The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Closer Look

Roy Hooker — State Farm Agent For 23 Years

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When not busy as State Farm agents, Roy Hooker III, left, and his father, Roy IV, share a passion for biking.
When not busy as State Farm agents, Roy Hooker III, left, and his father, Roy IV, share a passion for biking.

Q. Describe your business and your typical customer.
State Farm’s mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. We are people who make it our business to be like a good neighbor; who built a premier company by selling and keeping promises through our marketing partnership; who bring diverse talents and experiences to our work of serving the State Farm customer.

Our success is built on a foundation of shared values — quality service and relationships, mutual trust, integrity and financial strength. Our vision for the future is to be the customer’s first and best choice in the products and services we provide. We will continue to be the leader in the insurance industry and we will become a leader in the financial services arena. Our customers’ needs determine our path. Our values guide us.

Q. Why did you started your business?
As a second generation State Farm agent, I knew as a young man that I wanted to follow in my Dad’s footsteps.  He began his career with State Farm in 1970, climbing the corporate ladder to upper management and now as a State Farm Agent in Westchase.  Being a Good Neighbor is part of my DNA.  I love it.

Q.) What are three things that set your business apart?
1.) High-touch personal customer service.
2.) Long-term staff members that know our customers personally.
3.) Community minded local office.  We love Lutz/Land O Lakes and are invested in our community.

Q.) Why did you chose this profession?
As a teen, I spent my summers working in State Farm offices creating marketing plans.  I love this company.  Upon graduating from Chamberlain High School, I knew I needed a college degree to be considered for Agency with State Farm.  I obtained a degree from the University of Florida, graduating in 1989.  In the summer of 1990, I opened my State Farm office at the age of 23 – the youngest Agent to ever be hired in Florida.

Q. What about your family?
My parents moved us to Florida in 1982.  I graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1985. Our family lives in Land O Lakes.  Together my wife and I have 8 children, many of whom have worked their summers in our office.  Maybe one day one of them will decide to become a Good Neighbor too.

 

State Farm Insurance
17961 Hunting Bow Cir #101
Ballantrae Professional Plaza
Lutz, Fl 33558
Office – 813-920-5141
Cell – 813-789-4515

Element 54 Salon: A premium hair salon for every beauty budget

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Trisha Jordan and Shanda Baker, owners of Element 54 Salon in Lutz, have a grand vision for their new business.

Trisha Jordan and Shanda Baker.
Trisha Jordan and Shanda Baker.

“We want to give our customers a whole new hair care experience,” said Shanda. “We also want to create an enjoyable atmosphere for our stylists to keep their passion strong for hair care.”

Trisha has worked 10 years in the beauty industry and Shanda is a Level 5 stylist with nine years of experience.

Element 54 is a full-service salon with separate areas set up specifically for each type of service: cuts, colors, highlights, textures, manicures, pedicures and waxing. A blow-dry bar lets customers get their hair styled for special occasions and romantic nights out.

For men, barber Ray Johnson gives haircuts, shaves and beard and mustache trims with a steamed towel application. Additional services for men include manicures, pedicures and waxing (eyebrows, chest and back).

“Our stylists have from one and 10 years of experience,” says Trisha. “We can accommodate any beauty budget with our range of staff experience. All stylists do color and cuts and some have specializations in extensions and curly hair.”

New stylists begin as assistants washing hair and mixing colors. This allows them to comfortably grow into their profession while gaining firsthand experience with every aspect of the salon, all under the close supervision of more experienced stylists.

Trisha and Shanda provide in-house training and actively encourage their stylists to take advantage of outside education to keep up with new styles, methods and products.

“Training is so important that we offered in-house training sessions before we even opened our doors,” said Trisha. “Our system of training makes for an easy transition when new stylists go on the floor to work on their own.”

Element 54 Salon provides over-the-top service with top-of-the-line products, including Redken, Pureology and Paul Mitchell. Guests enjoy a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and are offered snacks, soft drinks, wine and cold beer.

Appointments are encouraged to ensure each customer gets the best stylist for their needs.

