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A kitchen cabinet makeover for under $20.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

When it comes to improvements to your home, replacing your kitchen cabinets is one project that offers the best return for investment dollars at resale. For many, the price of new cabinets may not be in the budget. Nevertheless, if you want to give your kitchen a bit of a new look and would prefer not to paint, bleaching your kitchen cabinets offers a cost-effective alternative.

“Bleaching your kitchen cabinets gives them a bit of an old world look,” said I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park. “This aged, rustic design is often part of Tuscan kitchen decor and works well with wrought iron and ceramic accessories.”

With just a few supplies, you can transform run-of-the-mill cabinetry into a unique work of art. Most supplies for this project can be purchased at your local home improvement store. Then it’s just a matter of following some simple steps:

  • Cover any areas that you don’t want bleached (cabinets or otherwise). Newspaper should suffice.
  • While wearing gloves, pour a gallon of household bleach into a clean bucket, then dip a sponge into the bleach. Wring out the sponge so that it is damp, but not dripping. You can also use commercially prepared wood bleach for this project.
  • Apply the bleach to a small area of your cabinets that’s out of sight. This will be your test area. If you like the look, apply to the rest of your cabinets. Be careful not to saturate any area too much to avoid streaking.
  • Allow the bleach to dry completely, then lightly sand the cabinets with fine-grade sandpaper. Wipe off any dust and residue with a clean cloth.
  • Finally, apply a coat of clear polyurethane sealer with a paint roller or paintbrush and allow it to dry completely.

“Bleaching your cabinets can create an entirely new look for your kitchen in just a few short hours,” said Sell. “Just remember to take the proper precautions when working with bleach. Wear goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and skin and open a window or vent so the bleach smell doesn’t overwhelm you.”

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

A kitchen cabinet makeover for under $20.Read More

A 10 in the Twin Cities. DirectBuy of St. Paul celebrates 10 years in business.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, MINNESOTA…

For 10 years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the greater St. Paul area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings, and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of St. Paul offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices.

“Minnesotans are open-minded people who are not afraid to change the way they do things if it makes sense. Case in point, when we opened the Club Jesse Ventura was our governor and 10 years later, Al Franken is one of our senators,” said Roger Pfiffner, owner of DirectBuy of St. Paul. “DirectBuy makes sense for consumers because it helps them stretch their dollars further. Ten years later, that still holds true.”

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our 10 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Pfiffner. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Conveniently located at 4444 CentervilleRoad, Suite 130 in the St. Paul suburb of White Bear Lake, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement, and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the U.S. and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada. Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

A 10 in the Twin Cities. DirectBuy of St. Paul celebrates 10 years in business.Read More

Five more than okay in OKC. DirectBuy of Oklahoma City celebrates five years in business.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

For five years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the greater OKC area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings, and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Oklahoma City offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices.

“We’ve had a wonderful five years here in Oklahoma City,” said Brandon Parker, owner of DirectBuy of Oklahoma City. “It’s been particularly rewarding to see how DirectBuy has been able to help its members save literally thousands of dollars on their home improvement projects and home furnishings in what’s been a very difficult economy for many people.”

In addition to helping members, Parker also had the opportunity to hand over a $50,000 check to Moore, Oklahoma resident Kelly Clarkson, winner of DirectBuy Club’s Home Makeover contest.

“We’re used to helping people save money but to put actual cash in somebody’s hand, especially somebody who really needed it, that was quite a thrill,” said Thompon.

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services many times at a discounted rate.

Conveniently located at 8330 Glade Avenue in Oklahoma City, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement, and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the U.S. and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada. Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Five more than okay in OKC. DirectBuy of Oklahoma City celebrates five years in business.Read More

Business coaching vs. business consulting: what’s the difference?

MANCHESTER, MARYLAND …

In the past several years, business coaching has gone beyond a luxury reserved for Corporate America’s executives but an invaluable tool for small business owners. Yet many small business owners are still unclear on the difference between a business coach and a business consultant.

