How to succedd in property management
Monday, September 28th, 2009NZ Business, Jun 2009 by Baker, Glenn
The principals of one of Auckland’s leading property management companies share their success formula in a sector that has become extremely competitive.
It has been five years since Trevor and Sandy Giles first entered the specialist property management arena – and the pace of change in that short time has been hectic to say the least.
Their original company, apartmentsonline was founded in April 2004 when choosing apartment accommodation from a website was still relatively new. Now in 2009 it has almost become the default way for tenants to go prospecting.
The Giles’ biggest milestone since starting up business has been joining forces with the Quinovic franchise in June 2007. Today, from their office in the Viaduct, they operate one of eight Quinovic franchises in Auckland and employ six staff.
To mark the company’s fifth anniversary, the Giles recently rolled out a total refresh of their website www. quinovic-apartmentsonline.co.nz – a site dedicated solely to the medium-to-highend apartment market in Auckland City.
The property management industry has gone ahead in leaps and bounds in recent times, which partly explains the company’s remarkable 400 percent growth in less than two years – but there are other contributing reasons why the Giles have been so successful in business.
From day one the couple made the decision to focus heavily on communication with clients and the service they offer tenants – going that extra distance to look after people and treating clients as they would want to be treated themselves (Trevor and Sandy are also property investors).
“Good communication is simply common courtesy,” says Sandy – and they’re stepping up the frequency with a quarterly newsletter kicking off in May, she adds.
Having a strong web presence from the beginning has also been a contributing success factor – as has the decision to specialise in apartments.
The Giles focus on the transition process between outgoing and incoming tenants – endeavouring to make that process as smooth and seamless as possible. Property inspections and apartment presentation are also high on the priority list.
And in an industry where it would be easy to regard tenants merely as a means to an end, the Giles stand out for their respectful attitude towards tenants.
“Treat them well and there’s a far better chance they will look after the property,” says Sandy.
Five years in the game has not come without its lessons. Trevor says it’s all very well to be extremely proficient property managers – but managing a business and staff required different skillsets. The key, he says, has been securing good advice in areas such as marketing and promotion, and HR. Fortunately they have a knack for matching peoples’ personalities with specific roles – and point to their current showing manager Val as a good example of this. “You couldn’t find anyone more passionate about presentation,” says Trevor.
The Giles are extremely satisfied with the performance of their business
Washington Real Estate Investment Trust Presents at Citigroup REIT CEO Conference
Monday, September 28th, 2009Business Wire, March 8, 2006
ROCKVILLE, Md. — Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT) (NYSE:WRE) presents today at the Citigroup REIT CEO Conference. A replay of the company presentation is available at (402) 220-0737. No passcode is necessary. The replay will be available for 30 days.
WRIT is a self-administered, self-managed, equity real estate investment trust investing in income-producing properties in the greater Washington/Baltimore metropolitan region. WRIT owns a diversified portfolio of 70 properties consisting of 12 retail centers, 21 office properties, 7 medical office properties, 21 industrial/flex properties and 9 multi-family properties. We also own land for development
Fishing report
Monday, September 28th, 20090 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 5, 2009 | by Anonymous
Lakes
BERRYESSA: Kokanee fishing is productive in the narrows and the island between 30 and 65 feet. Bass and catfish are slow. (707) 966- 2134
CAMANCHE: Catfish are biting steadily in the main lake and trollers continue to get trout early in the morning. Bass are found in deep water off drop-offs. (209) 763-5914, (209) 763-5166
CHABOT: Fish for catfish with mackerel or chicken liver. The later in the day, the better. (510) 247-2526
