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Northwest Georgia’s Premier Feature Reader / JULY 2012

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When opportunity told GRAND TRUNK HAMMOCK COMPATIBLE SLEEPING BAG creator HERRICK KROEGER to “sleep on it,” he figured, Why not take that literally?

MAGA Z I N E

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Even when things look their darkest, Georgia Power is always working to keep the lights on.

When the skies turn ugly, there’s nothing more beautiful than seeing the men and women with the red triangle on their helmets working along your street. Georgia Power is more than a company. We’re 8,300 of your friends and neighbors, dedicated to keeping your home running, rain or shine. It’s just one way we strive to be the official energy partner of you.

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©2011 Georgia Powergeorgiapower.com

Even when things look their darkest, Georgia Power is always working to keep the lights on.

When the skies turn ugly, there’s nothing more beautiful than seeing the men and women with the red triangle on their helmets working along your street. Georgia Power is more than a company. We’re 8,300 of your friends and neighbors, dedicated to keeping your home running, rain or shine. It’s just one way we strive to be the official energy partner of you.

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30Entrepreneur/outdoorsman

Herrick Kroegernaps his way to pay dirt

with a hammock built for camping’s hardcore elite

26 House of Lane (Jump!)The U.S. housing market may still be cast in shadow by many so-called experts, but Keller Williams’ Team Lane is seeing numbers that echo of the “glory days”

14 Once... Twice... Sold!Calling all hagglers: Three Rivers Auction Company at Mount Berry Square Mall has 1,001 gems up for bid—and they’re challenging you to get in the game

30 Last of the Bro-ricansBefore devising camping’s coolest new accessory, Herrick Kroeger was a lowly desk jockey with a burning passion for nature. Now he’s making moves with the industry bigs

36 Still, Watters Runs Deep If the gurus of collaborative genius with Watters & Associates Landscape hadn’t assured them otherwise, the Clements might’ve believed they were at the beach

Features+Faces

20 Cents & SensibilityWith Big Gulp sodas on the cusp of extinction in the Big Apple, it’s a summer so hot for debate you could fry an egg on it—assuming you’re still allowed to fry eggs

34 Trends & TraditionsWhen the rigor of traveling to your summer getaway all but destroys any notion of relaxation, perhaps employing a few niceties can help recapture the essence of “vacation”

Columns+Opinions

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ican’t remember the precise date it happened, but I have never forgotten the day that the first Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival was announced. Having barely crossed the threshold of my 22nd year on this Earth, I was then making my living at the Charleston, S.C. Mellow Mushroom and playing gigs with my band, Carousel Turbulence, hoping the latter would someday become my sole source of income.

That didn't happen, of course. Nevertheless, that period was a gloriously carefree time in my life, and looking back, I can say without hesitation that I enjoyed it to the fullest. When I wasn’t working or jamming with the fellas, I devoted most of my time to seeing live music, which, thankfully, my employers endorsed by allowing me a highly flexible schedule.

There were music festivals of all sorts pocking the country in the years leading up to Summer 2002. I recall conversation after conversation with my buddies, during which we would fantasize how sweet it would be if all of our favorite artists were to convene at the same venue, somewhere completely off the grid, and play a set or two; how unfathomably awesome it

would be if some visionary concert promoters were to

somehow put that kind of thing together, a kind of mega Woodstock for Gen-X’ers.

That day came on June 21, 2002, when thousands of sweat-drenched fans flocked to the tiny hub of Manchester, Tenn. for the inaugural Bonnaroo. I was so young, so full of passion for the music, and so excited to see the wide variety of genres being offered over what was to be a tune-filled, three-day stretch. The energy and passion certainly helped me cope with the elements, namely the dogged heat and swirling dust clouds. Act after act, I was blown away by the collective energy exuded in the live performances I witnessed.

To say I was thrilled to have been a part of such a historic moment in music history would be an understatement.

Fast forward to 2012: where we now find the same die-hard hipster a 32-year-old father of two, and in his sixth year at a desk job. Although I was never a little guy, I have packed on some pounds in the decade since the first Bonnaroo, and my musical ambitions have downgraded from playing to babes in bars to playing nursery rhymes for my babies in our living room.

My love for live music has never wavered, and I still attend live shows frequently. But the wear and tear suffered from three days camping in the swelter of June is just not

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v3magazine.com

Northwest Georgia’s Premier Feature Reader / JULY 2012

$4.00

When opportunity told GRAND TRUNK HAMMOCK COMPATIBLE SLEEPING BAG creator HERRICK KROEGER to “sleep on it,” he figured, Why not take that literally?

MAGA Z I N E

WORKIN' FOR THEWEEKEND

MAGA Z I N E


Neal Howard, Creative Partner/Editor-in-Chief

publishers’note


as appealing as it once was, regardless of what bands are listed among the headliners. In 2009, as a matter of fact, I covered Bonnaroo for V3 but stayed in the luxurious confines of a nearby Holiday Inn. The music was fantastic as always. Still, it shouldn't qualify as a “real” Bonnaroo experience.

