Choices

I'm blessed, in that I constantly get to interact with so many fine folks--many of them whom run their own firms. This list, which will be updated from time to time, gives you just a small sampling of my recommendations as to whom to contact if you really want good service. It is broken down by geographic area with NC being on top and PA/NJ being on bottom. Feel free to mention my name if you contact any of the following.

1. NC

Auto repair: Paul Anderson, head of Mountain View Tire & Service in the Asheville area (total of five locations). To quote BLAINESWORLD #691: I first heard about this business from Paul Anderson, president/CEO and a neighbor . . . being impressed with what he had to say, I checked it out recently and was convinced that these fine folks do things right. How often do you see a waiting room that is both airy and spotlessly clean? In addition, they serve fresh popcorn, coffee and green tea on a daily basis, and women are given a rose on each visit. We were helped by Glenn Lewis, story manager, and enjoyed his friendly manner . . . also, we appreciated how Neil Spieler, service manager, kept in touch with us about the status of repairs that we needed done. Lastly, we liked the buy 4, get 1 free promotion on oil changes, along with the preferred customer discount card that we were given. For more information, call 828.253.4818 for the Patton Ave. location or please click: http://www.mvtire.com/
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Handyman/woodworker: Joe Stephens--a very talented craftsman in the Asheville area.
To quote BLAINESWORLD #743: Joe had done shelves and other work for many of our neighbors, and we had been impressed with his work . . . so we gave him perhaps his most challenging assignment; i.e., to design a winter home for Nona (the stray cat that Cynthia has adopted). You can see his handiwork in the picture in the newsletter. Look closely, and you'll see a picture window, chimney and shingles . . . and most amazingly, It even looks like our home! Joe will next be designing a wall unit for my office. I look forward to having him complete that task—and many others for us in the future. He is a real pro, as well as a nice guy too . . . should you want to work with him, he can be reached at 828.777.6642.

Ice Cream:

A. Marcy & Tom Gallagher, owners of two Kilwin's stores . . . one in Asheville (828.252.2639) and the other in Black Mountain, 828.669.6119. Both locales also feature great chocolate candy.

B. Ashley & Greg Garrison run The Hop, which is also at two locations: Asheville, 828.254.2224 and West Asheville, 828.252.5155. They feature many delicious varieties of homemade ice cream.

Mortgage: To get your mortgage, make sure you contact Eric Clonch at 828.654.6402 or via email: eclonch@beverly-hanks.com . . . he's a guy who really knows his stuff, and you'll be impressed by both his friendliness and creativity. 

Realtor: Our realtor and friend is the absolute best . . . you won't go wrong by working with her . . . her name is Suzanne Smith . . . she can be reached by phone, 828.551.4609 or via email: suzannesmith54@gmail.com.

Restaurants:

A. Cafe Ello. Lorne Richman. Great place for breakfast or lunch in downtown Asheville (opposite the Pack Memorial Library). I really like the fresh granola with fruit. 828.252.8333.

B. Mosaic Cafe and Coffee House. Ellen Manin. Another great place for breakfast or lunch, located in Candler just outside of my Biltmore Lake development. I especially like the turkey and tuna fish wraps. 828.670.8833. 
 
2. PA/NJ

Carpet and upholstery cleaning: Brian McCartin, who heads McCartin's Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, is who I contact. He operates out of Southampton, PA, but will travel to get to just about anything else within an hour's drive. 215.860.6955. 

Chamber of Commerce: If you're in business, I strongly advise that you check out your local Chamber of Commerce . . . but don't just check it out; become active in it also . . . the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce (Pennsylvania) is one of the best such organizations I know about, in large part because of the tireless efforts of Executive Director Clark Shuster . . . to find out more, please click http://www.lbccc.org/ or call 215.943.7400.

Chiropractor:  Dr. Wendy Attadgie is your best bet. She has offices in both Newtown and Southampton. In addition, she has many skilled massage therapists on tap--so you can get a massage at the same time you get an adjustment. 215.355.9337.

Consumer Protection: You won't go wrong by checking out your county's Consumer Protection Department . . . I've been fortunate to work with two of the finest people around whenever in need of such help . . . Mike Bannon is in charge of the Bucks County office; his number is 215.348.7442 . . . Donna Giovannetti heads the Mercer County office; her number is 609.989.6671.     

Ice Cream:

A. Zebra Striped Whale in Newtown, run by Tom and Shari Donahue. Great blend-ins. 215.860.4122.

B. Thomas Sweet's in Princeton, Montgomery and other locations, run by Marco Cucchi. Great blend-ins here, too. Website for information: http://thomassweet.com/

C. Goodnoe's: 4 South Sycamore Street, Newtown, PA; 215.968.3544. If you grew up as a kid loving Goodnoe's, make sure you visit this new location.

Investments: I've been using Kohlhepp Investments for nearly a decade and have been very pleased with both the service and advice I've received from this firm. You will be, too. My primary contact is the founder of the firm, Ed Kohlhepp, a friend I've known for some 35 years. He is ably assisted by his son, Ed Jr., as well as by staffers MaryBeth and Joann in the office. For more information, call 215.340..5777 or visit the company's website: http://kohlheppadvisors.com/.

Photographer: Pat Hannigan. He is the guy who shot the pictures for my wedding to Cynthia and, also, for Risa's wedding to JP . . . so that means I obviously think a great deal of him. He has never disappointed! 215.968.1615; pat.hannigan@verizon.net.

Realtor: Susan Russeck is the person to check out if you are looking to buy or sell a home anywhere in the Bucks County, PA or the surrounding area. She can be reached at 215.953.1168; email:  slr737@aol.com.

Salon: Daniel Focarelli was my stylist for a long time when I lived in the Garden State. He and his staff do great work, plus they're nice about it too. 2238 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ. 609.588.4944.    

Shoe and Luggage Repair (Keys, too) : See Bob Giaquinto at R. Gianquinto Shoe Repair, 115 S Warren St., Trenton, NJ; 609.599.9090. You'll be amazed at the excellent work that he does.