It used to be that, as consumers, we would go to one place to have our income taxes prepared, another place to get investment advice, and yet another place to get legal advice. At the end of the day, it was our responsibility to keep up with all of the decisions being made that impacted our financial world and hope nothing was overlooked – but not anymore. At Everything Knoxville, we found a group of Certified Public Accountants that have created a unique financial planning experience – every financial, estate, and legal service you need is offered under one roof.

EK: Yvonne, tell our readers a little bit about Marsh Professional Group, and describe for them the services you provide.

Yvonne: We are a team of CPA’s and independent financial advisors who partner with an experienced estate attorney to provide our clients with a fully-integrated financial planning service. We provide income tax preparation and tax minimization reviews, we help clients make sound financial decisions to protect their family’s future, and we give them the knowledge and tools to make smart, informed investment decisions. Also, by partnering with an estate attorney, we can make sure that their legacy plans are well thought out and documented. We’re a “one-stop-shop” of financial professionals, I guess you could say.

EK: How unusual is it for a full-service CPA firm to offer this complete range of financial planning services?

Yvonne: To my knowledge, we are the only CPA firm in Knoxville providing this entire suite of services in one location.

EK: How did you become interested in financial planning?

Yvonne: I started my career as an auditor in public accounting, which taught me how to listen and pay attention to detail. I was always drawn to helping friends and family with their tax and investment questions, so when I had an opportunity to transition into the financial advisory practice, I jumped at the opportunity. After we moved to Knoxville and my daughter was born, I wanted more work/life flexibility, so I started an online business, which I ran successfully before selling it a few years ago to rejoin the financial planning industry. My experiences as a CPA, small business owner, and a working parent help me view things from my clients’ perspective. I find it rewarding to help people make those hard financial decisions and give them the peace of mind they deserve.

EK: What is the biggest obstacle people face when they’re trying to make financial decisions?

Yvonne: I think it’s lack of time actually. We are all so busy managing our daily lives that it can be almost impossible to find the time to manage our financial life as well. It’s easy to push the decisions to another day, but the needs remain – to plan for our children’s college education and our own retirement, to make informed investment decisions, and even to help our aging parents manage their finances. So I developed a solution for myself and for my clients – I call it the Financial Foundation organizer.

EK: What is the Financial Foundation organizer?

Yvonne: We create a unique custom organizer that is our clients to keep. It reflects their entire financial world, from bank accounts, investments, debts, insurance policies, retirement plans, wills, and estate planning documents, just to name a few. Not only does it allow you to keep track of how you are doing, but it is an invaluable tool to your spouse and adult children to have all of this information gathered in one spot. We even include a Survivor’s Checklist to help with the financial decisions that must be made at the loss of a loved one. Also, importantly, it provides me the basis I need as a financial advisor to see where my clients are on their financial journey so I can get them to where they want to be.

EK: So along with providing tax services, help our readers understand the scope of financial planning services you provide.

Yvonne: How much space do I have? Just kidding… First and foremost, we get to know our clients – what financial goals and dreams are important to them. While we definitely help people answer their most pressing financial questions about “how much is enough?” for college savings and retirement income planning, we also dig deeper into the next layer of questions regarding such things as long-term care, social security maximization, income tax minimization, and proper investment diversification. Perhaps most importantly, we make sure that our clients’ investment holdings match their risk personalities so they aren’t riding the stock market roller coaster without a seat belt. We even provide a 401(k) review to ensure they have the proper mix of mutual funds and their investments in their employer’s retirement plan.


EK: So once you’ve created a plan for someone, you can also help them with investment decisions if they need it?

Yvonne: Yes, sometimes just building the plan isn’t enough and clients seek advice on their investment holdings. The most pressing question is definitely how to create income while protecting their principal. Safety and security is the name of the game, and if I’m going to recommend a certain type of investment to a client, I want to be able to follow the process to the end and be sure they get the best options available for them. Since I’m an independent advisor, I don’t have an agenda to promote any particular product or investment. I’m actually an Investment Advisor Representative, which means I am held to a higher “fiduciary” standard than what is generally found in the broker dealer world.

EK: The question I’m sure is on everyone’s mind… is this an expensive process?

