Solar Energy Means

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magbloom.com | August/September 2013 | Bloom 53

Solar Energy Means Energy IndependenceThere are few things that can guarantee a return on your investment,

but David Mann, founder and owner of Mann Plumbing/MPI Solar says

that when you install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity

or a solar thermal system to produce hot water for direct use or radiant

floor heating, you immediately start saving money. “It’s a sound financial

investment,” Mann says. “When solar is installed, you’re fixing your energy

costs.”

Mann Plumbing has been a part of the Bloomington community since

1992. In 2008, the company started installing solar hot-water systems.

Mann says he soon started getting calls for PV systems, and started install-

ing those as well. Since then the demand for solar has grown to the point

that it is fully half of the company’s business.

The cost of solar is coming down, Mann says. And he reminds those

who are interested that solar systems add value to your property. In ad-

dition, the federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit on qualifying

solar equipment installed through 2016. It’s even possible you might make

a little money—PV systems are tied into the electric grid, so customers

who generate more electricity than they use can sell it back to their electric

provider through a plan called net metering.

“These systems last at least 30 years,” Mann says. “A PV system can

pay for itself more than twice over its lifetime, and a solar thermal system

can pay for itself three times. But more than that, it’s self-reliant energy

production. I like to think of it as energy independence.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

54 Bloom | August/September 2013 | magbloom.com

taste, savor, relishan age of mass merchandising, Internet shopping, and big box re-tail stores, Relish offers a distinctly

different shopping experience. Local shop owners Sharon and Brad Fugate make it a point to offer a curated selection of fine home furnishings, textiles, and lighting, as well as women’s apparel and accessories. “The notion is to offer what isn’t offered other places,” Sharon says. “It’s what we aspire to as shop owners. We try to pick up where other retailers leave off.”

Relish, with a soft-modern approach to design, focuses on combining form and function, all while reserving the right to sur-prise you with the unexpected. “That’s what appeals to us,” Sharon says. “We appreci-ate the juxtaposition of things you wouldn’t expect to find together.” What you can expect are contrasts and a mix of materi-als. The emphasis is on textures, patterns, shapes, and form.

At Relish, located just off Bloomington’s downtown Square, you’ll find everything from contemporary furniture to interest-

ing lighting and art objects. “Lighting has been key for us,” Sharon says. “It allows us to play with form and function.” Textiles abound, with rugs, pillows, and throws offering pops of color that catch your eye as you walk through a largely masculine palette.

Much of the merchandise at Relish is from smaller studios or cottage industries, Sharon explains. “I think that’s where you get the element of design and freshness,” she says. “And we align ourselves with vendors who allow for some customization of products, so what we carry is specific to Relish.” Rather than buy deeply from one or two vendors, the Fugates buy a few things from many vendors, offering customers more variety.

Relish showcases a carefully selected line of women’s apparel and related acces-sories, including handbags, shoes, scarves, and jewelry, all with an eye for style and what Sharon calls wearability. “We focus on independent labels that offer exceptional materials and thoughtful design,” she says.

“We’re not trendy. Our clothes have great fit and longevity. It’s our intent that they be around for a while. These are clothes you can live in for years.”

Customers can find a personal shopping experience at Relish, Sharon says. “Our staff is attentive, and they do a wonderful job of finding just what you’re looking for, even if you don’t know what that is,” she says. “Particularly in apparel, I’ve seen them give a gentle nudge and a customer has left her comfort zone and never looked back.”

Artfully presented wares at Relish.






Moving Life Outdoors with Exterior Living SpacesThere was a time when the outside of a home was something of an afterthought.

Homeowners might plant a garden or add a small patio or deck, but there wasn’t

much thought put into space surrounding the home. Times have changed.

While Bailey & Weiler Design/Build is known for the design and construction

of new custom homes, and transforming existing homes with creative renova-

tions, co-owner Don Weiler says the creation of comfortable outdoor living

spaces has become a common request of homeowners.