CLEAR: Hot weather and heavy algae have made bass fishing difficult. The algae problem is less in the northern part of the lake. Drop-shot or jig very slowly. (707) 279-4739
CONTRA LOMA: Catfish and crappie make up much of the catch here. Channel Point is the spot for both. (925) 757-0404
DAVIS: Trolling has been producing limits, fly fishing continues to be productive, as does shore fishing. The water temperatures are running 73 degrees, and fishing pressure has been very light. Most of the rainbows being landed are 11 to 13 inches. However, fish up to 20 inches are being caught. The key to trolling is using 2 1/2 to 3 colors of lead core line or set the down rigger to a depth of 12 to 16 feet deep. The area to troll is from the Honker boat ramp north toward the island. The south point of Honker Cove has been producing for shore fishermen who fish early with Kastmaster lures and powerbait. There are very few fly fishermen on the lake; however, fishing is reported as good for those presenting dual small bead head nymphs under an indicator. The indicator depth is 4 to 5 feet and the take is subtle. (530) 832-5251
DEL VALLE: Striped bass in the 3- to 5-pound class are being caught near the dam. Trout fishing is hit-or-miss. The catfish bite is strong near the dam. (925) 449-5201
LAFAYETTE: The catfish bite in the south end of the lake makes up the action here. Use nightcrawlers or chicken livers. A plant of 1,500 pounds of cats went in this week. (925) 284-9669
LOS VAQUEROS: There’s a morning trout bite in the South Cove and from the shore north of the rock wall. It’s not great, but it might be the best option around. Stripers, catfish and bass are scarce. (925) 371-2628
NEW MELONES: Kokanee fishing is getting tougher, but limits are possible if you get out by daybreak. Nightfishing for catfish is very good. Bass fishing is tough. (209) 586-2383
SAN PABLO RESERVOIR: A plant of 2,400 pounds of catfish went in Wednesday. Best spot is Scow Canyon. Bass fishing is fair. (510) 223- 1661
QUARRY LAKES: Alex Carrillo of Union City caught three trout weighing a total of 11 pounds
Leading International Tour Operator Launches New Mediterranean Cruise
Monday, September 28th, 2009Business Wire, Nov 8, 2007
Go Ahead Tours’ New Itinerary Explores Ancient Treasures of Egypt, Greece & Turkey
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Go Ahead Tours, a leader in cultural discovery through guided tours and global journeys, has launched a new Mediterranean cruise focusing on the increasing popularity of experiential travel through Greece, Egypt and Turkey. The new tour – “Istanbul, Egypt & the Greek Islands” – provides travelers opportunities to explore and learn about ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures, as well as Turkey’s legendary Ottoman Empire.
“Increasingly, travelers are yearning for active, theme-based itineraries, cultural experiences and insight,” states Amy Larsen, Go Ahead’s Vice President of Sales. “From paying homage to Zeus and visiting the site of the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C., to exploring Egypt’s Hellenistic civilization and touring Istanbul’s Hippodrome – where chariot races were held – this is truly an ancient world adventure. This cultural, historical experience combined with the abundant amenities of cruising on the luxurious Norwegian Jade, makes ‘Istanbul, Egypt & the Greek Islands’ an unforgettable adventure.”
Highlights of the tour:
Istanbul, Egypt & the Greek Islands: This 16-day cruise ‘through the ages’ is a voyage through the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean; offering an exploration of myth and legend. During this memorable journey, every port of call serves as an entryway into the ancient past – the pristine islands of Greece, the Egyptian city of Alexandria and finally Turkey, where East meets West.
Sightseeing highlights
* Guided sightseeing of Athens
* 12-day cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade
* Ports of call in Katakolon, Corfu, Alexandria, Heraklion, Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus and Istanbul
* Guided sightseeing of Istanbul
Optional excursions
* Ancient Greek Evening
* Half-day excursion to Cape Sounion
From $3,199, including roundtrip airfare and fuel surcharges.
About Go Ahead Tours
Established in 1990, Go Ahead Tours offers high-quality cultural travel experiences and global journeys at an unbeatable value to adult travelers
Agar medium detects bacteria that discolors cured meat.