Yvonne: It’s really not. Our advisory fees are very reasonably priced, and after our first complimentary meeting, I provide the client an exact quote of what their planning fee would be based on their goals and the level of assistance I can provide them.

EK: What types of clients do you work with?

Yvonne: A wide variety, actually. One reason I love my job is that I get to work with people in all phases of their financial life, though I most frequently work with individuals and couples over age 50 who are managing not only their own financial life, but perhaps helping their aging parents also. They definitely call it “the sandwich generation” for a reason! I also work with young couples and parents just starting out, women in transition due to divorce or widowhood, as well as small business owners.

EK: What is the best way for our readers to learn if you can help them achieve their individual financial goals?

Yvonne: Just give our office a call and set up a complimentary meeting with me. It gives us a chance to get to know each other and see how I might be of service. There’s no cost or obligation – just an opportunity to have your questions answered.

EK: In closing, is there anything else you would like to add?

Yvonne: Just that I hope people can be encouraged about their financial future, even if they have had some setbacks these last few years. Maybe their dreams are different now than they used to be, but they can still be attainable. I’d love an opportunity to give your readers some peace of mind that comes with having a comprehensive plan.

Marsh Professional Group, LLC
404 Ebenezer Road
Knoxville, TN 37923
865.622.2162
www.marshpros.com

Financial Planning & Investment Advisory Services are offered through Prosperity Capital Advisors, an independent, SEC Registered Investment Advisor located in the State of Ohio. Yvonne Marsh is an Investment Advisor Representative of Prosperity Capital Advisors in the state of Tennessee. Marsh Professional Group, LLC and Prosperity Capital Advisors are separate entities.

Numerous considerations enter into a decision to launch a new business, and Corks Wine and Spirits in Turkey Creek was no exception. Before launching, Ryan McElveen, Owner and Certified Sommelier, collaborated with industry experts, trusted friends, and mentors. His goal was not to simply open a generic package store, but rather an entirely new concept in fine wine and spirits merchandising.

“Our objective is to engage our customers’ senses by offering a wide assortment of fine wines, spirits, and high-gravity beers from around the world,” said Ryan. “Every item in our collection has been individually selected to meet the unique tastes of our customers. Further, you’ll discover that our associates possess an uncommonly high level of product knowledge necessary to assist you in making the perfect selection to complement any occasion.”

As a sommelier, certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Ryan possess a high level of training and knowledge in wine and spirits service. He and his associates can offer expert advice to wine consumers working with the taste preference and budget parameters of individual patrons, enabling them to speak to the virtue of the wines and spirits they’re considering.

“A fusion of esthetics, unparalleled service, and product knowledge, I invite you to discover the unique experience that Corks Wine and Spirits offers you, and be prepared to engage your senses,” said Ryan.

Corks Wine and Spirits is located at 11668 Parkside Drive, adjacent to the new Publix in Turkey Creek.

Corks Wine and Spirits
11668 Parkside Drive
Knoxville, TN 37934
865.675.2675
www.corkstn.com
Mon-Sat 8am-10pm


Dr. Rahman attended the University of Southern California School of Medicine and graduated with highest honors. She completed her dermatology residency at the University of California, Los Angeles and served as chief resident during her final year. Driven by her passion to provide the most comprehensive dermatologic care for her patients, Dr. Rahman pursued additional training in dermatopathology. She completed fellowship training at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology in New York. Since completing training, Dr. Rahman has worked in private practice in Atlanta and served as clinical instructor to dermatology residents at Emory University and SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Dr. Rahman holds dual board certification in dermatology and dermatopathology. She is a fellow member of the American Academy of Dermatology and an associate member of the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Rahman enjoys seeing patients of all ages and with all dermatologic conditions. She prides herself on combining the highest quality dermatologic care with outstanding patient-centered customer service. With dermatopathology training, Dr. Rahman is able to provide rapid and accurate diagnoses of various skin conditions. She is also especially interested in the artistic aspect of cosmetic dermatology and finds great joy in assisting her patients in enhancing their appearance and self-esteem.

