Today I went to the home of Gina LaRocca, a hair stylist at Alessadro Salon on 4th Street in San Rafael. She has been in the business for 24 years, 20 of them in the Alessandro Salon. A true native of Marin, she attended Marin Catholic High School in Greenbrae and then, went on to Marin Beauty School in San Rafael. Beauty school passed quickly for Gina being only a little over a year long. There she learned the basic skills needed to pass the state board exam, a nerve racking day long experience. After she graduated, she assisted for two years with an innovative salon that taught her new and up coming techniques. She, also, traveled with them around California and other states doing platform work with this company. They represented new product lines and taught their new ideas to other stylists.
Gina married Mike LaRocca at St. Isabella Church 15 years ago, and had their reception on the California Spirit on the San Francisco Bay. It was one of those beautiful fall days in Marin. Gina and Mike own a home that they recently refurbished in Mill Valley and have three daughters Olivia (13), Yvonne (11) and Vivian (8).
Gina loves Yoga, working out, hiking, water skiing and camping with her kids. Her first job was working at her fathers restaurant Sabella’s on Fisherman’s Wharf.
Why did you get hair business?
As a child I was always cutting and styling my dolls hair. Then my friends were brave enough to let me experiment on them. But I, also, got in to the business because my father and grandfather would not allow meet to become more apart of the restaurant. It was a male shovanistic time. No women!
What have you learned about opening your own business?
The business end is the easiest. It’s satisfying crunching your numbers at the end of a long day. But it takes hard work and consistence especially working with people in such an intimate way. In this business you are a caregiver-psychologist. I take pleasure in helping people feel good about them selves through their hair.
What was your biggest mistake?
Not learning to pace myself and saying yes to everyone. It is very easy to burnout in this business. I had to learn to cut back not only for me but my family. I was working 5 days a week, 10 hours a day. Thankfully, I had a strong clientele that allowed me to make those adjustments.
Any advice for other small business owners?
Be ready to work hard, be involved; don’t think other people can run your business. As my dad would say “ They’ll steal you blind if your not there”.
How would you categorize Marin shoppers?
They come in to be taken care of; they want to feel special. I’m happy to try and give that to them as long as they don’t get to over bearing. Those ones can really drain you.
What advantages are there for owning a business in Marin?
One of the advantages to working and living in Marin is the community. My businesses is successful because of referrals. It always amazes me how many people on any given day know the person in the next chair and the next chair.
What is your hottest selling product?
Anything green, all natural products, preservative free. People are really becoming more aware of what they are using on their bodies.
What is your favorite product?
We are using the Kevin Murphy line. The shampoos and conditioners are really fabulous, they smell wonderful (like a spa) all organic and preservative free, the bottles are made out of recycled material
Any trends in the industry?
Going green! It is still such a new concept. I am looking forward in seeing were this will take my industry. Big changes ahead I’m sure.
What celebrity picture do they mostly bring and why?
It used to be Jenifer Aniston when she cut her hair, they loved the cut and liked her highlights (more natural, not so bleached out), Katie Holmes, the short bob with the sideswiped bangs. But the latest was Victoria Beckman for sure. Her style was so new and edgey. As a stylist, I could really vary that cut to suit many different people. It was a lot of fun.
Don’t you love it when people come in and want a complete transformation?
Yes, but not everyone is ready for it, you can really scare them so you need to make sure they are ready. We have to do a lot of Q&A to get to the transformation.
What steps do you take to be remarkable?
I talk with my clients and listen to them. With every client I sit them down first just to check in about what is happening with their hair and a lot of time their life. I take time to share knowledge and have good conversation.
5 Quickies:
Pet Peeve? Negative people drive me crazy. The client that is always 12 minutes late late, and always makes the same excuses. Just be early. Just be honest! .People who talk on their phone at inappropriate times. Why do they want color and hair all over their phone?
Guilty Pleasure? Steeling a few hours for myself to get a massage, a pedicure or going to Calistoga, and then feeling guilty about it.
Child Crush? I was boy crazy when I was young, there really wasn’t one!
Favorite Song? Old rock-n-roll ACDC, Led Zepplin “Stairway to Heaven” & “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson It’s such a happy song.
Last Splurge? The furniture that we are sitting on right now!
Favorite animal? Cats, we just had a litter of 4 kittens, we kept one, so now we have three cats
Last thing you bought online? Sole pads (to help you sleep at night) and a Fast Trak…I finally got one!
