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A New Look For 2021 From Tampa Surgical Arts

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Tampa Surgical Arts offers cosmetic treatments that give patients confidence and makes them look years younger. Two of the practice’s most popular procedures are the Brazilian Butt Lift, and facelifts for the lower neck and face.

Manik S. Bedi, MD, DDS

“I love being able to sculpt people’s bodies and help them achieve the curves they always wanted to have, or get rid of stubborn fat,” says medical director Dr. Manik S. Bedi, who is a triple-board-certified surgeon with cosmetic and oral/maxillofacial surgery certificates, and a doctorate of dental surgery.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
A BBL enhances a patient’s backside by lifting, firming and correcting any physical imbalances to increase its overall size. Dr. Bedi harvests fat from the stomach and love handles, carefully injects it into the buttocks, and then sculpts the fat to create a rounder, curvier look.

“Unlike a traditional butt lift, with a BBL there’s no actual lifting,” explains Dr. Bedi. “It’s just making the waist smaller and the butt larger by injecting your own fat, which results in a more natural, but still lifted look.”

After surgery, a BBL patient typically feels sore for a week or two, and can return to work after that. Dr. Bedi says that 60% to 80% of the swelling is gone within the first eight weeks, and the patient is fully recovered within six to nine months.

“And, as long as you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the results will last a lifetime,” says Dr. Bedi.

You can also have stubborn fat removed at Tampa Surgical Arts.

“Sometimes excess fat is genetic. So, no matter how much you work out and lose weight, you still might have some of that stubborn fat on your stomach or neck that you just won’t be able to lose. That’s where our procedures come in handy,” Dr. Bedi explains.

Both men and women benefit from BBL procedures.

“I had a male patient come in and his exact words were: ‘I just want to wear pants and not have them fall down.’ The result of the procedure for men is an athletic, squared look,” says Dr. Bedi.

Lower Neck and Facelifts
Surgical lifts are ideal for someone wanting to tighten a sagging jawline, remove the “marionette” lines between their nose and the corners of their mouth, or improve a tired appearance.

This procedure involves removing any excess fat and tightening the skin by pulling it up and back. All incisions are made behind the ears, so they are easily hidden from view.

“On average, the procedure will make you look eight to 10 years younger,” says Dr. Bedi, “You will still look like yourself, just much more refreshed.” An ideal candidate for a lift is someone in their 40s through 60s.

After the surgery, patients will experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort, and should expect to spend at least a week out of work. Dr. Bedi says that 60% to 80% of swelling will be gone in six weeks, with final results in three to four months.

Special Offer
In January, all facelift patients will get free fat grafting, called a “Lift N Fill” technique. This is when Dr. Bedi will inject fat from your body into places on your face, such as below the eyes and in the cheeks, where volume has been lost.

Tampa Surgical Arts
17751 Gunn Highway, Odessa, FL 33556
813-694-7242
TampaSurgicalArts.com

Have YOUR Fresh Start in 2021

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As we look back at 2020 and prepare for a new year, this is the perfect time to regroup and seize opportunities for a fresh start, and take charge of your health and fitness.

As you write your story and start a new chapter in your life, look ahead so you can have a better story in the end. Think about the lessons learned this past year, and move forward without carrying the negativity with you.

Samantha Taylor

While we know that the New Year will not erase the effects of the virus, neither will the virus suddenly end. But you can make changes that will have a profound positive affect on your life. I encourage you to choose 2021 as the year to renew your health and fitness!

Being healthy and physically fit can help you to have a robust immune system, which will allow your body to better fight off disease. Focusing on your health can help you minimize your risks of serious illness, and if you were to become ill, your health status can influence side effects that you may experience. In fact, CDC data suggests that while most people do recover from this virus, the majority of those who experience severe illness have complicating pre-existing health issues.

Some of the best ways you can help your immune system is to make healthy food choices, keep your blood sugar under control and shed body fat. CDC data shows correlations between obesity and diabetes, and the severity of the virus. It’s up to you to take responsibility for your health and work towards improving your blood sugar numbers or your weight status.

If you don’t start off the new year with health and fitness in mind, you can quickly get very busy with life, and keep telling yourself that you are going to do it tomorrow. We all know that tomorrow never actually gets here, because it is always today.

