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Massachusetts

Tim Flynn of Winters Home Services Becomes Boston Power Player

Tim Flynn and the Winters team
Tim Flynn and the Winters team

Tim Flynn, Master Plumber and owner of Winters Home Services, an award-winning provider of plumbing, heating, cooling, and home monitoring services to residents throughout the greater Boston area, has become a Boston Power Player expert contributor.

As a Boston Power Player, Flynn joins the ranks of fellow business professionals in helping Boston residents meet their real estate goals.

With 20 years in the business and 60,000 happy customers, Flynn helps home sellers (and buyers) maneuver the complex heating, cooling and plumbing issues that can arise in a home’s sale or purchase. Flynn’s company also provides state-of-the-art CarePlus Home Monitoring, which enables homeowners to monitor and access their home’s most important systems – from water sensors and home energy meters, carbon monoxide detectors and thermostats to lights, door locks and more – through any Smart device. Essentially, Winters Home Monitoring provides home automation and monitoring to ensure the optimal operation and safety of home systems and the maximum in energy savings, backed by “first-in-line” service and accountability that only a local company can provide.

“A house is one of the largest investments we make. Buyers are looking for homes with energy efficient systems that are in tip-top shape and sellers are aware of this.  But equally as important, and a tremendous selling point, is home monitoring technology, which provides significant value and should be incorporated,” explained Tim Flynn, owner of Winters Home Services. “Homeowners are looking for safety and greater peace of mind, which is exactly what home monitoring provides.”

Flynn discusses Home Monitoring with Chris Devin of Real Estate Talk-Boston on Boston.com, in a video entitled “The Ultimate 21st Century Solution To Leaving Your Home in the Winter”. The video is an overview of Winters Home Monitoring technology and service program that keeps homeowners and their families safe while providing peace of mind. Click link to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIwS_IR-028

To learn more about Tim Flynn and Winters Home Services, visit wintershomeservices.com.

About Winters Home Services

Founded in 1994, Winters Home Services is an award-winning service company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in plumbing, heating, cooling, and home monitoring services. Offering the first-to-market CarePlus Home Monitoring Program and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, the company focuses on high quality workmanship and consistent world-class customer service. Winters Home Services promises to fulfill the needs of every customer with a sense of urgency, ensuring comfort, safety and well-being.

Winters Home Services is one of the largest residential plumbing companies in the greater Boston-area with a large fleet on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians.  Dedicated to supporting the community, Winters is a sponsor of the Duckling Day Parade annual Mother’s Day event and a partner of the Friends of the Public Garden, a non-profit organization that works to protect and improve Boston’s first public parks: the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The company is an ongoing supporter of events at Club Café.

For more information, call 866-482-7586 or visit wintershomeservices.com.

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Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST Joins Rodman & Rodman P.C. of Newton

Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST
Daniel J. Gniadek, CPA, MST

Daniel J. Gniadek, a Certified Public Accountant, has recently joined Rodman & Rodman, P.C. as Supervisor. Based in Newton, MA, Rodman & Rodman is an independent accounting and tax firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving clients throughout the U.S.

In his new role, Mr. Gniadek will oversee the accounting staff who are responsible for tax preparation and tax planning for individuals and entities.  For three years previous to Rodman & Rodman, Mr. Gniadek was a Senior Tax Accountant in the personal financial management and income tax planning division of Summit Financial Corporation in Burlington. His experience also includes serving as a Tax Associate at BNY Convergex Group and BDO USA, LLP of Boston.

Mr. Gniadek holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI and a Master of Science in Taxation from Northeastern University in Boston. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA).

He is a resident of Braintree, MA. In his free time, he enjoys playing hockey and golf.

For three consecutive years, Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Newton Tax Firm Outlines Sales Tax Holiday Rules for August 16th & 17th

Thomas Astore CPA JD
Thomas Astore CPA JD

Rodman & Rodman, P.C., an independent accounting and tax firm based in Newton, MA, outlines the rules that will be in effect for Massachusetts’ Sales Tax Holiday Weekend on August 16-17, 2014.

