May 24, 2013

The Benefits of Asset Management

Q: What types of asset management are there, and why is their growth important?

A: There are many forms of asset management. These include physical asset management, fixed assets management, infrastructure assets management, IT asset management and digital asset management. The best asset management should achieve a number of different goals.

Operating and sustaining these assets within a budget requires some form of prioritization. First, it must help managers maximize the potential of their assets. It must also indicate which assets need further attention, along with the assets that have failed to produce.

Quite simply, asset management encourages all involved to seek better value from the company’s assets. In the end, this process will increase productivity and improve competitive performance.

Q: What tools are necessary in asset management?

A: The tools used for asset management should offer the calculation of risks associated with assets. They will also provide necessary data storage and an accurate control over inventory. Given constantly changing technology and the wealth of competition, smart decision-making is crucial in asset management.

The most successful asset management requires that both the intangible and physical assets of an organization are used to their fullest potential. This strategy runs across any number of disciplines, from engineering to production, to administration and information management.

Q: How should a company start the asset management process?

A: Asset management growth doesn’t happen overnight. Although the process might seem difficult at first, the results are worth it. Asset management continues to undergo an evolution, and the most successful industry experts will comprehend this. Only then will the strongest results for the whole organization be possible. Both production and labor will be more efficient, the cost of owning fixed assets will be reduced, and the downtime on facilities and equipment will be minimized.

At this point, a company is then given the chance to address areas that require improvement, asking for assistance from its trusted management solution experts to use beneficial management tools. Many public asset management firms provide help in establishing an effective process.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

JustFab.com Hot Denim Trends

JustFab.com

JustFab.com

Here at JustFab.com, denim is one of our wardrobe VIPs. We all have our favorite pair of JustFab.com jeans that go with just about everything from a worn-in, slouchy sweatshirt to a sexy statement pair of JustFab.com heels. Our online boutique features an array of denim options including classic styles and the latest trends. Whether you’re in the market for a pleasing fit or a pop of bright color, the fashion experts at JustFab.com have curated the best in jeans to help you find your ultimate pair.

For an easy summer jean, look no further than JustFab.com’s Cool Crop. Available in dazzling colors – Carribean and Fire Coral – it features sumptuous stretchy fabric and a sleek, slimming look. This style showcases  a shorter inseam, it sits at the natural waistline and accentuates your curves. This JustFab.com style is cropped above ankle length and just right for slipping on with a sexy JustFab.com summer sandal or a skyscraper heel.

The Signature Skinny Brights is a springtime staple. This JustFab.com jean is made from a luxe, soft fabric and is incredibly flattering for all body-types.  Available in three bold colors, Brite Pink, Lime Punch and Diva Blue, it’s a warm weather layering piece that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Sleek and slimming, JustFab.com created a well-made denim staple that will brighten your look and your attitude.

JustFab.com’s Killer Cutoffs are the perfect fit for a multitude of summer looks. Throw on over your bikini for a quick cover-up or wear with a button down for a day of running around – the possibilities are endless. Made of ultra-soft and luxurious premium denim, they not only feel great but highlight your assets with strategically positioned back pockets that lift and shape the rear. JustFab.com offers classic color choices like White and Blue Lagoon and on-trend hues including Iris and Green Envy.

The Signature Skinny Printed is JustFab.com’s take on the red-hot print pants trend. With an amazing array of options ranging from pretty romantic fresh florals to retro blue and white polka dots, there truly is a JustFab.com print for every look. Wear with a chambray shirt or weathered white tee to focus the attention on these pleasing prints, and pair with some JustFab.com killer heels or open-toe wedges to take this casual look to the next level.

All denim on JustFab.com is available for $39.95 or less with free shipping and exchanges.  Add a pair of denim to a regular order of $39.95 and get a pair for only $29.95.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Charles Brennan Brings the Gift of Music to Kids in South Dakota

Charles Brennan

Charles Brennan

Charles Brennan, a Las Vegas, Nevada based entrepreneur, philanthropist, and longtime rock and roll enthusiast recently opened the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy with the Boys and Girls Club of Sioux Empire.  With a little help from several big-name friends, Charles Brennan presented a weeklong celebration to mark this grand occasion. Here, Interviewing Experts talks with Charles Brennan about this new program for kids.

Interviewing Experts:  Thanks so much for joining us today!  Please tell readers about this phenomenal program.

Charles Brennan:  This program means the world to me.  Through the Rock and Roll Academy, we are giving kids in need access to music lessons, equipment, and performance opportunities.

Interviewing Experts:  How did the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy come to be?