Element 54 Salon invites local residents to its grand opening celebration on Sunday, Aug. 4 from 1 to 4 pm. There will be many prizes and gift certificates, thanks to the generosity of a number of local businesses.

The salon is conveniently located on the south side of State Road 54 between Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and Collier Parkway at 21776 State Road 54 in Lutz in the Osprey Cove Professional Center.

Call them at (813) 528-8799.

This story was written by the advertising department.

East meets West at Lutz animal hospital

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It’s not every day that one gets to pet an opossum.

But recently, at East-West Animal Hospital in Lutz, Barley the opossum was in for cold laser therapy to treat the edema in his paws.

Veterinarian Linda Register of East-West Animal Hospital in Lutz cuddles Barley the opossum before his laser treatment.
Veterinarian Linda Register of East-West Animal Hospital in Lutz cuddles Barley the opossum before his laser treatment.

Barley’s doctor, veterinarian Linda Register opened the small animal practice nearly three years ago and strives to combine Eastern medicine and philosophies with traditional Western practices.

“We want to treat healthy pets and keep them in balance,” said Dennis Costantino, Register’s husband and clinic administrator. “Finding causes, not treating problems. It’s the cause that matters.”

Dr. Register’s interest in alternative therapies began in 1998 when her cat, Butterball, developed bone cancer in the spine. “It was a death sentence,” Costantino said. However, Dr. Register researched herbs and treated the cat, which lived for an additional year. Since then, the doctor embraced Eastern medicine as an adjunct to Western practices. In fact, she is the “only certified veterinary acupuncturist in the Land O’ Lakes/Lutz area,” Costantino noted.

In keeping with that philosophy, the hospital offers an array of wellness programs that not only help keep pets healthy, but also save their owners money. The plans are geared toward an animal’s age (pediatric, adult and senior) and are available in basic or enhanced versions – with the enhanced version offering a savings of 45 percent (up to $335) per year.

The plan is an affordable way to ensure a pet’s wellness without pet owner’s worrying about coming up with a lump sum or skipping out on important treatments.

“Plans for your pet’s regular care are laid out for you,” Costantino said. “It’s not a surprise.”

The enhanced pediatric plan, for instance, includes five exam visits, all core vaccinations, deworming treatments, microchip implantation with registration, a year’s worth of heartworm and flea preventatives along with a spay or neuter surgical procedure (complete with blood work and fluid therapy) and much more.

But, it’s not just puppies and kittens that benefit from East-West Animal Hospital’s wellness plans – adult and senior pets do too. Senior plans, for example, include x-rays, blood work and urine screenings. Finding and treating health problems early can mean a longer, happier life for your pet.

Monthly plan costs start at just $16 a month; all plans require a $99 enrollment fee, and monthly fees are automatically drafted each month.

The clinic introduced wellness plans about a month ago. Since then, many clients have taken advantage of these incredible programs.

The plans are geared toward pre- ventive wellness; they do not cover emergencies and are not pet insur- ance. However, pet insurance is a great complement to the East-West Animal Hospital wellness programs.

Dr. Register received her DVM degree from the University of Florida in 1996 and received her acupuncture certification in 2009 from the Chi Institute. Dr. Register is a member of several local veterinary boards and advisory committees.

East-West Animal Hospital is located in the Tropical Village Plaza, 1524 Land O Lakes Blvd. in Lutz. Open Mondays and Fridays, 7:30am to 6pm and Tuesdays through Thursdays 7:30am to 8pm. For more information call 813.948.6534 or visit www.eastwestanimalhospital.com.

– Melanie Casey

This story was written by the advertising department.

Your Pet Deserves A Nice Vacation Too At Fuzzie Buddies

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This panoramic mural of Edie Wilhoit pets and friends has adorned the lobby of Fuzzie Buddies since Edie open the facility 10 years ago.
This panoramic mural of Edie Wilhoit pets and friends has adorned the lobby of Fuzzie Buddies since Edie open the facility 10 years ago.

Planning a vacation can be time-consuming, especially for families looking for the right place to board their dog or cat while they’re away.

Fuzzie Buddies is the solution for many families who want more than a typical boarding facility at an affordable price.

