Go For It - Aug. 2011 - Fair Oaks

August 2011 GO FOR IT 1

2 GO FOR IT August 20112 GO FOR IT August 2011 August 2011 GO FOR IT 3

Q: Sherm, when is my car safe to drive after I’ve been in an auto accident?

A: Never. Do not drive the vehicle whatsoever. Even if it looks like a fist sized dent, have it towed. In most cases, towing is available at no extra charge through your insurance company, so why not utilize it? You might be considered liable if you drive an unsafe vehicle that causes another accident!

Q: Is it common for people to under-estimate the severity of the accident based solely on the appearance of the exterior damage?

A: Absolutely, that happens all the time! There could be impact to your wheel or wheels that you don’t even see. I’ve had people come in and tell me time and time again that a C.H.P. officer has told them that it’s okay to drive with a bumper hanging, a fender dragging or a damaged wheel. A savvy attorney representing the other side could say you were driving an unsafe vehicle and knew it, which would be cause for you to be held negligent.

Q: What are the most common things that happen when a car is unsafe?

A: An entire wheel could come off. In the 27 years I’ve been in this business, I’ve seen that happen on at least four occasions. People have driven their car after the accident, not

knowing that they could have wheel studs broken off or damaged that cause a tire to just go rolling off on the freeway at 60 plus miles an hour. That’s very dangerous. Suspension could be affected, causing the tires to wear unevenly. I’ve seen cases where the tire treads were completely warn out in just a few short miles. In one extreme case, a customer came in and told me they drove just two miles, which was all it took for the right front tire to become completely bald!

Q: So, not only are you risking the safety of yourself and others, you’re also taking a huge risk in terms of increasing the out of pocket expense for additional repairs. Is that correct?

A: Yes and your insurance company is going to ask you why you drove from the scene with your vehicle damaged. They might even question your coverage or liability. I’ve seen that happen many times. I’ve always thought we should do a public service announcement on T.V. and tell people not to drive their car after it’s been in an accident. Instead, tow the vehicle to a body shop instantly. If you don’t have an auto body shop of choice, call your insurance company or ask a friend or family member to refer somebody. Whatever you do, don’t drive the car!

When is my car safe to drive after an accident?With Randall Shepard, Manager

Q: Does Sherm’s Gold River Auto Body offer a free visual inspection to determine if a car is safe to drive?

We do! In many situations we may need to do more than a cosmetic visual inspection and get a closer look by removing such items as wheels and tires, bumpers, etc, to try and determine the extent of the damage. Oftentimes, we can do a simple visual exterior inspection and get a pretty good idea by looking at the gaps and lines on the sheet metal and the way the wheels and tires are sitting in direction and in relation to the wheel well.

Q: Is it common to have what appears to be very minor exterior damage but have major structural problems?

A: Yes, you could look at your car and think it’s safe to drive and have thousands of dollars worth of hidden damage. In today’s world, many cars are made out of plastic and plastic hides internal damage real well. The crush is all behind the plastic and it’s manufactured to return back to its normal position, even when the internal structure is damaged or destroyed.

Editor’s notes: Alan Sherman is the owner of Sherm’s Gold River Auto Body in Rancho Cordova and their phone number is (916) 631-1444.

ASK SHERM

August 2011 GO FOR IT 3August 2011 GO FOR IT 3

Q: Sherm, when is my car safe to drive after I’ve been in an auto accident?

A: Never. Do not drive the vehicle whatsoever. Even if it looks like a fist sized dent, have it towed. In most cases, towing is available at no extra charge through your insurance company, so why not utilize it? You might be considered liable if you drive an unsafe vehicle that causes another accident!

Q: Is it common for people to under-estimate the severity of the accident based solely on the appearance of the exterior damage?

A: Absolutely, that happens all the time! There could be impact to your wheel or wheels that you don’t even see. I’ve had people come in and tell me time and time again that a C.H.P. officer has told them that it’s okay to drive with a bumper hanging, a fender dragging or a damaged wheel. A savvy attorney representing the other side could say you were driving an unsafe vehicle and knew it, which would be cause for you to be held negligent.