Making the jaunt to this year’s 2012 festival, however, was a last-minute decision for my wife and I. Time didn’t allow for any sort of fancy accommodation other than camping, so we headed northeast to Manchester with a tent to see us through. Weather wise, it was undoubtedly the mildest Bonnaroo I have witnessed. The fine weather, in addition to the ever-improving amenities found at the festival, were certainly a plus; any negative concerns I had entertained prior were tossed aside by the time our campsite's final stake had been driven.

In the days to follow, I took in acts

ranging from The Beach Boys to Alice Cooper, in between checking out groups I was both familiar with and had never laid ears on. That is the essence of a festival like the one found in Manchester: While there are several other multi-day concert

options across the country each summer, “The ’Roo” doesn't have to pump itself up as the best among them to retain its crown. It is the best. Period.

I also had the great pleasure of taking in several of the bands playing the festival with my youngest cousin, Jeff Coward, who is an aspiring musician. He was 10 years old when the first Bonnaroo went down, which is as close to a time

warp to the 22-year-old me as I could ever imagine.

In the end, there were certainly some aches, pains, and a bit more fatigue than I experienced 10 years ago, but that was to be expected. What I didn’t expect,

however, was the degree to which my responsibilities back home have amplified how much I enjoy the detachment from reality Manchester seeks to foster. Every parent or highly stressed worker deserves one of these chances to cut loose and

rock from time to time, and sometimes the events you think you’re growing too old for are the perfect opportunities for finding out just how far you’ve come.

. . . Sometimes the events you think you're growing too old for are the perfect

opportunities for finding out just how far you've come.

Ian Griffin, Managing Partner

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TextROBB RAYMOND IIIPhotosDEREK BELLWith the growing

popularity of auction-centered reality shows eliciting a renewed passion for the

centuries-old drama of the bidding war, THREE RIVERS AUCTION COMPANY

encourages Northwest Georgians to lay down the remote and get in the game


it isn’t every day that Romans have the opportunity to look at, let alone purchase, items like a first-edition copy of Gone With the Wind, a prop helmet from the set of Iron Man, an intimidating taxidermy rattlesnake, or surprisingly high-

end antique furniture and art.. But on a humid Saturday morning this past June, Three Rivers Auction Company, located at Mount Berry Square Mall, opened its doors for the very first time, giving all in attendance the opportunity to take part in an age-old custom known as “the auction.”

“We wanted to bring the auction to the people,” explains Donovan Murphy, auctioneer and proprietor of Three Rivers Auction Company. With news articles frequently reporting the sort of jaw-dropping bids seen at auction houses like Sotheby’s (New York City) or Christie’s (London),

people from attending is simply not knowing where to go.”

While the concept of an auction house located smack between Victoria’s Secret and Sears may register as puzzling at first glance, Murphy says it’s the “convenience and notoriety of the location that allows us

to offer a high quality, wide-ranging inventory, while simultaneously reaching as large an audience as possible.”

According to History of Auctions, published by The National Auctioneer’s Association, the earliest known bids were placed in ancient

"Bidders should never let pride cloud their judgment ... I've learned over the years that having a 'wait and see' attitude just doesn't work."as well as those witnessed on reality TV shows like Auction Kings and Auction Hunters, there can be no doubt as to the revived popularity of the auction game. According to Murphy, “It’s no secret how thrilling and entertaining a live auction can be. What stops the vast majority of


Greece around 500 B.C. “At that time,” the NAA explains, “women were auctioned off as wives. And, in fact, it was considered illegal to allow a daughter to be ‘sold’ outside the auction method … The buyer could get a return of money if he and his new spouse did not get along well, but unlike a horse, maidens could not be ‘tried’ before auction.”

While this practice may seem archaic, it was, in fact, a precursor to the auction as we know it today. It was also the very first avenue for sellers to effectively reach large numbers of potential buyers, quickly converting commodities into cash.

The format of an auction may seem rather cut and dry, yet, at times—and to an opposing bidder’s chagrin—human emotion can enter the equation and drive one’s estimated value of an item through the roof. “As the auctioneer,” Murphy explains, “I’m in an interesting situation, whereas I’m working for the seller as well as the buyer. I try to keep it fun and light; I love knowing that people who attend my auctions are getting great deals on quality goods. But, conversely, it’s my duty to the seller to find the highest bidder.”

Having 10 years experience in the trade since graduating from Charlie Gay’s North Georgia School of Auctioneering, Murphy knows well that every auction is guaranteed at least one thrilling bid war.

For over a month now, a brilliant red, 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa and a canary yellow, 1969 Plymouth Fury III (previously owned by Charlie Sheen) have been parked inside the mall, drawing considerable foot traffic just outside Murphy’s storefront. The Italian-built racer looks to be going 100 mph though it sits motionless; still, the majority of the crowd's attention seems focused on the Fury, with its $20,000 McIntosh stereo, flashy nitrous kit, fire-breathing exhaust, and 360 cubic inch motor.

