Le Tip Le News

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, September 23, 2014. We were joined by a guest representing the category of nutrition products.

Our showboater was our mortgage broker, Lonnie Cooper (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Lonnie displayed the gifts that he offers to customers who obtain their mortgages with him (first mortgages or refinances) as well as information comparing rental payments versus mortgage payments.

Our speaker was Scott Brown, our heating and air conditioning contractor (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Scott showed us photos of various projects that his company has worked on. He installed a high velocity system in the addition on a home. He showed us an example of the installation of radiant floor heating underneath hardwood flooring. Scott showed several photos of the stages of the installation of geothermal systems, including the drilling of vertical wells outside the home. Water will absorb heat from the ground or expel heat into the ground in these wells. Obviously, Scott can perform many types of work beyond the few he was able to show us in the photos. Contact him to discuss heating and air conditioning options.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, September 30, 2014. We were joined by a guest representing the category of nutrition products.

Our showboater was Greg Cazillo, our website designer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). He showed us an example of a website he has been working on. Greg places a high priority on making sure that sites will be automatically adjust to be viewable on any size screen, especially since more people are viewing websites on mobile devices. He can also program the ability for visitors to the site to RSVP for events, which is easier and less expensive for the event organizers.

Our speaker was our portrait photographer, Jack Ansley (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). He gave us a brief history of portrait photography, which was originally a much more time-consuming and expensive practice than it is today. In fact, early portrait photos were symbols of prosperity. Now we are all amateur photographers and photo subjects, since most cell phones have cameras. However, we tend to print fewer photos, and we also may lack the photographer's eye to judge what ought to be in the frame of the picture. A professional photographer knows how to position his subjects to get the best photograph, and he also has lighting and computer tools to make a picture look even better. Jack can also restore and print old photographs, and he is happy to consult with anyone who has an old picture that needs to be restored and/or resized.

Have a great week!

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, October 7, 2014. Our speaker for the morning was our Interior Designer, Theresa Barlow from A Perfect View (www.APerfectViewInteriors.com). There are many benefits to hiring Theresa for help with interior design. She shared details from one of her recent jobs, and she was able to save the client thousands of dollars. The client did not have a good understanding of the size of her living room, and she had planned to buy new furniture that would not have fit into the space. Theresa was able to make a new drawing of the room with furniture that fit. Theresa will be ordering furniture with custom fabric for this particular client, because the room will be used by guests as well as several pets. The furniture fabric is both attractive and resilient, to meet all of the client's needs. Theresa is happy to assist with redesigning whole rooms, or she can consult regarding window treatments or color schemes. Her main concern is to help the client to achieve their goals with both form and function in mind, also staying within their budget. Contact her to help with your "Perfect View."

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, October 21, 2014. We were joined by guests representing a flooring company.

Our showboater was Gary Hunter, our carpenter from Hunter Custom Carpentry (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). He displayed some materials that he has been using recently for building decks. Wooden decks can rot over time, so he may opt to use composite or PVC materials that come in different colors and/or can be painted in the desired color.

Our speaker was Lonnie Cooper, our mortgage broker from The Rate Kings Mortgage (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Lonnie told us about the importance of acquiring a mortgage pre-approval before searching for a house. The pre-approval is proof of your financial backing and will give "teeth" to an offer that you make on a home. Many realtors will not take you to look at a house without a pre-approval, and many sellers will automatically disregard and offer that you make on their house if you lack this financial backing. There is a loan application on Lonnie's website (www.theratekings.com) to get the process started. The general rule for pre-approval is that your total debt can't exceed 45% of your monthly income. A mortgage calculator will figure out what the monthly payment would be for the loan amount you need (house price minus your down payment amount). Lonnie can help with any or all of this process, and if you are able to qualify for the pre-approval, he can generally offer a lower rate than other mortgage companies, banks, or credit unions. He may also be able to offer a slightly higher rate than his usual rate for the loan but then cover all the closing costs. It may be attractive to a buyer to pay a bit more for the monthly mortgage payments in exchange for the elimination of additional costs at closing. Contact Lonnie to discuss options for home purchases or mortgage refinancing. He is The King, but he'll treat YOU like royalty!

LeTip met on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. We were joined by guests representing a company that provides flooring products.