“The difference is as simple as the old expression ‘give a man a fish, he eats for the day, teach him to fish and he feeds himself for life’,” said Karen Boyd, a master licensee for ActionCOACH, the top business coaching firm in the world.

Continued Boyd, “That’s not to say that business consultants do not perform a valuable service. Their expertise is used to complete tasks where the business owner is deficient or does not have the time to do themselves. A business coach teaches the business owner either how to do those tasks or how to find the resources to ensure that the task is completed both in the present and future.”

So what are the main differences between a business coach and business consultant? Here are a few of the chief differences:

  • Business coach transfers their knowledge to the business owner; the business consultant takes their knowledge when their mission is complete.
  • With business coach, plan is driven by client needs; with consultant, plan is driven by deliverable definition
  • Business coach works in 90-day planning cycles; business consultant’s schedule is based on deliverable milestones.
  • Business coach helps implement self-sustainable systems; business consultant sets up maintenance contracts for deliverables.
  • Business coach is a generalist; business consultant is a specialist.
  • Business coach paid by the program; business consultant paid by the hour.

“In its simplest form, a business coach is a teacher. The business consultant is a doer. Both have a place in the business world,” said Boyd. “When you own and operate your own business, you get used to calling all the shots, even if some of those shots might be off-target. A business coach not only will tell you why you’re off target, but shows you how to stay on target and that’s a service that has real value for the small business owner.”

About ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching firm and executive coaching firm. Operating in 26 countries, the franchise has more than 1,000 offices around the world. That includes locations in the five states (and Washington DC) that make up the Gulf Atlantic region: Alabama (Pelham); Delaware; Louisiana (Baton Route, Loranger, Mandeville, New Orleans and Shreveport); Maryland (Baltimore, Freeland, Fallston, Manchester, Rockland, Silver Spring); and Mississippi (Madison).

Founded in 1993, the ActionCOACH has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Franchise, Franchisee Satisfaction, Best Overall Company and has been named the number one business coaching franchise for more than five years running.

For information on ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars’ 2010 “Business is Booming” North American tour, please visit http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code KBM001. 

To learn more about working with an ActionCOACH or the ActionCOACH franchise opportunity, contact Karen Boyd, www.karenboyd.actioncoach.comwww.karenboyd.actioncoach.com, (410) 374-3536.

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ViaMark Advertising wins 2010 Gold ADDY

PLYMOUTH, MA…

ViaMark Advertising recently won a Gold Addy for Best Local 60-second radio commercial for Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream.

ViaMark Advertising opened its doors for business in North Carolina in 1995, opening its northeast headquarters in 2005 in the Boston suburb of Plymouth, Massachusetts. The company now has 12 offices in four states including its Plymouth office.  The Gold ADDY gives ViaMark the ability to showcase the kind of creative talent that supports their local franchise offices.  The firm’s mantra is “Local Minds, National Talent.”

Led by Creative Director Lori McIlwain, ViaMark specializes in developing affordable, unique ad campaigns for retail, automotive, healthcare and service industries.  In addition, Viamark purchases media for clients locally, and throughout the United States.  In New England, ViaMark Advertising represents Silko Honda, Sullivan Brothers Auto Mall, South Shore Diamond Exchange, AJ Marks Jewelers, McLean Hospital and Omega Medical Research.  According to McIlwain, “creating emotional marketing campaigns is the best way to convey a client’s story, and win the customer’s trust. Make them feel safe, and you’ll create a customer for life.  At ViaMark we refer to this as true to life marketing.”  

For the Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream commercial, owner Dave Adami wanted ViaMark to come up with a fun commercial that would vault the Uncle Dave’s brand and increase its notoriety in their local market.  “After all, we are selling fun” says Dave Adami.  Dave contributes significantly to this commercial with his very catchy, locally flavored voice.  Dave is featured in both the beginning and conclusion of the commercial.  “It’s Dee-Licious” is now a phrase that many local consumers recall when thinking of the Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream brand.

Hear the commercial by visiting: http://www.viamark.com. 

