Conversations With Creamer

Episode 46:  Mark Knopp – Virginia Beach Photographer

Officially been a photographer for 30 years but started when he was 8 years old when his parents gave him a Polaroid camera for Christmas.  He took a photography course in high school and saw a print and knew it would be his life.

He loves how photography brings the artistic side and seeing the vision…seeing things that most people don’t see.

Mark Knopp is Virginia Beach Portrait photographer who loves the interaction between the 2 people.  Capturing people being themselves – the fun, the intimacy, the seriousness, etc.

He is also a photography teacher at Virginia Art Institute of Virginia Beach since 2008 and wants to inspire others to become better photographers.  There is no such thing as too young or too old to learn photography.

Mark Knopp is 6ft4 and spends a lot of time on the ground to change the point of view.  So sometimes that means laying on the ground to change the perspective.

You should hire a professional photographer to capture those landmark moments to  experience remember forever.  Photos are still key to our existence and proof that we have been here and have lived.  It brings us back to that moment.  Photography isn’t going away.

People need prints.  There is still something magical about having a print.  Get the prints done.

Contact Mark and set an appointment and talk to him about what you are trying to accomplish and to feel comfortable with him.  What kind of images are you looking for?  Locations?  Moods?  Set date and time.  He will photograph your session and edit the photographs.  The client gets to decide which one they prefer to be kept and shared.  Mark Knopp is YOUR photographer.

Mark Knopp Photography

Mark Knopp Boudoir Photography

Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show!

James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans

Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting  

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Conversations with Creamer podcast Episode 45:  Devon Grube Memorial BBQ Classic

Kenny Letner is one who started organizing this Memorial event for a good friend of his Devon Grube who passed away from hypothermia in a kayak accident in the Eastern Shore December 2016.

Devon Grube was a highly-decorated US Navy SEAL who was married to his wife Margie and they had 3 children Wyatt, Harper, and Hazel.  You can read more about Devon on the website.

The Devon Grube Memorial BBQ Classic will be a 3 day event October 6-8, 2017 at the KOA Campground in Virginia Beach.  24 barbecue competitors from around the nation who specialize in award-winning ribs, brisket, pork and chicken will be competing for $10,000 in prizes.

There will also be 6 bands performing – Will Overman, Dave Cynar, Hard Knox, Quarter Horse, Little Country and Brian Grilli.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Devon Grube’s family, Navy SEAL Foundation, and Operation Once in a Lifetime. Together, they support families of fallen service members.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevonGrubeBBQClassic/

Website: http://www.devongrubebbqclassic.com/

Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show!

James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans

Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting  

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Episode 44: Karla Grase – The Band Mprov Karla Grase has been singing since she was about 8 years old and started out in her church youth choir.  She has been writing songs since she was 11 years old.  The Band Mprov that she sings in has been together about 2 1/2 years. She sells real estate but her passion is writing and singing. Karla enjoys Jazz, R&B, Pop, Indie and pretty much any music that is relateable.  She is available for weddings, birthdays, receptions, award banquets, local venues to perform her music. “Just another day” is song she wrote when her Father-in-law passed away from gal bladder cancer.  It is about cherishing every single moment. #MoreLove is another one of Karla’s originals and can be downloaded on iTunes. Make sure to check her out at one of her shows if you are local to the Hampton Roads area and if not check her out online to listen to her music! Thebandimprov.com Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show! James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting

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EPISODE 43: Andrew Coplon – Secret Hopper

Mystery shopper business for Craft Breweries opened just 3 months ago.  With over 5500 craft breweries across they United States they knew they had a niche.  They want to use Secret Hopper to help breweries concentrate on the overall customer service experience.

How does it work?

Secret Hopper provides specialized feedback with a 25 point questionnaire that concentrates on atmosphere and customer service not just the beer.

They send 4 secret undercover beer drinkers a month to the brewery and they have no idea when they will be coming.  The brewery selects the exact type of customer they are looking for to do the mystery review.  All the feedback and reviews are kept private unless they get permission to make public.  However, Secret Hoppers want to share success stories!