Charles Brennan:  I was in the business for years and have made some really good friends in the music industry.  After discussions with Alice Cooper and my son, who attended the School of Rock in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy was born.

Interviewing Experts:  Were you a performer?

Charles Brennan:  No, I never mastered an instrument, so I managed bands, opened a venue and promoted concerts.

Interviewing Experts:  Why Sioux Falls?

Charles Brennan:  I’ve lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for years, but Sioux Falls is my hometown.  I am so fortunate to be able to bring this program to kids in my old neighborhood.  I grew up just 6 blocks from the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy.

Interviewing Experts:  How do kids get involved?

Charles Brennan:  The Rock and Roll Academy will serve the kids who are members of the Boys and Girls Club of the Sioux Empire.

Interviewing Experts:  Tell readers exactly what kids will be learning at the Academy?

Charles Brennan:  Everything we do will be focused on rock and roll.  Kids will take weekly music lessons on guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and/or vocals and will rehearse with a band each week.

Interviewing Experts:  Will the kids perform as well?

Charles Brennan:  Yes, kids will have the opportunity to perform in front of a live crowd, just like real rock stars.

Interviewing Experts:  Incredible!  Tell readers what happened during the grand opening week.

Charles Brennan:  Some of my good friends performed to help open the Rock and Roll Academy in style.  George Lopez, Louie Anderson, Night Ranger, the “Pawn Stars”, Alice Cooper, and some members of Ratt, Warrant, the Doors, and Motley Crew all made appearances.  Even Gene Simmons of KISS made a surprise appearance on March 30th and performed.

Interviewing Experts:  How did the community get involved?

Charles Brennan:  The kick-off concerts were open to the public.  The facility was open for tours on Friday and, with a phone call ahead, visitors are welcome anytime.

Interviewing Experts:  What are you hoping the Brennan Rock and Roll Academy will accomplish?

Charles Brennan:  At the very heart of this program, we are committed to helping kids dream big and be successful in life.  Maybe they become rock stars, maybe not.  The journey, through lessons, teamwork, and performance, will give them skills that will guide them through life.  That’s what’s important.

Charles Brennan, former owner of The Blitz Ballroom and concert promoter, is the Founder and CEO of Las Vegas, Nevada based Dollar Loan Center and founder of Clark County Collection Services.  Charles Brennan and his family reside in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Matt Schilit on Incorporating iPads into the Life of a School Administrator

Matt Schilit

Matt Schilit

Matt Schilit is a longtime school administrator, having served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.  In his current position with the Allendale County School District in South Carolina, Matt Schilit supervises all data, evaluation and testing. Since testing is an integral part of a school’s funding, it is important for school systems to find leaders such at Matt Schilit with extensive experience in the classroom environment.

Recently, Matt Schilit sat down for a conversation about the exciting new opportunities that technology, such as the Apple iPad, can bring to the school administrator’s job performance.

Interviewing Experts: Matt Schilit, you have voiced a great deal of enthusiasm about the Apple iPad. How is it so different from a laptop computer?

Matt Schilit:  It is the portability and wide variety of applications that set the iPad apart.  It used to seem so easy to bring a laptop into a meeting but now even that seems clunky and old-school!  The iPad is so small I can take it with me wherever I go and access all its amazing applications.

Interviewing Experts: Matt Schilit, what kind of applications do you refer to?

Matt Schilit:  With communication apps such as Skype and Google Talk, I can go anywhere in the school or off campus and still stay in touch with my staff, including every teacher in every classroom! And I am totally connected to the outside world as well.

Interviewing Experts: Matt Schilit, how about the increased ability to be away from your office; is there a downside to that?

Matt Schilit:  Not really.  With applications like Dropbox, Google Docs, and Docs to Go, I have access to all my documents stored in the Cloud. I can type a letter to a parent, save it to my Google Docs or Dropbox and have immediate access to that document using my Docs to Go app.  Back in the office I can then edit, print and send it.

Interviewing Experts: Matt Schilit, are you also able to access shared documents?

Matt Schilit:  Yes, of course.  With those same applications I have access to my entire professional document library, also stored in the Cloud.   I have immediate access to all official school documents such as the Student Handbook.

Interviewing Experts: Matt Schilit, is there any other plus to using this new technology?

Matt Schilit:  Well, besides the general boost to organizational efficiency, there is an image element as well.  Carrying and using an iPad as an administrator shows how much you as the leader embrace technology as it makes your job easier while you lead the school.  It’s inspiring to the teachers and students.

Matt Schilit holds a BA in Physical Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina.