Our showboater was Dave Kozak (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), our property and casualty insurance broker. He reminded us of the importance of having adequate coverage for all of the "what ifs" in life. Dave and his employees can ask all the right questions to make sure that you have the insurance products and coverage that you need.

Our speaker was Glen Coral (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), our life insurance specialist. Glen informed us that life insurance can cover many different expenses, some while the policy holder is still alive. There are approximately 95 million Americans who have no life insurance at all and many more who have coverage that is less than adequate. Many people are interested in acquiring long-term care coverage, and this can often be added as a rider to a life insurance policy. Glen can discuss the available options and also help to calculate how much coverage you will need based on monthly estimated expenses. You may already have some money set aside in the bank for retirement, and he can also determine how much money that will generate in a certain number of years, based on the interest rate you expect to earn. Glen is an insurance broker and can shop with different carriers. He also mentioned that life insurance can be given as a gift to children, and he can help arrange for those types of policies also.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. We were joined by guests representing the categories of Flooring Contractor and Home Automation. Both guests were voted on at the meeting and will be joining as new members. More information about them and their businesses will be available soon!

Our showboater was Tony Latino (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) of Tony's Chimney Care. He displayed photos of various materials that he uses for stucco and chimney work. We also got to see a bag that he uses to pipe mortar when he is doing pointing. The bag helps him to be more direct in the mortar placement for a neater final appearance.

Our speaker was Frank Grube, our Remodeling Contractor from Clearview Home Solutions (www.clearviewhomesolutions.com). Frank can provide his customers with windows, doors, and siding. His talk focused on windows. Frank sells only high-quality windows. His vinyl windows contain between 80 and 85 percent virgin vinyl; he also offers composite windows. Frank recommends two or three panes of glass with either argon or krypton gas between the panes. The inert gas between the panes prevents heat loss through the windows and is represented in a value called the U-factor. Frank recommends purchasing windows with a U-factor of 0.25 or below, with the lower numbers being better. In addition to preventing heat loss in the cold weather, it is also advisable to prevent solar heat gain during the warmer weather. Solar heat gain (additional heat in a building because of the sunlight shining through the windows) is reduced with a low-E coating on the windows. Frank is happy to discuss window options and to perform an in-home demonstration of how the different window qualities actually feel when heat is applied. He is not just a salesman; he is also an educator. Please contact him for a consultation.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel. We welcome our newest members, Mike Popiel with Pinnacle Floor Coverings (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Adam Perkowski with Springboard Media (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Mike joins us as a Flooring Contractor, and Adam joins us representing the Home Automation category.

New member Mike Popiel (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) was our showboater. He showed us a carpet stretcher that he uses for carpet installation. The Carpet and Rug Institute will certify carpet installers only if they use a carpet stretcher, and Mike uses this tool for every carpet job.

Our speaker was Gary Hunter, our Carpenter Contractor (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). He walked us through the process of constructing a deck, complete with photos, architectural drawings, and samples of materials that he might use. Gary and his son have worked together on many carpentry projects, and they are always careful to plan and measure for a professional result. He makes sure to research and adhere to township codes for construction. At this time of year, he is finishing up his outdoor projects, and he is looking for indoor work during the colder months. He can fabricate crown molding, railings, cabinets, kitchens--just about anything made of wood. Please contact him for an estimate.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. We are happy to welcome Mark Kochanowsky as a new member! Mark represents the category of appliance repair with his company, A to Z Appliance Repair (www.atozappliancerepair.net).

Our showboater was our financial advisor, Claudia Roemer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). She had several helpful booklets about tax planning and discussing finances with various family members. Claudia is happy to help with all types of financial advice and planning.

Our speaker was one of our newer members, Adam Perkowski from Springboard Media (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). He is our home automation specialist, and he can engineer systems that allow customers to control various electrical devices from their cell phones. In some cases, they may even be able to save money on electric bills by controlling things remotely. Adam will make sure that everything works the way the customer wants it to, even if it takes several adjustments. If you know someone (or are someone) who is frustrated with their technology and would like to have their life made easier, contact Adam to find out how he can help.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. We were joined by a guest representing the category of Landscaping.

