< Previous40 | Living Galveston County | 2022 O n Nov. 19, 1967 when the legacy started, David O’Donohoe started as an Allstate Agent. Over the last 55 years, he has built a great business with fantastic team members. Michelle Pistone-Quijano started at the agency the sum- mer of 1990. She has worked her way from an entry-level position to being the current Agency Manager. She believes in always getting better and learning more ways to provide world-class customer service to clients. Morghan Jimenez joined the team five years ago and brought some great insurance expertise to the agency. Her extensive knowledge about auto, home, windstorm and flood insurance is impecca- ble. Her goal to find the best coverage for each customer’s individual needs is what drives her every day. Jose Perret joined the agency two years ago and has honed his knowledge of all things insurance on the coast. He is constantly expanding his knowledge of insurance products. Being fluent in Spanish, he enjoys the oppor- tunity to help those who are more comfortable communi- cating in Spanish. Mark Blancken, Certified Insurance Counselor, brings with him more than 13-years of experience in the insur- ance industry. He has brought a level of professionalism to the agency and, with his past experience, knows how to tailor an insurance portfolio specifically to meet and indi- vidual’s or company’s needs. The extensive training he has undergone to be a Certified Insurance Counselor gives him a vast knowledge of how to protect specific risks. Lacey Kotrla is the newest member to join the team. She has more than 14 years experi- ence in the insurance industry. She not only has her Property & Casualty license but has her Life & Health license. She is the queen of world class customer service; she is defi- nitely one of the nicest people anyone has ever met. After graduating college from Stephen F. Austin State University in December 1996, Sean joined the agency in January 1997. Over the years, he worked his way up and purchased the business from his dad to be the agency owner. He appreciates being part of the team, being able to encourage team members to strive and allowing the team to grow. He enjoys knowing that he has built a top-tier customer service team to take care of clients’ needs. The O’Donohoe Agency enjoys the opportunity to be your one-stop shop for all your insurance needs. The O’Donohoe Agency: An insurance company that will help you weather the storm PAID ADVERTISEMENT2022 | Living Galveston County | 41 A fifth generation Tex- an, Krystal Bradford has been a full-time Realtor since the 1990s. She is committed to her clients and lives by the code that there is no substitute for in- tegrity. This passion and com- mitment form the cornerstone of her success over the years. Krystal has a clear under- standing of what an amazing city Galveston is and the wonders it has to offer. When it comes to professional real estate services, she believes in offering nothing but the absolute best. She also believes that a home is not a home because of its room dimensions or the color of the walls. It is about how people feel when they walk through the front door, and the way they envision their life unfolding in their new home. A home is about more than real estate. Krystal utilizes the latest technologies, market re- search, business strategies and the highest caliber of service to exceed the expectations of sellers and buyers. She understands how important it is to truly listen and communicate with her clients so their real estate findings are tailored to their liking. She is an energetic, dedicated professional with the confidence and expertise to help her clients achieve their real estate goals with complete satisfaction. She works swiftly and efficiently without leaving out a great and everlasting experience. She has unparalleled indus- try knowledge, experience and local expertise. Whether you’re buying or selling, she can help clients get the best deal. Originally from Electra, Texas, Krystal has almost 25 years under her belt as a full- time Realtor. In 2017, a client invited her to Galveston to help her search for a second home, and Krystal has been selling in Galveston since. The Bradford family sum- mered in Galveston every year since. The easy-going island lifestyle brought re- laxation to the family, so, in 2020, they made the move to Galveston full-time. Along with her husband, Neal, and son, Nicolas, and West Highland Terrier, Pinkie, they have found peace on the island. When Krystal isn’t selling dream homes to Gal- vestonians, she can be found cooking, going to the beach, fishing, boating or relaxing on her deck. For more information, contact Krystal Bradford at 409-240-9900 or visit www.KrystalRealEstate.com. Krystal Real Estate: Choose the ‘Krystal’ clear choice PAID ADVERTISEMENTBay Area Kitchens 281.338.2737 www.BayAreaKitchens.com | Appointments Required 17306 Highway 3 @ Medical Center Blvd., Webster Trusted, Quality Craftsmanship ~ Since 1983 Kitchen Design, High-End Custom Cabinetry & Gourmet Appliances For Kitchen Remodels & New Homes We Love Working With Designers & Contractors! We Have A Kitchen Showroom In Webster | Professional Kitchen Design Services Wood-Mode Custom Cabinetry | Sub-Zero, Wolf & Cove Gourmet Appliances 42 | Living Galveston County | 2022 R andy Godeau started Bay Area Kitchens almost 40 years ago and remains active in the day-to-day operations of the company. His background in all phases of design and construction gives him a unique and broad perspective in both new construction and remodeling projects. He’s also a passionate cook, and he ap- plies his knowledge of cook- ing to his kitchen designs. Randy started the business in his home in Friendswood in 1983. In 1990, Bay Area Kitchens moved to its current showroom in Webster. This granted them significantly more space to showcase the high-end products and ser- vices, including Wood-Mode and Rosewood custom cabin- etry, Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove and Vent-A-Hood gourmet appli- ances and other finer products for the kitchen and home. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or you’re building a new home, Randy can help you design your dream kitchen while using the highest quality materials available and still keeping it in your budget. Luxury countertops give kitchens the style and func- tionality needed, while also offering the added benefit of being easy to maintain. They come in a variety of colors, patterns and finishes, ensur- ing there will be something to meet your design and functionality needs. The business can help you select the appropriate gour- met appliances and luxury components to make the most of your new home or kitchen renovation. Bay Area Kitchens will handle every detail for you, from creating the initial kitchen design, to materials procurement, to ex- ecuting and completing your project if you like. Bay Area Kitchens will work with your designer, builder or contractor, or they’ll be happy to recommend one. In some instances, they will handle the project start to finish. Bay Area Kitchens is has many awards, including Best Of Houzz for six straight years and more than 36 5-Star re- views. The company also has an A+ rating with the Great- er Houston Better Business Bureau and has been featured in numerous publications, including the cover story in Houston House & Home Mag- azine. Bay Area Kitchens also has been featured in the na- tional trade magazine, Kitchen & Bath Business. Schedule an appointment today, and let Randy and his team help you build the kitchen of your dreams! Bay Area Kitchens: Designing luxury kitchens for 40 years PAID ADVERTISEMENTHOME IMPROVEMENT LOANS Dreaming of a home improvement project this fall, like a new addition or a remodeled kitchen? Need better insulation, a generator, solar panels or plumbing repairs? HomeTown Bank loan officers are available on the phone to walk you through the process, step by step. Contact a HomeTown Bank Loan Officer Soon: Galveston Main Bank: (409) 763-1271 – Cesar Hernandez • Brandon Rogers Galveston Seawall (Opens early 2023): (409) 763-5252 – Scott Kusnerik Friendswood Downtown: (281) 996-4900 – Allan Rasmussen • Scott Asimakis Friendswood Bay Area: (281) 648-9000 – Steve Owens • Tyron Collins League City: (281) 554-3265 – Bill Provenzano • Jim Goebel Alvin: (281) 388-5000 – Ray Rusk • Chad Dudley Pearland: (281) 412-8000 – Sean Murphy HomeTown.Bank H omeTown Bank is everything its name implies: A locally owned community bank focused on hometown relationships and old-fash- ioned values, a warm welcome for cus- tomers and service with a smile. But that doesn’t imply small-town capabilities. HomeTown Bank has the full range of state-of-the-art financial tools expect- ed in today’s world, with conveniences like a free smartphone app, the ability to send money to friends and family by email or text message, instant debit card alerts, the capacity to move money easily between external accounts, mobile deposit and instant-issue debit cards. There’s also online bill pay, an auto- matic debit card transaction savings tool, and money management tools allowing you to create and track your budget. Business customers enjoy online cash management, commercial remote depos- it capture and check fraud prevention tools. Lending options are also comprehen- sive, with the advantage of local loan officers who make local decisions that benefit the local community. HomeTown Bank provides home mortgages, home improvement, home equity and personal loans, as well as auto, truck and boat financing for families and individuals. For businesses, they provide financing for inventory purchases, acquisitions, construction, modernization, real estate purchases and expansion plans, lines of credit, corporate debit cards, and accounts receivable financing. “In addition to providing financial services, a great bank cares about their community,” said HomeTown Bank Pres- ident and CEO Jimmy Rasmussen. “We are committed to promoting economic empowerment, education, youth devel- opment and community education in our region, with more than donations; our employees put forward a helping hand as well.” Browse online at www.HomeTown. Bank for the locations of offices located in Galveston, Friendswood, Pearland, League City and Alvin. The main bank is located in Galveston, at 1801 45th Street, and there is a new office, located at 45th Street and Seawall Boulevard slated to open in early 2023. HomeTown