President's Corner
So.......I don't mean to depress you, so "relax, read and refresh". This is a quick report on my recent "re-awareness" around life and how precious it is.
Frequently, I get out of the office and take a quick walk around the building complex. This helps me to change my mood, helps me to relax and it rejuvenates me.
Earlier this month, I realized that I hadn't seen a particular neighboring tenant, "Joe" (stage name...ha ha), since we completed his T.I. project a year ago. I emailed him; asked how he was doing; and asked if he would be in his office Friday afternoon. He replied with a "yes.....after 12:30 pm".
I walked by his office; asked for him; he greeted me in his private office........and he was in a wheelchair!!! My jaw dropped to the floor and I was simply stunned! After I got over my shock a little, I asked "Joe" what had happened. He said that he was at home a year ago, felt chest pains, called 911, had a heart attack and was now confined to a wheelchair. OMG! I was just shocked, again, how a healthy person in just one day went from healthy, alert and vibrant.......................... to a wheelchair.
Let's take a lesson from this narrative. Slow down and reflect on all that we have, including our health. Let's appreciate what we have and NOT take it for granted; and let's not take our loved ones for granted either!
Thank you.
Thank You! Gracias! Merci! Danke! Grazie!
 No matter how we say it, we can't say it enough! Thank you!!! You made our 12th Anniversary party a huge success!
We had great food, drinks and even better conversations! Again, thank you for all of your support throughout the year and we look forward to celebrating with you again next year!
What We're Reading Now
As you know, I (David) do a LOT of reading. In a recent issue of the Business Times, there was a section about "CEO pay"  . Did anybody read that article? Larry Ellison, from Oracle, of course was at the top of the list. I think his total compensation worked out to be $30-40k per HOUR. Crazy, isn't it?
If you don't already subscribe, the Business Times is an excellent publication to be aware of real estate/construction and "general happenings" in our area.
Office Environments - Relocating or Remodeling?
I recently interviewed Gary Fiammengo at Commercial Services Group a division of Sam Clar Office Furniture, about what his company offered and any recommendations/suggestions he had for business transitions. Tiffany: Gary can you give me a little insight as to what your company does and what makes you different from others? Gary: Our business is a full-service office furniture dealership. We often work with companies who are in transition. This can mean everything from rapid growth to rapid downsizing. Tiffany: What can I do as a client to avoid the pitfalls of being taken advantage of? Gary: Here are few things you can do to avoid traps. We recommend all clients to: 1. Bring in a qualified team of professionals to manage the details. 2. If you decide to stay at your location, then have your CRE Tenant Rep Broker lead the negotiations with the existing landlord. Note: an experienced broker will always be able to negotiate an overall better lease package. 3. If you move, the broker can source the available locations that are suitable to your business space and budget requirements. They will act as your advocate in this process and safeguard your best interests. Tiffany: What else would I need to look out for or who should I have on my team? Gary: You want to have some specialized professionals to help. For instance, you should have: 1. Project Manager - he/she should have a well rounded background in architecture and construction; plus an understanding of project finances. 2. Architect - he/she should have experience with clients in similar industries; and should have worked on other corporate office projects. Also, it is wise to work with an interior design firm who specializes in office and commercial business applications. It is very important to maintain an effective dialogue between the client and the Architect. 3. General Contractor - will be responsible for all construction related aspects. Also, they will create a budget and facilitate the actual construction. 4. Furniture Dealer: They (us) will work with an approved architectural space plan, provide furniture selections based on function, aesthetics and budget. Finally, we will be responsible for managing furniture procurement, shipping/delivery, and the installation process. Remember our work or any furniture dealer's work is not complete until any and all punch list items are resolved.
To reach Gary Fiammengo directly, please call 925-771-7514 OR
Visit their website at:
Tri-Valley Conservancy
David does a lot of work and volunteering with the Tri Valley Conservancy. He suggested I write something about TVC. As I was unfamiliar with what they did, I did some research and found that their mission statement says it all, "to permanently protect the fertile soils, rangelands, open space and biological resources, and to support a viable agricultural economy, in the Tri-Valley area.”
This amazing organization and their volunteers removed 63 GALLONS OF TRASH AND 23 GALLONS OF RECYCLABLES from Robertson Park by Arroyo Mucho. This is one small example of the many things they all do.
To learn more about TVC and ways you can help, go to
http://www.trivalleyconservancy.org/
DCI Spotlight - Manny Barreda!
 Manuel "Manny" Barreda is the newest member of the DCI Team. Manny comes to us with 35 years of experience in the construction industry. He started his construction training with his father by doing odds jobs at the tender age of 15. He credits his dad with instilling in him and developing his passion for the work they were doing; and what would turn out to be his chosen career. Manny has done everything from HVAC, tilt ups, concrete, clean rooms, electrical, pharmaceutical, and data line installation.
Manny has been happily married for 24 years. He and his wife will soon celebrate their 25th anniversary in Greece. He has four beautiful young adult children ( two boys and two girls). In his spare time he loves to golf, fish, boat, bicycle, and of course spending lots of time with his family.
WELCOME ABOARD MANNY!
In Closing
It is hard to believe that the year is half over! Kids are out of school, (and traffic hasn't gotten any better) and vacation schedules are a challenge to manage. But no matter what.........."we have you covered". If you need anything, please call the office and let us know what you need.........we''ll take care of it..........and you.
Enjoy your Summer!
David
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