“The only cages in our facility are in the grooming room,” said Edie Wilhoit, president and owner of Fuzzie Buddies. “Pets are housed in individual suites where there’s plenty of room to move and play.”

Edie began Fuzzie Buddies 10 years ago out of her personal frustrations finding suitable boarding for her dog.

“I used to travel a lot and was never happy with the kennels I used for my large dog,” she said. “Friends with large breed dogs also complained about how hard it was to find a good boarding facility, so I decided to do something about it.”

Edie spent five years touring boarding facilities around the country before she opened Fuzzie Buddies.

“During my research I asked owners of kennels what they’d do differently,” said Edie. “I wanted to know what worked and what didn’t, so we’d have the best boarding facility possible.”

With a goal to offer the finest pet care services in the highest quality facility, Edie received training from the American Boarding and Kennel Association and hired an architect to design 150 suites to accommodate dogs from the smallest to largest breeds.

She also had kitty condos designed that interconnect on six levels. The cat area is completely separate from the dog area and fresh air is continuously circulated so that cats can’t even smell the dogs.

Fresh air is also continuously circulated in the dog area by seven separate air-handling systems. “Our air always smells fresh because it is never recycled,” said Edie.

Outdoor areas at Fuzzie Buddies are covered with field turf — the same material used in sports stadiums.

“Astroturf helps to keep our dogs clean, especially after running in and out of our doggie swimming pool,” said Edie.

In addition to boarding, Fuzzie Buddies provides day care for up to 80 dogs and offers grooming and bathing services, including relaxing massages.

“This is definitely a full-service spa for dogs,” said Edie. “We even have a pet webcam so owners can check in on their pets while they’re away.”

In case of a power outage, the facility has a hospital-grade emergency generator and its building is designed to withstand a category 3 hurricane.

What is it like to work at Fuzzie Buddies?

“It’s a lot of fun because we have a lot of awesome clients and pets,” said Mary Pfaefflin, vice president of operations. “Our dogs have so much fun they don’t want to leave — sometimes we have to walk them to their owner’s car!”

An example of how well Fuzzie Buddies’s staff connects with its customers, both human and canine, is the story behind a U.S. flag in its lobby.

The flag was a gift of appreciation from a soldier who boarded her dog at the facility for eight months while she was deployed. When the soldier returned home, the staff at Fuzzie Buddies brought her dog to the military base to welcome her home.

“Just one visit to Fuzzie Buddies will show you that we care for your pet as much as you do,” said Edie. “Our motto — ‘Arrive as a guest, leave as family’ — will give you peace of mind when you leave your pet with us.”

Fuzzie Buddies is located at 1212 N. 34th St., Tampa. They can be reached at (813) 247-2111, or at www.FuzzieBuddies.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story was written by the advertising department.

Three Generations Working Together To Promote Motorsports

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Danny Ridgeway started working part-time at Cahill’s when he was in the 10th grade. His first job was servicing lawnmowers.

Danny Ridgeway and his son, Charlie, own- ers of Cahill’s Motorsports in Zephyrhills. Another son, Mark (not shown), owns Cahill’s North Tampa location.
Danny Ridgeway and his son, Charlie, own- ers of Cahill’s Motorsports in Zephyrhills. Another son, Mark (not shown), owns Cahill’s North Tampa location.

In 1969, Danny had the opportunity to buy the business. At the time, he had four young children and did not have the resources to buy the store, although he did have the ability to manage it. So the owner helped Danny obtain financing, set up a new store and hire a sales manager.

Now, 44 years later, every one of Danny’s children and grandchildren have worked at the family business at one time or another, and many still do today. And with his pending retirement, sons Mark and Charlie are taking over the reins of the business.

“I’m lucky,” Danny says. “I know a lot of people whose children want nothing to do with the family business. My sons have been instrumental in helping to grow this business.”

Mark is in charge of the North Tampa location, and Charlie runs the Zephyrhills store, which the family opened in 2005.

The business has seen many changes since Danny became owner. It no longer sells lawn equipment, and its line of motorcycles has grown from the original two lines to most of the major brands sold today.