Sunday, September 27th, 2009Microbial Update International, August, 2004
Aerococcus viridans, Carnobacterium viridans and Weissella viridescens cause discoloration in cooked bologna. The discoloration is the result of hydrogen peroxide ([H.sub.2][O.sub.2]) produced by these organisms, which in turn creates a greenish color on the product when the package is opened. This, of course, hurts product value and creates a bad impression on consumers.
The meat-agar test systems currently available that detect organisms which cause discoloration do not consider the growth of C. viridans and give false positive results for pediococci and leuconostocs, which do not produce enough [H.sub.2][O.sub.2] to cause any discoloration
Non-chlorine bleached feminine products – Natural beauty showcase: all your needs for natural radiance and relaxation – Advertising – Brief Article
Saturday, September 26th, 2009Natural Health, July, 2002
Organic Cotton Washable Feminine Pads–100% Certified Organic Cotton Feminine Pads, Tampons, Cotton Balls, Swabs and Cosmetic Rounds. Pandora Pads, Natural Menstrual Sponges, Natracare, Organic Essentials and Natural hair removal products for health and environmentally conscious women. Honor the Goddess in You! Call (888) 558-PADS for a catalog or order on line and receive a discount using voucher code: nh030-512 at our website www.pandorapads.com
Catalog FREE 85
Chestnut Hill buzz: Pot in flower pots
Saturday, September 26th, 20090 Comments | Philadelphia Daily News, August, 2006 | by BOB WARNER
Something strange popped up a few weeks ago in the flower baskets along Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill.
In five or six of the 80 flower baskets that line Chestnut Hill’s upscale business district, small but thriving young marijuana plants were discovered, somewhere between the petunias, the impatiens and the sweet-potato vines.
“I did the right thing,” said Bob Markowski, the landscaper in charge of keeping the planters watered and weeded. “I got rid of them. They’re in the dump.”
How the marijuana got there is not known. But the most likely scenario is that someone put a few marijuana seeds in the planters one day or night last spring, when volunteers for various garden clubs were filling the baskets with the official mix of plants
THE STARS OF STORES; THE TOP 10 RETAILERS, ONCE AGAIN LED BY HOME DEPOT, CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE SUCCESS.
Friday, September 25th, 2009HFN: The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network, June, 2006 by Meyer, Nancy
Byline: Nancy Meyer
Call them the biggest names in lights. The top retailers of lamps and lighting are a familiar bunch, with no newcomers added to the list in 2005. But there was some shuffling in the ranks, as the rate of growth varied among them.
For several years running, Home Depot has topped the list, with estimated residential retail lighting sales of $1.6 billion. The lighting powerhouse continues to dominate the field, with one of the widest ceiling fan assortments, and a good, better, best mix in fixtures. A relative newcomer to the lamp business, Home Depot has a lamp mix featuring lifestyle looks at value prices. That figure includes sales through its Expo Design Centers units as well as special-order goods
Apparel design for youth
Friday, September 25th, 2009Human Ecology, June, 2009
Charlotte Coffman, senior extension associate in fiber science and apparel design, is leading two projects to connect New York youth interested in apparel design. She has just launched the 4-H Clothes Line web site, which aims to inspire youth to express their creativity, to learn sewing skills, and to actively participate in their communities. In addition, Coffman runs the Apparel and Textiles Life Cycle project, which encourages youth to explore the impact of clothing on the environment through activities such as recycling garments through redesign.
Green living
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), April 29, 2009
CHILDREN have been getting their hands dirty to learn about sustainable living.
Year 2 children from Ridgeway Primary School have been working with National Trust wardens at Souter Lighthouse in Whitburn, to learn about the natural environment.
They also planted vegetables.
Youngsters will be encouraged to think about green archetecture los angeles healthy foods and where they come from.
Coun Jim Foreman, chair of governors at the school, said: “The Souter Lighthouse project is just one of the many activities children have enjoyed as part of their learning.”