So, take action now! Make a decision for your health and fitness that YOU are going to make a change for 2021, and start to take care of your body and health!  Happy New Year – 2021!

Samantha Taylor Fitness
813-377-3739
SamanthaTaylorFitness.com

Published January 06, 2021

ICI Homes’ Exclusive Builder In Asturia’s Final Phase

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If you dream of building a new home in Pasco County’s in-demand State Road 54 corridor, look no further than the final phase of Asturia in Odessa.

ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious builders — has been chosen as the exclusive builder in Asturia’s final phase, with 23 over-sized homesites in this exclusive community located just minutes from the Suncoast Parkway.

“We are so excited to have these final homesites in Asturia, where we have been building beautiful homes for area families since 2017,” said Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “These new homesites are some of the prettiest in all of Asturia, with many backing up to conservation, and all offering privacy and quick access to State Road 54.”

Phase 4 road construction and infrastructure are underway, and ICI Homes is now offering pre-construction sales to its VIP families.

“Because of Asturia’s stellar reputation as a great place to live, we are anticipating a huge demand for these new homesites” said Jones. “These are the final lots in this highly desirable community, and we expect them to sell fast. We encourage people to call today for a VIP appointment to secure their desirable homesite before they are gone.”

Asturia is situated on 500 pristine acres in central Pasco on the north side of State Road 54. Setting it apart from other master-planned communities is Asturia’s manageable size of just 550 homes. It is a friendly, walkable development that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle with its many trails, walkways, parks and recreational amenities.

Outstanding schools are another top reason why families chose Asturia. Children attend some of the best schools in the county, including Odessa Elementary, Seven Springs Middle School and J.W. Mitchell High School. All three schools have received a minimum A or B school grade for the last three years.

ICI Homes is building several floor plans in Asturia. After its final 23 homes are completed, it will close out all new construction in the community, which began development in 2016.

Many of ICI Homes will back up to incredible wilderness views of wetlands, cypress trees and rolling ranchland. Wildlife is everywhere, and residents will enjoy connecting community trails perfect for bird-watching, and to see deer, gopher tortoises, racoons and other native animals.

ICI Homes has chosen its most popular one- and two- story floor plans for Asturia, all with family friendly layouts, where cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining happen cohesively. Homes feature an abundance of windows that bring the outside in.

Floor plans include the Costa Mesa, which also is its model home, that is open now for folks who want to stop by to get more information about Phase 4 from Rich Driver, ICI Home’s dedicated and longtime sales representative for Asturia.

The Costa Mesa is a one-story home that showcases 2,565 square feet of living area, with four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. It is designed for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children, and empty-nesters.

“The Costa Mesa’s open floor plan is perfect for entertaining,” said Driver. “Its gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room are one expansive space highlighted by lots of windows that capture tons of natural light.”

The model is located at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. All COVID-19 safety restrictions are in place, including masks and social distancing. To schedule your VIP appointment, stop by the model to see Rich, call (813) 252-1108, or go to ICIHomes.com.

Lake Jovita and Persimmon Park
ICI Homes also is accepting VIP reservations for new homesites in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City, and continues to build homes in Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch community. Both communities are tremendously successful and are attracting families of all kinds because of their unique ICI design features and community amenities.

A new Lake Jovita Sales Center has recently opened at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526. The model center at Persimmon Park is located at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.

Since ICI Homes was established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, and has earned several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

Published December 30, 2020

It’s Time To Get Your Flu Vaccination

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Yearly influenza vaccinations are extremely important because it builds the body’s immune system to respond and fight off viral infection. And getting a flu shot this year takes on added importance because flu and new coronavirus symptoms are nearly identical.

“I recommend yearly vaccinations, but if a person hasn’t had one in a while, this year is the year to do it,” said Steve Lee, M.D., president of the Conviva Physician Group, a physician-led network operating in nine markets in Florida and Texas.

“We specialize in the care of seniors, and since they fall into the high-risk category, I encourage our patients and the general public to get vaccinated to protect against this highly contagious virus,”  he said.

People who receive an annual flu shots normally have very few side effects, unless a new, significantly different strain of vaccine is introduced. Based on epidemiological tracking studies, the human body builds up a substantial immune system response to combat influenza when vaccinations are received annually.