 

 

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Just Fab Shines with Jessica Paster

Just Fab

Just Fab

Just Fab, the popular e-tailer revolutionizing the online shopping experience, offers a winning combination of celebrity style, wide selection and simplistic ordering.  Just Fab designs, produces, and sells all of its own shoes, handbags, denim and accessories, passing the savings on to shoppers by eliminating the middleman.   Just Fab items are just $39.95 or less and shipping is always free.  With over 11 million members and growing, Just Fab has changed the online retail landscape.

At the heart of Just Fab’s success is their über talented Chief Stylist, Jessica Paster.  For over 16 years, Jessica Paster has been dressing celebrities, including movie stars Emily Blunt, Eva Longoria, and Cate Blanchett.  She has also worked with world-class musicians, including Mariah Carey and Hilary Duff.  Just Fab members have also benefitted from Ms. Paster’s star-studded friendships with such celebrities as Avril Lavigne, the pop-punk princess turned designer, who developed the Abbey Dawn Collection for Just Fab.

Just Fab attributes much of Jessica Paster’s success to the winning combination of great taste and hard work that has allowed her to work in film, television and advertising.  She has been featured on MTV and E! On the Red Carpet for her expert eye for all things fashionable.  Celebrities who have worked with Just Fab and Jessica Paster appreciate her fashion sense without the pretense that so often comes with the business.

As the Chief Stylist for Just Fab, Jessica Paster is truly in her element.  Ms. Paster leads the personalized styling service Just Fab offers to VIP members.  Each month, Just Fab VIP members receive handpicked selections of handbags, shoes, and accessories – all based on each member’s personal style.  Jessica ensures the boutiques are perfectly suited for each Just Fab fashionista.  She is well-heeled for this role at Just Fab, having styled celebrities for red carpet moments both at the Oscars and Golden Globes.

Additionally, Jessica Paster has partnered with Just Fab to design special collections, including a holiday and a summer collection.  The Just Fab 2012 holiday collection featured satin, sparkles, and hot holiday party pieces.  The Just Fab summer collection includes sandals perfect for the beach, and light, airy colors and prints.  Jessica Paster describes her own style as clean and minimalistic.  At Just Fab, Jessica can be seen wearing a lot of black with touches of big, bold colors.

For the Just Fab April Picks, Jessica Paster chose the Cadiz, a super seductive sandal with an island-patterned platform, the Just Fab Hayworth clutch with lady-like lace and a golden chain handle, and the Just Fab Go Mod colorblock bangles.  These three pieces will instantly add on-trend flair to any Just Fab fashion maven’s look, says Paster.

Just Fab members recognize Jessica Paster as one of the most sought-after stylists in Hollywood. Paster shares her expertise with women everywhere, even those without the celebrity paycheck.  To learn more about Just Fab and to take advantage of Paster’s celebrity style expertise, visit Just Fab online at JustFab.com.

 

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Investing in a Startup

Over the past 15 years, it seems like all of the money in startups and entrepreneurship comes from the tech industry. And much of that money is made from websites that start with simple ideas and grow into huge international companies. Amazon, Facebook and eBay all had humble beginnings, but are now three of the most visited websites in the entire world. The success of these companies has led many people to wonder how they can get a slice of the pie for themselves. The answer is for investors to invest in startups.

Investing in these small companies that may not even have office space yet can be daunting. Someone may be putting their hard earned cash on the line to back a group of people who may not amount to anything. Or they could be about to create the next Google. But there are ways to tell if a company is a solid investment or too big of a risk.

Wise investors do business with companies in industries with which the investors are familiar. It wouldn’t make much sense to throw cash at a company that provides an education service when the investors know nothing about education. Without experience, it would be difficult to spot flaws in the business plan or execution of the product. By staying within a familiar niche, investors will have a more active role in the growth of the company and help guide it toward success.

Of course, no matter how much knowledge an investor has within a particular industry, there’s still a big possibility the project will fail—and the money will go with it. But by doing their homework and taking the time to identify the strongest startups with the most promise, investors can see a big return if they’re patient.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

David Slone Offers Maintenance Tips For Your Car’s Health

David Slone

David Slone

David Slone is the General Sales Manager and Used Car Manager at Weld County Garage. Along with his service manager, David Slone has seen plenty of cars come in with problems that could have been avoided. In this Q&A discussion, David Slone offers up advice for keeping a car running longer and stronger.

Q: If you had to give one piece of advice for longevity for my car, what would it be?

David Slone: Change your oil at regular intervals. Keeping clean motor oil in your engine means that you won’t be building up deposits and gunk that can clog internal passages and wear down moving parts.