And while every auction is unique, if the drama of June 2012 at Three Rivers carries into July, auction-goers should prepare for an adrenalin-spiked, rollercoaster ride. Supposing the audience contains just the right

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ingredients, with a pinch of pizzazz from the auctioneer, all in attendance will be taking note from the edge of their seats. The intense pressure of the moment, increasing palpable with each consecutive bid, seems unsustainable. Using a tongue fused of Detroit horsepower and greased lightning, Murphy, knowing full well that all breathable air has long since evacuated the premises,

drives the bidding higher still. With each new play, the energy inside the auction house

morphs into that of a Cold War-era missile silo in the midst of a rapidly deteriorating DEFCON scenario. Alarms begin to activate, warning lights flash wildly, an intercom crackles to life

and announces, “This is not a drill! Repeat: This is not a drill!”

At last, the bidding reaches its apex and a pronouncement is made to all. “Sold!” cries Murphy, only to begin the game anew with the next item.

Although two or more well-funded egos would no doubt be a welcome boon to any small auction house, Murphy cautions, “Bidders should never let pride cloud their judgment.

If you’re interested in an item, do your homework and set yourself a limit.” As to his own personal strategies on bidding, Murphy says he regularly attends auctions outside Three Rivers, lining up on the bidder’s side of the podium. “If I know an item’s value to be $50 and the bidding starts at $20, increasing by $5 increments, I’m going to jump in early at $40, hopefully blowing my competition out of the water. I’ve learned over the years that having a ‘wait and see’ attitude just doesn’t work.”

It must be noted, however, that attending auctions can be habit forming. Not only is it likely the rush of bidding will prove addictive, the spectacle in and of itself also wields a high level of excitement. Afterwards, you could find yourself skulking around your garage in search of forgotten items you’d suddenly like to turn into cash. In either instance, buying or selling, a date to Three Rivers Auction Company just might be the fix you’ve been looking for. VVV

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to approve the measure, and the ban could go into effect March 2013. The mayor’s mission, he says, is to help fight New York’s obesity problem, which is certainly a serious issue with far-reaching consequences. To do it, Bloomberg wants to prevent restaurants,

movie theaters, sports arenas, et al from selling Big Gulp-sized quantities of soda, and the move has civil libertarians and (big surprise) soft-drink manufacturers up in arms.

It would all be rather funny, if not for the fact that it’s all being taken so seriously. Sure, there is a reasonable argument that such a ban tramples on

the Bill of Rights, but an argument can also be made that a local government’s ban on any foodstuff it believes could endanger the welfare of its citizenry does not

violate the inalienable rights referenced in the Declaration of Independence. Governments federal and state always issue recalls on foodstuffs—produce, dairy, meat—when there is a health risk, and those products are quickly swept off grocery shelves. I don’t hear people complaining about that.

Seems that our elected leaders simply insist on trying to erect barriers between our pleasures and us. In Georgia, it’s the banning of synthetic

marijuana; in New York, it’s an attempt to ban supersized, sugary soft drinks.

Where will it all end?Before I tarnish

my reputation any further, though, I probably should point out that I don’t use synthetic marijuana (wouldn’t know it if I saw it) and I don’t drink sugary soft drinks (unless you count lemonade).

I also don’t eat runny eggs—but more on that later...

I think all but a few (i.e., sellers and users) will agree that synthetic marijuana is a bad thing. It impairs judgment and motor skills, can induce psychosis, and it can even be deadly

in a “sudden” way. Yet, every time the state bans a list of ingredients, the goons who manufacture the stuff find a new molecular combination—ergo, a new way around the law. Eventually, the legal bans may outpace the loopholes and you may no longer be able to get stoned simply by going to a convenience store.

But soft drinks?! Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City, who is generally not regarded as a liberal buttinski, has moved to enact a ban on the sale of all sugar-sweetened beverages exceeding 16 ounces, many of which go by names like “Big Gulp.” The city’s board of health is expected

American Eggs:Born to Run

Cents & Sensibilitywith J. Bryant Steele

Big Gulps face a ban in the Big Apple, the iPad welcomes familiar competition into the tablet ring, and Atlanta’s intensely contested Transportation Investment Act feels a burn in the ol’ caboose. It’s a summer so hot for debate you could fry an egg on it—assuming you’re still allowed to fry eggs

...Governments federal and state always issue recalls on foodstuffs—produce, dairy, meats—when there is a health risk... I don’t hear people complaining about that.


Born to Run

If this issue winds up in court, the arguments made will be interesting. There is, after all, the Food and Drug Administration. Do local governments need to duplicate that institution? Could they not, in effect, interfere with interstate commerce when it comes to things like Big Gulp bans?

Smoking bans, for instance, are invariably enacted by local governments and private businesses, not out of Washington. So, the argument goes, if a city or state can ban Big Gulps, what might come next? Tubs of buttered popcorn? Fried/battered fish? Red meat? Ben & Jerry’s Pistachio (at which point I would finally be compelled to take up my pen and incite protest)?