Favorite TV show? Grey’s Anatomy and House Maybe I should have been a nurse?
Hobbies? Cooking… I enjoy making dinner for friends, putting on events, and fundraising for the schools
What do you love? I love sitting on my front porch and looking at Tam, and watching my kids (oh yeah, and my husband)
Favorite Food? Seafood, crab and lobster (from LaRocca Seafood J)
Shameless Plug: Alessadro on 4th Street in San Rafael, hours Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9am-7pm at night. “Come relax and leave looking and feeling great”
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Interview with Sheila Meagher- Owner, Monkey Business
Interview with Sheila Meagher:
800 Redwood HwySte 703Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 383-8697
This morning I sat down with entrepreneur and good friend Sheila Meagher, owner of Marin’s newest toy store, Monkey Business. I met Sheila at her house in Tiburon, CA. We drank coffee and overlooked her expansive backyard just perfect for her and her husband of 19 years, Ed and their children, Maggie 16, Robbie 12, and Elizabeth 4. The backyard is a tropical paradise with towering palm trees, a swimming pool and a basketball court.
If you have ever been to Sheila’s store in Strawberry Village you probably have met Sheila, with long blond hair, and enthusiastic blue eyes Sheila is there to help find the perfect present for birthdays and educational toys for the curious mind.
Sheila grew up in Golden Valley, Minneapolis, went to High School at Lyndburg in Minnetonka, and college at Santa Clara University where she met her husband Ed while playing Saxophone in the “All Male Jazz Band” (Ed played the drums). Sheila double majored in Psychology and Biology.
Sheila started her career in the cellular rental business and quickly worked her way up the latter to VIP status with her innate understanding of business, and how to utilize all of her skills to master new opportunities.
Why a toy store? Sheila gave me an insider’s view on why she decided to open up a toy store in Marin, and the challenges and opportunities presented.
Why a toy store? I wanted to start a business after having my youngest daughter Elizabeth. I saw a market need for a high end toy store that delivered excellent customer service, merchandise knowledge and gifts ready and wrapped for birthday parties and special events.
What have you learned about opening a new store? I have made every mistake in the book. When I first opened I thought how hard can this be? But there are so many different aspects to maintaining a store that I did not consider. I knew the customer service, merchandising and marketing portion of the business, but I did not think about the time it took to do the backend of the business, accounting, inventory management, and keeping on top of the hottest toys.
What was your biggest mistake? It is a toss up between hiring mistakes in paying too much and not researching a point of sale inventory system (researching which one to purchase).
Any advice for other small business owners? What I did right, is my staff. I hired from gut level. I have hired and fired many times in previous jobs, but you need to go from your gut, and hire from a known network and referrals.
Tell me about the types of people that shop at your store? They are from Southern Marin and are affluent, demanding, educated, and know what they want for their children. My shoppers are mostly women, 80/20 female to male.
What advantages are there for owning a business in Marin? I can not say that it is impervious to the market conditions, but since they are wealthier they are still able to spend money. They may cut back on new cars and clothing, but they do not cut back on their kids. I am also respectful of the price ranges and offer merchandise in every price range.
What is your hottest selling product? Stomp Rockets
What is your favorite? This little wooden take apart car called Automoblox
Any trends in the toy industry? Trends toward super safe, non toxic toys.
You hire a lot of young people at the store, what advantages do they bring? What have you learned from them? They have an amazing set of skills, they are technology natives, and they are very comfortable with it. They are infectious and confident with their talents. They bring a fresh ability to serve customers, they are super friendly and nice, and bring energy to the store. They quite often demo toys for the customers adding to the excitement.
What steps do you take to be remarkable? Back to the basics, high level customer service, well merchandised, high level of quality in all my products. I looked at quality statements from all my manufactures. I could provide any customer the background information on the quality of my products. That makes great customer service. I want to be the Whole Foods of toys, keeping on top of safety, and educational aspect of toys.
Quickies:
Pet Peeve? Rude people
Guilty Pleasure? Chocolate and red wine
Child Crush? Keith Partridge
Favorite Song? U2 “It’s a Beautiful Day”
Latest Splurge? A kayak for Ed
Favorite animal? Junior my cat, until I get my Golden Retriever, and Tigers
Last thing you bought online? A book
Favorite TV show? I hate TV
How do you keep fit? My kids and I are doing a 10k at the end of March
Favorite Food? Avocados
Shameless Plug: Monkey Business is an incredible wonderland for kids and adults.