“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will not be collecting the 6.25 percent sales tax on non-business purchases of $2,500 or less made by individuals” explains Thomas Astore, CPA, JD, and Partner at Rodman & Rodman, P.C. “Business purchases and purchases made by corporations remain taxable. Massachusetts businesses open during this weekend and selling taxable items of tangible personal property are required to participate in this sales tax holiday.”

Rodman & Rodman outlines items that are eligible as well as those that are excluded from the Sales Tax Holiday:

Business purchases are excluded, which also means any purchase made with a business check or business credit card.

All services are excluded. Only tangible purchases are eligible. Airline tickets and sporting events are considered services.

Motor vehicles (which include ATVs and small motorcycles), motorized boats, telecommunications services (including prepaid calling arrangements and cards), gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products and meals are excluded from the sales tax holiday. But, telecommunications equipment (cell phones and related items for personal use) is eligible.

Any single item with a price that is in excess of $2,500 is excluded. If the single item’s price exceeds $2,500, it will be taxed in full. For example a $3,000 plasma TV will be taxed on the entire $3,000 sale price.

When more than one item is purchased at the same time, and each item has a price of $2,500 or less, then all of the items may be rung up on one receipt and all the items are tax-free.

There is no sales tax on clothing unless the sale price exceeds $175. For an article of clothing exceeding this amount, the $175 will be deducted from the price and the remaining amount will be taxed.

If a store coupon or discount provided by a retailer or manufacturer reduces the sales price of the item, the discounted sales price determines whether the sales price is within the sales tax holiday price threshold of $2,500 or less.

Prior sales and lay-a-ways do not qualify for the tax-free status under any circumstances.

Special order items such as furniture are eligible so long as they are ordered and paid in full on the sales tax holiday weekend, and the cost of each item is $2,500 or less, even if delivery is made at a later date.

Internet purchases are exempt from sales tax as long as they do not exceed $2,500 (and meet other criteria) and are made and paid for on August 11 or 12, Eastern Standard Time.

For specific tax questions contact Rodman & Rodman, P.C. at (617) 965-5959.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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South Coast Improvement, Co. says ‘thank you’ to Franciscan Hospital with pillow puppets.

image of Sean Whalen of South Coast Improvement
Marion, Mass.-based South Coast Improvement Co. (SCI) recently delivered pillow puppets to patients at Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, MA as a ‘thank you’ for their patience during a recent SCI project.

MARION, MA…

When you think of general contractors, you usually don’t think “warm and fuzzy”. That’s unless you ask the children at Franciscan Hospital for Children in the Brighton section of Boston. After a recent visit by South Coast Improvement Co. to deliver 25 pillow puppets to the children, the consensus there is that GC’s, particularly those from South Coast Improvement, are all that and a bag of potato chips.

“We’ve done a lot of work over the past few years at Franciscan Hospital and the cooperation of the staff and patients and their families has been phenomenal,” said Sean Whalen, South Coast Improvement’s vice president of business development. “We go to great lengths to minimize any disruption to hospital activities. That’s only possible with help of staff and the patience of patients. The pillow puppets for the kids are just our way of saying thank you.”

South Coast Improvement’s projects at Franciscan Hospital have included the relocation of the reception desk, a renovation accomplished without ever closing down the entrance lobby. To minimize the impact to traffic flow and in and out of the hospital, South Coast completely constructed the new reception desk off-site and prepared the wiring in advance. Installation was as simple as dropping in the desk and plugging in the electrical.

Installation of the new reception desk wasn’t the only thing special about this project. South Coast Improvement designed the millwork for the reception area to look like blades of sea grass waving in the breeze. South Coast Improvement also designed a cloud system, constructed out of drywall, and hung it over the new reception desk.

“We’re delighted with work performed by South Coast Improvement on the reception area,” said Chantal Brandimarte, advancement associate for Franciscan Hospital for Children. “As for the pillow puppets, I can’t say I’m surprised. The crews who have worked on these projects have always had a soft spot for the kids and this generous gift just shows that.”

South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare and institutional clients. In addition to Franciscan Hospital for Children, South Coast Improvement has also done extensive projects at hospitals such as the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth (the former Jordan Hospital) and such healthcare facilities as National Health Corporation, Sun Health Care Group and Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group.