Dr. Rahman is excited to join the Knoxville community where her husband, a cardiologist, has called home for many years.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rahman, contact Elizabeth Anderson Dermatology at 865-450-9361 or visit www.elizabethandersondermatology.com.

Elizabeth Anderson Dermatology
6311 Kingston Pike, Suite 21
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.450.9361
www.elizabethandersondermatology.com

Building allows you a creative expression of your personality, lifestyle, design, aesthetics, etc. What if you know what you want, but everything you’re drawn to has a big price tag with it? Well, there are two answers to that.

The first response is to do your homework! Start pulling together images of rooms, moldings, floor plans, etc. that resonate with you long before you even intend to build. Make notes on the daily/weekly activities for you and your family. Do you need a wall office or central hub for your children’s school papers, keys, bills to be paid, etc.? Take notes of the things you love about your current residence and the things you would change. Be as detailed as you possibly can.

The second response is to find a builder/realtor team that listens to your needs, finds options that fit your aesthetics, and, when necessary, thinks outside the box so you can have the home of your dreams, but who also keeps you within your budget.

Jenny Blalock with Luxe Homes & Design and I were faced with exactly that challenge. A custom buyer we were working with recently had a specific budget and equally specific requirements. After months of us meeting at various neighborhoods, pouring over lots and topographical elevations, we decided on a lot. We then found a floor plan that was a 90% fit. After a few adjustments, we gave it the stamp of approval and began our build.

The main design of the build was decided upfront, including what rooms would have hardwood, whether there would be a double oven or insert, covered back porch, etc. But, as we moved forward, there were still an innumerable amount of details to nail down.

I know you’re hearing warning sirens! This is exactly why you are afraid to build! However, do not despair. This is where the Luxe Home & Design team shines!

Being on a budget does not eliminate the opportunity for personalized custom features. If you look at the fireplace hearth in the photo, you’d never know that the mantle is a salvaged piece which was painted a cool grey and surrounded with bricks from Jenny’s family’s 100-year-old estate!

Years ago we had a client who was a high-powered corporate kind of guy that traveled the world for business. He fell in love with mid-century modern design elements before Mad Men made it cool. (He is generally three to four years ahead of Knoxville’s design trends.) He came to Jenny with some architectural magazine ads for these sleek modern lights. It’s true that the lights were amazing, but so was the price tag that came with them. Jenny spent weeks scouring the Internet and her local connections… anything and anyone that could help get the lights but without busting through the lighting allowance. She was able to find these amazing mid-century mod lights at about half the cost of the designer version.

Your kitchen backsplash tile is the main focal point of any kitchen, but it’s also a design element that is chosen towards the end of the project where budgets and financing are often strained. The $100 per square foot tile our recent client chose was well outside her budget as it would be for most buyers. To solve this problem, Jenny bought a mold with a similar design and hand cut each tile! This is not only an economical solution, but it turned out amazing! (Truth be told, I’m a little jealous and would love to have this in my own home!) Jenny cut each tile from its mold, sanded, smoothed, hand painted, then sealed. It was a true labor of love.

Isn’t that the kind of building experience everyone dreams of? Don’t wait… contact the Luxe Home & Design building team today!

Jenny Blalock
Luxe Homes & Design
865.755.4680
www.luxehomesdesign.com

Christine Sparks
Realty Executives & Associates
865.588.3232
www.livinginknox.com

By Tom Irmen

At least once a week, a client or perspective client will tell me that they just couldn’t pass up an advertising opportunity because of the low price. I usually congratulate them, although I often contemplate just how good of a deal they really received.

For me, I’ve always tried to define those unique characteristics that successfully differentiate me from my competition and then understanding just who my target audience was. If you know what differentiates you in the marketplace and who your target audience is, then advertising need not be that big a mystery.

For example, if you sell upscale women’s apparel that targets working women, then you will want to avoid television or radio spots that air while these women are at work. Radio might be a great option on the drive to or from work, and although more expensive, should produce far better results than the bargain slots that air when your target customer is not likely listening.

If your target audience is just a short distance from your retail location, then a well placed billboard in close proximity might make sense.