All this brings us back to runny eggs: Several years ago, I was living in New Jersey when state legislators enacted a ban on breakfast joints serving undercooked eggs, which they justified

by citing public health concerns like salmonella. It made sense to me, but you would not believe the outcry from the Jersey public. Whatever the appeal of runny eggs is, it is a strong one. In the end, the state lifted the ban, diners were happy again, and, in retrospect, you could walk away with the philosophy that serving undercooked eggs is a way of validating Darwinism.

In fairness, let’s not forget that Mayor Bloomberg wants to battle obesity among New Yorkers, so kudos to that notion. But banning supersized soft drinks is a myopic, ill-conceived approach. If you subscribe to the idea that regulation is an acceptable

alternative to publicly educating consumers, you have to believe there,s a better way to put the thumbscrews to the junk pushers.

If you haven’t purchased an iPad by now, that’s probably a wise choice. In technology, it’s prudent to wait for product/

consumer reviews to come in and to see what your early-adapter friends have to say. (Though you should wait until they have had the product a good while. Everybody loves a puppy; not everybody loves a dog.)

There’s going to be competition for the iPad come Fall 2012, when Microsoft introduces its own tablet computer, Surface, to consumers. It’ll be fun to hear what people have to say, particularly since Microsoft and

Steele’s Biz Bits

Apple like each other about as much as Auburn and Alabama.

Using a kickstand, Surface will sit upright, will feature a touch keyboard, and will be cost-competitive, Microsoft says—meaning no price war. The tablet’s design is a marketing departure for Microsoft; the company generally prefers to let others develop and manufacture its hardware, though Gates and company have been making tablet software for years.

Moving to local news, nothing on the July 31 ballot is going to have an effect on Northwest Georgia like the T-SPLOST (transportation, special-purpose, local option sales tax), whether voters approve or reject it. But just as interesting is Metro

Atlanta’s own T-SPLOST (a.k.a. the Transportation Investment Act), where there is concerted opposition from both the traditional “no more taxes” folks and those who oppose what’s actually in the package. Supporters hope to fund light-rail infrastructure in an effort to thin metro’s ever-sprawling gridlock.

The TIA matters here, and across the state, because Atlanta’s gridlock costs the rest of Georgia in terms of delivering needed goods.

Final note: If you are a Verizon customer, by now you may already have been contacted about the company’s new pricing plan. The country’s largest cell provider is dropping most of its existing price plans in a ploy to

have users connect their non-phone devices, such as tablets and personal computers, to a shared-data plan. Expect competing carriers, namely AT&T, to follow suit. VVV

J. Bryant Steele is an award-winning business journalist and feature writer based in Rome.


The TIA matters here, and across the state, because Atlanta’s gridlock costs the rest of Georgia in terms of delivering needed goods.

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THE HUSEBurning Down

The nationʼs housing market may be down in the eyes of many so-called experts, but according to Rome agents with Keller Williams’ Team Lane, Floyd and its sister counties are seeing numbers that echo of the “glory days”


Text by Luke ChaffinPhotos by Derek Bell

Burning Down

(Left to right) Team Laneʼs starting four: Amber Lane Matthews, Becky Lane, Tony Lane and Kris Kostreba


“I n this economy…”“The housing crisis…”“It’s a bad time to sell…”

We are all too familiar with the worn-out clichés that for so long have painted the current U.S. housing market. We have been

hearing of, and hoping for, some sort of sustained resurrection, but the headlines tell a different story.

Some experts would disagree, however. In Floyd County alone, real estate agents are seeing something better on the horizon. Approximately 692 homes were sold in 2011, with an average list price of $115,000 and an average selling price of $105,000.

Neighboring Polk County saw 219 homes sold to new owners in an even smaller market, with an average list price of $76K and an average selling price of $70K. And the figures projected for 2012 seem to be looking even better.

“The majority of potential customers are blown away by the numbers in a supposed ‘down’ market,” says Tony Lane, associate broker and team leader with local Keller Williams real estate outfit, Team Lane. “Last year we helped 88 families, and this year we will help over 100. There are buyers out there just waiting for the right house at the right price.”

So what has changed? What is the

secret to selling your home in a “down” market?

While sellers may not be getting the list prices they

otherwise might receive in a “better” market, this does not mean that homes are not selling. Research groups including Zelman & Associates foresee a brighter future for the nation’s so-called “housing crisis,” falling into agreement with Wall Street firms that claim we have already seen rock bottom.

Does that mean that we are truly on the up-and-up? Could we have reached the breaking point and are now witnessing our rise from the abyss?

Ultimately, the answer will depend

on the specific local market placed under the microscope. According to Tony Lane, we, the general public, are not always privy to the whole story. “The market [in general] isn’t near as bad as you hear. Prices are down, but the market is not.”

Lane adds the important thing to remember is the accuracy and availability of the information presented. “We have found that people do not want to be sold to. What people want is to be presented with the facts, and then from there to be able to make a good decision.”

Relaying the details is at the heart of Team Lane’s mission.