Trackbacks: http://www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-business-mill-valley
800 Redwood HwySte 703Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 383-8697
This morning I sat down with entrepreneur and good friend Sheila Meagher, owner of Marin’s newest toy store, Monkey Business. I met Sheila at her house in Tiburon, CA. We drank coffee and overlooked her expansive backyard just perfect for her and her husband of 19 years, Ed and their children, Maggie 16, Robbie 12, and Elizabeth 4. The backyard is a tropical paradise with towering palm trees, a swimming pool and a basketball court.
If you have ever been to Sheila’s store in Strawberry Village you probably have met Sheila, with long blond hair, and enthusiastic blue eyes Sheila is there to help find the perfect present for birthdays and educational toys for the curious mind.
Sheila grew up in Golden Valley, Minneapolis, went to High School at Lyndburg in Minnetonka, and college at Santa Clara University where she met her husband Ed while playing Saxophone in the “All Male Jazz Band” (Ed played the drums). Sheila double majored in Psychology and Biology.
Sheila started her career in the cellular rental business and quickly worked her way up the latter to VIP status with her innate understanding of business, and how to utilize all of her skills to master new opportunities.
Why a toy store? Sheila gave me an insider’s view on why she decided to open up a toy store in Marin, and the challenges and opportunities presented.
Why a toy store? I wanted to start a business after having my youngest daughter Elizabeth. I saw a market need for a high end toy store that delivered excellent customer service, merchandise knowledge and gifts ready and wrapped for birthday parties and special events.
What have you learned about opening a new store? I have made every mistake in the book. When I first opened I thought how hard can this be? But there are so many different aspects to maintaining a store that I did not consider. I knew the customer service, merchandising and marketing portion of the business, but I did not think about the time it took to do the backend of the business, accounting, inventory management, and keeping on top of the hottest toys.
What was your biggest mistake? It is a toss up between hiring mistakes in paying too much and not researching a point of sale inventory system (researching which one to purchase).
Any advice for other small business owners? What I did right, is my staff. I hired from gut level. I have hired and fired many times in previous jobs, but you need to go from your gut, and hire from a known network and referrals.
Tell me about the types of people that shop at your store? They are from Southern Marin and are affluent, demanding, educated, and know what they want for their children. My shoppers are mostly women, 80/20 female to male.
What advantages are there for owning a business in Marin? I can not say that it is impervious to the market conditions, but since they are wealthier they are still able to spend money. They may cut back on new cars and clothing, but they do not cut back on their kids. I am also respectful of the price ranges and offer merchandise in every price range.
What is your hottest selling product? Stomp Rockets
What is your favorite? This little wooden take apart car called Automoblox
Any trends in the toy industry? Trends toward super safe, non toxic toys.
You hire a lot of young people at the store, what advantages do they bring? What have you learned from them? They have an amazing set of skills, they are technology natives, and they are very comfortable with it. They are infectious and confident with their talents. They bring a fresh ability to serve customers, they are super friendly and nice, and bring energy to the store. They quite often demo toys for the customers adding to the excitement.
What steps do you take to be remarkable? Back to the basics, high level customer service, well merchandised, high level of quality in all my products. I looked at quality statements from all my manufactures. I could provide any customer the background information on the quality of my products. That makes great customer service. I want to be the Whole Foods of toys, keeping on top of safety, and educational aspect of toys.
Quickies:
Pet Peeve? Rude people
Guilty Pleasure? Chocolate and red wine
Child Crush? Keith Partridge
Favorite Song? U2 “It’s a Beautiful Day”
Latest Splurge? A kayak for Ed
Favorite animal? Junior my cat, until I get my Golden Retriever, and Tigers
Last thing you bought online? A book
Favorite TV show? I hate TV
How do you keep fit? My kids and I are doing a 10k at the end of March
Favorite Food? Avocados
Shameless Plug: Monkey Business is an incredible wonderland for kids and adults.
Trackbacks: http://www.yelp.com/biz/monkey-business-mill-valley
Interview with Marcus Robinson- Real Estate Marin
Interview with Marcus Robinson
January 10th, 2009
Marcus Robinson
Caldwell Banker
36 Tiburon Boulevard
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Direct: 415 381-7688Office: 415 388-5060 Fax: 415 388-5084
www.marcusrobinson.com
Today I interviewed Marcus Robinson, one of Caldwell Banker’s top producing Real Estate agents in Marin County, California. Marin County is located just over the Golden Gate Bridge, and is one of the most expensive areas in the Nation. The median price for a home in Marin County just posted at 675,000 in December of 2008 it’s lowest in at least two years as graphed below, with houses in Southern Marin (an area Marcus specializes) costing from 1 million to 7+ million dollars.