Q: What intervals do you recommend for servicing?

David Slone: For older cars, 3000-5000 miles is usually good; newer cars can go longer, up to 6000 or so, just be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Q: What about synthetic oils?

David Slone: Synthetic motor oils can go much longer, but you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations on that.

Q: What about servicing my tires?

David Slone: This is another really simple one. Check your tire pressure when you gas up; underinflated tires affect your car’s drivability, ride and handling, and cost you money in lost fuel efficiency.

Q: I’ve heard that drivers should avoid short trips. Why is that?

David Slone: When a car’s engine cannot warm up to operating temperature, the water that’s produced in combustion can’t make its way through the crankcase ventilation and tailpipe, leading to diluted motor oil and other problems. If your trip is less than ten minutes, maybe you should consider walking…!

Q: I suppose that listening to your car for strange noises is sort of a given…

David Slone: Yes, definitely, any knocks, ticks, thumps or squeaks that are out of the ordinary. Don’t just let them slide – they could be trouble.

Q: What about driving habits?

David Slone: This one’s just common sense. Try to keep a light right foot on the accelerator, take it easy over rough roads or railroad tracks, brake gently, and don’t punish your car.

Q: And what about my car’s front end and tires?

David Slone: Get an alignment once a year, it’ll save your tires and improve a car’s handling. And make sure to schedule a tire rotation with every oil change.

Q: Driving habits affect fuel economy, too…what else can you suggest as far as gas mileage?

David Slone: Check your air filter regularly. It’s cheap and easy to change, and a clogged air filter will kill your car’s mileage and performance.

Q: Any parting ideas?

David Slone: Yes, stay on top of your regular maintenance and fix problems early if they develop. Think of it the same way you would your own body!

Q: David Slone, thanks for answering our questions!

David Slone: Absolutely, I hope these tips are useful.

In addition to his time at Weld County Garage, David Slone has put in over two decades as an entrepreneur. David Slone also served as Vice President and President of a firm that manufactures video editing equipment, Macrosystem US. There, David Slone led a management team that brought in millions of dollars in profits. David Slone loves a good challenge, making him a great fit for Weld County Garage.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Online retailer JustFab Offers Personalized Fashion at Affordable Prices

JustFab

JustFab

What if we told you there was a place you could shop at any hour and that it offered assistance from professional stylists that sincerely cared about helping find your personal style? What if you found out JustFab stylists would create your “look”, match items to your individual fashion persona and then offer you the opportunity to buy the coolest, on-trend pair of shoes or handbag each month? Now, imagine we also told you items for JustFab VIP members would only cost $39.95 with free shipping?

Q: This is amazing! Where do I find this place?

JustFab: Go online to JustFab.com! We are a fashion subscription service and brand with the hottest collections of shoes, handbags, jewelry, denim and more. No more worrying about what to wear for that special date or event. Members receive the latest styles–personalized just for you. There is no commitment to join – membership is free. If you don’t see something you like, you can choose to pass for the month.

Q: How does JustFab work?

JustFab: It’s quick, easy and fun! Take our fast, free online quiz and then our stylists will create your personal style profile. Each month you’ll see these hand-picked selections and you can choose whether or not to purchase. Our stylists will even assist you with putting together head-to-toe outfits from multiple items in our collection.

Q: What do you mean by collections? What do you have to offer?

JustFab: Well-respected fashion designers and industry personalities have created exclusive styles for JustFab that include shoes and boots, handbags, jewelry, denim–even sunglasses. JustFab.com offers Iron Fist, Abbey Dawn by Avril Lavigne, Hello Kitty and Elle & Blair Fowler styles as well.

Q: Isn’t Kimora Lee Simmons a part of JustFab?

JustFab: Yes, Kimora is the President and Creative Director of JustFab. She has a new life, a new focus and a new show! For a behind the scenes look at JustFab, tune into the Style Channel every Wednesday night at 9/8c and watch as Kimora Lee Simmons and the geniuses behind the JustFab family work their magic.

Q: How can I keep up with Kimora what’s going on at JustFab.com?

JustFab: Follow us on twitter @OfficialKimora and @JustFabOnline and like us on Facebook.

Q: When will JustFab be available in other countries?

JustFab: We have great news! JustFab is now in Canada, the U.K., and Germany. British customers, please like us on Facebook at JustFabUK, visit www.JustFab.co.uk or call 0800 433 4114.  German residents, like us on Facebook at JustFabDeutschland, visit justfab.de and don’t miss our fashion blog at blog.justfab.de.