Our showboater was new member Mark Kochanowsky, our appliance repair person with A to Z Appliance Repair (www.atozappliancerepair.net). Mark presented a selection of promotional materials as well as a book he has written about caring for your appliances. We look forward to hearing from him as our speaker next week.

Our speaker was our massage therapist, Sue Scales from Hands Down Massage & Bodywork (www.handsdown.abmp.com). Sue mentioned some things that people may do or say that would indicate a need for massage therapy. These include long periods of standing or walking, running or other athletic pursuits, and stress. Massage can also be a great gift for that hard-to-shop-for person during this holiday season. Anyone who is trying to take better care of themself or to pursue better health would benefit from massage therapy as part of their healthy lifestyle. Sue can help with her personable manner and massage therapy tailored to the concerns of each individual client.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. We were joined by a guest representing the category of Landscaping.

Our showboater was Jack Ansley, our portrait photographer (www.ansleyphoto.com). Jack is able to take individual, family, and pet photos. He can also print photos taken on a cell phone; just e-mail the picture to him, and he can print it as a traditional photo or on canvas.

Our speaker was Mark Kochanowsky from A to Z Appliance Repair (www.atozappliancerepair.net). Mark has worked in the field of appliance repair for 30 years, so he brings a wealth of experience to his work. He does not sell appliances, but he is happy to give advice about what to buy and where to purchase it. He knows which appliances tend to have trouble or can be difficult to repair, so he will steer people toward better products. Mark has seen all sorts of appliance troubles that have been caused by the actions (or inaction) of the owners, and he has written a book of maintenance tips for appliance care. He has also seen problems caused by incorrect installation, and he will install appliances correctly. One of Mark's biggest recommendations for care is to clean the vents on clothes dryers. When the vents are clogged with lint, the dryer's efficiency decreases. The simple vent cleaning can increase the life and performance of the dryer.

LeTip Chester County East held the first meeting of 2015 on Tuesday, January 6 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was Dr. Joe Zappy, the group's chiropractor from The Wellness Center of Chester County (www.WCofCC.com). Joe showed us some of the tools he uses for treatment, including a video camera that he uses to record patients in action. Whether they are shoveling snow or engaging in sports, many of his clients engage in movement that they may not be performing in the most correct or efficient manner. Joe can record their activity and then show the recording to the client in order to point out how they can use their muscles more efficiently. Contact him for a comprehensive consultation.

Our speaker was arborist David Schreier from 4 Seasons Arborscapes (www.4seasonsarborscapes.com). The company is now in its seventh year of operation, and they have developed a long-term relationship with many of their clients. They are concerned with safety for their clients and themselves, and they can do safety assessments to determine the risk of damage due to tree limbs. Trees can be pruned at any time, but they prefer not to be pruned during times of high heat. Fruit-bearing trees are ideally pruned in January, so this would be a great time to contact David for pruning of fruit trees. Last year, many people experienced storm damage, and that can often be prevented by pruning proactively. All of their invoicing is based on 100% customer satisfaction; they will work to get the job done right. Contact David to see what sort of tree work would be best to get done right now.

Read more: Main Line Tree Care

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. We were joined by our region's Executive Director, Robert Smith-Felver. We also had a guest representing the category of wellness products.

Our showboater was new member Diane Lafferty, our Landscaping representative with Newcastle Lawn & Landscape (www.nclli.com). She informed us that this is a great time to plan springtime projects for landscaping and hardscaping. Diane had photos of beautiful outdoor spaces that included various types of fireplaces for a warm and inviting outdoor experience. We look forward to hearing from her as our speaker next week.

Our speaker for January 13 was our chiropractor, Dr. Joe Zappy from The Wellness Center of Chester County (www.WCofCC.com). He showed us a chart that indicated the number of education hours that chiropractors spend learning about a variety of subjects and compared these hours to the educational program for medical doctors. Chiropractors clearly have many more hours studying musculoskeletal issues and neurology. Joe is highly skilled at diagnosing and treating these sorts of issues. He discussed the example of a 12 year-old client who had always walked on her toes. Joe examined her gait (i.e., her pattern of walking), and he could see that her legs were externally rotated in the hip joints. He made adjustments to her feet and hips, and right away the girl could walk with a more typical heel-to-toe stride. Joe gave her some exercises to help retain proper joint alignment; he wants to empower all of his patients to take care of themselves. He makes sure to give each patient personal attention, particularly when instructing them in exercises, so that their form is correct and will yield the desired results. Ultimately, Joe wants his patients to get better and not just get locked into an endless stream of chiropractic visits. Contact him for movement assessments or for help with diagnosis and treatment of pain.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was Scott Brown, our heating and air conditioning specialist from James Brown Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning (www.jamesbrownphac.com). Scott showed a few tools of his trade, including a small air flow meter that attaches to his cell phone and can record data about air flow within a dwelling or commercial space. This data will help Scott to propose climate control solutions for his customers.