Trackback: http://www.blogbythebay.com/marin-real-estate/marin-median-price-tanks-in-december/
.
Marcus grew up in Mill Valley in a neighborhood called Homestead Valley. He attended High School at nearby Tamalpais High. Marcus then attended college at San Francisco State where he received a BS in Psycology in ’79. While in college, Marcus studied for his real estate exam and received his license in ’78. Marcus started selling real estate in Mill Valley to the parents of his brothers little league team where he was the coach. Marcus said that his specialty has always been in sales.
Marcus lives in a house on the backside of Tiburon which overlooks the expansive San Francisco Bay. Every aspect of his house is impeccable, from the architecture to the manicured lawns with the landscaping designed and built by Marcus and his wife Gabriela. Marcus describes his home as warm, inviting and livable.
Marcus is married to Gabriela who owns her own dental practice, and has two girls, Sofia 16 and Alexa 14. Marcus has a passion for gardening, landscaping and photography, and can often be found playing tennis at the Mill Valley Tennis Club. They own four bunnies (used to have six but two were eaten by a fox in their backyard which backs up to Marin Open Space).
I sat down with Marcus to discuss the real estate market in general and Marin County in specific. Marcus shared his viewpoints and a little of his back ground with me.
Why Buy in Marin? When you buy in Marin you buy a lifestyle; beaches, hiking, community, and the schools are excellent.
What challenges are you experiencing with the economic downturn? The consumer confidence of buyers is low. They are concerned about purchasing a home because of the state of the economy and the uncertainty of their employment. All while interest rates are great with high inventory.
What have you learned by owning your own real estate business? How to manage my time efficiently, that we are as good as our last transaction, always have a savings account for the changing markets.
Describe the typical buyer in Marin: Professional couple, highly educated, well dressed, well groomed who know what they want.
What do they look for in a home by importance: 1. Yard/Lawn 2.Kitchen/Family Room 3. Master Bedroom
Hottest Neighborhood in Marin? Sycamore Park and Tamalpais Park in Mill Valley. Why? The neighborhood has level yards, is close to schools and downtown, and has great transportation options.
What is YOUR favorite neighborhood: Del Mesa Kentfield, CA. Why? Because of the weather (10 degrees warmer), the lots are flat, and there is a real sense of community.
What do you love about Marin? The views, hiking, biking, the sense of community and the close proximity to San Francisco
Why do you live in Marin? I was raised here, and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
What do you love about Tiburon? I love being surrounded by water, and the views of the city.
Any trends in the Real Estate Industry? Advertising is all Internet based now. There is less reliance on print media. We have evolved with the use of advertising on sites like realtor.com, email newsletters, unique domains for houses that are for sale, and virtual tours.
What steps do you take to be remarkable? I strive for my client’s happiness. I use my attention to detail, follow through, and listening skills to help clients find their dream house. If they chose a house that I think is not the perfect choice, I tell them so, and encourage them to keep looking. This makes them happy and is the reason for my 99% referral business.
Let’s Get Personal?
Pet Peeve? When my girls don’t pick up after themselves; clean their rooms, put the dishes in the dishwasher, or do their jobs like feed our rabbits.
Guilty Pleasure? Chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
Child Crush? Hope Finney (a childhood friend)
Favorite Song? “We are Family” by Sister Sledge
Last Splurge? A trip with my family to the Cayman Islands.
Favorite animal? The Golden Retriever (they are so loveable)
Last thing you bought online? Lamps from Lamps Plus
Favorite TV show? CSI Miami
How do you keep fit? Tennis and by keeping a strict diet that includes organic and low-fat foods.
What do you love? I love being on vacation with my family, a good meal with friends and holidays without a schedule.
Favorite Food? Pasta
Little Known Fact: “I love to cook!”
What do you love to cook? Barbequed chicken
Favorite Charity: Glide Memorial, San Francisco
Shameless Plug: My tradition of excellence in the real estate industry continues year after year!
