PRESENTATION SOLUTIONS.ORG

Archive for August, 2013|Monthly archive page

, , , ,

Dollar Loan Center CEO Chuck Brennan on Appearing in National Security Magazine

In Business, Finance on August 29, 2013 at 1:29 pm

Charles-C-Brennan-Professional-VerticalCEO Chuck Brennan founded Dollar Loan Center in 1998 as a provider of short-term loans. Dollar Loan Center is a division of DLC Empire.  Chuck Brennan and Dollar Loan Center recently earned recognition from Currents magazine, one of the chief security magazines in the world. Chuck Brennan, who currently lives in Las Vegas, NV., speaks about his company’s emphasis on safety and security.

Presentation Solutions: How important is this honor?

Chuck Brennan: Very important. Safety and security are two major concerns with any business—and especially for Dollar Loan Center and the retail lending industry in general.

Presentation Solutions: How many Dollar Loan Center locations are there in the U.S.?

Chuck Brennan: There are now Dollar Loan Center locations in four states.

Presentation Solutions: Where are those?

Chuck Brennan: Stores can be found in Nevada, California, Utah and South Dakota.

Presentation Solutions: What region sees the most business?

Chuck Brennan: The Las Vegas, NV stores have seen the highest volume of traffic.

Presentation Solutions: The safety precautions at Dollar Loan Center must give customers peace of mind.

Chuck Brennan: As the principal provider of short-term credit in both South Dakota and Las Vegas, NV., it is crucial for Dollar Loan Center to operate under an established set of standards.

Presentation Solutions: What went into making Dollar Loan Center a secure place of business?

Chuck Brennan: Store monitoring is a key component to safety measures. This level of security is rare in the retail lending industry.

Presentation Solutions: How are store operations monitored?

Chuck Brennan: The surveillance center was created to monitor each of the Dollar Loan Center locations from a centralized unit so that the security team could view every inch of every office.  We monitor over 1,500 security cameras, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Presentation Solutions: What’s another prominent feature of these security measures?

Chuck Brennan: Each branch is equipped with cash recyclers that count, sort and validate all customer deposits within a safe machine. This machine is only accessible by members of the Dollar Loan Center security team.

Presentation Solutions: What happens if a cash recycler is stolen?

Chuck Brennan: These cash recyclers contain security cameras, tracking systems and alarms. It is virtually impossible for a thief to get away with the crime.

Presentation Solutions: Has this security effort prevented theft?

Chuck Brennan: By using state-of-the-art technology, Dollar Loan Center has virtually prevented theft in all of its locations.

Presentation Solutions: As they say, safety first.

Chuck Brennan: Our greatest objective is to keep both customers and employees out of harm’s way. Thankfully, Dollar Loan Center has proven successful in this challenging endeavor.

Presentation Solutions: Thanks for being with us today, Chuck.

Chuck Brennan: Thank you!

The Majority of Americans Suffer From Obesity

In Health and Beauty on August 26, 2013 at 3:41 am

the-majority-of-americans-suffer-from-obesityIn the land of ubiquitous Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, fat people are everywhere. According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, two-thirds of Americans now suffer from obesity—more than 160 million people. Because of the consequences of obesity, an estimated 40 million working hours are lost each year.

America has declared war on fat. Perhaps the most powerful voice in this war is that of Michelle Obama. Her campaign Let’s Move launched around the country to push for healthier food and more exercise. Obesity, she warns, is not only one of America’s greatest health risks, but also a tremendous social, cultural and financial challenge.

Experts agree that if the nation wants to reverse this trend, efforts must begin with children and adolescents. Seventeen percent of them are already obese, three times as many as 30 years ago. Because of their weight, one-third of 17- to 24-year-olds are unfit for military and police services. In Georgia, where the preference for barbecue and huge portions is high, the numbers are especially devastating. There, every fifth child is already obese.

How did we get into this predicament?

One reason is a sedentary lifestyle. When people drive to work, get out and walk into the office, get back in the car and get fast food for lunch, then drive home again and stay put until time for bed, they’re going to put on weight. But there’s more to it than just a sedentary lifestyle.

Corn and flour are cheap, and foods that are heavy in refined flour tend to be cheap. The carbohydrates in those foods aren’t easily processed, so the body tends to convert them to fat. Obesity, of course, is a major contributor to many health problems.

Some trends have started to turn in the other direction. Fewer people smoke, more people are getting at least some exercise, and fewer people drink.  Despite some improvements, poor dietary choices are still considered as one of the biggest obstacles to good health in Americans. Hopefully as behaviors improve, America can turn the corner soon.