“There is demand for high-quality outdoor living areas,” says Weiler. “Home-

owners look at the outdoors as an extension of their homes. For this reason, we

consider these spaces throughout the planning process to take full advantage of

views, topography, and home position.”

Weiler says traditional outdoor structures such as decks, covered patios, and

screened porches are less expensive than a home addition, and create wonder-

ful gathering spaces. Amenities such as pool houses and shaded terraces allow

guests to gather outside the main home and provide the opportunity to incorpo-

rate a new style of décor and finish.

Beyond their beauty, outdoor spaces add functionality and flexibility to your

entertaining options. Entire meals can be prepared and served outdoors with the

addition of a backyard cooking center. And there’s no need to go indoors when

the temperatures dip. Fireplaces and permanent fire pits extend outdoor festivi-

ties into the cooler seasons.

When it comes to exterior living spaces, the only limit is your imagination.

Whether you want to create a family gathering space, the perfect entertainment

spot, or a place to get away from it all, Bailey & Weiler Design/Build works with

you to design and construct your perfect outdoor living area.




Helping Home Buyers Become Mortgage ReadyIf there is one piece of advice she would like to give first-time home buyers, it would be to meet with the team of mortgage profes-sionals at First Republic Mortgage Company before beginning the home buying process, says Nancy Eberle, Regional Sales Manager for First Republic.

“It can be heartbreaking to think you can purchase a home and then find out you don’t qualify,” Eberle says. “And, of course, it can work the other way—you may find out you qualify for more than you thought you might be able to afford.”

Eberle says when a prospective home buyer comes in to First Republic they will meet with a licensed mortgage professional who will review down payment requirements, monthly payments, and terms of the loan.

“One of our primary objectives is to be certain our customers understand the mort-gage products available to them, as well as the terms and conditions of those products,” Eberle says.

First Republic was estab-lished in 1996, in Indianapolis. Now, with nine locations, First Republic is one of the largest independent mortgage bank-ers in Indiana. The Blooming-ton office opened in 2011.

Everyone on the First Republic team of mortgage professionals has an exten-sive background in bank-ing and mortgage lending. The origination team includes state and nationally licensed loan officers Kathy Bowman, Mark Taylor, Karan Rastall, and Eberle. Crystal Bailey is a licensed sales assistant. The processing and support staff includes Susan King, Jill Rogers, and Mary Jo Ricks. The company’s compliance and quality control administrator is Bonnie Hamilton.

The media may appear discouraging to home buyers, emphasizing an increase in mortgage rates and the difficulty in secur-

ing a mortgage, but Eberle says that while rates have increased, they are still at all-time lows. And she says prospective home buyers shouldn’t hesitate to come in and have a discussion about securing a mortgage.

“First time home buyers may think buying a home just isn’t an option for them, but they should come in and find out,” Eberle says. “And if it’s not an option right now, then they can find out what they need to do to become mortgage ready in the future.”

First Republic Mortgage: (l-r) Crystal Bailey, Mark Taylor, Nancy Eberle, Jill Rogers, Mary Jo Ricks, Karan Rastall, Kathy Bowman, Bonnie Hamilton, and Susan King.





Preserve Your History at FramemakersFramemakers owner Susan Augenbergs loves helping people find a way to

take their treasured mementos out of a box or drawer and put them on dis-

play. “What you’re doing is framing your history, whether it’s your diploma

or your great grandfather’s Purple Heart,” she says. “And it’s not just fram-

ing it, but preserving it, so it’s around for the next generation to enjoy.”

Framemakers is locally owned and operated. Started in 1976, there are

now two locations, one downtown and the other on South College Mall

Road. The staff at Framemakers has over 125 years of combined framing

experience. With so much know-how on hand, every order is truly a cus-

tom order, says Manager Mike Friesel. “There are dozens of ways to frame

any object,” Friesel says. “The challenge and the fun is working with the

customer to make sure they are thrilled when they come back to pick it up.