 

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tax Return

It’s March, and that means three things: college basketball, the beginning of spring, and a looming tax return deadline. If you’re like many Americans, you may put filing your taxes off until the last minute. After all, who wants to devote several hours to digging around for old receipts, crunching numbers, and filling out mind-numbing forms?

It doesn’t have to be a confusing process—and in fact, if you put enough time and effort into it, you may find yourself getting back more money than you imagined possible. While the first thought may be to hire someone else to do taxes, with a little determination, it’s easy to file your own, which saves you even more money.

The first thing you’ll need to do is get a copy of your 1099s if you’re a contracted employee or a W2 if you’re a regular hourly or salaried employee. Then, review all the details with a fine-toothed comb. Are withholdings correct? Is total income for the year correct? Sometimes taxpayers neglect to check these numbers, but a single mistake here by an employer could end up costing you.

Next, find copies of receipts for anything purchased related to a job. If you work from home, are a contracted employee or own your own business, this could lead to a substantial refund. If you work for a traditional employer, your refund might be less—but it’s still worth saving (and gathering) those receipts anyway. Small items like uniforms and other job-related equipment can add up.

Those are the two major steps. But don’t overlook records of any charitable donations made in the last year (both money and goods), bank statements, and any records of IRA contributions. Again, these may seem like minor details on a tax return, but when combined, they can add up to make a difference in the amount you receive after the tax return is submitted to Uncle Sam.

Don’t wait until April 14to get started! Do it early and save the headache and hassle of a frantic, last minute tax return.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)

Interview with Scott T. Sohr

Scott T. Sohr

Scott T. Sohr

Today the staff of Interviewing Experts talks to Scott T. Sohr, chief manager at Elmington Capital in Nashville, Tennessee. Since the company’s founding in 2010, Scott T. Sohr has been at the helm for a rapid grown curve at Elmington Capital.

Interviewing Experts: Scott T. Sohr, thank you for taking a few minutes to speak with us today…

Scott T. Sohr: It’s my pleasure.

Interviewing Experts: What does Elmington Capital specialize in?

Scott T. Sohr: At Elmington, our specialty is buying and reselling distressed properties on behalf of our investment partners. We turn vacant space into profit for investors.

Interviewing Experts: What’s your track record like?

Scott T. Sohr: It’s been a matter of hundreds of thousands of square feet, in both residential and commercial property. The team at Elmington Capital looked at the real estate downturn of 2008, and visualized opportunity for investors.

Interviewing Experts: What are some of Elmington’s latest transactions?

Scott T. Sohr: Recently, we closed deals on a 72-unit apartment building in Memphis, and three big office buildings in Huntsville.

Interviewing Experts: Do you specialize in the Mid-South, primarily?

Scott T. Sohr: Yes, most Elmington Capital deals have been in Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky.

Interviewing Experts: To what would you ascribe your success?

Scott T. Sohr: We’ve been able to put together a great team, and that team has built a portfolio that’s just outstanding.

Interviewing Experts: Do you deal in many multi-family buildings?

Scott T. Sohr: Yes, we just invested in several good-sized apartment complexes. Property companies in the apartment and condo business got hit hard after ’08, and we can take those properties and have them make money as apartment rentals, rather than just sitting empty.

Interviewing Experts: What sorts of commercial properties does Elmington Capital invest in?

Scott T. Sohr: Typically, industrial parks and properties like warehouses, as well as office complexes.

Interviewing Experts: Didn’t you recently close on an industrial park in Knoxville?

Scott T. Sohr: It was actually back in 2010. It’s a complex of five warehouses, lots of square footage.

Interviewing Experts: Are there any multi-use properties in your portfolio?

Scott T. Sohr: Several years ago our firm purchased tracts of land in the greater Memphis area that were developed into Wolf River Ranch and Greystone, subdivisions that now boast hundreds of residential lots for construction.

A veteran of over thirty years in business, Scott T. Sohr is a resident of Middle Tennessee. A serial entrepreneur, Scott T. Sohr is also the co-founder of Correct Care Solutions, a pioneer in institutional healthcare. In the course of his career, Sohr has funded, developed, and built numerous commercial and residential projects with his partners. Scott T. Sohr is a graduate of Auburn University, and earned his Masters in Business Administration from Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management. Notably, Scott T. Sohr started his own business while still enrolled at Auburn, selling specialty plastic compounds for industry. Today, he lives in Nashville with his wife Lyn, and their four children.

VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
VN:F [1.9.22_1171]
Rating: 0 (from 0 votes)