“I encourage everyone not to wait until flu season is in full swing, and to get their vaccinations now,” said Dr. Lee. “Flu seasons varies from temperate to the tropical climates, and a variety of vaccines are available this year,” he said. “It’s important that people check with their primary care doctor, who will advise them on which vaccine they need for the best protection.”

The Center for Disease Control also recommends that the earlier a person receives a flu shot, the better. Immunity to the virus may last up to six months, in most cases. The flu season predictably lasts into late spring, and typically peaks between December and February.

The perception of the effectiveness of flu vaccines has varied over the years. The shift in consciousness toward getting flu shots was uneven at best prior to the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flue in the 1970s. Up to that point, many people were fairly apathetic about getting a flu shot, but the epidemic triggered a rush to receive vaccinations.

“We went from being a very naive population, to a highly immunized population almost overnight,” said William Russell, M.D., managing partner of Conviva Palm Beach.

With a focus on cellular technology, vaccines are now purified to a much higher degree to genetically characterize strains. This indicates a significant improvement in the vaccine’s profile, and provides additional protection and additional choices.

To learn more, visit ConvivaCareCenters.com, or call 1-833-CONVIVA.

Published December 16, 2020

How Kia of Wesley Chapel Is Giving Back This Holiday Season

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Collecting Bikes for Kids
Kia of Wesley Chapel is teaming up with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to collect bikes for students at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School.

“We’re so excited to partner with the YMCA on this because they have a fantastic grasp on what the local community needs,” says Emily Brun, community coordinator at Kia of Wesley Chapel.

Sulphur Springs is a Tampa neighborhood where many families need help getting children to and from school. These holiday bikes will be a safe way for these kids to get to school every day.

“Besides putting a smile on a child’s face during this challenging year, what better way than on a brand new bike to stay healthy, get outside, and ride with their friends to school or the park,” says Brun.

Kia of Wesley Chapel is collecting new bicycle donations from Friday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 20. The dealership is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.

Staff from Kia of Wesley Chapel recently volunteered at Helping Hands Food Pantry, working together to feed 373 families.

Kia Staff Volunteer At Helping Hands Food Pantry
On Nov. 18, Kia employees volunteered at the Helping Hands Food Pantry located at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel. Together, they were able to feed 373 families, which was the largest distribution in the food pantry’s 10-year history.

Kia of Wesley Chapel recently hosted its Salute to Veterans Food Drive. From the left: employee Israel Santiago, General Manager Sean Visconte, Community Coordinator Emily Brun, West Tampa Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Member Mary McColgan, Stano Foundation President Paula Stano, and employee Sal Cris.

“After seeing just how many families we were able to help, we’ve decided to volunteer at the pantry at least once a month from now on,” says Sean Visconte, general manager at Kia of Wesley Chapel.

The food pantry is open every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each vehicle can receive food for up to two families.

Kia of Wesley Chapel also recently donated food during its annual Salute to Veterans Food Drive, partnering with the Stano Foundation, a Wesley Chapel nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans.

Over four boxes of food was donated to the West Tampa Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Unit 248 that operates a food pantry for area veterans.

Supporting Habitat for Humanity
In honor of the recent #GivingTuesday holiday, Kia of Wesley Chapel donated $100 to Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco. As a way of saying thanks, the nonprofit dropped off a stud at the dealership for Kia’s staff to decorate for the holidays. Afterwards, it will be a part of the frame work of a new home being built by Habitat for Humanity.

“Our entire team is writing encouraging words on the stud,” says Emily Brun, the dealership’s community coordinator. It’s so cool that it will forever be part of a home.”

Published December 09, 2020

Life after Rehab and Home Health

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If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.

Life was good until you ended up in the hospital from an unexpected illness — perhaps from pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, an unexpected surgery, a scheduled surgery or even COVID-19. After your hospital stay, you thought you would be well enough to manage the rest of your life without any further health complications.

Morpheus Wellness co-founders, Dean Flores and Lynda Parks, have over 30 years of combined experience in the fields of physical therapy, fitness, health and wellness, working primarily with older patients. Dean and Lynda’s unique combination of holistic and clinical approach led them to create a program that molds personal preferences and likes around the wellness/ fitness program, turning it more into an experience than a workout. The Morpheus Wellness Team, from the left: Emily Maguire, occupational therapist; Dean Flores, physical therapist; Linda Parks, physical therapist and Brittany Wingo, speech pathologist.