A print ad in a publication that saturates your target audience might also make sense. But if you’re in a competitive marketplace where you excel in customer service, a print ad may not allow you to successfully differentiate yourself. In such cases, you may also require advertorial content to accomplish your objective.


While all of this may seem very confusing, it need not be. Ask yourself:

• What differentiates me from my competitors?
• Who is my target audience?
• What is the most effective advertising platform to reach my target audience?


Avoid advertising decisions solely on the basis of price. Consider each dollar spent on advertising as an investment. If a low price has a low return, it’s still a poor investment. Strive to achieve the greatest return of each advertising dollar invested.


Personally, I’d rather spend the same amount of money on a single radio spot that has a great message, that airs at just the right time, and that targets more of my potential customers than 10 spots that air at the wrong time, on the wrong station, with the wrong message, and that targets few of my potential customers. The same is true of print, television, online, billboards, and other platforms.

I believe that 70 to 90% of all advertising dollars are invested poorly and can be saved or invested elsewhere. This coming from a guy who sells advertising for a living. Maybe you should consider passing up that deal that is too good to pass up.

Estate Treasures is also an authorized dealer for Hugo Kohl. The Hugo Kohl line is skillfully crafted in the USA and uses the best methods of both the past and present to create an exquisite line of jewelry like no other. Hugo Kohl utilizes a collection of original hubs and dies that were used to die strike jewelry during the American industrial age. There are Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Retro Art Designs periods represented. The collection is preserved in engraved steel blocks and dies that represent the art of dimensional hand engraving at its zenith.

In addition to their warm and interesting atmosphere, Estate Treasures also has an expert, on-site jeweler available for service, repairs, ring sizing, and insurance appraisals. They also offer $5 replacement watch batteries. Or, if you are looking to sell your broken and unwanted jewelry, sell an estate collection, or have a box of old coins you aren’t sure what to do with, Estate Treasures and their professional staff can assist you with those needs as well.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Mother’s Day Special
Spend $250 or more and receive a store gift card for 25% of the purchase value. Buy a gift for mom now or something for yourself later

Estate Treasures
11681 Parkside Drive (next to Gatti’s)
Knoxville, TN 37934
865.643.8435
Open Monday – Saturday 10-6
Closed Sunday
Find us on Facebook


Why is this important? Well, not every eye care professional specializes in hard-to-fit patients. Many of these patients are often told they aren’t candidates for contact lenses.

Dr. Brent Fry of Premier Eyecare has been successfully prescribing specialty contact lenses for more than a decade. Not everyone needs specialty contact lenses, but when you do, it’s important to have access to the best technology has to offer.

The Duette family of hybrid contact lenses was developed to provide optimal vision and comfort to those who require or desire high definition vision. If you have astigmatism or trouble focusing at near without reading glasses, then Duette lenses may be just what you need to get back into contact lenses. Soft lenses have come a long way but still may fall short in providing crisp vision for everyone. Fortunately, with Duette, we now have a specialty contact lens that allows us to fit more patients successfully with contact lenses, providing superior optics and excellent comfort.

If you have astigmatism and are tired of settling for “soft” vision, then Duette HD may be the lens you’ve been looking for all these years. If you’re 40 or older and thought you’d have to settle for wearing reading glasses with your contact lenses or give up contact lenses altogether, we encourage you to try the Duette Multi-focal contact lens.

Whether working at a computer, reading your favorite book, or driving at night, you need your vision to be its best. Why settle for “soft” vision when you can have sharp, crisp vision at all distances? If you’re ready to experience high definition vision, call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fry to discuss your contact lens options. We have several hundred patients who are experiencing the superior optics of Duette lenses, so why not you? Call today and start seeing the world as it should be seen.

Premier Eyecare
11121 Kingston Pike, Suite A
Knoxville, TN 37934
865.966.0100
www.premier-eyecare.net

As often happens in life, our careers can take many turns. Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee, I pursued a career in both the insurance and finance arenas, but soon afterwards I returned to my residential painting career that I first launched as a part-time venture as a 17-year-old Farragut High School senior.

I have to credit my father for my early success. He instilled in me a strong work ethic from a very early age which remains with me to this day. It not only influences the quality of the work I perform, but can also be seen in the quality and professionalism in the craftsmen I hire.