Q: What are the most common things that happen when a car is unsafe?

A: An entire wheel could come off. In the 27 years I’ve been in this business, I’ve seen that happen on at least four occasions. People have driven their car after the accident, not

knowing that they could have wheel studs broken off or damaged that cause a tire to just go rolling off on the freeway at 60 plus miles an hour. That’s very dangerous. Suspension could be affected, causing the tires to wear unevenly. I’ve seen cases where the tire treads were completely warn out in just a few short miles. In one extreme case, a customer came in and told me they drove just two miles, which was all it took for the right front tire to become completely bald!

Q: So, not only are you risking the safety of yourself and others, you’re also taking a huge risk in terms of increasing the out of pocket expense for additional repairs. Is that correct?

A: Yes and your insurance company is going to ask you why you drove from the scene with your vehicle damaged. They might even question your coverage or liability. I’ve seen that happen many times. I’ve always thought we should do a public service announcement on T.V. and tell people not to drive their car after it’s been in an accident. Instead, tow the vehicle to a body shop instantly. If you don’t have an auto body shop of choice, call your insurance company or ask a friend or family member to refer somebody. Whatever you do, don’t drive the car!

When is my car safe to drive after an accident?With Randall Shepard, Manager

Q: Does Sherm’s Gold River Auto Body offer a free visual inspection to determine if a car is safe to drive?

We do! In many situations we may need to do more than a cosmetic visual inspection and get a closer look by removing such items as wheels and tires, bumpers, etc, to try and determine the extent of the damage. Oftentimes, we can do a simple visual exterior inspection and get a pretty good idea by looking at the gaps and lines on the sheet metal and the way the wheels and tires are sitting in direction and in relation to the wheel well.

Q: Is it common to have what appears to be very minor exterior damage but have major structural problems?

A: Yes, you could look at your car and think it’s safe to drive and have thousands of dollars worth of hidden damage. In today’s world, many cars are made out of plastic and plastic hides internal damage real well. The crush is all behind the plastic and it’s manufactured to return back to its normal position, even when the internal structure is damaged or destroyed.

Editor’s notes: Alan Sherman is the owner of Sherm’s Gold River Auto Body in Rancho Cordova and their phone number is (916) 631-1444.

ASK SHERM

4 GO FOR IT August 2011

After I graduated from college, my big dream was to work for a successful advertising agency. I mailed out close to 100 resumes to every agency in town and then waited for the phone to ring. When that didn’t happen, I did what many people do: I gave up on my dream and settled for the first full time job I could get, which happened to be in the retail industry.

For the next five years, I existed in a life of quiet desperation, counting down the minutes until I got off work. You can tell a lot about a person when you ask them how they are doing and they answer with statements like “Not bad for a Monday” or “Great, it’s Friday!” When I was in a job that I had no passion for, I was that guy.

Then, a miracle happened when I heard those two little words that many of us associate with Donald Trump, “You’re fired!” When my district supervisor broke the “bad news” to me and dealt me a “Trump card,” I wasn’t the least bit upset. As a matter of fact, I was ecstatic as a strange and surreal sensation swept over me. I felt a euphoric lightness, as if a heavy set of invisible chains had been lifted from my shoulders. I was finally free to pursue my passion full time, which made me a little nervous but very excited about the future!

My young family and I went through some very difficult months as we struggled to make ends meet, but I was determined to never go back, no matter how bad things got. And things got bad, really bad. The stress in my relationship with my first wife became almost unbearable as we argued constantly over my decision to stay the course. Fortunately, my stubborn resolve finally paid off. In less than a year, I was hired by a local advertising company and was making a living in the field of my dreams. By the end of my first year, I was making more money than ever and loving every minute of it!