Today you will find something for every type of rider, from six-cylinder touring bikes to 50cc motor scooters. Cahill’s has a wide range of dirt bikes, combination street and off-road bikes, all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles. And, they have recently diversified by adding a line of water-sports equipment.

“We see a lot of first-time buyers, and most of them know exactly what they’re looking for when they walk in the door,” says Danny. “Years ago it was young boys looking for fast bikes. Today the average first-time buyer is an adult man or woman.”

Customers need to attend a three-day class to get their motorcycle license before they can purchase anything with an engine over 50cc.

Danny advises anyone who hasn’t ridden in a while to take the class. “It’s a great refresher course,” he says. “It keeps you aware of things that’ll keep you safe while riding.”

This is a real family business with children and relatives working in both locations. Whether you’re coming in for service or a purchase, the Ridgeway family treats their customers like part of their family. Visit them at one of their two convenient locations.

Cahill’s Motorsports has two locations, including 8820 U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills, and 8920 Armenia Ave. in Tampa. The Zephyrhills store can be reached at (813) 788-1779, while the Tampa store can be reached at (813) 933-3528.

Visit them online at www.Cahills.com.

– Mike Matthew

This story was written by the advertising department.

Passionate about jewelry design

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For 35 years jewelry design has been Helman Cortes’ passion.

“Creating beautiful pieces of jewelry is a perfect blend of my skills in art and design,” he said. “My focus is on design, not simply selling the same jewelry that every other store has.”

Helman Cortes, left, and his father, Leonardo, owners of Cortes Jewelers, offer customers artistic designs and expert watch repair at their full-service store in North Tampa.
Helman Cortes, left, and his father, Leonardo, owners of Cortes Jewelers, offer customers artistic designs and expert watch repair at their full-service store in North Tampa.

Helman is owner of Cortes Jewelers, a neighborhood jewelry store in north Tampa located on Florida Avenue just south of Bearss that draws many customers from Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

The store showcases Helman’s custom designs, many which incorporate gems and precious metals found in family heirlooms. Helman has a bachelor’s degree in art and brings a high level of design capabilities to his work.

Helman begins each custom piece with a hand-drawn sketch that brings his customer’s ideas to reality. After the customer is satisfied with his design, Helman proceeds to modeling the jewelry using state-of-the-art computer software.

He then creates a model of the jewelry using high-end 3D printers to show his customer precisely how their  final piece will appear. Once the client approves the model, Helman casts it in gold, silver or platinum and then hand sets gems to the design’s specifications.

Cortes Jewelers is a full-service jeweler and is licensed to buy gold, silver, platinum and other metals, as well as gemstones.

“Our store is ideal for anyone wanting to sell their gold and jewels, because we use what we buy in the creation of new pieces of jewelry,” said Helman.

Helman is a second-generation jeweler. His family owned jewelry stores in Temple Terrace for many years, and Helman has worked alongside his father, Leonardo, a watchmaker, since they merged their jewelry businesses 25 years ago.

“There are not very many people left with my father’s skills,” says Helman proudly. “We do all watch repairs on-site and many local stores send their watch repair work to us.”

Helman’s uncle, Melco, is also an accomplished jeweler. Because of the family’s extensive experience, Cortes Jewelers does all of its own design and repair work.

“We do everything in-house,” said Helman. “This is a business built on trust. When you come in to Cortes Jewelers you’ll deal directly with the owners, not an impersonal sales staff.”

Cortes Jewelers is located at 14911 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. They can be reached at (813) 964-5665, or at CortesJewelers.net.

– Mike Matthew

This story was written by the advertising department.

Being bald doesn’t stop Rusty Ludlow from loving to cut hair

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Rusty Ludlow is a bald man who loves hair — even though most of his receded during the 25 years he worked in hospital administration in Michigan.

Rusty Ludlow
Rusty Ludlow

Moving to Florida a decade ago gave Rusty the opportunity to launch a second career, and he chose hair styling.

“I’ve been interested in hair styling since I was young. And, I wanted to work closer to people with a more hands-on, personal touch,” says Rusty.

Being bald doesn’t concern his customers, and many have followed him from his prior salon to SmartStyle.