For more information on South Coast Improvement, Inc., please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

South Coast Improvement, Co. says ‘thank you’ to Franciscan Hospital with pillow puppets.Read More

Preventing tax overbites. “The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Dentists Thousands”, written and offered free by Millbury–based Accountant Paul Dion.

Paul Dion, CPA CTC.
Paul Dion, CPA CTC.

MILLBURY, MA…

When it comes to holes, dentists typically know what to do: drill and fill. When it comes to loopholes—specifically tax loopholes that are available to all small business owners, many dentists aren’t quite as informed. In his new book “The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Dentists Thousands”, Millbury, MA-based accountant Paul Dion CPA demonstrates how many of these “loopholes” are excellent tax strategies for dentists and self-employed individuals—if you know how to implement them and then make them audit-proof.

“Before a dentist does any work on a patient, they look around, probe and then take x-rays so they can form a plan to treat a patient and then perform the treatment.

Optimizing tax opportunities for small business owners like dentists is very similar. It’s all about diagnosis and treatment,” said Dion.

Some of the topics covered by The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes… include discussion of the right benefits for you and your employees; taking advantage of all the legitimate deductions, credits, loopholes and strategies the Tax Code offers; and selecting the right retirement plan for your future.

Dion, with three decades of experience providing tax and business advice, noted, “Many dentists, in fact probably most, are doctors first, business owners second. And thank goodness for that. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be equally adept at business, too.

My book covers some very basic tax strategies that can benefits dentists and small business owners of any kind. It’s a worthwhile read and a great starting point to taking control of your financial future.”

In addition to his publishing efforts, Dion often speaks to associations and groups, as well as other small business networking groups, regarding these tax strategies. To book Dion as a speaker, call (508) 853-3292.

CTC published “The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…”.  The book is available to individuals and business owners for free, although there is a $4 cost of shipping the 76-page book.

ABOUT PAUL DION, CPA

Beyond simple “bean counting”, Paul Dion, CPA and associates work side by side and speak in common English to help clients fully understand their tax situation and take proactive steps to pay the least amount of tax legally allowed while minimizing the risk of an audit.  Clients save money and sleep well as night.

Business services include small business accounting, payroll, cash flow management, strategic business planning, new business formation, internet controls, QuickBooks, part-time CFO, bank financing, succession planning and non-profit organization direction.

For a free book, more information or a complimentary consultation, please visit www.PaulDionCPA.com or contact Paul Dion CPA, via Info@PaulDionCPA.com or (508) 853-3292.  Offices are conveniently located at 22 West Street, #6, (Felter’s Mill), Millbury, MA  01527.

Preventing tax overbites. “The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Dentists Thousands”, written and offered free by Millbury–based Accountant Paul Dion.Read More

The Pocket Guide to Obamacare written and offered free by Millbury –based Accountant Paul Dion

Paul Dion, CPA CTC.
Paul Dion, CPA CTC.

MILLBURY, MA…

Obamacare, intended to provide health care to all Americans, has many confused and concerned.  In recognition of this, Millbury –based Accountant Paul Dion, CPA, CTC authored “The Pocket Guide to Obamacare”.  The book is available to individuals and business owners for free, although there is a $4 cost of shipping the 72 page book.

Dion, with three decades of experience providing tax and business advice, noted, “My book covers the most important aspects of the law and how it impacts taxes.  The quick read also gives people a framework for making smart, informed choices in this new healthcare environment.“

The complimentary book outlines how the law works, employer tax credits, insurance exchanges, premium subsidies, employee requirements, options for individuals, options for small employers, self-insured plans, and Medicare tax on earned income.

ABOUT PAUL DION, CPA

Beyond simple “bean counting”, Paul Dion, CPA and associates work side by side and speak in common English to help clients fully understand their tax situation and take proactive steps to pay the least amount of tax legally allowed while minimizing the risk of an audit.  Clients save money and sleep well as night.

Business services include small business accounting, payroll, cash flow management, strategic business planning, new business formation, internet controls, QuickBooks, part-time CFO, bank financing, succession planning and non-profit organization direction.

For a free book, more information or a complimentary consultation, please visit www.PaulDionCPA.com or contact Paul Dion CPA, via Info@PaulDionCPA.com or (508) 853-3292.  Offices are conveniently located at 22 West Street, #6, (Felter’s Mill), Millbury, MA  01527.

