The words “above” and “beyond” conjure up images of a thrilling customer service experience, especially if you are on the receiving end. When a company goes that extra degree to make sure you are completely satisfied, in fact, overwhelmed by the wonderful service or product that you have received, it is pure bliss. In today’s technological age, it is difficult to find face-to-face interactions that are engaging and pleasing. Afterall, most people spend a good bit of their time with their noses buried in their phones, completely captivated, so much so that they ignore all human contact. So, when you come across professionals who are genuinely happy to see you, so well versed in their expertise that you never complain of pain or inefficiency, and run an office that it impeccably neat and organized, you become a lifelong customer. Such is the case for Above and Beyond Orthodontics, where their mantra is absolutely captured in their business name.
The staff at Above and Beyond Orthodontics have something in common; they all have very tenured careers. Sometimes, it truly is possible to love where you work, and when you work with Dr. Pazulski, you get professionalism, respect, kindness, and a warm environment which welcomes both the employees and the patients. With Dr. Pazulski’s passion for orthodontics, combined with a love for his patients, it is not a wonder that he has successfully been treating patients for decades. He has stellar credentials from the University of Maryland where he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree and an additional Doctor of Dental Surgery certification. Of course, after that he pursued his specialization in orthodontics. Since 1989, Dr. Pazulski has been leaving his indelible mark on a long list of loyal clients, even participating in Children’s Medical Services of Sarasota by providing consultations and treatments to patients for cleft lip and palette issues. This is a doctor who cares for not only his patients, but his community.
The services offered at Above and Beyond Orthodontics include several early and adult orthodontic treatments. Sometimes adults feel hesitant to seek orthodontic care at an advanced age due to fears of it being a “kid’s zone” inside of the office area. At Above and Beyond Orthodontics they treat adults, as adults! So, no worries of being overtaken by tweens waiting to see the doctor, a professional, swift schedule means there is little down time between arrival and receiving treatment. A number of innovative options for braces exists for your financial and future smile comfortability, just call today and learn more about your journey to healthier teeth.
The staff at Above and Beyond Orthodontics welcomes IBE clients and loves the networking that accompanies being affiliated with such a solid barter organization. They appreciate the convenience, not to mention the savings, that comes along with using IBE for all their fixed monthly expenses. For any of their A/C or plumbing repairs along with carpet cleaning, they turn to their business partners at IBE for money-saving and timely solutions.
“The icing on the cake!” There is a reason this phrase is so over-used. Is there anything better than icing on a cake, after all? No, not really. When we think of any occasion that requires a cake, automatic joyful images gather in our heads and emotions well up in our hearts. If it calls for cake, there is probably a birthday, wedding, or, even a new baby involved. Or, better yet, maybe the baby’s gender will be revealed with a pink or blue batter, covered with a neutral colored fondant as to not spoil the surprise inside. We may not remember our first dance, but we can sure recall the taste of that wedding cake we spent hours making decisions over. Which flavor, and should it be tastefully decorated with a simplistic design, or “Cake Boss” this thing all the way to the banquet table? Cakes equal love, don’t they? They equal joyful times, meaningful moments, and, in the end, they make the most wonderful events just a bit more special. And that is why we all love cakes.
Now that we have spoken of our infatuation with this scrumptious concoction of flour, sugar, and flavorings, the next issue to tackle is, “Who has the best cakes?” This, my friends, is an important question to answer. If you have had an amazing piece of cake, flakiest cookie, or most delicious dessert while you were dining out, either on the Island or in the Bradenton area, chances are you were eating something created by Hometown Desserts. With well over a dozen popular restaurants on its wholesale distribution list, they are fast becoming the area’s benchmark for fine, freshly baked sweets. And, with two retail locations, one on Anna Maria Island and the other one situated in Bradenton, word-of-mouth praises and an active Facebook page are making drop-ins the norm. In fact, according to owner, Cindy Tutterow, “We are the first stop for a lot of tourists and they always stop by at the end of the season.” Whether they are there for the Key Lime Coconut cupcake or a crispy sugar cookie fashioned into a beautiful mermaid, guests cannot get enough of Hometown Desserts.