, , ,

Aldo Disorbo Explains Benefits of Moving Brokerage

In Business, General on August 19, 2013 at 9:11 am

Aldo-Disorbo-Call-Center-Presentation-SolutionsLike finding the perfect house, Aldo Disorbo says using a moving broker can make moving an easier, cheaper, and more pleasurable experience.

Q: What is a moving broker?

Aldo Disorbo: A moving broker is someone that acts as an intermediary between the customer and a pool of service providers.

Q: What are the benefits to using an agency such as this?

Aldo Disorbo: For my customers at Nationwide Relocation Services, we find that we can save them up to 70 percent off of their moves.

Q: And how is that?

Aldo Disorbo: Every day, hundreds of trucks are performing moves all throughout the Continental U.S. It’s very common, these trucks will continue to their next destination empty. Our affiliates will notify us of the location of their unfilled trucks so we can connect them to nearby customers in need. Thanks to this streamlined process, we will be able to offer incredible discounts.

Q: So Nationwide Relocation Services is not an actual moving company?

Aldo Disorbo: No, we are not a moving company and we will not transport an individual shipper’s household goods, but we will coordinate and arrange for the transportation of their household goods by an FMCSA authorized motor carrier.

Q: But aren’t all moving companies the same?

Aldo Disorbo: Not at all. Many moving companies only offer local moves. Others focus on long-distance or international moves. Some companies don’t have the capability to transfer large items such as pianos or vehicles.

Q: So you have a way to input the customers’ requirements to match them to providers in their area?

Aldo Disorbo: Absolutely. And again, at a highly competitive price.

Q: It seems like there are a lot of moving brokers nowadays.

Aldo Disorbo: Yes, but it wasn’t always so. In fact, Nationwide Relocation Services was one of the first. The system that we have in place has served as a model for many other companies over the years.

Q: What happens when a customer is not happy with the quality of service?

Aldo Disorbo: We hold all of our contractors highly accountable for everything they do. It doesn’t happen often, but when we do have an issue we take every step to rectify it immediately.

Q: How do you determine who the best moving services are?

Aldo Disorbo: We actually have an internal rating system. The system flags customer service agents as to who the best available is. This makes it much easier to provide quality providers to our customers.

Q: So Nationwide Relocation Services really does all the legwork?

Aldo Disorbo: Yes. We have a remarkably efficient system in place. We have helped thousands of individuals find the right relocation service provider.

Q: With the accessibility of information online, are moving brokers becoming obsolete?

Aldo Disorbo: Just the opposite is true. The Internet can be a wonderful portal of information but that information can also be tainted. It can be very difficult to filter through search results. It is also very time-consuming to compare pricing, service options, and availability.

Q: What is the future of the moving brokerage business?

Aldo Disorbo: I believe that this is an industry that is here to stay. Using a moving broker affords the customer the opportunity to rely on someone else’s expertise in the area so that they can focus on what’s important to them — whether it be getting to a new home or relocating entire office.

Q: How do you think moving brokerage firms can be better in the future?

Aldo Disorbo: I firmly believe that it all comes down to the customer, although sadly, many businesses don’t see it that way. It is our customers that drive us and having fulfilled customers inspires us to continue to pave a path of success for Nationwide Relocation Services and other companies like it.

Q: Do you rely on customer feedback?

Aldo Disorbo: Yes, we do. Each company that we utilize is rated by the most reliable experts – the customer.

Q: What exactly do you grade them on?

Aldo Disorbo: Customer service, efficiency, courtesy, and professionalism. Low marks in any of these categories can trigger an investigation by our quality control.

Q: It sounds like Nationwide Relocation Services keeps a close eye on their service providers.

Aldo Disorbo: Our reputation depends on our customers’ happiness. We cannot and will not allow that to be tainted by poor service.

Q: Well, we appreciate you being with us today we look forward to talking to you again in the future.

Aldo Disorbo: Thank you very much for having me.

Aldo Disorbo is the founder of Nationwide Relocation Services. The company utilizes his 30+ years of experience in the industry to recognize quality service providers and to match these companies with clients across the United States. Nationwide Relocation Services can help with long-distance moves.

, , , , , , , , ,

Sergei Rachmaninoff Recalled Fondly by London Piano Institute

In Music on August 13, 2013 at 9:56 am

London-Piano-Institute-Sergei-RachmaninoffRussian pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff continues to influence budding young artists today, says London Piano Institute. Today, Celine Gaurier-Joubert of London Piano Institute talks about one of her main musical inspirations.

Q: Good morning, and thank you for being here today.

London Piano Institute: It is absolutely my pleasure.

Q: First, for our readers’ sake, can you tell us a bit about London Piano Institute?

London Piano Institute: We’re a private music school that specifically teaches adult learners how to play the piano. As an instructor, I work with students of all skill levels and from all walks of life.