That’s what we want to see every time.”

Augenbergs agrees. “We have so much talent and creative experience

here that we can give customers the level of service they deserve,” she

says. But that doesn’t mean Framemakers costs more than other framers.

“We do a great job and our prices are competitive with the big box stores,”

Augenbergs says. “We know. We’ve compared them.”

When you are part of the community for 37 years, word gets around.

Augenbergs says a lot of Framemakers’ best advertising is by word of

mouth. “We have a good reputation in Bloomington,” she says. “When

you need something framed, people say, ‘Take it to Framemakers.’ We’re

proud of that.”



Maintenance Free Living: springhouse ridge at renwick

Bloomington’s Renwick neighborhood, located on the city’s southeast side, is a mix of single-family homes, apartments, villas, and com-mercial space that encour-ages walking, biking, and visiting with neighbors. One of its newest communities in Renwick is Springhouse Ridge, an area that Aaron Stolberg, a partner with WS Property Group, calls one of the prettiest sections in all of

Renwick. When you see Renwick, with its multiple parks, bike/hike trail, and old growth tree conservancy, you realize that is quite a compliment.

“Springhouse Ridge is a great section of Renwick,” says Stolberg. “You’ve got a lot of green space around this project. It’s located between two parks, with Renwick’s four acre Cathcart Park right in front and Blooming-

ton’s Southeast Park as its border to the west.”

Springhouse Ridge is the second phase of villas at Renwick. The first, Cameron Row, was a huge success, Stolberg says. Homeowners love the worry-free lifestyle of villa ownership where yard work, landscaping, and exterior maintenance are taken care of year round, allowing them to come and go with ease knowing their home is well maintained.

The architectural inspiration for the Springhouse Ridge community is from some of the older Bloomington neighborhoods south of the Indiana University campus, Stolberg says. Most of the villas are paired, but there are eight home sites offering stand-alone villas. There are six basic floor plans with a wide variety of custom options. One thing all of the floor plans share is an emphasis on natural light and open spaces. The homes feature upgraded interior finishes,

including granite countertops and natural hardwoods; expansive kitchens; and walk-in tiled showers.

Buyers are a diverse group, Stolberg says. “You might think those buying here would be retirees, but because the villas are maintenance free, they also appeal to young professionals who are busy with their careers, and to people looking for a sec-ond home,” he says. “We have people who live here full-time and people who are here only part of the year. It’s exciting to see the diversity of people who live here. It makes for a much more interesting community.”

Courtesy photos



Working to Be the BestWhether buying or selling, real estate is a major investment. That’s why it’s

important to choose your real estate professional with care. Donald Griffin,

Jr., owner of Griffin Realty, is a Bloomington native and has been a real

estate agent for more than 20 years. He says he considers himself a real

estate resource, and takes a team approach with his clients, helping to

educate them about the real estate market. “I share as much information

as possible, which empowers my clients to make educated decisions,”

Griffin says.

When working with buyers, Griffin’s years of experience help him ef-

fectively facilitate this process. “I’ve even told people not to buy at all, if that

was in their best interest,” he says. “I feel it’s my responsibility to be their

advocate. Serving my clients to the best of my ability is my first priority, not

making money. And when I give my best, everything else falls into place.”

As for those selling a property, Griffin offers all the services other agen-

cies do, and then he tries to do just a little bit more, like offering online

virtual tours for all his listings and adding lights to his signs so they can be

seen at night. He knows he can’t be the best at everything, so he hires

photographers to take great photos and professional writers to describe

the homes he lists. That extra care makes Griffin Realty stand out.

“My goal isn’t to be the biggest, but I want to be the best,” says Griffin.

“Even though I’ve been in real estate for 20 years, I’m constantly learn-

ing and improving. I truly want to provide my clients with the best service

possible.”


displays, customers can turn on several showers, compare functions, and get a real feel for things before making a purchase.

