floor plans, including studio, one-bedroom and two- bedroom apartments. People who want to experience The Commons, but would like to try it first, can stay in an apartment for a few days. “This allows potential residents to decide if The Commons is a good fit for them,” said Keaton.

“The staff at The Commons on Pretty Pond are dedicated to improving the lives of their residents every day,” said Keaton. “Our goal is to help make the transition into assisted living (or memory care) enjoyable with a goal of becoming healthier.”

813-779-4501 and ask for Keaton Hobbs

The Commons on Pretty Pond

38130 Pretty Pond Road

Zephyrhills, FL 3354

www.thecommonsonprettypond