When you were discharged, your doctors may have prescribed rehabilitation or home health therapy involving physical, occupational and/or speech language pathologists. These health care professionals taught you exercises to help you recover so you can return to your prior level of function. And, after your rehab was completed, you were given a home exercise program and were set to go.

This sounds pretty easy, right? All you needed to do was follow the plan and everything would be fine. Unfortunately, being consistent, safe and compliant with a home exercise program is not as easy as it sounds, and non-compliance is one of the main reasons affecting your recovery.

Adherence to home exercise programs after rehabilitation is a significant problem, with estimates of non-compliance as high as 50 percent. Even those who try to follow their program often have difficulties completing their exercises and the recommended repetitions.

Patients have many perceived barriers that prevent them from adhering to their exercise plans, including forgetting to exercise, not having time, not fitting into their daily routine, work schedules and transportation.

As rehab specialists, we understand that cognitive, behavioral and physical barriers affect a patient’s willingness to adhere to their prescribed exercise program. But we also understand its importance.

If you fail to adhere to your prescribed exercise program, it may extend the duration of your treatment plan, and also make it less effective. A number of studies have linked strong exercise adherence to improved treatment outcome in patients experiencing neck and back pain and osteoarthritis symptoms.

There is also lots of evidence that physical activity prevents disablement and disease in the older adult, and that physical activity reduces falls and fall injuries by 35 to 45 percent. The benefits of physical activity also extend to a reduction of risks associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and anxiety/ depression. It can also delay cognitive impairment, improve sleep and prevent unhealthy weight gain.

So, how can you stick to your program? It begins with changing your attitude toward exercise. How many times have you heard, “When we’re young, we work out to look good. As we get older, we work out to survive.”

The good news is that you have options after rehab or home health to help you maintain consistency in your program.

At Morpheus Wellness, we provide a safe, holistic and effective means of continuing fitness after rehab and home health. We encourage and promote an active lifestyle as you age, while integrating your interests, hobbies and/or athletic activities into a personalized program. Physical activities often used for older adults include aerobic, strength, flexibility and balance exercises.

The staff at Morpheus Wellness incorporate a strategy of supervision, feedback and reinforcement provided by a wellness coach, private pay physical therapist or personal trainer.

By providing good feedback, motivation and sound coaching, there is increased adherence in home-based exercises, because patients know they are performing their task correctly.

While family members or home care aides are almost always well intentioned, they may not be trained and prepared to help perform or correct exercises established by the therapist. And, they may increase the risk of injury by not recognizing unsafe movements/mobility or not be able to identify poor technique.

Exercise and physical activity is one of the main pillars of healthy habits, in combination with sleep, nutrition and mental health. Like the poet Diane Ackerman wrote, “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.”

Visit MorpheusWellness.com, or call 813-586-0542.

Published December 02, 2020

Mulligan Financial Helps Businesses Grow By Securing Low Interest Debt

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This past spring, Dade City resident Jennifer Mulligan found herself at a crossroads like a lot of people because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“As terrible as the virus is, there was also a silver lining, because it allowed me to step back, reflect and set new goals for myself,” said Mulligan.

Although not yet 40 years old, Mulligan had a bucket list of things she wanted to accomplish. She had spent 20 years in a fast-track banking career, starting as a teller and rising to positions at J.P. Morgan Chase, PNC Bank, Bank of America and Synovus Bank, with responsibilities that included market president, mergers and acquisitions, and establishing a small business banking team.

And, while her career was skyrocketing in Tampa Bay and later Chicago, Mulligan also was a single mom raising a daughter.

“By the time COVID happened, my daughter was 20 and married, and I had just finished building a new home. So, I finally had time to do things I had dreamed about for several years — beginning with writing a book,” said Mulligan.

In less than six months, Mulligan wrote her book, “You’re The Best Investment,” hired a publisher and, on Nov. 19, hosted a book launch with four other women authors at the Tampa Club.

“I had overcome adversity, and accomplished much during my 20 years of banking, and wanted to share my story in the hopes it would inspire other women. I believed if I could do it, other women could, too,” she said.