Our speaker was new member Diane Lafferty, our landscaping representative from New Castle Lawn & Landscape (www.nclli.com). In 2014, New Castle celebrated 20 years in business. They perform all sorts of landscaping and hardscaping jobs as well as commercial snow removal and commercial or residential mowing. New Castle has ample crew, and they operate 18 plow trucks and five or six dump trucks. All crew members are hard-working and courteous, and they stand behind all their work with a commitment to long-term customer satisfaction. New Castle currently employs three landscape architects with the possible addition of a fourth in the summer of 2015. Diane told us that now is a good time to think about hardscaping and landscaping plans. She or another designer can draw up the plan and order materials so the work can be completed in a timely fashion once the season is right. Diane also mentioned that it makes sense to draw up a full plan, even if it may take several years to complete it all. Planning everything from the outset insures that everything will be done in a way that fits with the final design. Contact New Castle now for design needs or to make plans for mulching.

After a week off due to snow, LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA.

Our showboater was our web designer, Greg Cazillo (www.cazillo.com). He showed us two different types of videos that he produced for clients to post on their websites. Video increases traffic to a website and keeps viewers on the site longer. Greg has all the equipment necessary to film and finalize production of a video for any website.

Our speaker was our interior designer, Theresa Barlow from A Perfect View (www.APerfectViewInteriors.com). She walked us through the design process that she experienced with one of her clients. The client had already spent money on flooring and furniture for a room in her house, but she was not happy with the result. When she brought Theresa in for a consultation, she didn't want to change everything, but she wanted to be happy in her space. Theresa put together a board to show us the flooring and fabrics that the client already had in the room. Theresa recommended a few augmentations, adding some color and texture to the newly-purchased items to make them more appealing to her client without needing to replace the new items. Theresa also helped her client to accessorize the room to bring in some flow and pops of color while still pulling everything together for a cohesive and attractive final appearance. Theresa is happy to work with any client to make changes, small or large, within a budget that will make a home or office space both functional and beautiful.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was Lonnie Cooper, our mortgage broker from The Rate Kings Mortgage (www.theratekings.com). Lonnie displayed promotional items for all seasons that he uses as thank-you gifts for his clients.

Our speaker was Scott Brown, our heating and air conditioning contractor from James Brown Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning (www.jamesbrownphac.com). Scott's company received first prize for the 2014 Bosch Green Living Award, and they are quite proud of this accomplishment. Scott used his talk to share information about NAECA and regulation changes that are coming soon to try to reduce heat loss from water heaters and increase their energy efficiency. With the new regulations, water heaters that hold more than 55 gallons will no longer meet the requirements for residential use. Water heaters may need to have additional insulation, which will increase the amount of space needed to contain the unit; this could be a problem for water heaters that are currently contained in a small or difficult-to-access space. New water heaters may use an attached heat pump to increase their efficiency. Anyone with questions about compliance with the new regulations can contact Scott (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. The group was joined by a guest representing the category of Banker.

Our speaker was our CPA, Dan Harris (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Dan informed us about a few of the changes to the tax code for the 2014 tax year. 2014 marked the beginning of the Affordable Care Act, which requires everyone to have health insurance or pay a penalty. Some people may qualify for a subsidy, and they will need to file a 2014 tax return even if their income level falls below the amount that would typically require someone to file. Dan also told us about a change to the rule for businesses that purchase supplies or equipment priced higher than $200. Purchases worth more than $200 now need to be capitalized rather than deducted outright during the year of purchase. It is possible to file an election, which can raise the limit from $200 to $500. 2014 may also be the last year in which taxpayers can deduct mortgage interest on their tax returns. Of course, the best way to ensure compliance with all of the changes in tax law is to hire a CPA to prepare your return, and Dan is willing to help any individual or business with their taxes. Contact him soon for 2014 tax returns.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was our painting contractor, Dieter Enz from SLCI (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Dieter displayed various parts and attachments for his dustless sanding system. He makes sure that all surfaces are perfectly smooth prior to painting, and his sanding equipment allows him to be meticulous with his work and also leave no mess behind.