For Cindy Tutterow, transitioning from a schoolteacher to a baker was not that far of a stretch. Afterall, she had grown up in the kitchen surrounded by her mother, grandmother, and sisters doing what they all loved – baking. After a period when people were requesting her baked goods and turning her hobby into a side business, she knew her passions really revolved around creating beautiful and tasty treats. These days, Hometown Desserts, in addition to handling amazing dessert lines at multiple restaurants, also does specialty wedding cakes, birthday cakes and treats, and even corporate events with hundreds of attendees.
As a member of IBE for the past six years, Hometown Desserts is a perfect match for other merchants wanting custom cakes, beautiful desserts for an event, or just a monthly stockpile of freshly baked cookies. As a result, Cindy has been able to accumulate her barter points to get two large and very costly freezer and display cases, something her business needed to grow but that she could not have been able to acquire without IBE. And, because people really do love cake, Cindy has also been able to put in an entire security camera system in her stores, all through the money-saving magic of International Barter Exchange.
“Where perfection becomes reality,” what a goal. When it come to a new hairstyle, a great blowout, or amazing products for our locks we strive for the very best. We want our stylists to be expertly trained, “up” on all the latest trends and styles and supremely knowledgeable about coloring. Our spa technicians should possess that “it” quality that calls you to relax and take care of yourself. The salon and spa atmosphere both must be beautiful; after all, why spend the time and nervous anticipation beforehand to be in a setting that doesn’t beckon your best. And your stylist? Besides your parent, or maybe the president of the United States and possibly your doctor, who do you need to trust more than your favorite person at the hair salon? Really, ladies and gentlemen, I defy you to name someone who means more to your everyday appearance and self-image. At Elements Hair Studio & Spa, “where perfection becomes reality,” is a way of life. Their expert stylists are ready to be “your” people.
Since 2005, Elements Hair Studio & Spa has been a relaxing haven for hundreds of clients. They know when they walk in the door they will be met by a friendly, knowledgeable staff member ready to make dreams and transformations happen. Specializing in “all things hair,” you can rest assured that your wild mane or timid tresses are in the best of hands, without any anxiety before or after a new cut or style. And if you are considering an out-of-the-box color change, their colorists and stylists will make sure they discuss all the options that are best for your features, hair type and end desires. If you are looking for a friendly salon, providing high-end hair services without breaking the bank, Elements Hair Studio & Spa is for you.
What is better than getting a new doo while interacting with friendly people? What if the salon is in the convenient Swift Road area and has a spa like setting which is gorgeous? Yes, I know, this is all sounding better. And, complementary coffee, beer, wine and soda are offered, right along with their free Wi-Fi. Hurry on, now, you know you have been clamoring for a new look, or maybe you just haven’t found the right hair salon yet. There is more than a good chance you will connect with one of the great stylists at Elements Hair Studio & Spa, “where perfection becomes reality.
For Elements owner, Julie Rietz, IBE has been a wonderful pairing. While growing her business she has been able to put aside necessary funds for moves and expansions by letting IBE take care of things around the salon. For electrical issues, plumbers, other housekeeping items, and even laser hair removal, IBE has been an absolute money-saving guru for Julie and her staff. And thanks to bartering, Julie has been able to go on exciting fishing charter trips. As Julie explains, “Through IBE, clients have become more like family.”
With 17 years’ experience behind him, architectural salvage comes second nature to Jesse White. As he describes it, every item he saves or reclaims is “born from love of keeping historical materials from being demolished.” Wildly popular with millennials keen on doing their part to reuse items and not add to the planet’s garbage dumps, “upcycling” is the home decorating trend of this generation. Similarly, baby boomers enjoy reengaging with items from their past, so they are fully immersed in the salvage game. Television programs like “American Pickers” make it very hip to discover dusty old finds in the back of some old barn and have spun off a variety of other like-minded series. But for residents there is just one name synonymous with quality repurposing. Sarasota Architectural Salvage is the place to visit if you want to salvage, repurpose, upcycle, or just want to see some cool old items.