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South Coast Improvement, Co. adds Franciscan Hospital in Boston, MA and Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, MA to its growing list of healthcare clients

Marion, Mass.-based South Coast Improvement, Co. recently complete project in the reception area of Franciscan Hospital in Boston, MA.
Marion, Mass.-based South Coast Improvement, Co. recently complete project in the reception area of Franciscan Hospital in Boston, MA.

MARION, MA, BOSTON, MA and PLYMOUTH, MA…

For the past decade, South Coast Improvement Co. (SCI) has provided design/build services to long-term care facilities, rehabilitation facilities and brain trauma units throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. With the recent completion of projects at Franciscan Hospital in Boston, MA and Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, SCI has expanded its services to include hospitals.

“I have always thought the work we’ve been doing for years with our renovations in occupied units for long-term-care patients and in brain trauma units would translate very well to conventional hospital work seeing how process and the finished product are just as vital in both sectors,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Co. “These two projects at Franciscan Hospital and Jordan Hospital are proof positive that what we do also works for traditional hospitals.”

At Jordan Hospital, South Coast Improvement Co. provided a complete build out for the new Outpatient Spine Clinic. The project featured a reception area, new administrative offices and multiple exam rooms.

Said Quinlan, “Getting the opportunity to work with a respected provider like Jordan Hospital was a tremendous boost. Their architect, Jaca Architects is among the most respected healthcare architects in the northeast so we knew we had to be right with our work.”

Located at 30 Warren Street in the Brighton section of Boston, Franciscan Hospital treats young children with a variety of ailments. SCI’s project included relocation of the reception desk without ever closing down the entrance lobby-a logistical challenge that SCI met by completely constructing the new reception desk off-site and preparing the wiring in advance. Installation was as simple as dropping in the desk and plugging in the electrical.

The other innovative component of the project was the millwork, which was designed to be blades of sea grass waving in the breeze. A cloud system was also constructed out of drywall and hung over the new reception desk.

“This project was unique in that the design called for a very colorful, welcoming motif that suggested a seashore yet still had to meet all of the Department of Public Health codes.” says Sean Whalen, SCI vice president of business development, who worked very closely with the architect and hospital management to bring this to fruition.

South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare and institutional clients. For more information, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

South Coast Improvement, Co. adds Franciscan Hospital in Boston, MA and Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, MA to its growing list of healthcare clientsRead More

Back to school…South Coast Improvement Co. adds to institutional client list, begins projects for Northeastern University, Boston University, Mount Ida College and Dean College

MARION, MA, BOSTON, MA, NEWTON, MA and FRANKLIN, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, recently started multiple renovation projects at four major colleges and universities in Boston and the greater Boston area: Northeastern University, Boston University, Mount Ida College and Dean College.

Northeastern University contracted South Coast Improvement contracted to reconfigure parts of Dodge Hall for new administrative space. The project included a new HVAC system, sprinkler upgrades and premium finish package.

“We’ve been working very closely with the architects and the Northeastern project management team in order to bring this job to completion by the start of the fall semester,” said John Alessendrini, project manager for SCI.

At Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, SCI undertook two major projects. The first was the historic renovation of the building envelope of the Admissions Center. SCI stripped the building stripped of all existing siding, deleaded, and installed new HardiPlank cement board siding. Part of the project called for SCI’s Senior Vice President Henry Quinlan to design a window and door trim package that had to be approved by the Town of Franklin’s Historic Commission’s since it was a 100-plus year old building. SCI also substantially improved the efficiency of the building by installing storm window units and more insulation to the building.

The second Dean project involved SCI providing design-build services for the creation of a new Math Center. The Center includes a suite of classrooms, all equipped with the latest in audio/visual equipment.

At Boston University, South Coast Improvement was recently award four major renovation projects in the 725 Commonwealth Avenue classroom building. These projects include the reconfiguration of existing space for administrative offices. This will involve significant demolition, abatement, new HVAC and mechanicals, all new lighting as well as custom door packages and premium paint and flooring finishes. All four projects began simultaneously and required a multi-faceted critical path to success. All projects must be 100 percent complete by the beginning of the academic year.