“My lack of hair can be a bit of an ice-breaker,” Rusty says while describing a teenage girl who sat in his chair unsure of how she wanted her hair styled.

“Would you like it longer than mine?” he asked. “The girl laughed and relaxed, which made it easier for me to offer suggestions based on my 10 years of experience.”

SmartStyle is a full-service salon located inside Wal-Mart in Lutz. It offers a complete range of services, including cuts, color, highlights and perms, in a warm and relaxing atmosphere.

Rusty was setting up his work station in preparation for his first customer the day I arrived to interview him for this story. He greeted me with a warm smile and confident handshake. As we spoke, whenever he saw a customer in the checkout line, he gave them a friendly wave. Whenever he can, he steps outside the salon to greet his clients in person.

How does SmartStyle compete with high-end salons?

“We don’t,” answered Rusty. “No appointment is needed at SmartStyle, and we’re not trying to be exclusive or upscale. We want to be affordable for the working men and women who shop at Walmart.”

“Many customers get their haircut while their spouse is shopping,” said Rusty. “You don’t need to make a special trip, and there is seldom a wait of more than 15 or 20 minutes.”

Rusty stays current with today’s hair styles and trends. Clients who are not sure what they want often ask Rusty for suggestions, and he recommends styles that best fit their lifestyles.

“My primary concern is to help people look their best,” said Rusty. “It’s not unusual for a customer to stop in and ask a ‘what do you think?’ when they’re considering a change in style.”

It’s apparent that Rusty thinks highly of the SmartStyle franchise.

“SmartStyle strives to keep its prices affordable because we want to be able to take care of the whole family,” said Rusty. “I recently was talking with a new customer who said she had called around and found that SmartStyle had the best pricing in the area.”

Hair cuts are $15.50 for men and women and include a shampoo. They have a Tuesday special for $12. Coloring starts at $45.

Rusty’s website www.hairbyrusty.com offers a coupon for $3.50 off any haircut. SmartStyle also has special discounts on its website www.smartstyle.com. In addition to discounted salon services, Rusty’s customers have access to a complete line of reasonably priced quality hair care products.

Rusty’s work schedule changes from week to week and is posted on his website. “I invite folks to give me a call or just stop by and discover what a quality haircut or other service you can get at the best prices in town,” said Rusty.

SmartStyle is located inside Walmart at 1575 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Lutz. They can be reached at (813) 909-7957.

– Mike Matthew

This story was written by the advertising department.

Dr. Craven seeing third generation of patients at his Land O’ Lakes Chiropractic Clinic

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Dr. Michael Craven has been practicing in Land O’ Lakes for so long that he is now seeing a third generation of families.

Dr. Michael Craven and his wife Linda, office manager of Craven Chiropractic Clinic.
Dr. Michael Craven and his wife Linda, office manager of Craven Chiropractic Clinic.

“There’s nothing more gratifying than knowing your patients regard you so much that they send their children and grandchildren to you,” said Dr. Craven from his Land O’ Lakes office on U.S. 41 in Black Lake Professional Office Park, located just north of the post office.

“It’s so much fun to see kids and grandchildren of previous patients, that become my patients now. That’s the greatest compliment of all,” he said.

Dr. Craven came to Land O’ Lakes in 1983 and was one of the area’s first chiropractors. His original office was in Pasco Plaza, then Village Lakes Shopping Plaza, where he built his practice serving families in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

In 2008, Dr. Craven and his wife Linda built a new office designed specifically for the needs of a modern chiropractic center. Today, they are neighbors with dentist Dr. Brian Bernier and financial planner Chris Cooper.

A 1977 graduate of the prestigious Palmer College of Chiropractic Medicine in Davenport, Iowa, Dr. Craven began his career in Tampa where he worked in a group practice for five years before opening his solo practice in Land O’ Lakes.

The Craven’s first home was on Lake Saxon in the Lake Padgett subdivision, where they raised their three children. Today they live in The Oaks subdivision off SR 54, between Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

The Craven’s children were born in Land O’ Lakes and all graduated from Land O’ Lakes High. Their oldest, Kristen, graduated in 2000 and lives in Charlotte, N.C. Son Michael graduated in 2002 and lives in Orlando, where he is a mechanical engineer working for the Department of Defense. Daughter Lacey graduated in 2004 and lives in Riverview.