The mission of Jesse and his team at Sarasota Architectural Salvage is multi-faceted and serves the community, along with the planet, in several ways. With an eye for seeing something in a larger context, Jesse can look at an old building ready for demolition and determine dozens of uses for the materials that have gone into creating it. He cannot stand to see anything wasted and has built a solid reputation on locating buildings slated for demolition. In the process of salvaging everything from windows to doorframes and switch plates, he also gets to preserve a little bit of history.
Who purchases the items found at Sarasota Architectural Salvage? The answer is everyday consumers looking to furnish their homes with authentic period pieces and flippers and contractors wanting to lessen their carbon footprints on the planet. But it doesn’t stop there. Businesses looking to set an example on recycling will often come to Sarasota Architectural Salvage for a variety of items, from upcycles desks that used to be doors, to barn hooks that now serve as a custom coatrack. As Jesse explains, “We look for the good bones of an old house and often find cypress and other wood elements that can be transformed into an exquisite piece of furniture.”
When it comes to IBE, Jesse describes his time with the organization as a “really good experience.” He goes on to say, “It feels like you are a part of a family of businesses and I really enjoy that.” Since Jesse engages in a Buy Local Pledge, working within the IBE network goes right along with that. “IBE has been an absolutely perfect match and has also brought in add-on business.” Recently, Golden Vision, a fellow IBE member, challenged Sarasota Architectural Salvage to create a custom piece for the office. All through the money-saving magic of bartering, Golden Vision was able to procure beautiful old windows that have been transformed into one-of-a-kind very chic display cases for their high-end eyewear. And Jesse is always excited to meet new IBE Clients. “There is something about a barter customer walking in; it is as if they are already a friend.”
Sarasota Architectural Salvage has two locations, in both Lakewood Ranch and Downtown Sarasota. Please visit https://www.sarasotasalvage.com/ for more information.
Remember when your healthcare visits were not so rushed, and you had the opportunity to interact with an actual physician? Some of the sagest advice that has been written is to find a doctor who is of a similar age, that way you can grow old together and won’t have to worry about switching medical care later in life. But in today’s healthcare systems, that is somewhat difficult, if not entirely impossible. Though a bit of a relic in an industry that favors quick, in-and-out treatments with an intern or nurse practitioner. For the past 45 years, Dr. Ron Doctor, optometric physician has been that consistent and professional advocate of his patients, pleasing his clients with the amount of time he personally spends on them. As he likes to say, “My process may be slow growing since I spend a lot of time with my patients, but I always have a great conscience.”
When Dr. Ron, as he is frequently called, discusses the secret to longevity in a growing profession and industry where consumers can be shopping at Walmart and in the same building, pop in for an eye exam, he credits good, old-fashioned service. For him, there is but one word that he would use to describe what he had to do to achieve this level of success: Honesty. His thorough examinations well thought out and designed waiting rooms and surgical areas and professional and dedicated staff have built a reputation on that one word- yes, honesty. Being privy to the most state-of-the-art technologies and having an extremely esteemed professional background does not hurt. Add in a calming and bright office and there is your recipe for success.
Whether your optical needs range from requiring glasses or contacts, Dr. Ron is the go-to guy. In many cases he is now treating second and even third generation patients. Coming in to see Dr. Ron is always a pleasant and helpful experience so referring him to family and friends is quite common. He is a Laser Vision and Cataract Implant Associate, offering same day appointments for routine and emergency eyecare. Dr. Ron is known for taking a seemingly difficult medical situation and turning it around in favor of the patient, all with patient explanations given and a fair price charged in the end. And the follow up? Second to none, when it comes to the care and time given by the kind and caring staff of Dr. Ron Doctor, Board Certified Optometric Physician.
Dr. Ron credits IBE as an asset to the business he has grown for the past four-plus decades. He is proud of the fact that he was one of the founding members; number 22 as he recalls. Over the years, Dr. Ron and his staff have used IBE for everything from office services including carpet and general cleaning to having things repaired around the home, like the A/C and electrical issues. He says the other members seem to share the same passion for fair-minded, easy bartering. As Dr. Ron explains, “I have used it all of these years because I have found it to be truly beneficial in a variety of ways around the home and office.” Dr. Ron goes on to say that like the extra care he provides his clients, he feels that IBE has become a reliable, trusted business partner.