The real estate world has changed dramatically in the

last three years, and companies like Team Lane have had to change with it. In the case of short-sale properties, it used to be easier for owners to get out from under homes they couldn’t afford. Because of falling home values, companies like Team Lane

“What people want is to bepresented with the facts, and then from there to be able to

make a good decision.”


have had to take a more active role in negotiating with banks. The full-service residential brokerage company can assist with everything from buying to selling, to foreclosures and short sales—and everything in between. In a sensitive industry where potential customers are prone to second-guessing their decisions and clutching purse strings, realty companies like Team Lane take the sale of each property very seriously.

When thinking about selling your home in this market, there are several things to consider. Real estate agents everywhere have different strengths, strategies and ideas. “A huge misconception is that all agents are the same,“ says Lane. Everything from marketing plans to their levels of commitment—these work together to create the unique cultures that define the different companies. In a regional market where competition is heavy among locally owned and operated brokers, businesses like Team Lane stand out.

One of the ways Team Lane has accomplished this is through a strong, teamwork-centered philosophy. “We are able to offer so much more than an individual can offer,” Lane says. Lane is one of five people on the Team, all of which actively work to sell the properties that find their way into their East Rome office. The idea is that with a smaller, more manageable group of people, it is easier to make sure the whole team is on the same page, buying into the same concept.

Lane uses a football analogy to illustrate how the Team does business: When playing ball, do you use a small handful of your talent, or do you utilize your full team? The answer is obvious; strength in numbers takes on a whole new meaning.

For the local guy with a Pepperell High School diploma, working with customers has become a calling, and something for which his past prepared him rather well. After six years in the U.S. Navy and a long stint with Anheuser-Busch, Tony Lane landed

in the real estate world. Since the company’s inception in 2007, Team Lane has helped clients buy and sell in Floyd, Bartow, Chattooga, Gordon and Polk Counties. They have witnessed steady increases in sales despite the clamor over a down market, even exceeding those seen in the “glory days” preceding the housing slump. The faces of the buyers have changed. Some are parents purchasing homes with cash for their children, some are investors looking for properties to flip—but homes are still selling.

When seeking out a real estate company to handle your transaction, ask questions ahead of time. Do your homework.

Does the company value communication? According to Lane, the number-one complaint that a real

Continued on pg. 40

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30 vini vidi vici / v3 magazine30 vini vidi vici / v3 magazine30 vini vidi vici / v3 magazine

INDIAN IN THEWOODS

Before devising the coolest new camping innovation in recent years, HERRICK KROEGER, creator of the GRAND TRUNK HAMMOCK COMPATIBLE SLEEPING BAG, was a down-and-out desk jockey sloughing unhappily toward his next check. Now, he’s seeing a payday from his lifelong passion for the great outdoors

TEXT NICOLE NESMITH PHOTOS DEREK BELL


There are countless stories circulating the Web of ordinary people who have struck it rich on a fluke. There’s the svelte young mother who made a fortune with Spanx,

and those lottery winners who seem to stoke jealousy in everyone.

He wasn’t consumed by oodles of sudden cash, but Herrick Kroeger, an associate with Blue Sky Outfitters and fast-budding entrepreneur, is sure riding a tsunami-sized wave of opportunity—and he’s doing it with class.

A couple of years ago, one windy December night, the 30-year-old outdoorsman was twisting and turning in his sleeping bag atop a hammock, desperately trying to get comfortable.Back pains and a draft blowing beneath the hammock soon led Kroeger to take action, and instead of just lying there, he got out his handy camping knife, bore a few semi-precise holes in the fabric of his sleeping bag, then ran the hammock ties through the sleeping bag holes. What resulted was a serendipitous little bundle of warmth and support.

“I slept like a baby,” Kroeger says. “When I woke up, I had some kind of inkling this could be something-but it wasn’t immediate.”

Not long after, though, during a shift at Blue Sky, Kroeger told his tale of clever resourcefulness to a co-worker, who was greatly impressed. “He said, ‘Man, that’s a great idea,’ ” Kroeger recalls. “We talked about how many people would love it, and that there was a huge base for camping, and that this product would fit in.

“He said, ‘Dude, you don’t know what you’ve done. You may have revolutionized camping.’ I felt really reinforced.”

And so, Herrick immediately set his idea in motion. Blue Sky owners Lisa and Scott Hamilton introduced him to an outdoor equipment retailer, where he saw the trendiest, most innovative outdoor items and apparel for the coming season. After a meeting with Grand Trunk president/owner, Kevin Kaiser, in Greenville, S.C., producing Kroeger’s concept was not only a

possibility, it was a full-on business deal. “He saw the bag and he loved it,” Kroeger says, “so we spent the next two years making it perfect.”

The main concern was compatibility with a hammock, and though any hammock can be used with the Grand Trunk Hammock Compatible Sleeping Bag (HCSB), Herrick prefers the Grand Trunk

Nano-7 Hammock (touted as the world’s lightest, weighing in at only seven ounces) paired with a lightweight sleeping bag. “The usual camping trip has you lugging around so much extra weight,” Kroeger reasons. “Think about it: You’re carrying a three-pound sleeping bag and a four-pound tent. That’s a lot of weight on your back.”