Between their three children, the Craven have eight grandchildren, ages 1 to 20, who are the focus of their lives outside of the practice.

It is apparent that Dr. Craven loves being a chiropractor as much today as he did when first started out. Why does he find it so rewarding?

“When you enjoy what you do and are able to put down such deep roots in a community, it is tremendously rewarding,” said Dr. Craven.

“To see people we know at the grocery store and about town, knowing our practice has helped them and made a difference in their lives, is very fulfilling,” Linda adds. “To think that we are seeing friends of our children and now their kids – three generations — is amazing.”

Dr. Craven’s excellent care and bed- side manner has resulted in a primarily referral-based practice.

“There’s great satisfaction knowing that the person who referred a new client is so happy with his care,” said Dr. Craven.

One of the biggest challenges the Cravens have faced over the years is managed health care.

“It’s challenging making sure our patients get the care they need under the constraints of managed care,” said Dr. Craven. “We continue to improve and adapt our systems and procedures to maximize the benefits for our patients.”

Dr. Craven explains that today’s patients have different expectations of their doctor and are much better informed because of tools like the Internet.

“In addition, changes in health insur- ance often means there is more out-of-pocket expenses for patients,” said Dr. Craven. “We make every effort to give patients timely care on each visit at a reasonable fee.”

For patients who don’t have insur- ance, or are under-insured, Craven Chiropractic Clinic offers a cash discount program through membership in Chiro USA. After a $39 membership fee, new clients receive x-rays, consultation and a new patient analysis and orientation for just $139. Subsequent appointments are then discounted 50 percent.

In addition to keeping up with the latest technology and treatments, what sets Dr. Craven apart is his genuine concern and compassion for his patients and their families.

“Our goal is for every patient to feel like they have never been appreciated more as a patient than they are at my office,” said Dr. Craven.

“People are less concerned about how much you know than they are about how much you care,” he continued. “This office is based on that model, and we strive to accomplish that every day with every patient.”

Craven Chiropractic is located at 5420 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. Call them at (813) 996-9800, or visit them online at www.CravenChiropractic.com.

This story was written by the advertising department. 

Pioneer Lutz optician, Charley Chaney, re-opening optical store

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Pioneer Lutz optician, Charley Chaney, who owned and operated Keystone Optical Lab and The Eyeglass Factory for 30 years, has opened a new optical store at the former location of The Eyeglass Factory.

Charley Chaney
Charley Chaney

Conveniently located across from the Ferman Auto dealership on SR 54, just east of Oak Grove Boulevard, Charley has named his business The Optical Shop and Showroom.

“I sold my original optical business in 2008 and semi-retired, although I continued to own the building and did some part-time work for the new owner,” said Charley. “Recently that doctor moved to a different location, leaving my building empty, and I seized the opportunity to get back into the business.”

By popular demand of many of his long-time customers, Charley has decorated his new showroom with his unique display of antique radios, cameras and other Americana folk art that the original Eyeglass Factory was famous for.

“Unfortunately, we cannot bring back our two black cats, Spike and Pita, who are remembered and loved by many of our patients,” said Charley. “But we do have pictures of the cats, and they will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Returning to the practice with Charley is optometrist Dr. Kevin Smith, O.D., who did eye exams and prescribed contacts and eyeglass lenses at The Eyeglass Factory from 2002 to 2008.

“Many will remember Dr. Smith, who began with us at our old location on US 41 and Dale Mabry Highway,” said Charley. “Dr. Smith moved with us to the new building in 2005, but left in 2008 to begin a practice in south Tampa. He has always lived in the area with his family, and we are thrilled to have him back!”

Dr. Smith also provides eye exams to seniors who live in area nursing homes, bringing his services to residents where it is most convenient and comfortable for them.

Also working at The Optical Shop and Showroom are licensed opticians, Rhonda and Al. Assisting patients with their optical needs are Charley’s wife, Jeannie, and Dr. Smith’s wife, Sharon.