Like anything else, bathroom styles come and go. Showroom consultant Steve Berg has been with Lee Supply long enough to see what was once the latest trend become the reason for a remodel.

“It used to be that big whirlpool tubs were popular. They really aren’t anymore,” Berg says. “As people are getting older, they want walk-in showers, maybe showers with seats. They might even want to add grab bars. It seems the baby boomers are planning ahead. Or they might have a parent who has moved in with them, and they need added safety features for them.”

Comfort height toilets, about one and one-half inches higher than a standard toilet, are also becoming popular in bathroom remodels, Berg says. And more

Supply iS a wholeSale

deSign Studio for kitchen and bath products, and showroom

consultant Amanda Andrews wants those who are thinking about upgrading or remodeling to know exactly what that means.

“Sometimes people assume we are only open to contractors, but we’re open to the public,” Andrews says. “We offer customers a one-on-one consulting experience. There are some people who are real do-it-yourselfers, but there are other people who don’t want to have to figure things out for themselves, and we’re here for those people.”

Lee Supply offers a 3,500-square-foot custom showroom with displays on the floor so customers can appreciate how a vanity, tub, or toilet might look or feel in their own home. And with nearly 20 working shower

Your Local Wholesale Design Studio for Kitchen and Bath


With nearly 20 working shower displays, customers can get a real feel for shower fixtures at Lee Supply.

continued on page 64



manufacturers are offering bathroom cabinets in a taller height, more like the height of a kitchen cabinet. Berg says all of this is in response to the aging of the baby boomers, who have been responsible for so many trends in American society.

Those who are still looking for a luxury tub experience might consider the newer air bubble bathtubs, which have largely replaced whirlpool baths. Andrews says these tubs are much more hygienic than old-style whirlpool baths. In whirlpools, water is circulated through pipes, which are impossible to drain and clean. Air bubble baths offer the same kind of bath experience, but push air through small holes in the tub. When the tub is drained, a final burst of air pushes all the water out of the holes, leaving the channels clean and dry. “Nothing goes into the channels, so they stay much cleaner,” Andrews says. “You can even use bubble bath in them, something you really shouldn’t do in a whirlpool tub. We have several air bubble baths on display for those who are curious.”

The Kitchen Experts

While Lee Supply may be known for its plumbing expertise, Berg and Andrews are kitchen experts. Both started their careers

as kitchen designers, and between the two of them they bring more than 50 years of kitchen experience and product knowledge to the job.

Customers can get complete custom kitchens at Lee Supply, from cabinets and countertops to sinks and faucets. Expert advice is part of the package, says Andrews. “When it comes to kitchens, we both have passion and drive, and we want to get it right,” she says. “With our years of experience, we understand what works and what doesn’t work. And we want to offer our customers anything besides a standard kitchen.”

Berg says consulting with customers to design a new look for their kitchen is something he loves to do. “I go to their home, look at the space, and take measurements, then I come back to the showroom to do the design work,” Berg says. “I like playing with different ideas and getting creative. I want to try and change the look of their kitchen, because if they’re spending the money, they want a new look, not just new boxes on the wall.”

Berg says he works with customers to select the style, wood, and finish for their cabinets. He also helps coordinate countertops. Lately he sees more people selecting solid surfaces, like quartz.

“Because it’s nonporous, you don’t have to seal it,” he says.

Whether it’s a bathroom upgrade, kitchen remodel, or just a new faucet, for quality products, expert advice, and one-on-one consulting, Lee Supply is your one-stop kitchen and bath wholesale design studio. Lee Supply is located at 1821 W. 3rd St. Showroom hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or call 812-333-4343 to schedule an appointment with a showroom consultant.

continued from page 62

(top left and right) Creating a custom-designed kitchen—from cabinets and countertops to sinks and faucets—is a specialty. (below) Let Lee Supply help you create your luxury bath experience.











audio and Video solutionsNo matter the level of technology involved—the installation of a single flat

screen TV or the creation of a home theater—Eric Stiening, co-owner of

Experience Technology, says the most important piece of equipment fits

into the palm of your hand. “The mainstay of our company is a truly uni-

versal remote,” Stiening says. “We have the solution for the pile of remotes

most people seem to have, and it works whether it’s for a single room, an

entire home, or a larger estate.”