But now, Kroeger says, both products can fit into a tight bundle inside a child’s backpack. That doesn’t mean that you need a hammock for the HCSB, nor that it’s anything more than its lengthy title suggests. Oftentimes, people mistake the product for a hanging sleeping bag, but really it just features two reinforced holes that can be closed manually—a pretty neat bonus.

After Herrick’s long but critical two-year wait, diligence and attention to detail rendered a highly utilitarian product that is currently for sale in stores nationwide. “Now it’s a reality,” Kroeger beams.

Continued on pg. 43


"[A co-worker] said, 'Dude, you don't

know what you've done. You may have

revolutionized camping.' I felt

really reinforced."


Ahhh, vacation. That sweet respite you’ve worked the last 50 weeks to earn. You’ve finally arrived; baggage collected; rental car

keys in hand; tickets to a land of magic mice in the other. Now what?

While on vacation, it’s easy to slip into bad habits. Mostly because it has been 50 weeks since you had a rest, and all you really care about is having a good time. On that note, might I suggest a quick refresh of your basic manners?

Ever had one of those, Get outta my way, I’m tryin’ to relax! moments? I certainly have fallen prey to this

horrible behavior before, and, in all honesty, that type of thinking does not help you relax. If it takes you the first 24 hours of your vacation to decompress, you probably know just what I mean.

It is imperative, then, in those early euphoric moments just when your vacation has begun, that you take a moment to breathe deeply. Remember the basics you were taught as a child—say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ be patient, take turns, share.

Seems very simple, but I truly believe these four elementary principles will have a profound impact on the success (or failure) of your vacation. The use of ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ should be part of our everyday lexicon anyhow,

Trends & Traditionswith Holly Lynch

By the time we have arrived at our chosen summer getaways, all sense of relaxation has likely been lost in the melee of getting there. Perhaps reminding ourselves of a few fundamental niceties will help recapture the essence of “vacation”

Don’t Forget to Pack YourManners


but particularly when you are away from home, acting all touristy with your camera and fanny pack in tow, remember to use these words more often. You’ll be surprised how well you are treated when you show others fundamental respect.

When at the ticket counter, for instance, thank the clerk for taking your money and handing you a ticket. It’s his or her job, sure, but a little gratitude for their efforts can go a long way in helping that person—and you—to have a nicer day.

I have also found that being specific with my gratitude makes an even greater impact. For example, someone lets you slip ahead of him or her while in line for a ride. Instead of a quick “thanks,” try something a little more direct: “Thank you for letting us go ahead of you. That was really kind.”

The extra effort will always pay dividends.

It will also take barely a moment’s time, which leads me to that next step of basic manners on vacation: patience. Patience is not an easy skill to master, but certainly worth the discipline. If your vacation has found you interacting closely with the greater public, then you will need to practice patience. (Note: Not everyone will have had the benefit of this column.)

Personally, I find this little trick helpful: When I’m inclined to be in a big, often unnecessary hurry—like when someone isn’t giving me change fast enough or the wait for a good table seems interminable—I ask myself, Where else do I need to be? Seriously, I’m on vacation. There’s no real schedule here, right?

Although not on vacation at the time, I found myself in the middle of this very dilemma just a couple of weeks back, when I took my nephew bowling. What started as a day of fun between a boy and his aunt somehow turned into a stressful moment, when the clerk at the snack bar seemed to be taking way more time to fix a couple of sandwiches than I thought she should be. My older sister, always a wiser sounding board, had to remind

Continued on pg. 44


Frank and Alice Clements’ new outdoor pad is an oasis far removed from the bump and grind of the workweek, sure. But unlike a lot of owners who pay top dollar to transform their property’s landscaping aesthetic into something too magnificent to touch, the Clements’ motto could easily be “sharing is caring.”

In fact, Frank and Alice have already hosted friends and family offering to help them break in the new space—and they aren’t complaining one bit.

What started as an appointment for pool tie replacements soon turned into a complete revamping of the backyard area, and after a few discussions with Brad Gilbert of Watters & Associates Landscape and Jeff Brooks of Brooks Building Group, Inc., it became apparent that the Clements’ home could be “so much more.” The property already boasted a 20-year-old bio pool (a natural, pond-like water feature), so Gilbert suggested a cohesive layout incorporating a sunroom, deck and patio areas, and even an outdoor kitchen for Frank, the resident cook. Then, after several, considerable alterations at the

FUNCTION&FLOW


FUNCTION&FLOW

When Frank and Alice Clements took a mind to reshape their backyard into a more summer-friendly respite, they called on the gurus of collaborative aesthetic with WATTERS&ASSOCIATES LANDSCAPE to enlist a well-vetted hand. Now, if they didnʼt know any better, the couple might be led to believe their favorite stretch of coast is washing right up to the back door. TEXTbyNICOLE NESMITH+PHOTOSbyDEREKBELL


hands of Watters and Brooks, voila! A wholly new property.