Or speaker was the chapter's mortgage broker, Lonnie Cooper from The Rate Kings Mortgage (www.theratekings.com). Lonnie places a high value on customer service and on helping each client understand the math and the process behind applying for a new mortgage or refinancing an existing mortgage. Many people who aren't familiar with the professional financial world would have a difficult time making the best choice without Lonnie's assistance, especially with refinancing. There is often a tradeoff between reducing the term and reducing the rate, and Lonnie can weigh the options and help his clients to make the best choice based on their goals and what they can afford to pay monthly. Lonnie can also help people make the decision between whether a fixed rate or adjustable rate is better; this generally depends on whether the client plans to stay in the house for longer than five years after closing. Anyone considering a home purchase or refinance should consult with a mortgage expert. Lonnie is certainly an expert, and he will make sure that each client is educated and satisfied with their mortgage decision.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. We were joined by a guest representing the category of Banker.

Jack Ansley, our portrait photographer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), provided the showboating, and he showed us several examples of the copy and restoration work that he can do with older photographs and documents. Even items that have been damaged by time, folding, or water can be beautifully restored. Jack also displayed options that can be added to an old photo, including colorization of a black-and-white picture and the addition of an area surrounding the photo that gives the appearance of being a mat and can also have the names of the people in the picture printed on it for future generations.

Our speaker was Greg Cazillo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), our website designer. He informed us that Google will be making changes soon that may impact how high a website will place in their SERP (search engine results page). Greg has always highlighted the need for new content on a webpage, and that one factor may still be the best for increasing a site's Google ranking. Other things that are important for a webpage are speed, photos, videos, and mobile optimization. More and more people are viewing websites from phones and other mobile devices, making mobile optimization important not just for ranking but also for customer satisfaction and willingness to stay on a site. Mobile optimization includes ease of use with touch (items not too close together when a user tries to click on one thing), plus all items and text need to be the correct size for quick loading and clear viewing. Greg can help to create or correct the factors on a website to enhance search ranking and user interaction on the site.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was Greg Cazillo, our website designer (www.cazillo.com). People use different web browsers to view the internet, and Greg has a program that will allow him to see how websites will appear on a variety of browsers. It is important for sites to look good on multiple browsers.

Our speaker was our painting contractor, Dieter Enz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Dieter showed us photographs taken at various stages of two complex painting jobs. Dieter and his crew are very meticulous with their preparation prior to painting. They will power wash, remove windows, sand the surfaces to be painted, and apply primer. Sometimes there is even a coating that is applied to the walls prior to the primer to ensure a smooth surface for painting. Often the power washing will uncover areas that need repair or that were not treated properly when the prior painting was completed. Dieter will always perform the highest quality work. For exterior painting jobs, he will also make sure to bring equipment that allows him to perform his job well but also leave no trace on the property or grounds where he is working. Contact him for a quote on interior or exterior painting.

LeTip met on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was Adam Perkowski, our home automation specialist. He had several Sonos speakers that he could control with a cell phone. Adam can install a sound system in various locations inside and outside of a home, and each speaker can be controlled separately, to play different music at different volume levels. Contact him (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to learn about your options.

Our speaker was carpenter contractor Gary Hunter from Hunter Custom Carpentry (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Gary and his son Jason work together on both interior and exterior projects. They can fix doors that don't close properly or that scrape the carpet. They can make railings, chair rails, molding, and wainscoting. Gary is also gearing up for outdoor projects like decks, either new construction or resurfacing of existing decks. He can also fix exterior doors that need better weatherproofing.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. We were joined buy guests who included a hotelier and a publisher.