Precision Painting has no sales people. I answer my own phone. I return calls promptly. I schedule my own appointments. I visit each and every homeowner, prepare my own quotes in a timely manner, and personally supervise each and every project, performing some of the work myself.

My painters are experienced craftsmen. They are non-tobacco users and are at least 30 years of age. I check out each employee and ensure that they share both my work ethic and commitment to quality, honesty, and integrity.

Another thing that we do which is unique in the industry is to provide each homeowner with a list of current references.

An uncommon commitment to a strong work ethic, quality, professionalism, safe and clean worksite, integrity, and honesty are what each homeowner deserves and can expect from Precision Painting. That’s why satisfied customers from more than 20 years ago continue to use and recommend our company.

For an unparalleled experience on your next home painting project, and for the peace of mind you deserve, I invite you to discover for yourself the Precision Painting difference.

Precision Painting
865.680.1237

Simply East Tennessee’s Best Car Wash

Walking into a room full of friends, Brian Davis voiced his dissatisfaction with the car wash he had just visited.


“Half the dirt was still on my vehicle, and, worse yet, the people who hand dried my truck did nothing about it,” he said.

Brian’s friends, having heard him complain about the poor service levels at area auto washes before, offered him a challenge. If he didn’t like the service he was receiving, then start his own car wash. Sort of, put up or shut up.

Brian accepted their challenge and launched Synergy Auto Wash in mid 2012.

EK: So Synergy Auto Wash was in fact launched in response to a challenge from a group of friends?

Brian: That and the simple idea that I like to keep my car clean, and there is no place in town that meets my expectations no matter what package I purchase, and I don’t have time to clean it myself.

EK: So you put your skills as a general contractor to use in converting a former conventional auto wash into Synergy Auto Wash’s all-new wash system?

Brian: Yes, due to having a construction background, I had an initial vision as to what I thought was not only the perfect car wash, but also a beautiful place where people can come and be comfortable.

EK: Synergy Auto Wash still uses the typical “tunnel” that most automobile owners are familiar with. What’s different?

Brian: Although we use a conveyor system like most car washes in the country, initial looks may be deceiving. First off, our conveyor is a state-of-the-art, low profile conveyor that allows us to wash many vehicles that other washes can’t get on their conveyor. Secondly, once you enter our conveyor, you’ll discover what makes Synergy Auto Wash unique. You won’t find all those mitters, side brushes, and wraps spinning down and around the car in front of you. We have replaced all of this equipment with individuals that literally hand wash your vehicle as it makes its way down the conveyor. No equipment comes in contact with your vehicle.

EK: Why is it important that no automated equipment touch your car?


Brian: Since we have no equipment that comes in contact with your vehicle, we can proudly say that we have virtually no damage in our tunnel. Secondly, I can’t imagine anyone feeling comfortable watching mitters, side brushes, and wraps spinning down the vehicle in front of you, removing all their dirt and then immediately coming down the sides of your vehicle as it continues down the tunnel. Or what about that truck bed a few cars in front of you that the mitters reach into and then run up your hood and the top of your vehicle? The dirt and grime from the vehicle ahead of you, which adheres to all of this equipment, can damage your car’s finish. Honestly, when you have the choice to have your car hand washed or machine washed, it’s a no brainer.

EK: Synergy Auto Wash is also a family affair. Explain your mother’s role.

Brian: This has proven to be the best reward after making the decision to open this facility. In this economy, it was a huge risk to open a small business, but who gets to work with their mother day in and day out? Life can be busy sometimes, and we often don’t get the opportunity to spend as much time as we would like with our loved ones. I get the luxury of waking up every day knowing I get to spend most of the day around my mother.

On another note, my mom has become the glue of this business. It is amazing how many people come in just to see her. No matter what day or how busy we are, you will never walk in the lobby and not see a smile on her face. She loves this place so much that even though she loves to travel to Charlotte to see her grandchildren, I generally get a phone call every time: “I miss the car wash… you better not replace me while I’m gone.”

EK: What other services do you offer at Synergy Auto Wash?