I became completely committed to being the best advertising rep I could be, so I invested my money and time by reading books, listening to cassette tapes in the car and attending seminars to improve my knowledge and skills. I followed the single best piece of advice I’d ever received from motivational speaker Brian Tracy. I’ll never forget that “aha moment” when he said, “If you forget everything I’ve said in this seminar and only remember this one thing and commit to doing it, it will transform your life in the most amazing and unexpected ways. If you set aside 30 minutes every morning to read something positive and inspiring, it will change your life forever…I guarantee it!”

I followed Tracy’s prescription to the letter and he was absolutely 100% correct. I became so inspired, within a few years I went on to publish my own positive and inspiring magazine, which lead me to the most amazing people I’d ever met, including my current wife, my soul mate and the love of my life, Diana. These past 20 years have been truly amazing and I am grateful beyond words to Mr. Tracy and his excellent advice. If you want to life your dream and not someone else’s, don’t settle for less. Follow your passion, read something positive and inspiring

every day and invest in yourself. Don’t put it off, go for it!

Bob Cox is the founder and publisher of Go For It Magazine. He can be reached by phone at (916) 266-3115. His email address is [email protected]. Go For It Magazine is owned and operated in Rancho Cordova, CA. Copyright © 2011.


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Advertisers Index

The Inside Scoop

When is my car safe to drive after an accident?

Ask Sherm............………............... 3

Upgrade Your “Castle” with Siding

By Bob Cox…................................. 8

The Bargain Floor HunterBy Lynn Lawson.............................. 15

Attention: Business OwnersAre you looking for new customers?They may be looking for you too, right here in Go For It Magazine!

Rates as low as $125 per month!Call Bob Cox at:(916) 266-3115

By Bob Cox

INVE$T in YOUR$ELF!

Diana Cox Massage..………….… 2Sherm’s Gold River Auto Body…. 3Contents……….…...……….…... 4Trends-n-Treats………………….. 5Fabulous Facials……………….… 6Commerce Printing…………….. 6RU Tan……………..…………….. 7Dr. Andrew Pichler……………… 7Simply Pilates………..……..……. 8Tickled Pink……………………… 8Art Gallery Tupos…….…………. 9Fair Oaks Rec & Park………….… 9Alco Siding and Windows, Inc.... 10Stoney Folks Jewelers………….... 10Bell Pest Control…...………….… 10The Moth Hole………………….. 11 What’s the Buzz (by Bob)………. 11El Patio Restaurant……..……….. 11River City Brakes……………....... 12Valley Motorwerks…………..….. 12Sac Cycle………………………… 13Smog N Go………….………….. 13Ralph Opfer Floors……………… 14Granite Transformations……….. 15Stanley Steemer…………………. 16


By Bob Cox

INVE$T in YOUR$ELF! Free Children’s book launCh PartyAttend A Fun and Educational Event

Saturday, August 20th 10am - 2pmAt Trends-n-Treats

The Sacramento SPCA’s Mobile Unit will be here, with plenty of dogs & cats available for immediate adoption!

Plus Vendors and a Silent Auction too!

Local canine author, Chopper, is having a FREE Party hosted by

Trends-n-Treats Pet Supply-Spa-Boutiquein Fair Oaks to celebrate the release of his first book,I’ve Been Picked! Chopper’s “Tail” of Adoption!

Purchase First Edition copies of I’ve Been Picked!(They make great gifts for teachers, family and friends)

as well as Fans of Chopper M.C. merchandise. A portion of all proceeds from Fans of Chopper M.C. merchandise will be

contributed to the Sacramento SPCA.