“Everyone here strives to provide the utmost care, consideration and quality in comfortable, unpretentious, surroundings,” said Charley. “We do every day what we have been noted for in our 30 years of operation — providing great products and service.”

Charley is a master craftsman edging and fabricating lenses so that a lens perfectly matches its prescription and frames.

“I have 55 years experience grinding lenses and making lenses fit per- fectly to the frames,” said Charley. “My experience and expertise is so refined that I can image what a lens will look like and how it should be fabricated just by looking at the pre- scription.”

To celebrate the opening of The Optical Shop and Showroom, Charley, Dr. Smith and their entire team invite their many friends and patients from the past three decades to attend their Grand Re-Opening Celebration this Saturday, June 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We will be celebrating our new business with the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting, snacks and drinks,” said Charley. “We can’t wait to see many of our old friends and customers.”

The Optical Shop and Showroom is located at 24444 State Road 54, Lutz. They can be reached at (813) 909-7200.

This story was written by the advertising department. 

Great Location and Unique Services at Compass Self Storage

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You will never think of the storage industry as mundane ever again after meeting the local managers of Compass Self Storage on Bruce B Downs in north Tampa.

Jeremy Jones, General Manager & Michelle Traxler, Manager of the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. location
Jeremy Jones, General Manager & Michelle Traxler, Manager of the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. location

Its trio of managers, Jeremy Jones, Gus Maragliano and Christina Jacome, excitedly spout all the reasons why Compass is the best place to securely store your items and the best place to work.

“We’re a different kind of storage place — one where we help people find the best storage solution for their needs,” said Gus, Florida District Manager. “I’ve worked for this company since 1991 and wouldn’t still be here if we didn’t treat our customers and employees right.”

Compass Self Storage is new to Tampa. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, its parent company has been in operation since 1928, first as a construction company and now with a focus on real estate holdings. Its Compass Self Storage brand has 33 locations east of the Mississippi, including nine communities in Florida.

Compass entered the Tampa market in 2007, first by buying a multi-level storage facility in Lutz on north Dale Mabry just south of County Line Road. Its second purchase was the Bruce B Downs facility just north of Bearss Avenue.

“This location is great because of our proximity to Tampa Palms and other New Tampa communities,” said store manager Jeremy. “Plus, we’re in the midst of USF student housing and the medical community at Florida Hospital, Haley’s Veteran Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center.”

Unique to the New Tampa location is an official US Post Office in the lobby of its front office, with pick up twice a day for outgoing mail.

“The post office is a super convenience for our customers as well as the surrounding community,” said Jeremy. Another unique service is Penske Truck rentals.

“Because we have so many students in the area, truck rentals are always in demand,” said Jeremy. “Penske’s central reservation system allows people to reserve and pay for a truck on line, which students love.”

About 40 percent of the 650 units at the New Tampa location are rented by nearby families and students, said Jeremy. The business community, especially medical services, rents another 40 percent of the units and the balance go to people needing storage because they are moving or in-between moves.

Occupancy at Compass Self Storage is always high, usually more than 90 percent, because its staff is genuinely focused on customer service and helping people find the best solu- tion to their storage problem.

“This is a tough business to be in and we go to great length to serve our customers to make the process of renting a unit as affordable and easy as possible,” said Gus. “The staff has a great time working here and it really shows. They love what they do and love helping customers.”

Every unit at Compass Self Storage is climate controlled and located inside the building behind a high- security wall. The property is clean and well maintained, something that is not always found in the self-storage industry.

Security is a huge concern in storage, and Compass provides the highest level with 24-hour surveillance and 16 perimeter cameras.

“One of the first things we did after buying the New Tampa location was to add more security and become involved in the community,” said Christina, marketing manager for Compass’ Tampa facilities.

Compass Self Storage is a member of three chambers of commerce — Central Pasco, New Tampa and Temple Terrace. Christina and the other managers are active members of threes groups and other service organizations. On a corporate level, Compass Self Storage supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and recently raised $20,000 for the charity.

Visit Compass Self Storage at 14529 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa. Call them at (813) 280-5011, or visit them online at CompassSelfStorage.com.

This story was written by the advertising department.