In 1985, the first Beef ‘O’ Brady’s opened its doors as a family-centered sports bar. The original creators wanted a relaxed atmosphere where people could pop in to watch a great game on one of the many televisions set up in the restaurant. What has happened is many locals now choose Beef ‘O’ Brady’s as their celebratory haunt when they have just played a nine-inning scorcher and need a cool place to visit afterwards. By all accounts, both goals have been met, as Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is often the cornerstone restaurant, a fan favorite in any city they set up in.
What makes a great neighborhood restaurant even better? For starters, the food must be on-point. At Beef ‘O’ Brady’s an extensive menu catering to kids, parents, grands – – they have something for everyone pleases every palate. The wings and burgers at “Beefo’s,” as they are often referred to, are just about as good as you can get. With sauces spanning the heat index and drummies so tender you wonder how they were cooked, your mouth waters for that cool libation accompanying your wings. The burgers with fat patties and fresh toppings satisfy even the hungriest in your bunch. And, if you aren’t at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s on St. Patrick’s Day for their corned beef and cabbage, then you simply are not celebrating as you should. The line out the door should signify the popularity of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, not just on the holidays, but every day.
Throughout Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, the Macri family own and operate several Beef ‘O’ Brady’s locations. Catering to satisfied customers who have become friends is their specialty. Their uncanny ability to hire the friendliest people throughout the Suncoast means as soon as you step foot into one of those Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, a happy “Hello” and “Be right with you” are soon to follow. Their standards for quality foods and the cleanliest of environments have won them loyalty and praise from the communities they serve. For the Macri family, setting the bar as high as possible has resulted in stellar reviews and return visits from their expansive network of Beef ‘O’ Brady fans.
As a thank you to their loyal fans, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has launched its “Team Beef ‘O’ Brady’s.” Anyone can join, and when they do, they will receive a free shareable starter with a value up to $8. From fried mozzarella sticks to buffalo chicken dip, you can begin your meal on a happy note with this ongoing offer. And, when the holidays roll around you can count on more great savings coming your way just for being a member of this special group.
When it comes to IBE, the leaders at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s demand the same consistent, professional service they deliver. Over the years, their pairing with IBE has proven to be a financially savvy way to pay for expenses around the restaurants without dipping into reserves. And, with IBE QR Certificates, the folks at Beefo’s can also check out and support the other restaurants within the IBE network. They love working with like-minded groups with the same integrity, so IBE is a great match for the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s restaurants.
There are certain pains that stop us in our tracks. You can start the day out with your normal routine, eating your usual toast and eggs and kissing the kids and spouse goodbye before you leave for work. You sip on your coffee as you make your commute, and then, out of the blue, a dull ache begins to spread over the back quadrant of your mouth. You are trying to pinpoint the source and then, as you poke and prod, the pressure and air on that back molar makes you wince in pain. You feel a tension begin to take over your whole being as you dread the time, money, and process involved with dental repair. Is there even anyone who sees emergency patients anymore on a Saturday or Sunday? Most dentists are at the golf course, or certainly not tending to patients, but there is one trusted, dedicated dentist who did not get that memo. Extremely accessible to his patients, uber-knowledgeable and just an all-around nice guy – – Dr. James Foley is your next call if you need dental work.
When you have known your true calling since the age of six, it is easy to settle into a life of education and service to loyal patients. Such was the case for Dr. James Foley, DDS, who graduated from Emory University Dental School in 1988. With 15 years post-doctoral training in cosmetic dentistry, he has given smiles back to countless people who had thought that true reflection of their happiest self would never be something they could be proud of. With Dr. Foley’s expertise in dental implants, veneers, and cosmetic dentistry combined with his gentle, friendly demeanor toward clients, you have a dental office and staff you look forward to visiting. No more hiding from potential cavities and denying those spaces in-between your teeth are growing; give Dr. Foley a call, and his helpful nature will instantly set you at ease.
With a Five-star Google rating, many of Dr. Foley’s clients readily chat about the outstanding doctor/client interactions they have and marvel at the thoughtful follow-up after dental cleanings and procedures. While some may have initially seen Dr. Foley because of his centrally located office, they eventually grow to love and trust the staff like family. Words like “trusted,” “knowledgeable,” and “sincere” are just a few of the adjectives used to describe Sarasota’s favorite dentist, Dr. James Foley, DDS.