January 10th, 2009
Marcus Robinson
Caldwell Banker
36 Tiburon Boulevard
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Direct: 415 381-7688Office: 415 388-5060 Fax: 415 388-5084
www.marcusrobinson.com
Today I interviewed Marcus Robinson, one of Caldwell Banker’s top producing Real Estate agents in Marin County, California. Marin County is located just over the Golden Gate Bridge, and is one of the most expensive areas in the Nation. The median price for a home in Marin County just posted at 675,000 in December of 2008 it’s lowest in at least two years as graphed below, with houses in Southern Marin (an area Marcus specializes) costing from 1 million to 7+ million dollars.
Trackback: http://www.blogbythebay.com/marin-real-estate/marin-median-price-tanks-in-december/
.
Marcus grew up in Mill Valley in a neighborhood called Homestead Valley. He attended High School at nearby Tamalpais High. Marcus then attended college at San Francisco State where he received a BS in Psycology in ’79. While in college, Marcus studied for his real estate exam and received his license in ’78. Marcus started selling real estate in Mill Valley to the parents of his brothers little league team where he was the coach. Marcus said that his specialty has always been in sales.
Marcus lives in a house on the backside of Tiburon which overlooks the expansive San Francisco Bay. Every aspect of his house is impeccable, from the architecture to the manicured lawns with the landscaping designed and built by Marcus and his wife Gabriela. Marcus describes his home as warm, inviting and livable.
Marcus is married to Gabriela who owns her own dental practice, and has two girls, Sofia 16 and Alexa 14. Marcus has a passion for gardening, landscaping and photography, and can often be found playing tennis at the Mill Valley Tennis Club. They own four bunnies (used to have six but two were eaten by a fox in their backyard which backs up to Marin Open Space).
I sat down with Marcus to discuss the real estate market in general and Marin County in specific. Marcus shared his viewpoints and a little of his back ground with me.
Why Buy in Marin? When you buy in Marin you buy a lifestyle; beaches, hiking, community, and the schools are excellent.
What challenges are you experiencing with the economic downturn? The consumer confidence of buyers is low. They are concerned about purchasing a home because of the state of the economy and the uncertainty of their employment. All while interest rates are great with high inventory.
What have you learned by owning your own real estate business? How to manage my time efficiently, that we are as good as our last transaction, always have a savings account for the changing markets.
Describe the typical buyer in Marin: Professional couple, highly educated, well dressed, well groomed who know what they want.
What do they look for in a home by importance: 1. Yard/Lawn 2.Kitchen/Family Room 3. Master Bedroom
Hottest Neighborhood in Marin? Sycamore Park and Tamalpais Park in Mill Valley. Why? The neighborhood has level yards, is close to schools and downtown, and has great transportation options.
What is YOUR favorite neighborhood: Del Mesa Kentfield, CA. Why? Because of the weather (10 degrees warmer), the lots are flat, and there is a real sense of community.
What do you love about Marin? The views, hiking, biking, the sense of community and the close proximity to San Francisco
Why do you live in Marin? I was raised here, and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
What do you love about Tiburon? I love being surrounded by water, and the views of the city.
Any trends in the Real Estate Industry? Advertising is all Internet based now. There is less reliance on print media. We have evolved with the use of advertising on sites like realtor.com, email newsletters, unique domains for houses that are for sale, and virtual tours.
What steps do you take to be remarkable? I strive for my client’s happiness. I use my attention to detail, follow through, and listening skills to help clients find their dream house. If they chose a house that I think is not the perfect choice, I tell them so, and encourage them to keep looking. This makes them happy and is the reason for my 99% referral business.
Let’s Get Personal?
Pet Peeve? When my girls don’t pick up after themselves; clean their rooms, put the dishes in the dishwasher, or do their jobs like feed our rabbits.
Guilty Pleasure? Chocolate brownies with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
Child Crush? Hope Finney (a childhood friend)
Favorite Song? “We are Family” by Sister Sledge
Last Splurge? A trip with my family to the Cayman Islands.
Favorite animal? The Golden Retriever (they are so loveable)
Last thing you bought online? Lamps from Lamps Plus
Favorite TV show? CSI Miami
How do you keep fit? Tennis and by keeping a strict diet that includes organic and low-fat foods.
What do you love? I love being on vacation with my family, a good meal with friends and holidays without a schedule.
Favorite Food? Pasta
Little Known Fact: “I love to cook!”
What do you love to cook? Barbequed chicken
Favorite Charity: Glide Memorial, San Francisco
Shameless Plug: My tradition of excellence in the real estate industry continues year after year!
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