Fitness

Elite Fitness Concepts
www.elitefitnessconcepts.com
10123 Colvin Run Rd.
Great Falls, Va.  22066
(703) 759-7820

I recently visited Elite Fitness Concepts and was pleasantly surprised by how far along the facility has come since it first opened 10 years ago.  It is now a full service gym and offers a full complement of equipment and classes that will help you get and/or stay in shape.  Stop by and take a look.  If you mention my name at the front desk, they will give you a one week free trial membership!!

Flooding/Water Damage

Service Master of Springfield
(703) 451-9466
The ones to call when you need to take care of water extraction.  Recommended by Stephen Dulaney of State Farm Insurance.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Campbell Mechanical
http://www.campbellac.com/
(703) 476-1444

We and a great many of our friends have used Campbell Mechanical for our heating and air conditioning services. The are a locally owned and operated company with an excellent service track record.

John Nugent and Sons
1731 Barbee St.
Mclean, Va.  22101
(703) 356-7499

This company comes highly recommended by Stephen Dulaney with State Farm Insurance.

Home Renovations

Home Design Center and Flooring
(703) 883-8011
8501-1B Tyco Rd.
Vienna, Va.  22182
http://homedesigncenterandflooring.com

I have personally used this company for flooring, carpeting and cabinetry in my house.  They have also done work on my son’s home, for other clients and other realtors in my office.  I believe everyone has been fully satisified with their work.  The owner Nafi Saafi was originally a jeweler and thus approaches this line of work with an artists eye for detail and creativity.  Be sure to ask for Nafi when you call the company.

Insurance/Financial Planning

Brian Baran
Financial Advisor
Citi Smith Barney, The Fishbein Group
18310 Montgomery Village Ave. #740
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
301-556-2340 or 800-624-0673
brian.s.baran@smithbarney.com
http://fa.smithbarney.com/fishbein/

In a NY Times Op-Ed column at the beginning of the most recent financial hickup, Warren Buffett said, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.” Our current financial market, like the real estate market, is prime for investment. One of the most important factors when investing is finding a financial advisor you trust. I’ve known Brian Baran for over 15 years and he has been managing my son’s portfolio for almost 5 years. My son and his wife are using him to invest for their retirement as well as preparing to send the twins to college (in 18 years). Brian was born and raised in the Great Falls area and still volunteers as a coach for the local youth wrestling team. Give Brian a call or send him an email (don’t forget to congratulate him on his upcoming wedding (June 27, 2009), he’s marrying his high school sweetheart).

Stephen Dulaney – State Farm Insurance Company
731C Walker Rd.
Great Falls, Va.  22066
(703) 759-4155
www.gstephendulaney.com

Stephen has been a fixture in Great Falls for many years and has become synonymous with service when it comes to the insurance business.  As a state farm agent, he offers the full scope of products to include: Auto, Home, Life, Health and Business Insurance.  In addition to being very competitive with other insurance companies, Stephen is also extremely involved in the Great Falls community.  He deserves our support.

Plumber

Acker & Sons Plumbing and Heating
www.ackersons.com
(301) 897-0700

I have always had the hardest time finding a reliable plumber.  Thanks to Rich Baran, I think we have finally done so.  I had several issues that needed to be resolved and called to schedule a service.  This company’s service technician George Noel showed up at exactly the time specified and did all the work in short order.  Of particular note was the fact that the company does its work on an hourly basis.  Amazingly, I was charged for only one hour.

My son also had work done by this same company and had a very positive impression.

Restaurants

PF Changs
Tysons Galleria
1716M International Dr.
Mclean, Va.  22102
(703) 734-8996

Of course this is my favorite restaurant.  Stop by and say hi to my son Ryan, one of the managers.  Those of you who have not tried it before simply don’t know what you are missing.  The food is fabulous and the prices are very reasonable.  Check out the PF Changs website for the menu and other info.  I’m working on getting them to give you a free lettuce wrap if you mention that you saw the posting on my website.

The Olde Brogue
760C Walker Rd.
Great Falls, Va.  22066
(703) 759-3309
www.oldbrogue.com/

What would Great Falls be without the Olde Brogue?  I think Mike has probably gotten more of my money than any other restaurant.  I was probably there last night!!  We are currently working on establishing a Bob Nelson discount night where you will get 10% off your meal by mentioning my website.  This will be once a month, probably for the Tuesday Italian night.  Carmelita tells me Italian is her specialty.  I’ll update this once we determine the best night.

Stone Work

Mike Derzak
(703) 266-1608

Mike does excellent work at a very reasonable price.  My wife and I are more than pleased with the results we obtained.  I had recommended him to some friends who were very happy with his work.  They did say that he was difficult to schedule since Mike tends to be very busy.  That said, I would still give him a glowing recommendation.

Tax Planning

Connie Kurtz, EA, LLC
http://www.conniekurtz.com/

I began using Connie with my 2007 taxes.  She came highly recommended by Weichert, Realtors and several of the other agents in my office.  I found her to be very straightforward and someone who provides excellent tax planning advice.  Check out her website and give a call or send an e-mail for a free one hour consultation.