Q: We understand you have a few favourite composers. Could you share one of those with us?

London Piano Institute: Indeed, I do have many favourites. The first to come to mind is Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Q: He was a Russian pianist, correct?

London Piano Institute: Yes, he was. Rachmaninoff was a very popular Russian-born composer, conductor and pianist who lived from the late 1800s to the 1900s.

Q: What’s particularly notable about his music?

London Piano Institute: He is popularly considered to this day one of the finest pianists of the early to mid-20th century. He is a fine representation of Romanticism, as his work is reflective of Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov.

Q: And what is his musical background?

London Piano Institute: He was born into a musical family; his father was an amateur pianist.

Q: So did he learn music from his dad?

London Piano Institute: No, actually. His mother—a gifted instrumentalist herself—gave him informal lessons when he was 4. However, his grandfather hired a private music teacher from St. Petersburg when Sergei was 9 years old and this is what made the biggest difference in his choice of careers.

Q: We understand he made friends with Tchaikovsky and many other famous composers.

London Piano Institute: Yes, he considered Tchaikovsky one of his greatest friends until the latter’s death in 1893. Later in life, Sergei befriended a young Vladimir Horowitz who considered the elder composer a great influence.

Q: Tell us about Vladimir Horowitz’s composition of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 2.

London Piano Institute: Rachmaninoff had a strong faith in Horowitz’s skill. So much so that he allowed the young pianist to create a fused rendition of his second piano sonata.

Q: This was unheard of at the time, no?

London Piano Institute: That’s right, and Rachmaninoff enjoy the interpretation so much that he is quoted as saying he never believed his concerto could be played the way he had always dreamed, but that Horowitz had done just that.

Q: Let’s talk about Rachmaninoff’s playing style for a moment.

London Piano Institute: After his early nods to Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff was one of the most original composers of his time. He is noted for producing bell-like sounds by using widely spaced chords.

Q: This was very unusual for Russian composers, wasn’t it?

London Piano Institute: Yes, it was. However, it worked well. He was also very fond of Russian orthodox chants and used them throughout his career.

Q: Rachmaninoff had one very outspoken critic. Explain this?

London Piano Institute: Yes, Thomas Edison. Edison did not care for Rachmaninoff’s playing style at all. Edison owned a major recording studio at the time and passed on the opportunity to sign the musician. However, Edison’s company pianist Robert Gaylor convinced the near-deaf Edison to change his mind.

Q: And it’s such a good thing he did. Well, that’s all the time we have. Thank you for filling us in on this great musical talent.

London Piano Institute: You’re welcome, my pleasure.

Celine Gaurier-Joubert is a master pianist and founder of London Piano Institute. She opened London Piano Institute with the belief that adults, regardless of previous musical experience, can learn to master the often misunderstood and unnecessarily intimidating piano. Located just off Liverpool Street Station, London Piano Institute is a convenient and affordable teaching establishment that has earned the respect of business professionals throughout the city and the surrounding boroughs.

,

Entrepreneur Sandra Dyche Explains the Genesis of the New York City Regional Center

In Business on August 5, 2013 at 7:58 am

Sandra-Dyche%3DNY-Center-Regional-CenterAs a co-founder of the New York City Regional Center (NYCRC), Sandra Dyche led the charge in developing the organization’s core values. Sandra Dyche also headed the movement to seek federal approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Presentation Solutions: What is the NYCRC?

Sandra Dyche: The NYCRC is the first EB-5 Regional Center, and it funds a variety of economic development projects in New York City. Each NYCRC project is located within one of the four major boroughs of New York City (Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx). The NYCRC offers loans to larger real estate projects.

Presentation Solutions: Where is the NYCRC located?

Sandra Dyche: The central office is based in Manhattan, with an additional office in Shanghai.

Presentation Solutions: What is a regional center?

Sandra Dyche: Regional centers are units with U.S. federal government approval that are designed for foreign investors. Regional centers may incorporate either a major city or a region of a state. Right now, there are more than 240 regional centers across the country.

Presentation Solutions: Who supervises the NYCRC?

Sandra Dyche: All activities related to the NYCRC are supervised by USCIS, a division of Homeland Security. In 2008, the NYCRC earned full approval from USCIS and continues to receive government approvals for its investor petitions.

Presentation Solutions: How does a regional center help the economy?

Sandra Dyche: The principals of the NYCRC have extensive knowledge of industries such as urban planning, government, law and real estate. This expertise leads to secure foreign investments, resulting local job creation and tax revenue.

Presentation Solutions: What countries have participated in the NYCRC?

Sandra Dyche: Germany, Italy, China, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Brazil, Russia, Taiwan, Nigeria, Indonesia, Venezuela and Japan have all had individuals participate in NYCRC projects.

