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4 PROFILES · Independent & Free Press,Thursday, October 27, 2011 SHOPLOCAL SHOP SMART... SHOP HALTON HILLS PEOPLE IN BUSINESS Brian Carlo (Reliable Independent Living Services) Brian Carlo has gone beyond being just your average run-ofthe-mill home builder. He's the owner and operator of ReliAble Independent Living Services (Halton), a barrier-free and accessibility home modification company. The business creates a safe environment and promotes independent living for physically challenged individuals and Elders wanting a safer place to age in, by modifying and renovating environments such as bathrooms, kitchens and hallways. Installing therapeutic baths, lifts, ramps and rails, widening doorways and creating barrier-free showers are just a few of the many services provided. Prior to opening Reliable Independent Living Services' Halton a year ago, Brian worked in the housing industry for 30 years as a custom home builder and renovator, and a certified professional home inspector. He chose to specialize in barrier-free and accessibility home modifications after doing research for a home project that he was involved in. He realized the lack of such services in the area and set out to address that need. "It's a specialized field with a growing need within the building sector, and an opportunity for me to use the construction industry experience I have in a more gratifying way," says Brian, who is working towards becoming a Certified Environmental Accessibility Consultant. "I like being able to address the needs of folks who are coping with a disAbility or care concern, and who just want to live a less stress-filled life by helping them remain independent at home." SHOPLOCAL SHOP SMART... SHOP HALTON HILLS Andrew Stasko (The Club at North Halton) Executive Chef Andrew Stasko wants to bring a bit of comfort and satisfaction to The Club at North Halton. "I like food to take you back to where you felt the most comfortable, like your parents' or your grandparents' table," says Andrew, who started at The Club at North Halton in July. "I'm introducing foods that take a lot of time and care to prepare, like slow roasts, braises and ossobuco." Andrew's combination of fine dining and comfort food is already drawing rave reviews from the club's members, especially his pulled pork poutine. Not a Club member? You can still experience his culinary delights while attending a holiday party, wedding or business luncheon. Social memberships that give you access to the Dining Room are also available. "There is too much theatrics in food right now," he says. "I just want to put the focus on good, fresh ingredients." After getting his start with his mom's catering company, Andrew's 13-year career as a chef has led him to a variety of places, such as Jonathans of Oakville, the Banff Springs Hotel and the Oakville Club. He says he is looking forward to getting to know the club's members and helping to create a feeling of a home away from home. "When you're a chef at a private club like North Halton, you become a private chef for hundreds of people," he says. "You get to be personal with the membership and I enjoy that more than working in a place where you see new faces every night." Barrier Free/Accessibility Home Modifications Glen Williams, ON 905-703-6119 BRIAN CARLO halton@reliableliving.com www.reliablelivinghalton.com ANDREW STASKO www.northhaltongolf.com 363 Maple Ave. W., Georgetown 905-877-5236 Shelly Butt (iPro Realty) Technology has changed a lot since Shelly Butt, a Sales Representative at iPro Realty, started in the real estate business eight years ago. Advancements in technology have made Shelly readily available to her clients, able to answer questions quickly and efficiently through text message or BBM. "Each year, technology gets more and more advanced," says Shelly, who joined the iPro Realty team in January. "I have some clients I help through texting and BBM-ing, but there are some who don't have email or a cell phone, so I'll pick up the phone and call them or go over and see them. It all depends on the client." The Georgetown resident deals primarily with residential real estate in Halton Hills, Brampton and the surrounding areas. She helps her clients with all aspects of the buying and selling process including relocations, from putting them in contact with reputable mortgage agents and lawyers to arranging for staging and painting services. She is able to draw upon iPro Realty's extensive marketing tools, such as virtual tour creation and professional photography, to market each home to its highest potential. But in the end, it's all comes down to the people. "It's really about being involved in people's lives," she says. "Buying a home is a monumental event. I love making families happy and seeing their planning come to fruition." Trent Toletzka (Clean Rides) For Trent Toletzka, working with cars is in his blood. With an uncle who owns a garage and a brother who works in vehicle advertising, the car industry runs in the family. Trent worked in car sales for five years before opening Clean Rides Inc. in February. Trent brought his car industry experience to his auto detailing business, which offers services like cleaning, waxing, shampooing, polishing and headlight restoration. He is proud to offer competitive pricing and impeccable service. "We really go the extra mile for our clients," he says. "I like the fact that when somebody brings in their car, how happy they are when the get it back because they can see the results. They can see what their money has paid for." Located at 262 Main Street North in Acton, Clean Rides also services trailers, RV's, motorcycles and boats, as well as vehicles like cars and trucks. Since opening Clean Rides in February, Trent feels that the residents of Halton Hills have really embraced his business. "The people here are great and the local businesses have been very helpful," he says. "It's a close-knit community and I feel like I've been able to build more personal relationships with my customers." For more information, call Clean Rides at 519-853-0007. Shelly Butt, Sales Representative Office: 905-873-6111 Direct: 416-878-2253 iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage shellybutthomes@yahoo.ca 369 Mountainview Rd. S., Georgetown C L E A N 262 Main St. N., Acton TRENT TOLETZKA R I D E S I N C. 519-853-0007 Buy Wise Window & Doors Run by the d'Entremont family for over 35 years, Buy Wise Windows & Doors is firmly 'rooted' in our community. Buy Wise - which specializes in the sales, service and installation of windows and doors - is owned and operated by Dave and Sheri d'Entremont. Buy Wise has received the Independent & Free Press Reader's Choice Award 16 times and was named the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Month in July 2003, as well as sponsoring many local teams and events. The key to the company's success is superior service and professionalism, along with top quality product and installation and a great customer base. There is always someone in the office to answer the phone or assist customers in the showroom. All quotes are presented in a package of information by our staff, designed to help the customer make an informed decision. "We're not the stereotypical salespeople," Sheri says. "If anything, our goal is to be the opposite of that." "Our customers are very important to us and we want to ensure that they get exactly what they need," Dave adds. Dave and Sheri are very proud of their accomplishments and are enjoying working together . John Gaida (Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty, Brokerage) With a fresh outlook and new ideas, John Gaida is living his dream. As one of the newest Sales Representatives at Royal LePage Meadowtowne, John helps his clients to find the home of their dreams in Acton, Georgetown, Glen Williams, Milton, Rockwood and the surrounding areas. "The experience has been fantastic so far. I love having the opportunity to get out there and meet people," he says. "Sharing experiences, listening and creating opportunities for clients is a wonderful way to spend my days". The Rockwood resident comes from a corporate background in plumbing and heating, which has given him the opportunity to evaluate properties in a unique way. He has amassed an extensive directory of trusted plumbers, heating experts and gas fitters to whom he can refer his clients and is creating an extensive network of other contacts as well. "They're all people who I know do a good job," John says. This new career has given John the opportunity to work closer to home and get to know the nuts and bolts of local life. "I feel like I'm part of the building of the community," he says. "I love helping people to make contacts especially when they are new to the area and don't really know anyone." Contact John today to see what he can do for you. 341 Guelph St., #3, Georgetown DAVE & SHERI d'ENTREMONT Office: 905-877-8262 Cell: 647-680-2145 johngaida@royallepage.ca YOUR WINDOW & DOOR PROFESSIONALS 905-873-0236 www.buy-wise.ca John Gaida, Sales Representative