“To trace the adoption and life story of Chopper, read the delightful photo story, I’ve Been Picked! a good read for all ages showing his friends, family, habits and happy adventures.” — Mary Ann Malone, Retired Elementary School Librarian

• Book Signing Sessions with Chopper• Readings of I’ve Been Picked!• Photos with Chopper benefitting the Sacramento SPCA• Oops C. Daisy the Clown• Special appearance by Gold Country Riders

Planned aCtivities inClude:

Pet Supply-Spa-Boutique

(916) 536-00008929 Madison Ave., Ste 200

Fair Oaks, CA 95628(By Safeway)

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I happen to believe that the sign of a great leader is someone who surrounds himself/herself with great people and has the humility to share the credit for a job well done. By that definition, Steve Hawkins, the owner of Alco Siding and Windows, Inc. is a great leader. He also happens to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Even though Steve has over 30 years experience in the vinyl siding industry, he was eager to recruit two other experienced members of his team to help answer my questions. Dave Palmer and Mike Walesch were on hand and kind enough to share their knowledge, experience and insights of the siding industry. Here’s how our conversation went…

Q: Tell us about your experiences in the siding business? Steve: Well, I started out in the vinyl siding business 30 years

ago. Actually, I started with aluminum siding and then I went to steel and then vinyl. It’s generally vinyl nowadays. The aluminum and steel have kind of gone by the wayside. But floating right on the heels of vinyl are fiber cement products as well. They’re coming in pretty hot and heavy right now. The advantage of the

fiber cement is that you can change the colors.

Q: Are you getting more fiber cement jobs?

Steve: I think all in all yes, but we still honestly like to work with vinyl. They’ve come out with some new innovative vinyls that have really enhanced the vinyl industry. The

beauty of the vinyl is that it’s an absolutely maintenance free product. You never ever have to touch it.

Q: What are some other benefits of siding? Mike: There’s an increase in the R values and that can be

a 25% increase in insulation in a home. Siding also makes the home a lot quieter too. Most importantly, for most people it’s a 100% maintenance free product. You throw the paint away and no hassles again. It’s also impervious to any termite damage and comes with a lifetime warranty that covers everything such as cracking, denting, peeling, etc. If anything were to ever happen, you have a lifetime warranty on the product.

Q: Are a lot of clients you work with going green? Mike: That average homeowner is not, but I think everyone

wants to be green conscious and know the materials they are using are saving money and preserving the environment. We don’t put anything on that isn’t supported by the manufacturer and they are always conscious of saving and offering a green product. All the manufacturers that we use have been around forever. The CertainTeed product, which we lead with, has been in business 104 years. CertainTeed is the largest building material manufacturer in America, so they have tremendous experience with vinyl siding. They are very conscious of our environment and their siding is definitely a green product. I think it’s important that homeowners know that the siding manufacturer is going to stand behind their product.

Q: Does Alco Siding and Windows stand behind their work?

Mike: Yes and we have a warranty as well. Steve is one of the best siding applicators I’ve ever seen and right now we have a

Upgrade Your “Castle” WithBy Bob Cox

Traditional wood siding will fade, chip and peel over time.

Vinyl siding is built to stand the test of time. It will not fade, chip and peel over time.

SIDINGBEFORE aFtER


group who’s never done anything but siding. We do not sub out our siding jobs. Our siding applicators are employees and they are probably the best I’ve ever seen in the business. They aren’t a carpenter who is just doing siding on the side. Our installers have installed siding their whole life. That is really important because vinyl siding will expand and contract, more so that any other exterior. Every vinyl panel is made with what’s called a nail hem. You bring the panel in just enough so when it expands and contracts it can move in that nail hem and keep the panel running flush and smooth down the wall. A bad siding job is typically one done by a carpenter who nails everything up hard and fast. The panel can’t expand and contract and will start warping down the wall.

Steve: If the job is done right, vinyl siding can stand up to winds up to 160 mph because there aren’t any exposed nails, like with conventional wood siding. You’ll never see a nail on vinyl applications.

Q: Would it be safe to conclude that vinyl siding is more beautiful and durable then standard wood siding?

Steve: Correct. The application is the key on the vinyl siding though. Don’t trust just anybody.

Q: Isn’t it a huge benefit to your clients that you have your own crew of installers?

Steve: Yes. All of our installers are VSI (Vinyl Siding Institute) certified. That means they have gone through all the training and know how to install siding. It’s a big investment and you don’t want to trust someone that might not know that they are doing. You can offer the best product in the world, but if it’s put on improperly it will fail.