Presentation Solutions: What kinds of projects have been completed through the NYCRC?

Sandra Dyche: Completed projects have included infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, civic and office buildings, sports and entertainment buildings, light industrial and warehouse facilities, medical facilities, and mixed-use facilities, both commercial and residential.

, , ,

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon on the Definition of Kosher

In Business on August 5, 2013 at 3:27 am

Rabbi-Binyomin-Lisbon-Kosher-Food5According to Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon of KSA Kosher, several misconceptions exist about the term “kosher.” Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon explains that kosher most often describes food permitted for consumption by people who observe Jewish dietary law.

Q: Why are certain food products considered non-kosher?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Foods may be rendered non-kosher for a variety of reasons, including the species of animal and improper slaughtering or processing procedures.

Q: What else?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: The mixing of meat and dairy ingredients is forbidden. Plus, the usage of ingredients drawn from non-kosher sources is not allowed under Kashrus law.

Q: Define Kashrus.

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Kashrus, the term used to explain the concept of dietary laws, relates to the kinds of food permissible for preparation and consumption.

Q: What animals are considered kosher?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Cattle or bovine are deemed kosher because they have cloven hooves and chew cud. If an animal does not possess both of these distinctions, it is strictly forbidden.

Q: What other characteristics should kosher consumers examine?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: The animal being slaughtered must have no flaw or disease. Further, the origin of the animal is a major concern to kosher production.

Q: What are some examples of kosher animals?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Examples of kosher animals are sheep, goats, lambs, cows, bulls, springbok and veal.

Q: What about the animal’s milk?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: The milk from non-kosher animals is strictly prohibited.

Q: Are there any other restrictions?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Dairy products may not contain any non-kosher additives, and they may not include meat derivatives or products.

Q: What’s an example of these products?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Many kinds of cheese have been manufactured using rennet. Therefore, they would need kosher certification.

Q: Can kosher consumers ever trust preprocessed foods?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Only the kosher certification symbol verifies a product’s viability. Many preprocessed foods contain small portions of milk products. One example of a popular milk product is whey.

Q: Have these been deemed non-kosher?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: According to food regulations, such small additives in these products do not have to be labeled on packaging. Nonetheless, these products would still be rendered dairy.

Q: How are kosher animals slaughtered?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: To be eaten by the kosher consumer, a species must be slaughtered in a ritual known as “Schochet.”

Q: What does Schochet mean?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: Jewish law prohibits causing any pain to animals during the slaughter, so death must occur almost instantaneously for the animal to be deemed kosher. The Schochet is the rabbi performing the ritual.

Q: How is the animal prepared for cooking after the slaughter?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: After the animal is slaughtered, the kosher supervisor treats the carcass by removing certain forbidden veins and fats.

Q: How are the animals cleaned?

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon: All blood from the animal should be drained or cooked out of meat before the consumer eats it.

Rabbi Binyomin Lisbon is the chief administrator of KSA Kosher, the largest kosher certification agency in the Western United States.

Time Principles: Tips for Smart Time Management

In General on August 4, 2013 at 8:05 am

6How you spend your time is more valuable than money. Once you spend it, you can’t get it back. By employing smart time management techniques, one can become more efficient, more effective, and more profitable. Time is a precious asset, and using time management techniques can improve both one’s personal and professional lives.

Tackle tedious tasks first

Start off with tasks that annoy you most because they drain you of energy, such as the car that needs an oil change, or booking that dentist appointment. By writing them down and planning to eliminate them, you are taking the first step to freeing up time for things you prefer to do.

 

Delegate

If you aren’t utilizing your team—whether that’s your staff, spouse or family—you will get overwhelmed. If you’re taking on too much, you aren’t being efficient, either. It benefits everyone to rely on each other.

 

Say “no”

To make time for what matters most, you must say no to some things that don’t. Ask yourself throughout the day, “Is this the best use of my time, right now?” We feel like we’re letting people down when we decline requests, but in reality we aren’t doing anyone a favor by taking on things we don’t have time to do, then falling through on them.

 

Time wasters

Identify things at home that waste your time. Perhaps friends call for small talk or a favorite television show comes on during the day. Try to eliminate these time wasters. Studies show the average American watches 2.7 hours of TV a day. Cut that down to just one hour and spend the other 1.7 hours getting things done. Internet, Facebook, Twitter can also be considered time wasters. Limit time spent on each site to a certain number of minutes, a certain number of times per day. The key is self-control and discipline.

 

Make time for people you love most

Remember why you love your family and friends. Think of your shared experiences and memories, your time together, and intentionally create new memories by investing your time where it matters most.