When you are as certain of things as Dr. Foley was in knowing his future profession at the ripe young age of six, you conduct your business with that same sense of assuredness. For example, don’t ever leave employee recognition opportunities to just any service or gift. With IBE, Dr. Foley knows his employees will love massages, dinners out with their families, or manicures and pedicures. Bartering allows him to treat those around him who are doing such a wonderful job without breaking the budget. And, rather than tapping into reserves for A/C issues or electrical repairs, Dr. Foley calls on fellow IBE merchants to take care of these types of expenses. Repairing the smiles of others is something Dr. Foley is passionate about and he is happy to have met many new smiles over the years, thanks to IBE. According to Dr. Foley, “The level of hospitality from IBE is excellent.”
Living in paradise is a tough job, isn’t it? I mean, we never get to use those snow shovels which seem to be such handy items. We rarely get to wear our fashionable “winter” boots, and the gloves literally never make it out of the drawers. And, those seat warmers in the automobiles? When will we ever be able to turn those things on? Yes, someone must take the hit and live where it is sunny and warm virtually every single day.
Speaking of the lucky percentage of the world’s population who have the privilege of residing in beautiful Florida, let’s talk about maximizing the time spent in the glorious outdoors. That sun – – it is intense. We have all experienced the pains that can come from spending too much time under the sun’s harmful rays. Yet, we go back for more because a backyard BBQ with friends, complete with a cornhole tournament, far outweighs any sunburn. But, if you could have your proverbial cake and eat it too, as in what if you could spend all day outside and still be able to be shielded from the sun’s heat? Absolute Aluminum has you covered, literally.
Absolute Aluminum is the premier leader in ratcheting up your outdoor living experience. With their extensive line of innovative products designed to turn outdoor areas into extra living spaces for the entire family, every square inch of your property can be used for your relaxation. From retractable screens to adjustable pergolas, you never have to worry about the weather being anything but perfect. When the rains come in, their state-of-the-art products allow for the flip of a switch to keep you dry, without the need to run inside for protective cover. And, if you are planning to enjoy iced tea with an old friend at high noon and want to relax poolside, no problem. A variety of beautiful products will provide continuous shade protection so you can enjoy the extreme Florida paradise that we call home.
From pool enclosures to lanais, firepits, pavers and travertines, the go-to source that scores of Suncoast residents flock to is Absolute Aluminum. The reviews are in and, quite frankly, they are stellar. Estate gates, outdoor kitchens, carports, covered awnings – – there is simply nothing the folks at Absolute Aluminum cannot do for you. Unlike many of their competitors, Absolute Awning thoroughly presents every possible idea to fulfill a client’s desires for their outdoor spaces. With style, budget, and product in mind, their design solutions are meeting and exceeding clients’ expectations on a daily basis. Their three tenets, “education, communication, and quality” make it possible for so many to enjoy a 24/7, 365-day approach to enjoying all that Florida has to offer.
When it comes to monthly fixed expenses, Absolute Aluminum loves to tap into the money-saving power of the International Barter Exchange. For items like shredding, bartering is a wonderful funding solution, which allows the folks at Absolute Aluminum to hang onto their capital for expansion and new product lines. IBE has become a wonderful solution for recognizing exemplary salespeople through Absolute Aluminum’s President’s Club. They use popular QR certificates to amazing restaurants as incentives for their already wonderful employees.
Driving a vehicle is one of the first freedoms we get to experience in our young lives. That thrill of independence hits you when the driving lessons, state test, ID issuance, and parental warnings are complete and it is just you, the car, and the road. You don’t realize it at the time, but that sense of excitement you feel as you start your first engine can be replicated again and again. As adults, our automobiles signify who we are in terms of style, size and affordability class. And vehicles are likely the most vital part of our existence and ability to prosper. Can you imagine getting to work, school, the hospital – – anywhere without your trusted vehicle? The only thing more important than the car or truck you drive is where it came from. Do you know for certain your new or used vehicle meets or exceeds all safety and maintenance standards? If you have purchased your automobile from Goldmark Auto Group, then you can breathe a sigh of happy-driver relief.