* Brewery selects their target client

* Secret hoppers experience the beer/atmosphere at the brewery.  They are instructed to order a flight of beer and a pint of beer

* Secret hoppers report back to them

* Feedback is given to the brewery

Breweries can apply to have their place secret hopped.  They currently have 22 clients across the United States since they opened a couple months ago.  There are currently 1500 secret hoppers across the U.S. and if you are interested in being a secret hopper you can apply online on their website.

SecretHopper.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SecretHopper

Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show!

James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans

Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting  

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James Walrod NMLS ID# 260324 Veterans United Home Loans James Walrod Residential Mortgage Loan Originator since 2006 is this week’s podcast guest.

How to qualify for a mortgage when you are self employed or have a side business?

If you don’t work for someone else.. be careful of what you are trying to deduct on your tax returns.  Deductions are great for tax write offs but if you are looking to use that income to qualify to get a mortgage make sure you review with your mortgage consultant before hand to be informed about your options.

The mortgage underwrites must look at the past 2 years of tax returns net after tax deductions for qualifying income.

Almost everyone has a side hustle.  It is a great way to make part time income and pursue your passions.  If you state that you have a loss then that will be taken into consideration when using that income to qualify for a mortgage.

Tip #1 – Get to know your accountant!

Tip #2 – You need to plan for this purchase even if you are a year or two down the road if you are self employed.

Tip #3 – If you have rental income – make sure you file it properly.

What if you find an error in your tax returns?  Make sure your taxes are correct before you make a mortgage application.

Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show!

James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans

Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting  

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I have received my first DPOR violation in real estate just look up Alison Creamer – Complaints on DPOR website.

File #2017-0142  

$700 Fine $150 Board cost = Total $850 fine and within 6 months must complete 3 hours Continuing Education.

Mistake #1 Never swap out a check from one form to another.  Notify all parties.

Mistake #2 If your company is not holding the earnest money check then extend allow time for delivery or get it to the company within 1 business day.

I own this mistake and have learned from it.  I have paid the fine and taken the Continuing Education class.  REALTORS® Make sure you are holding the right kind of earnest money check you don’t want this to cost you like it has me.

Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show!

James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans

Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting  

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Whiteside Interiors and Whiteside Art Studios is owned by husband and wife team Jimi and Alex Whiteside.  They specialize in fine arts through interior design.  Jimi and Alex offer commission fine art, murals, art shows, and interior design.

Alex says her mother was an artist – she remembers when she was only 4 years old and watching her paint and that is where her love of the arts began.

When Alex graduated high school she enrolled in photography and film making program at Tidewater Community College.  She found out that wasn’t her passion and eventually she focused more towards interior design.

They get asked by homeowners to find art to go with their current interior design.  Whiteside art studios look for custom pieces to fit the current design.  She loves seeing how excited her clients gets when everything is completed.

They also offer canvas art, murals and decorative professional painting on any surface – walls, furniture, etc.  They even offer large scale abstract painting.

Whiteside Interiors get more requests for renovations more than new construction design.  Clients are often just wanting a  fresh new look.  And you will be amazed at what one piece of art can completely change the atmosphere of a room.

Whiteside Art Studios – Jimi and Alex Whiteside

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhitesideArtStudios/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/avwhitesideart

Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show!

James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans

Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting  

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LeZandra Boudoir Photography is located in Norfolk, VA.

LeZandra had originally went to college to be a sex therapist.  But after living in Hawaii for awhile she started taking photography and then picked up an interest in boudoir photos.  She had turned it from a passion into a business when she was 19 years old and when she turned 22 was when she went full time.

Everyone comes with insecurities and just wants to feel beautiful.  The photos aren’t just about sex, it is about beauty.  Acknowledging that everyone comes from a  different place in life, backgrounds, and shapes and sizes.

She has a degree in psychology which she says has helped her understand her clients and help bring down some of those insecurities and barriers of being uncomfortable in front of the camera.

We are so focused on being a good wife and mother that we forget to take time for ourselves.