The book begins with Mulligan becoming a mother at 17, and ends with the opening of her financial brokerage firm this past September. She chose her book’s title because from the day she started her first job, she believed nothing was more important to her future than investing in herself.

“I wanted to share the empowering skills I learned in cheerleading, in the corporate world, and as a mentor and coach – skills that helped make me successful in a very competitive, and primarily male, business world,” said Mulligan.

Launching Mulligan Financial
As Mulligan was writing her book, she also began developing the outline for a new business to help small businesses apply for and receive funding for growth and stability.

“I discovered there were many people with similar banking and financial backgrounds, who also were pivoting in their careers due to COVID,” said Mulligan. “Soon, I had seven experienced professionals wanting to join my team, and we opened with offices throughout Florida, including South Florida, Orlando and Tampa Bay.”

Local consultants working with Mulligan are Katherine Ziolkowski and William Tessaro in Dade City, Rick Soriano in Wesley Chapel and Arielle Zapotta in South Tampa.

Operating as financial brokers, Mulligan and her team find funding for businesses who want to take on debt to buy equipment needed for expansion, support payroll during growth, buy/renovate commercial real estate (owner occupied or not), open a franchise and other opportunities. They also help businesses apply for SBA loans, including Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) applications.

“We shop the best terms for a business, and present the loan to traditional banks for conventional loans, SBAb501c and PPP loans, and also funding from private investors and equity funds,” said Mulligan.

Many business owners begin their search for financing with the bank that holds their operating and savings accounts. Often, however, their application is denied, explains Mulligan.

“It’s not unusual for a bank to turn down a small business loan — not because there is anything wrong with the applicant, but because the loan doesn’t fit with the business mix the bank is looking for,” said Mulligan.  “And, after your bank turns you down, a business owner often loses confidence and doesn’t look elsewhere for funding.”

Mulligan continues that banks have appetites for different kinds of businesses, and often are unable to fund start-ups or conventional loans because of banking regulations.

“But, private investors don’t have the same restraints, and will often loan a business money after it is turned down by the company’s bank,” she said.

Mulligan Financial helps businesses in several categories, including medical practices, technology companies, franchises, manufacturing, commercial real estate, assisted living/managed care and homebuilders. The firm also works with businesses to consolidate or restructure their debt to lower interest rates.

The company typically works with loans beginning at $500,000, equally divided between new loans and loans being refinanced to take advantage of record low interest rates.

Mulligan is proud to be a recent nominee as an “Inspiring FinTech Female of 2020,” a national organization with 5,000-plus members that recognizes women who are transforming financial technology firms, and are advocates for women and gender equality.

If you are looking for financial services for your business, go to MulliganFinancialService.com, call Jennifer Mulligan at (813) 480-1210, or email .

Published November 25, 2020

Our Residents Loving Living At Club Wildwood

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Adults age 55-plus are discovering Club Wildwood in Hudson as an ideal community to call home because of its beautiful manufactured homes, first-class amenities (including an 85,000-gallon pool with relaxing waterfall), and an enviable location just minutes from the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.

At 478 homes, Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County.  With so many residents, there is always something to enjoy, from water aerobics in its Olympic-size swimming pool, to twice-a-week bingo and weekly happy hours. Residents are friendly and welcome newcomers to all activities and clubs.

This exceptionally maintained park has re-sale homes priced from $20,000 to $85,000. New homes also are available for sale or lease, and begin in the low $90s. All homes are double-wide, and offer two or three bedrooms, two baths and an attached carport and storage area. Most existing homes have been updated with the latest design styles, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

Many of the community’s newest residents are moving from central and east Pasco, because living at Club Wildwood often costs less than renting an apartment, and its location on U.S. 19 makes it easy to get to work, shop and enjoy area attractions. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is less than $700, and includes city water, trash, sewer, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

In addition to its exceptionally large pool and deck, Club Wildwood has a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. There’s even a dog run area for pets  and a large catch-and-release fishing lake for anglers.

The community’s spacious clubhouse includes a small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables. Regular activities including bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing, and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open heart surgery program.

Contact Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at (866) 799-6706 or .

Published July 29, 2020

You Can Help Stop The Cycle Of Poverty

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Wacinque A.K. BeMende has a vision he wants to share with you — that there is an innovative way to stop the cycle of poverty — and he’s asking for your help to spread the word.