Q: Do you offer financing? Mike: Yes, we do offer a number of different financing

packages. A lot of people are in a state where they can’t replace the home they presently live in so they are looking to fix it up and this is a great way to go. It’s a one time thing and you are completely done with it. The warranty is then transferrable to the next owner per resale. It’s win-win either way. If you’re going to stay in the home, you’re covered with the lifetime warranty and if you sell the home it’s a great selling point to that new potential buyer to have that warranty transferred to their name.

Q: Doesn’t siding add quite a bit of value to the home as well?

Mike: Yes. In curb appeal alone, people can recoup their investment immediately.

Dave: Plus all of our products are class A fire rated products. Vinyl will not ignite, unlike wood. There was a house we did in Tahoe a couple years back and all the houses around it burned up. It did melt one wall and it blew out some windows of course because it was a hot fire, but it saved the house.

Q: Are there any other benefits with siding? Mike: Yes, it’s impact resistant. The new insulated panels are

rigid solid core panels so they are a lot more impact resistant than they’ve ever been in the past. You could drive a truck on this thing!

Q: How does impact resistance benefit the consumer? What are some things that could happen that could cause damage to someone’s home?

Steve: I think just basic maintenance of a home, like gardening can cause damage. For instance, flying debris from weed whackers can even damage wood. But the siding is so impact resistant that’s it’s pretty hard to break it.

Mike: The manufacturers go through such rigorous testing. They do a weathering test, oil can test, gloss test, rigidity test, a color read test and vertical height impact tests. These manufacturers really put these panels through the ringer to really make sure it’s going to hold up before they put their name on it and give it a lifetime warranty. Homeowners know that they’re covered.

Q: Is vinyl siding an affordable option? Mike: Compared to any other cladding it’s very affordable

when you consider the maintenance free aspect. Almost any other exterior cladding will require maintenance. The average paint job it could be $6,000 every 4 or 5 years. So you won’t ever have that maintenance cost again, and the cost per square footage comes in comparable to any other cladding, stucco or fiber cement products. It’s very competitive and a very good value.

Steve: Ultimately the vinyl will pay you back over time. The average amount of time is about 12-15 years and you’ll have paid for the siding at that point. After that, it’s just a bonus.

Editor’s notes: For more information about Alco Siding and Windows Inc., visit their office at 10255 Old Placerville Road in Sacramento, log onto their website at www.alcohis.com or call (916) 362-1400.



Some of us may remember a time when the TOWN SQUARE was the hub of the community. (For those of us who are not personally familiar, we may have seen movies like Back to the Future or The Music Man) It was where the community would gather to discuss local happenings and politics, hand out fly-ers for events or causes, and get to know your neighbors.

In this day and age, you may think this is missing but NOT TRUE. It has just taken THREE different forms.

On the fourth Tuesday of every month, a monthly luncheon is hosted by the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce. Here businesses, residents, and civic leaders gather to discuss local happenings and politics, hand out flyers for events or causes, and get to know your neighbors. A guest speaker will share in-formation about a topic relevant to the community. You will learn of local news, volunteer opportunities, and be invited to share what is important to YOU!

The BeMoneySmartUSA Farmers Market is quickly becoming a favorite place to shop and meet up with friends and family. At the new community table, you’ll be able to pick up (or leave) flyers for your event or organization. Check it out every Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm at Carmichael Park.

Also, the website BobsPocket.com/Carmichael, is a virtual bulletin board where upcoming events are posted (you can post your events as well) and you will find links to local business and organizations (you can list yours as well) Check the calendar** for the next luncheon and get on the newsletter list to stay current...

So the BUZZ is out there... you now know where to plug into it! **Calendar brought to you by:

Where the BUZZ be found!

*Visit www.BobsPocket.com for links, resources and Bob’s bio.