Finally, SCI provided Mount Ida College in Newton, Massachusetts with design/build services for the new President’s offices and administrative office suite. Senior VP Henry Quinlan and John Alessendrini worked with staff to develop and design the new suites to incorporate the architectural detail of the 100-plus year old building while providing the upgrades of modern business. In addition, SCI moved the campus police station to a new location, which involved a complete build-out of an unused space.

“Like our senior living and healthcare clients, conducting a project at a college requires strict adherence to process so you minimize disruption to ongoing activities at the school. Add in a deadline of finishing work prior to the fall semester and it really shows SCI at our best,” Tom Quinlan, president of SCI. “We’re delighted to add these four institutions of higher learning to our already impressive list of institutional clients, which includes Boston College, Belmont Hill School and The Rivers School in Weston.”

South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare and institutional clients. For more information, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

Back to school…South Coast Improvement Co. adds to institutional client list, begins projects for Northeastern University, Boston University, Mount Ida College and Dean CollegeRead More

Maplewood Estates goes “new school”, celebrates the opening of the new Rogers Middle School with gift card for Maplewood Estates residents/students who will be attending the new school.

ROCKLAND, MASSACHUSETTS

The start of a school year is an adjustment for most families. If you just moved into a new house into a new town, it can be an even more challenging transition. In an effort to help ease the transition into the new school year, Maplewood Estates, a single-family home community located off Webster Street in Rockland, Massachusetts, is awarding new residents with children attending the new middle school, the John W. Rogers Middle School, with a $150 Staples gift card.

“The Rockland school system is one of the bigger benefits for families moving into Maplewood Estates, particularly if you have children that are middle school age and can attend the brand new school and later the soon-to-be-refurbished high school, said Bisher Hashem, Trustee of Maple Realty Trust, the developer of Maplewood Estates. “With all the expenses involved in moving into a new home, the Staples card is just our way of making sure each new resident of Maplewood Estates who is going to the new school has what they need to get started.”

In addition to the gift card, Maplewood Estates will also give $2,000 in additional upgrades for new residents of the development who sign a purchase-and-sale agreement between July 1 and August 15 and have children attending the new middle school. The Rockland Public School system starts school on Tuesday, September 4.

“We’re extremely proud of the new Middle School and the work being done on the high school,” said Rockland Superintendent John Retchless of the $86 million dollar project. “We feel the new school will improve the quality of services we can provide to our current students and be a very attractive draw to the Town of Rockland for families considering a move to the area.”

Construction on the high school portion is anticipated to be concluded by December 2012.

Maplewood Estates is set on 30 acres of natural wooded land and is located in the town of Rockland, Massachusetts. All of these beautiful homes offer many amenities and options to satisfy the savvy buyer looking to build a new home that comes with quality construction, quality living, and quality investment. Prices start at $348,000 and the size of homes range from just under 1700-square feet (the three-bed, Newbury) to the Gloucester (2740-square-feet and four bedrooms). Maplewood Estates is zoned for 72 homes.

Model homes at Maplewood Estates are open daily for tours by appointment. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Norwell is the official realtor for Maplewood Estates. You can schedule a tour or request more information by contacting:

Interested parties can also get more information, including plans, by visiting www.newhomesatmaplewood.com.

About Stonebridge Homes, Inc.:

For more than 20 years, Stonebridge Homes and its team, now based in South Easton, Massachusetts, have built many residential communities throughout the northeastern United States. More recently, Stonebridge has been focusing on building in towns of southeastern Massachusetts, including Abington, Easton, Raynham, Taunton, Franklin, West Bridgewater, Pembroke, Rockland, Whitman and Norwell. The styles of these communities have varied from imaginative condominiums to custom single‐family homes designed by its award‐winning in‐house architect, whose specialty is customizing dream homes for individuals, couples and families. Each development is built with the same commitment for quality and satisfaction.

Open house hours for Maplewood Estates are Saturday 12:00 to 3:00pm and Sunday 12:00 to 3:00pm. For more information visit www.newhomesatmaplewood.com, or call 508.230.2300.

Maplewood Estates goes “new school”, celebrates the opening of the new Rogers Middle School with gift card for Maplewood Estates residents/students who will be attending the new school.Read More