Experience Technology helps clients determine their audio and video

needs, and from there the company’s experienced technicians build a

system that fits the client’s lifestyle and décor. Once the system is installed,

Experience Technology is there to take care of technology concerns inside

the home. “We can help with issues that are unpleasant, like dealing with

cable and Internet providers,” Stiening says. “We tell our clients if they have

that kind of an issue, call us first. Most of the time, we can handle it over

the phone.”

Working with builders is a specialty for the company. “We go through

the plans with the client and decide where TVs are going to be, where to

place speakers, all at the design phase,” Stiening says. “We’re there at

installation and later, when the service providers arrive, we can see that it’s

all up and running.”

On top of all that, Stiening says he always trains clients how to use

that universal remote. “It really is the most important part of any system,”

he says. “The remote delivers the reliability of operation and from there

we help our clients select the most appropriate components to meet or

exceed their expectations.”



takes more than a little construc-tion to interrupt the flow of a busi-ness that has been in the same lo-

cation since 1967, says Ty Osborne. Ty and his brother Wade are the second-generation

of Osbornes to own Stahl Furniture, located at 515 South Walnut St. in Bloomington.

“During construction, people would ask if we were open, and we were. We never closed,” Ty says. “Now that we have

the street and the sidewalk back, we’re working on the exteri-or of the building with new stucco and new signage. After that we’re going to update the interior and create an even nicer shop-ping experience for our customers.”

Making sure customers enjoy coming to Stahl Furniture is important to Ty, Wade, and the entire Stahl Furniture staff. “I’ve always been a big believer in treating people the way I would like to be treated,” Ty says. “Any more, a lot of businesses are self-serve. You go in and you’re on your own. When people come in here, we greet them. We listen to our customers, help them narrow down their selection, and make it easy to find what they are looking for.”

Many people driving by on Walnut Street see the store’s façade and don’t realize how deep the store is, Ty says. The multi-room building offers 22,000 square feet of showroom. Add to that a 15,000 square foot warehouse that’s packed with inventory, and Stahl Furniture has a lot of merchandise in stock. “If you see some-thing you like and we only have one on the floor, we might have four or five more in the warehouse in different colors or fabrics,” Ty says. For example, a recent inventory revealed more than 110 La-Z-Boy recliners on the showroom floor and another 300 in the warehouse. In case you want something they don’t have in stock, Stahl Furniture does custom orders, too.

Whether you’re looking for a higher-end living room suite or furnishing a first apart-ment, Stahl Furniture works to keep quality high and prices reasonable. “Our prices aren’t going to be any higher than anyone else’s, here or in Indianapolis,” Ty says. “We know what’s out there and we work to stay very price competitive.”

The focus on customer service, deep inventory, and competitive pricing is why Stahl Furniture has been a Bloomington institution for 46 years. “Our dad always told us that if you’re fair to people, have great prices and great service, they’ll come back,” says Ty. “We’ve kept to that, and it’s rung true for us.”

Stahl Furniture: Always Focused on the Customer

Stahl Furniture has 22,000 square feet of showroom.




Specializing in Custom Metal FabricationTrying to sum up Poynter Sheet Metal can be daunting, even for project manager

Ken Campanella. “We’re a diverse company,” he says. “If it’s metal, we do it.”