Our showboater was Mike Popiel, our flooring contractor from Pinnacle Floor Coverings (www.pinnacle-flooring.com). Mike displayed a few samples of a laminate flooring material that looks like hardwood and is available in several colors. He also brought some smaller pieces of the material that have been soaking in water for about four months and are still in great shape. Contact Mike to learn more about laminates or any floor covering materials.

Our speaker was our property and casualty insurance specialist, Dave Kozak (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Dave told us that paying for proper insurance coverage is generally affordable, while paying to replace our homes would be beyond most people's budgets. It is wise to have coverage and to make sure that our insurance coverage is appropriate and sufficient. Dave also emphasized the importance of having an insurance agent who can fight for you and make sure that appropriate payments are made. Anyone who tries to save money by getting insurance coverage over the phone or online will have coverage but won't have anyone looking out for them personally. In a time of loss, it's important to have someone on your side who knows you and your policy and who cares about getting things done correctly and in a timely manner. Dave recommends adding an umbrella policy, which he says is the best protection from litigation. Contact him to review your current insurance policies and to better understand your coverage and needs.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was our realtor, Scott Darling (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Scott always has helpful booklets available for both buyers and sellers, answering many common questions. Scott has sold hundreds of houses and enjoys helping his clients to navigate through the process of either buying or selling a home.

Our speaker was portrait photographer Jack Ansley (www.ansleyphoto.com). Jack has watched huge changes unfold in the photography field, from black-and-white to color photography. Now digital photography and cell phone cameras have put photography into the hands of just about everyone. The major disadvantage, of course, is that many people never print their pictures. Jack can take a professional photo in his Devon studio of both people and pets. He also has printing equipment that allows him to make an actual photo from any of the tiny digital images on a cell phone photo album. Jack pointed out that our phones have an "Edit" function for photographs and that much can be done to improve those candid shots that we take in a hurry. Then we can e-mail the full-sized photo file to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and he'll make a quality print.

LeTip Chester County East met at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Our showboater was Lonnie Cooper, our mortgage broker from The Rate Kings (www.theratekings.com). Lonnie provides excellent customer service and great rates, and he also has gifts for his customers once they close on their new or refinanced mortgage. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ask any questions or start a mortgage application.

Our speaker was Scott Brown, our heating and air conditioning contractor from James Brown Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Scott showed us how geothermal systems work for both heating and cooling. He has a questionnaire that can help him determine which of his customers would be good candidates for geothermal installation. Scott loves geothermal systems but will not push them on a customer for whom it is not the best choice. A geothermal system involves an underground heat exchange (called the loop) and a heat pump inside the home. This means that there is no external air conditioning unit to care for outside the house. For either heating or cooling, the loop exchanges heat with the earth--picking up heat during the winter months and releasing heat during the summer months. The heated or cooled air then travels to air ducts in the house or radiant heating devices in the floors of the house. Contact Scott to determine whether you are a good candidate for geothermal heating and cooling; if you would be better suited to another type of system, he can give you the proper guidance and get started with the repair or installation that you need.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, June 9, 2015. We were joined by guests who represented a cleaning company.

Our showboater was our property and casualty insurance agent, Dave Kozak (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). He reminded us of how important it is to know what our coverage is and to review it periodically to make sure that it continues to be adequate.

Our speaker was our mortgage broker, Lonnie Cooper from The Rate Kings Mortgage (www.theratekings.com). Lonnie explained to us that, as a mortgage broker, he can shop for mortgages from a number of different companies. This means more options for him and his clients. If a particular lender doesn't want to lend to a client in a particular buying situation, Lonnie is not tied in to that lender and can look for another one. Lonnie can also lower the rates that a lender offers. For example, if Big Lender is offering a rate of 4%, Lonnie can write a mortgage with Big Lender but give his client a rate of 3.875%, which still earns him a healthy commission. Lonnie is also willing to float down a rate for his clients. If his client locks in at a particular rate but it then goes down 0.25%, Lonnie can float the rate down 0.125% for his client at no charge. It makes sense to let Lonnie take a look at the rates he can get for a home buyer's mortgage or a refinance.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was Theresa Barlow, our Interior Designer from A Perfect View (www.APerfectViewInteriors.com). She showed us the colors and patterns that she will be using to update a guest room. Her paint, fabrics, and wallpaper coordinate perfectly, and she would be happy to help with design project, large or small, for homes or businesses.