We all know that purchasing a vehicle can be a traumatic event at times; financing can seem impossible and selection in your price range can be scarce. At Goldmark Auto Group, a focus on the customer experience puts you in the driver’s seat before you even make your purchase. A knowledgeable and friendly staff, an extensive selection of pre-owned vehicles and financing experts stand ready to change the bad rap finance professionals have been given. Honesty, integrity, and client satisfaction is at the heart of every Goldmark Auto Group transaction. With down payments beginning as low as $499, there is virtually a car, truck, or van for everyone in the market for a new ride.
Word of mouth is a great way to find out which businesses are the best to work with. As you peruse the variety of reviews and testimonials from past Goldmark Auto Group clients, the comments range from “I’ve bought six cars from them over the years. They always got me what I wanted at a fair price,” to “Got the car I wanted, and they made it happen with my credit. Great dealership.” Customers are raving about their experiences with auto buying from Goldmark Auto Group. Whether you are in the market for a suburban, sedan, sports car, or minivan, let the friendly, capable team at Goldmark Auto Group lead you safely behind the wheel of a trusted vehicle, all at a fair price. Now, that is auto buying without headaches or worries.
When it comes to IBE, the folks at Goldmark Auto Group love the reciprocity of great services and excellent customer services found within the amazing network of IBE members. Many other like-minded members keen on keeping their capital in-house, while letting bartering take care of housekeeping and hospitality expenses make for a cohesive bartering group. The owners of Goldmark Auto Group appreciate the high level of professionalism and friendship found within IBE. They know it takes commitment and integrity to become one of the premiere bartering organizations around.
If there is one decision in your life to handle with aplomb, it is selecting a dentist. Afterall, once you have done the legwork of reviewing credentials, client recommendations, available services and checking out the office, all that is left is to make the appointment. But what would make you feel even better? The obvious element that is necessary for a successful dentist appointment is a dentist who cares about your comfort and confidence in his or her ability. Once you have all of this going in your favor, and you feel like your dental interests are in the most capable and kind hands, you have made a relationship for life. And that, is how Dr. Jimenez of Beneva Dental Care has amassed a loyal clientele, one caring and expert interaction at a time.
If you ask Dr. Jimenez about the secret of his practice’s success, he is reticent to comply. “Bragging is just not my thing,” he quietly comments. But his clients are a bit more boisterous, singing his praises loudly online. One client said, “I’m usually very nervous at the dentist. They were friendly and very helpful.” Another client cheered, “Got a root canal and a crown on one of my front teeth. I was expecting it to look like most people’s you see walking around not matching the rest of their teeth. Sherry matched it up perfectly and saved my smile. Dr. Jimenez did all this with absolutely no pain.”
What does it take to create the perfect dental office, professional and clean with a friendly flare so that people don’t feel the area is sterile or cold? First, the front of the house needs to greet the clients with a friendly acknowledgment, followed by efficient and respectful treatment thereafter. Insurance issues shouldn’t fall on the patient’s shoulders, and the staff at Beneva Dental Care is more than happy to go that extra mile for you making the payment end seamless. Whether the patient is there for a check-up, cleaning, filling, crowns, or veneers, Dr. Jimenez and his technicians will get them in and out while providing the best pain-free care available. Patients will leave feeling like the dentist’s office is a pretty cool place to visit. And likely will add their praises to the countless others who are raving about Beneva Dental Care.
When it comes to IBE, Dr. Jimenez is very free with his accolades and praise. Having known Ron and Mary, the principals at IBE for several decades, he says they are two people “you can count on doing whatever they say they will do.” That kind of work ethic and standard of care is so rare in today’s work arena. But with friends like Mary and Ron in your corner, Dr. Jimenez says, “There is virtually everything you need in IBE. Need an electrician or plumber? They have it. Whether it be great restaurants, and even peculiar businesses, you can find them within IBE.” With a 30 plus year relationship with the folks at IBE, Dr. Jimenez confidently tells his friends and business associates, that IBE is “well-run and a great way for any business to save money.”