Brian: To make things easy for our customers, we’ve initially put together a simple menu. We have four basic washes that range from $8–$24. If you find yourself in need of additional services or you’re in the mood to pamper yourself, we have an A La Carte menu that consists of things such as buff wax, carpet shampoo, clean and condition leather, dash, door panels, and console protectant, and other things to keep your vehicle looking good and protected.

EK: What else would you like our readers to know about Synergy Auto Wash?



Brian: We are building this business on three principles:
1. We offer a full-service wash facility concept that nobody else in the southeast offers, nor can compete with, and we offer it at a price unavailable elsewhere.
2. With the help of our manager, Jimmy Stewart, my mom, Jolene Davis, and myself, we take so much pride in our customer service and guarantee it to be the best in town.
3. We are committed to delivering the best quality wash available. If you aren’t satisfied, then your wash is free.

EK: You said that once someone tried Synergy Auto Wash, you had a customer for life. Why?

Brian: It is amazing to hear all the positive comments day in and day out. We have people that drive from Halls, Maryville, Rockwood, Kingston, Oak Ridge, and Fountain City to take advantage of what we offer. Once we see someone for the first time, it is only a matter of days or weeks before we see them again. We are hand washing vehicles, our customer service is amazing, and I am an owner/operator working as hard and side-by-side by our amazing associates. For these reasons and many more, it is all about people being aware that we are here and their willingness to give us an opportunity to demonstrate just why we believe we are East Tennessee’s best car wash.



EK: Are there any new services you plan on offering in the future?

Brian: Due to the fact that I spent two years researching the car wash industry while traveling to hundreds of car washes across the country, our menu will likely remain unchanged for the present, but we are receptive to adding new services should our customers ask for them.

EK: In closing, is there anything else you would like to add?

Brian: If someone asked me “Why should I try Synergy Auto Wash?” I would say this: We are a family-run, small business that excels in customer service and quality. We hand wash every vehicle in the safest possible environment, and all at a price competitive to our competition. Won’t you give us a try? Protect your investment and your car’s finish.

Synergy Auto Wash
10500 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37922
865.297.3403
www.synergyautowash.com

Now in its 31st year, the Art Market Gallery is among the oldest artists’ cooperatives in the southeast.

The gallery’s Annual Members’ Silent Auction is a Dogwood Arts Festival Featured Event. A popular silent auction, offering original fine art and crafts by the gallery’s professional regional artists and artisans, gives art lovers a chance to purchase works at a fraction of their value. This year there will be a longer bidding period, to run April 5-28, with up to 60 works, ranging from jewelry and pottery to paintings and fiber.

The Art Market Gallery also will present an exhibit of recent works by two of its member artists: painter and printmaker Gay Davis Bryant and wood-turner Janis Proffitt, both of Knoxville.

A recently retired community college professor, Gay has also worked as a studio artist for the last 20 years and teaches regionally. While celebrating traditional skills and craftsmanship, Gay brings the viewer into familiar scenes of East Tennessee’s rich landscape with her watercolors and acrylic paintings and through use of relief-printmaking techniques such as woodcuts, linoleum blocks, and composite materials. The featured body of work for this show is called “Gatherings.”

Woodworking has been in Janis’ family for generations, dating back to Sevier County’s first settlers. She grew up helping her father in his woodshop in the mountains of Pittman-Center, later teaching herself pyrography (wood burning), which she incorporated into her wood-turnings. Janis works as a full-time craft artist with her sister in that same woodshop. Her artisanship, which was featured on WBIR’s “The Heartland Series,” blends traditional Appalachia turning with contemporary design.

A First Friday opening reception for the exhibit is planned for 5:30 to 9 pm on Friday, April 5, with complimentary refreshments and live folk and “new grass” music by Molly Rochelson. The reception also opens bidding for the Annual Members’ Silent Auction, and many member artists will be on hand to meet and mingle with visitors.

Owned and operated by more than 60 regional artists, the Art Market Gallery is located at 422 South Gay Street, next to the Downtown Grill & Brewery. Hours are 11 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 pm Sunday.

Art Market Gallery
422 South Gay Street
Downtown Knoxville
865.525.5265
www.artmarketgallery.net
facebook.com/Art.Market.Gallery