According to Gilbert, the overall objective was simple: create an accessible, functional, outdoor living space for adults to have fun and relax; a design intended purely for entertainment and leisure. “We wanted the area to have a feeling of ‘flow’, ” Gilbert illustrates. “We maximized the space to the best of our ability and laid out the property in a more efficient manner.”

The Clements were not only impressed with Watters and Brooks’ adeptness and creativity, but also with their initiative. The credit, Alice insists, is all due to the partnership between their collaborative—and highly resourceful—companies. “They just asked us a few questions, and soon they had drawings made up with a few ideas,” she says. “Then we just chose the concept we liked. It was smooth and seamless.”

Surprisingly simple, it seems. And as a result, Alice no longer spends her free time indoors, nor does Frank cook in the interior kitchen when he returns home from working on the road. The new digs showcase a wide variety of other amenities, including a pool attached to the side of the house (complete with a shelf for Alice to unwind with a good book), a poolside TV, fireplace, a spa and, of course, foodie Frank’s dream kitchen.

But it wasn’t just the design that Watters and Brooks handled. They executed every aspect from the conception to completion—blueprint to construction, demolition of existing features, irrigation, the lighting, the furniture, kitchen appliance-ware, the detailing of the woodwork. “It was a comprehensive package,” Gilbert says. “We wanted to cover every corner.”

Although drinking in their still-new, summer-friendly digs

each day is something to which the Clements are having trouble adjusting, it’s an extremely welcome change. “I feel like everything has come together; [the work done by Watters and Brooks] really ties in to everything,” Alice says. “Frank got what he wanted and I have a polished new space. It’s a win-win.”

Seemingly small adjustments have made a world of difference as well, Alice notes, such as the decision to cut down on shade around the swimming area. And with the addition of the patio fireplace, the space is comfortable as can be any given day of the calendar year.

As for décor, the theme, conceptualized by Alice herself,

incorporates her love of all things coastal. “The beach is my favorite place, so the beams are driftwood-colored and the tile has the look of being on a boardwalk pier. A pier has a gray, weathered-wood look to it. Many people have even thought it was wood before, but it’s actually tile. I love that.”

The space was built for the Clements’ personal leisure, of course, but this summer the couple is excited about sharing it with as many friends and loved ones as they can possibly entertain. They didn’t waste any

time throwing an end-of-the-school-year bash, and the neighbors were recently encouraged to use the pool while Frank and Alice were away on vacation.

Story has it that during one of their get-togethers, a heavy downpour temporarily interrupted the festivities. Fortunately, the Clements’ newly covered patio provided shelter from the storm without their having to ask guests to reconvene inside the house.

How’s that for an “accessible, functional” space? VVV

For more on the services offered by Watters & Associates Landscape, call 706.234.5482 or visit them online at watterslandscape.com. For more on Brooks Building Group, Inc., dial 706.295.3096 or


estate agent hears above all others is a lack of consistent communication with the client/seller.

Is a teamwork mentality valued and upheld by your agency? Is your agent going to view you as a client, or as a friend? Will this company give you all of the facts, allowing you to make a fully informed decision? Is your real estate agent going to be accessible to you 24/7?

It is important to find a professional whose work ethic will meet your standards. Also, be aware of popular industry myths. Adding to the misunderstanding that homes are not selling, another commonly held notion is that the way a seller should sell a house is to price it high, leaving room to come down. On this point, Lane warns of the importance in pricing your home right the first time around. “Don’t inflate the price with plans to negotiate,” he says. “In today’s market you need to price it right and hold firm.”

If a residence is priced to sell, then it will.

In this economy, it is imperative to do your research. Look for agents who work in teams. One person focusing on every detail from start to finish will surely give way to less-than-desirable results. A team of agents working together to find out their customers’ needs and goals—and how to meet them—will produce a win-win situation for all parties concerned. Team members’ best qualities are brought to the same table, and everyone succeeds. Lane says, “For our team, the biggest blessing is to be able to help people. The icing on the cake is that we are able to provide for our families by helping other families.”

If you are looking to sell your home

and progress has proven slow, do not be discouraged. List prices may appear low, but homes are still selling. Focus on the benefits produced by teamwork, especially in the real estate sector. With the help of an experienced broker, sellers and buyers can still meet their goals in a down economy. VVV

For more information on Team Lane, call 706.844.3034, or visit the team in person at 1903 Turner McCall Boulevard in Rome.

From pg. 29, “Burning Down...”

Come in today and discover how the right tire changes everything.

THE RIGHT TIRES. THE RIGHT TIRE DEALER.

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From pg. 32, “Indian in the Woods”

Though the Grand Trunk HCSB (also known by friends and co-workers as the “Herrick Bag”) made its Blue Sky Outfitters debut in early June, it was introduced to nature-loving customers in Salt Lake City, Utah in early January.

“It’s surreal,” says its creator. “It still is. I have a lot of people who come into the store asking about it, and I have to try to stay humble and not toot my own horn.”