ViaMark Advertising’s handles more than 100 accounts from South Carolina to Boston, Massachusetts and specializes in strategic media buying, and creative services, including radio, television, print, and outdoor. Viamark offices are located in Massachusetts (Plymouth), North Carolina (Asheville, Greenville, Jacksonville, New Bern, Raleigh, Research Triangle, Wilmington), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) and South Carolina (Greenville-Spartanburg).

To learn more about Viamark Advertising visit www.Viamark.com or www.viamark.com/plymouth

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Love on the run…eLove offers portability options for singles

NORWELL, MA…

One of the primary reasons matchmaking services exist is that so many singles are busy with their careers—either from workload, travel or both—it’s difficult to meet that special someone.  eLove, one of the world’s largest online dating and brick-and-mortar dating services in the world recently added a portability feature to its matchmaking service for busy singles who find themselves away on business or for other reasons for long stretches of time.

eLove has matchmaking offices in 23 states. eLove matchamaking clients can utilize their membership at any of those offices. So if an eLove client from the Saddle Brook, New Jersey office goes away on business to Washington DC for an extended period, he or she can use the eLove matchmaking services out of the Falls Church, Virginia or Columbia, Maryland offices.

“Just because you’re away on business doesn’t mean your personal life has to come to a screeching halt,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove. “The portability of our matchmaking memberships means you can utilize our services at any of our 45 offices, almost all of which are either in or reasonably close to metropolitan areas.”

In addition to the portability of its matchmaking services, eLove also offers online dating services, which connects singles across the United States. eLove’s online dating site gives users the capability of targeting singles by a geographic area—another handy tool if you know you’re going to be in a certain area for a prolonged period on business or vacation.

“You only get one life. And as important as careers are, all work and no play is not a healthy combination,” said Falzone. “By offering portability with our matchmaking services and the capabilities of our online dating site, singles do have a choice as to whether an extended business trip can be all business or have some fun mixed in.”

eLove is all you need

eLove, the next evolution in dating, has arrived.  eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide different levels of dating services, from internet to traditional matchmaking, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate.  Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With matchmaking offices in 21 states and an online dating network of more than three million singles worldwide, eLove is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.

eLove’s Matchmaking Service offices are located in:  Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Mountain View, Sacramento, Walnut Creek); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Normal, Northbrook, Rockford); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Kentucky (Louisville); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); New Jersey (Saddle Brook); Nevada (Las Vegas); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

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ActionCOACH’s “Business is Booming” tour comes to DC on June 17.

ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars

WASHINGTON, DC …

Double-digit unemployment rates. Corporate bailouts. Foreclosures and slumping residential and commercial real estate markets.

So how can anyone truly say, “business is booming”?

Brad Sugars, founder and Chairman of ActionCOACH, the world’s number business coaching firm, says exactly that, and tells both why and how when his North American “Business is Booming” tour comes to the Washington Marriott on Thursday, June 17.

“History tells us that more money is made during economic downturns than during booms and that for every 10-month downturn is a 50-month boom,” said Karen Boyd, ActionCOACH master licensee in Washington, DC, Maryland and Delaware. “Brad’s message is that the companies can prepare for the next boom by cutting costs, developing good lead generation strategies and implementing effective marketing programs that deliver A- and B-level customers that will thrive in any economy.”

In addition to an explanation of why business is indeed booming, Sugars will also discuss 28 proven strategies to massively grow any type of business during his three-hour presentation.

Widely acclaimed as the world’s number one Business Coach, Sugars founded ActionCOACH in 1993 after successfully owning and or running more than 30 businesses in his native Australia. Today, ActionCOACH is ranked as the world’s leading international business coaching firm, with more than 1,000 offices in 26 countries.

A best-selling author of 14 highly acclaimed business books – including four international best-sellers – Sugars has taught nearly a half-million people worldwide how to create business, real estate and financial success.

“Brad Sugars is to business coaching what Tony Robbins has been to the personal development industry,” continued Boyd. “With his ‘Business is Booming’ tour, he’s literally giving away his years of successful business knowledge and expertise. It’s a message every small business owner in the Beltway should want to hear.”