LeZandra’s typical client is early 30’s to mid 40’s are married or single who just wants to do it for themselves and feel beautiful and empowered.

Once you book your photo shoot with LeZandra helps you decide what your goals are and what you are looking for.   It is just easy and natural.  She has an all female staff and no judgement when you arrive by coming into a group of women who are very down to earth.

Photo shoots typically starts around 10 am for hair and makeup.  Then she starts the photography session.  There is no time limit but usually takes 1-2 hours.  She goes at the clients pace and no rush.  She wants to make sure the client feels comfortable.

For more information on booking with LeZandra Photography she can be found online and on social media: http://lezandraphotography.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lezandraphoto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeZandraPhotography/

Facebook Private Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1561828470730557/

(757) 663-3164

Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show!

James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans

Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting  

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Chris Pickett – Owner of Creative Music has been playing, singing and a songwriter since he was a little kid.

Chris has a Bachelor of Music degree from Longwood University and a Master of Music degree from Southeastern Seminary.

He got his first gig as a piano teacher from a friends kid even though he didn’t have any experience teaching at the time.  Then through ads on Craigslist and other referrals he went after his passion of teaching music part time.

As soon as he went full time teaching music 4 years ago he has had to start hiring other music teachers to help out with all of the clientele.  He teaches all age groups but his favorite is students are the ones that have a good attitude and that want to learn.  His oldest client was 74 years old!  It is never too old to learn music!

Creative Music wants people to not just learn about music but to have fun and have an amazing experience.  The greatest compliment he has ever received was when the father had thanked him for teaching his kids to love music not just play music.

Bring the songs you want to play or sing.  They take into consideration into what you are into and what your passion is.  There is no cookie cutter lesson, their goal is to not only learn but love the music you are interested it.

Contact Chris Pickett at Creative Music to schedule your music lessons in Hampton Roads!

* Voice

* Acting

* Piano

* Guitar

* Drums

* Ukelele

* Art

* Strings

* Bass

Website: http://www.creativemusicva.net

Phone: (757) 236-2609

Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show!

James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans

Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting  

Keller Williams Realty One Columbus Center Suite 1100 Virginia Beach VA Each office independently owned and operated.

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Compassion Advocacy Network (CAM) was started in 2002 by David Hutchinson and Johnathan Stanley here in Virginia Beach and are celebrating 15 years!

Their vision is helping other people that are forgotten.  They started out visiting nursing homes and visiting the residents who didn’t normally get family or friends to see them.  They wanted to offer quality of life improvements that the seniors can’t always pay for.  The only way they will get these necessities is if someone gets it for them.  It was a project they were passionate about and even started funding it themselves for the first 5 years.

In 2012, Johnathan left his full time job and started the process of soliciting businesses and gathering items that the residents needed.  It wasn’t going to be just a hobby anymore…but their full time business/non-profit.  It was a simple start by creating a bag of the necessities and delivering these items to the elderly.  They soon got a community development position filled to help approach businesses for donations and contributions.

After working with 12 nursing homes they officially went from hobby to business.  From 2012- 2016 they have helped thousands of families and individuals every month.  Their main focus is nursing homes for elderly population who they feel are the most underserved.

They soon started the advocacy and educating people on their cause.  They have raised money to put a ramp in an elderly persons home.

Celebrating their 15 years of work they have accomplished at Compassion Advocacy Network.

I LOVE their mission statement!

“We teach the world how to love through simple acts of kindness by putting compassion into action. ” 

A few things that Compassion Advocacy Network has accomplished:

* Gave $40,000 in direct support to families’ financially devastated battling cancer to help offset expenses

* Sponsored camps for kids

* Hosted parties for isolated elderly

* Watermelon socials

They are always looking for volunteers, donations, and other contributions to help out!

Compassion Advocacy Network contact information:

(757)622-8226

Email

Facebook

Website

Conversations With Creamer is pleased to partner with companies that offer great services!  When you take advantage of the services of any of the shows sponsors or partners you are supporting our show!

James Walrod – Veterans United Home Loans

Naoma Doriguzzi – Social Media Consulting  

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