In the meantime, Kroeger has great, added incentive to suggest new products to suppliers and customers alike. “Everything I have, I acquired through Blue Sky—because the products are actually good. We have a buyer who takes a lot of the employees’ input. She knows we’re outdoorsy, so she asks us what we think. We give commentary on everything from helmets to water jackets to tents, ranging from multifunctional to practical.

“Anyone can go to Walmart and buy a similar product,” Kroeger adds, “but

the quality is here. You get the bang for the buck. The stuff at Blue Sky is always high quality, because the gear is specialized.”

It has been a whirlwind couple of years for the guy who once worked a soul-sucking desk job, not exactly giddy about his career prospects for the foreseeable future. But eventually moving on to his current post at Blue Sky not only changed his outlook on life and success, it reminded him of his deeply rooted passion for nature. It may not be a surprise to learn, in fact, that Kroeger’s father was a Southern-bred outdoorsman and fisherman himself.

As a boy, the young entrepreneur mirrored his dad in many ways. “I was always outdoors as a kid—Indian in the woods, so to speak,” Kroeger remembers. “As a kid you pick things up, but then you move away from it a bit as you get older, so as to assert your independence.”

Accompanied by his tagteam of loyal Toy Fox Terriers, Biddy and Shrimp, Herrick continues

to make the most of his free time each week with some kind of outdoor excursion. Maybe his next big idea will reveal during one this summer. After all, there’s a good chance he’ll be going camping this weekend. VVV

River RevelryCRBI presents

A Biodiversity BashSaturday Aug. 18, 2012 | 6:00-11:00 p.m.

At Heritage Park on theCoosa River in Downtown R�e

• Live Music by Jerry On the Moon• Boat Rides on the Roman Holiday & CRBI's Arnemetia• Silent & Live Auctions• Seven Hills Rotary Club Ducky Derby• Blue Sky Outfitter Recycled Raft Race• Cancer Navigator’s Survivors Cast Off For Cancer Patients • Beer courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Co.• Wine courtesy of Barefoot Wines• And…the Barbecue Battle featuring the best barbecue in the Coosa River Basin

Tickets on Sale at www.coosa.org$40 individual/$35 for two or more


me that bowling with a 9-year-old isn’t about the speed of getting lunch; it’s about spending quality time together, relaxing.

Just like vacation.The bowling trip was also a great

reminder on the principle of taking turns. The idea of vacation makes it only natural to want to rush ahead of everyone. Gotta get off the plane first; get to baggage claim first; get to the pool first. What is it with our constant need to win?

It isn’t about who can get to baggage claim first, it’s about being too carefree to mind if the bags make it at all. Taking turns is good for us. It helps us to relearn the kind of patience we discussed earlier.

And who doesn’t enjoy seeing someone else get on Space Mountain (and, more enjoyably, get off) first? Let someone go ahead of you in line. It’ll make you feel better.

Merging two lines into one? Take turns and the newly merged line will

function remarkably better. The other side of taking turns,

however, is knowing when your turn is over. For example, if you’re winning your third consecutive game of ping-pong and your lucky table is the only one available on the entire cruise ship, it’s probably time to call it a day when that third game concludes. Especially if several folks have lined up to watch and they’re clearly waiting for your championship reign to end.

And hey, here’s a novel idea: Why not share the ping-pong table? Yes, that’s right, share with strangers. As adults, I think we forget to share as often as we should. When vacationing, why not extend our most basic manners to this fundamentally unselfish act?

When I travel, I indulge in a certain celebrity gossip magazine. When I finish the magazine, departing my plane I try to find a lady in the waiting area who might be interested in the magazine and I give it to her. Not a

huge gesture, I know, but certainly one that helps us both have a far better day.

On a future trip, I want to extend this gesture one step further, by sharing space and time. Dining in a small group? Offer the extra seats at your table to folks who need one. (This often works at crowded theme parks and cruise ship buffet restaurants.) Who knows, you may meet some wonderful new people—or realize that sharing isn’t for everyone.

Here, take these complementary hints for an even-tempered vacation with you, as well:

1) Don’t splash others in the pool.

2) If you aren’t using the lounge chair, give it up for someone else to use.3) Don’t answer your cell phone while the show is in progress. Or during the fireworks. Or while sitting in close quarters by the pool or on the beach. You may have to work a little while relaxing, but everyone else is trying to forget their cell phones exist.4) If you have that spray-on kind of sunscreen, put it on in the bathroom of your own hotel room. Or, at the very least, watch the direction of the wind. No one likes a side of sunscreen with their nice beach picnic.5) And please, please, please, for your own safety, do not post photos or ‘check-in’ info on any social networking sites while traveling. Show everyone your photos after you’ve returned home. No sense in telling the world that your home is unoccupied. VVV

Holly Lynch is owner of and managing coordinator for The Season Special Events Planning at 250 Broad Street in Rome.

From pg. 35, “Don't Forget to Pack...”

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Girls stick together. When it involves one of us then you get us all. Staying breast cancer-free is tough,

but we’re strong enough for the challenge. Since almost 200,000 women are

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