To register for the June 17 event at the Washington Marriott (located at 1221 22nd Street NW, Washington DC), simply visit http://businessisboomingtour.com/ and use code KBM001.

There’s no charge to register, admission is free. The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. with a 30-minute networking period prior to Sugars’ presentation.  

To find out additional dates and venues for the “Business is Booming” North American tour, please go to http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code KBM001.

About ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching firm and executive coaching firm. Operating in 26 countries, the franchise has more than 1,000 offices around the world. That includes locations in the five states (and Washington DC) that make up the Gulf Atlantic region: Alabama (Pelham); Delaware; Louisiana (Baton Route, Loranger, Mandeville, New Orleans and Shreveport); Maryland (Baltimore, Freeland, Fallston, Manchester, Rockland, Silver Spring); and Mississippi (Madison).

Founded in 1993, the ActionCOACH has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Franchise, Franchisee Satisfaction, Best Overall Company and has been named the number one business coaching franchise for more than five years running.

For information on ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars’ 2010 “Business is Booming” North American tour, please visit http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code KBM001. 

To learn more about working with an ActionCOACH or the ActionCOACH franchise opportunity, contact Karen Boyd, www.karenboyd.actioncoach.comwww.karenboyd.actioncoach.com, (410) 374-3536.

ActionCOACH’s “Business is Booming” tour comes to DC on June 17.Read More

Lake in the Hills resident Sara Sosa celebrates 10 years with DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates

DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates' Sara Sosa and Dave Kushner

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL…

When most high school seniors look for an after school job, they are not typically thinking about a career. As Sara Sosa has proved over and over again during her 10 years with DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, she is the exception.

“I attended a DirectBuy open house and came away completely inspired by this company that helps save families literally thousands of dollars and create the homes of their dreams,” said Sosa. “I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. The fact that it’s been 10 years is rather amazing.”

Beginning in the service area as an appointment setter in the spring of 2000, Sosa rose through the ranks to her current title of member director. As a director, she’s responsible for leading the Open House tours (like the one that so inspired her) and explaining the benefits of a DirectBuy membership to families.

 “Not only is she my right-hand person, but Sara has been one of the leading membership directors in the United States,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates. “Sara is extremely self-motivated and has a great attitude. Her success with DirectBuy is a total reflection on how she goes about her job.”

In fact, Sosa’s longevity with the company is only trumped by Kushner, who opened DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates 11 years ago.

“Dave and all the people here at DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates have just been incredible to work with and have literally been like an extended family to me,” said Sosa. “That’s kind of fitting since I’ve experienced some of life’s biggest milestones—getting married, becoming a mother, buying a house—while working at DirectBuy.”

Raised in Algonquin, Illinois, Sosa currently resides in Lake in the Hills, Illinois.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services.

With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Lake in the Hills resident Sara Sosa celebrates 10 years with DirectBuy of Hoffman EstatesRead More

DirectBuy’s Top 10. DirectBuy of New Orleans celebrates 10 years in business.

HARAHAN, LOUISIANA…

For 10 years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the greater New Orleans area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings, and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of New Orleans offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices.

“When you think of all that’s occurred in our little part of the world since we opened our doors, including a natural disaster of epic proportions like Hurricane Katrina, reaching our 10th anniversary is a monumental achievement,” said Mike Seiler, owner of DirectBuy of New Orleans. “We’ve literally saved our members thousands upon thousands of dollars and that’s something we’re tremendously proud of.”

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“Besides the savings and helping some of our members rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, we have had a number of unique opportunities, most significantly, handing over a $50,000 check to the winner of the DirectBuy Home Makeover contest,” said Seiler. “The positives of the previous 10 years have us extremely excited about what’s to come in the next 10 years.”

Conveniently located at 520 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 190 in Harahan, Louisiana, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement, and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the U.S. and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada. Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy’s Top 10. DirectBuy of New Orleans celebrates 10 years in business.Read More