FO



When it’s time to replace the floors in your home or business, the number of flooring options can be overwhelming. So much so you may feel like putting it off for as long as possible. Instead of caving in to the urge to procrastinate, start your search by getting answers to your questions. If you’re not sure what to ask, here are some answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions.

Q: If two different brands each call the grade of their floors “select and better,” why do they look so different?

A: Each brand has to meet a certain criteria to be able to call their product select and better. Some manufacturers will just meet these standards and some will meet and then exceed them. If you have any questions as to which brands are better then others when it comes to grading, just give us a call and we will be more than happy to share our experiences with you.

Q: My wood flooring is cupping and buckling. Is my flooring material defective?

A: Excessive moisture is the most common cause of buckling floors. Moisture can come from leaking pipes, wet crawl spaces etc. You would need to identify the problem and eliminate it. Floors can also buckle if a proper expansion gap around each wall is not used.

Q: Can wood or laminate floor be wet mopped?

A: Yes, but very little water is needed. You can’t mop today’s floors like we used to with a sopping wet mop. You do not want a lot of water sitting on top of the floor. It will ruin the finish. They make a special floor cleaning kit that usually comes with a spray cleaner and a micro fiber mop. One of the biggest mistakes made by consumers is using the spray cleaners with a dry mop. If your mop is dry, all you are doing is rubbing soap on your floor and it will leave a smudgy dirty look on your floor. If you get your micro fiber mop wet, ring it out as much as you can so when you mop the floor dries very quickly. Only mop as needed. Only use products made for prefinished or laminate floors.

Q: How can I prevent my wood from scratching?

A: Many steps can be taken to reduce scratches on a wood floor. First, you can put throw rugs down in any high traffic areas such as in entry ways, in front of your

furniture back into the room and enjoy. An unfinished floor requires sanding and then the application of urethane. This can take a couple days labor with an incomparable amount of aggravation and extra cost. Pre-finished floors also have an incredible finish warranty that usually consists of 10-25 years, depending on the brand of the flooring.

Q: Why doesn’t my floor look like the sample in the showroom?

A: Although your floor should look similar to the sample in the showroom, there are certain instances when your floor might look slightly different. As a tree grows and matures (approximately 60 years), it absorbs minerals and other essential elements, which can change the color and appearance of the wood. Even wood from the same tree can show signs of variance. For instance, “younger wood” closer to the outside of the tree will be lighter than the wood from the center portion. Also, depending on how old the sample is, wood color can change over time. If you are doing a large project and want to make sure the wood is exactly what you want, it would be my suggestion to order a box and check it out before ordering a large amount of square footage only to find out it is not what you really wanted.

Editor’s notes: Lynn Lawson is the owner of Ralph Opfer Floors in Sacramento. Their showroom is located at 10265 Old Placerville Road, #14 and their phone number is (916) 366-1672. You can also visit them on the web at ralphopferfloors.com for more information.

sink or refrigerator or down a highly traveled hallway. One of the best things you can do is dust, sweep or mop on a regular basis to keep any dirt or debris from collecting on the surface of the floor. You can also put felt pads under the legs of any chairs or tables.

Q: Why would people choose prefinished over unfinished flooring?

A: Pre-finished flooring has a great advantage over unfinished flooring. Both floors install exactly the same; however, once the prefinished floor is installed, you’re all done. The only thing to do is move your

The Bargain Floor HunterAnswers to Some Frequently Asked Questions

By Lynn Lawson

FREEBottle of BonaFloor CleanerWhen you bring this ad

40% OFF7/16 Red Oak

Engineered Floor Self Locking Like Laminate

(Limited to stock on hand

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We’re off the beaten path but worth the search!

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RalphOpferFloors.comMon-Fri: 9am-4pm • Sat: 10am-2pm


August 2011 GO FOR IT 15August 2011 GO FOR IT 15

The Bargain Floor Hunter

We’ll go the extra mile to find the perfect flooring at the best price!


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Go For It - Aug. 2011 - Fair Oaks