Our speaker was Dave Kozak, our Property & Casualty Insurance specialist from Chester Springs Insurance Group (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Dave deals with all sorts of "what if" scenarios and makes sure that his clients have appropriate coverage for whatever might happen. Dave told us the story of someone who is severely disabled but is still able to drive with electronic modifications made to his vehicle. Several years ago, Dave looked into the details of this man's insurance policy and was able to get him $75,000 of additional coverage because of the much higher replacement cost for his vehicle. This type of concern and attention to detail won't be available to customers who shop for insurance online or through a toll-free number. It is important to have an agent who knows you and your situation, who asks the right questions, and will fight for you when necessary to acquire coverage and/or payment in the event of a claim. Let Dave and Chester Springs Insurance Group take a look at your policy so that you can feel confident and secure with your insurance coverage.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was Greg Cazillo, our website designer (www.cazillo.com). He showed us the various reports that he can generate for the websites he manages to show how much traffic a site is getting and what people do while they're visiting the site. This type of feedback can be helpful when deciding how to design or redesign a website.

Our speaker was our interior designer, Theresa Barlow from A Perfect View (www.APerfectViewInteriors.com). Theresa told us that interior designers can help you to save money and avoid costly mistakes when redesigning a home or work space. A designer will measure and create a floor plan, making sure that everything is in the proper scale. Theresa can help to update the look of a room or even repurpose it. The first question that each of her clients needs to answer is how much they are willing to spend, and Theresa will work within their budget. She can help to select one item to be the "wow factor" in the room. Sometimes people feel that they can do designing and repurposing projects themselves, and this may be true. However, we have all sorts of other things that call for our attention, and the projects may not get done or may take much longer than expected. Theresa will get projects done in a timely fashion, because this work is her job and won't get edged out by other interests or responsibilities. For great design, well executed and beautiful to look at, contact Theresa for her expertise.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was Dan Harris, our CPA (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Dan constantly studies the latest tax information, so he can make sure that everything is done properly when he files taxes or completes audits for his clients.

Our speaker was our website designer, Greg Cazillo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Greg can create a new website or make improvements to an existing site. He will make sure that it is easy to add new material on a regular basis, since new material will put a site higher in the Google rankings. Mobile-friendly sites also rank higher, and Greg can assure that a site is easy to navigate on any size screen and will resize when needed. He can add features like a contact form or the ability to send appointment confirmations after a customer has scheduled online. He can create an online magazine with images that are sized appropriately for the layout. Contact Greg with any questions and to see how he can increase traffic to your site and give viewers a more enjoyable and helpful experience.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our speaker was our painting contractor, Dieter Enz from SLCI (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Dieter has worked on many different painting jobs, always with great quality and meticulous attention to detail. He mentioned that he is currently working on a job that requires a lot of brushwork, and that a painter has to know what they are doing to make this type of job look good. He can mix custom colors to get just the right shade. When necessary, he can remove wallpaper and prepare the wall underneath for painting. Depending on how the wallpaper was hung and the amount of glue that was used, this preparatory phase can take up to several days to complete. Dieter will know what is involved only after he has started the process and gotten a look at the wall underneath, so he does his best to estimate what may be involved. With all of his jobs, he makes sure that everything is completed to very high standards of quality, and it is worth the time that he takes to get everything done right.

LeTip Chester County East met on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Exton, PA. Our showboater was our painting contractor, Dieter Enz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). He showed us some of the materials and brushes that he uses, all to provide a high-quality service that will look great and last for a long time.

Our speaker was our realtor, Scott Darling (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Scott is always ready to help people sell their homes. He is connected to fantastic people and resources for home staging to make a house look more appealing to potential buyers. Scott studies the demographics of people who have bought or sold homes in the past, with an eye for the people who would likely be candidates for each house that he has listed. He may encourage other realtors who represent these buyers to show his properties that would be a good fit for them. Scott also makes sure to follow up quickly on any online searches related to properties that he is selling. He may look for renters who are paying rent that is roughly equivalent to what the mortgage payment would be for a particular property and ask whether they would consider purchasing a home. In short, Scott pays attention to details and works hard to help his clients with their home sales. Contact him if you are thinking about listing your home for sale--or to buy, of course!