He is on a mission to help the 40% of Americans who do not have a savings or checking account, people often called the “unbanked,” to open accounts at local banks and credit unions.

Wacinque A. K. BeMende, Chief Poverty Consultant, KaizenRhino Solutions International Consultancy

“Without a banking account, you cannot take the very first step of helping yourself, which begins with saving money, even if it’s just $5 a week,” explains BeMende. “The key is investment accounts that earn dividends, while holding on to the original stock to compound interest and increase in value over the years.”

“It’s been proven that welfare does not work, and ultimately leads to generations of poverty,” continues BeMende. “We have created a system that is not an entitlement program, is politically neutral because it is not supported by taxes, and is not dependent on consumer debt.”

BeMende’s company, KaizenRhino Solutions, is working to establish an international standard of asset ownership that can be used as a tool to help solve issues surrounding poverty and income inequalities. To bring this standard to the political forefront, BeMende is asking people to sign a Change.org petition requesting that governments worldwide adopt this international standard.

“We need people like you to sign our petition to make our voice stronger, to help us implement the change needed to break the poverty cycle,” said BeMende. “The petition asks only for your name and signature. Your information will not be used for any other purpose.”

To sign the petition against poverty, and to review BeMende’s Asset Ownership Standard, go to: http://chng.it/KQczCdfyPr.

The mission of KaizenRhino Solutions is to solve the problem of multigenerational poverty by reducing the number of unbanked individuals to ZERO, and to encourage individual ownership of income-generating dividend stocks.

“The first generation that opens savings accounts and invest, breaks the cycle of poverty, and the next generation will see even bigger gains and keep families off the welfare merry-go-round,” said BeMende.

BeMende’s company educates you about self-directed Global Permanent Investment Accounts (GPIA), which is comprised of any number of dividend-paying stocks that generate income while allowing the principal to build over time.

BeMende founded KaizenRhino Solutions International and established the GPIA account in 2016 when he retired from the Armed Services after a 40-year military career, where he served in the Marines, Air Force, Army and National Guard.

When he retired, BeMende could have lived an affluent life of leisure, but instead started his business aimed at helping people get off welfare. To make the company’s name memorable, he incorporated the name of his favorite animal, the rhinoceros, which also became its mascot. BeMende even has a fun, model toy of a plastic purple rhino mounted on top of a piggy bank, but with the money slots for saving in the rhino, named GPIA Saver, not the pig.

“I knew what it was like growing up on welfare, and I wanted to help people change their course in life,” he said. “I want to teach people how finance and investing is open to everybody, and show them how they can create their own wealth,” says BeMende.

“Our country needs a solution that is sustainable, and owning dividend-paying stocks allows individuals to build principal over time, and create a source of income for generations to come.”

BeMende studied banking and finance and received his bachelor’s degree from Upper Iowa University. His master’s concentration was in adult education, and he was an adjunct instructor of personal finance management at Central Texas Community College.

BeMende has completed numerous continuing education programs in entrepreneurship, financial education and human resources. Most recently, he participated in the STRIVE (Startup Training Resources Inspiring Veteran Entrepreneurship) program at Hillsborough Community College.

BeMende, who grew up in Nashville’s poorest neighborhood, tells the story of a favorite high school teacher who loved the stock market almanac by Yale Hirsch, and taught his class the history of the stock market and the principles behind compounding.

“His message stuck, and I became a dividend stock investor, beginning with saving just a few dollars a week. When I pass on, my military retirement pay will end, but bequeathing allows my income from investments to put a smile on someone’s face for a very long time,” BeMende says.

KaizenRhino Solutions International Consultancy
Creator of GPIA “income for generations and generations to come”
575-650-8728

Published June 17, 2020

Announcing our Father’s Day Contest!

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Laker/Lutz News staff member Mary Eberhard dances with her father, Bob Hathaway, at her wedding in 1985. (Courtesy of Mary Eberhard)

“Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.” – Proverb

With Father’s Day just around the corner, The Laker/Lutz News wants to celebrate all the amazing dads out there by giving THREE dads the ultimate Father’s Day gift! Here’s how to enter:

The winners will receive gift certificates to local businesses in the area — the perfect gift to give your dad. Good luck!