Poynter Sheet Metal was founded in 2000 as a local commercial ventilation

company. Today it’s one of the nation’s largest sheet metal contractors with

more than 2,000 active customers in 15 states, with just over 300 employ-

ees. Everything is fabricated and shipped from the company’s Bloomington

headquarters. Locally, Poynter has completed more than 500 jobs for Indiana

University in the past 12 years, and has done work for the city and numerous

local businesses.

Despite its name, Poynter does a lot more than sheet metal. “We do a lot

of residential work, including specialty metal work in stainless steel, aluminum,

wrought iron, and copper,” says Campanella. Poynter offers homeowners

unique options in custom metal backsplashes, countertops, railings, and more.

They might be known for their big jobs, but Poynter is happy to take on

small jobs too. “We mean it when we say no job is too big or too small,”

Campanella says. “While our biggest job was $30 million, we routinely do $50

fabrications.”

Having been in Bloomington for more than a decade, Campanella says

most people have seen the company’s work. “We’ve done the ductwork in a lot

of buildings and a lot of handrails people use every day, they just aren’t aware

it’s our work,” he says. “What’s more important is that we’re one of the largest

employers in Monroe County, that we’re involved in so many industries, and that

we do work for individuals, too. There’s not much work we turn down.”

Great ExpectationsFirst-time homebuyers, empty-nesters looking to downsize, or retirees

dreaming of a maintenance-free lifestyle—everyone has a new home

wish list. But Trish Sterling, owner of Sterling Real Estate, says that buy-

ing a home is an educational process and that market conditions, inven-

tory, and price all factor into the home buying decision.

“Homebuyers should have a sense for what they need, but they have

to be flexible and realize they may not be able to fulfill all of their wishes,”

Sterling says. “You may want granite countertops in the kitchen, but how

much more are you willing to pay for them?” After visiting a few homes,

she says, buyers learn what’s on the market and what they can afford.

“Sometimes that means reprioritizing or even delaying some of the wish

list items until the home is theirs.”

Sterling suggests creating a wish list that focuses on your needs but

keeping an open mind. “Some buyers insist they don’t want to look at

homes in neighborhoods with homeowners associations,” Sterling says.

“In Bloomington, they’ve just ruled out eight major neighborhoods where

they might have found a great home and been very happy.”

Your real estate agent should be your trusted advisor, and always

mindful of what you want and need in a home. “Buying a home is a

huge investment,” Sterling says. “A trusted Realtor can help you see the

potential in a bargain, or help steer you away from a bad investment. You

want to be happy with your purchase every morning when you wake up.”



Your Destination Garden CenterBloomington Valley Nursery is always customer-focused says co-owner Seth In-

man. That means seeking out unusual product offerings, from plants and trees to

statuary and garden goods. It also means offering great customer service every

day to everyone who visits Bloomington Valley Nursery.

Special offerings this year include plants designed to work in smaller spaces,

particularly miniatures and trees with columnar shapes. “People want to maxi-

mize their space with tighter growing plants,” Inman says.

One of Inman’s favorites is the Hinoki cypress. “There are a lot of varieties,

and the colors run from white to dark green, with highlights from pink to yellow,”

Inman says. “For the most part they are a dwarf plant, reaching just three to four

feet. Every Japanese garden has to have a Hinoki.”

Customers will find unique statuary at Bloomington Valley Nursery too. “We

offer very rugged, durable, high-end ceramic pieces,” Inman says. “We call them

heirloom pieces because they’ll be around for generations. The grandkids will be

fighting over them someday. We also do a lot of granite and white clay, things

you can leave out all winter.”

Inman says the nursery is designed to inspire visitors to envision their own

gardens. “We pride ourselves as a destination garden center,” he says. “We get

a lot of walk-through traffic, and we change our displays weekly, so people see

different things each time.”

Customers can always expect expert advice and great customer service, In-

man says. “We train the staff to listen to the customer’s needs,” he says. “That’s

what sets us apart—we really do think that customers are number one, and

anyone who works here will drop everything to help a customer.”

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Solar Energy Means