Bank: A community bank focused on establishing ‘hometown’ relationships PAID ADVERTISEMENT 2022 | Living Galveston County | 4344 | Living Galveston County | 2022 The benefits of working with an interior designer H ome is where the heart is, and it’s also where homeowners express their style. Though interior design may come naturally to some homeowners, many more can benefit from a little help defining their style and translating that style into a beau- tiful home. In such instances, interior designers can be the most valuable investments home- owners make in their homes. Homeowners may hear “interior design- er” and immediately hear the sound of cash registers ringing in their heads. However, many interior designers offer various services, includ- ing hourly consultations, that can make them cost-effective, especially for homeowners who are still trying to define their style and decide just how they want their homes to look. That’s just one of the many benefits of working with interior design professionals. ◊ Interior designers can save homeowners money. Much like it’s best for homeowners with no DIY experience to hire professional contrac- tors when renovating their homes, paying an interior designer when you have little experi- ence with design can help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. Interior designers are skilled at transforming homeowners’ visions into finished products, and that’s a valuable skill homeowners don’t necessarily have. Trial and error when de- signing a home’s interior can be costly, even if you’re not knocking down any walls or swinging any hammers. For example, after renovating on their own, homeowners may find they need to replace a new couch or dining table that they realize contradicts their design scheme. Interior designers can help homeowners avoid such costly mistakes and get it right the first time. ◊ Interior designers can help you coordinate your style. Each and every component of a home’s interior says something about its owner. Whether it’s their choice of lighting fixtures, furniture or even appliances, homeowners make a statement any time they choose a design component for their homes. Interior designers can help homeowners coordinate their styles so each room seamlessly transitions to the next one. An ultra-modern living room may stick out like a sore thumb in a home that’s predom- inantly rustic, and interior designers can help homeowners avoid such mistakes. ◊ Interior designers recognize what’s trend- ing. Interior designers tend to be up-to-date on the latest trends. That can be incredibly valuable, especially for homeowners who are an- ticipating putting their homes on the market in the near future. In such instances, designers can help homeowners invest in updates or renova- tions that will appeal to today’s buyers, increas- ing the likelihood that their homes will sell more quickly, and potentially for more money. ◊ Interior designers are well-connected. In- terior designers often collaborate with contrac- tors. Those professional relationships can help homeowners avoid the headaches of finding the right professionals to work with when renovat- ing their homes. Many a homeowner has benefited from working with interior designers. Such partner- ships can help homeowners transform their residences into the home of their dreams. — Metro Creative Connection2022 | Living Galveston County | 45*2nd lien home equity loans locked within the promotional period will receive 1.00% off their APR. APR = Annual percentage rate. Your actual rate may be higher based on your credit score and the terms of your loan. Offer valid only for members with AMOCO 1st lien mortgage. Must provide necessary documents to qualify for the rate discount. Offer excludes any Texas home equity loans currently financed at AMOCO. Offer subject to change or discontinue without notice. Rates and terms are determined by borrower’s credit qualifications, credit score and credit report pulled by the credit union. For complete details, exclusions, and qualifications, contact AMOCO’s real estate department at www.amocofcu.org/real-estate-loans or call 800.231.6053. Subject to membership eligibility. NMLS ID: 408167 Online, Video Banking, or at branch near you! 3 Convenient Ways to Apply: 800.231.6053 | AMOCOfcu.org IN LOVE WITH YOUR HOME AGAIN! Let’s start renovating together! Fall Freshen up your home this fall with a new look. Whether it’s a Personal Loan for a smaller project, or a Home Equity Loan for a bigger one, AMOCO has what you need. SCAN ME TO LEARN MORE HAVE A MORTGAGE LOAN WITH US? Tap into your home’s equity, and get 1% off* the current mortgage rates! 46 | Living Galveston County | 2022 AMOCO Federal Credit Union: Helping members finance their dream homes with flexible loan options PAID ADVERTISEMENT F all is in the air! The weather is getting cooler and the family is starting to spend more time at home. Autumn is the perfect time to refresh your home’s look! If you’re in the market to make improvements to your existing home, put in a swimming pool or give your kitchen a face-lift, look no further than AMOCO. While home renovations can seem pricey, they don’t have to be. AMOCO loves putting members into their dream homes, so the credit union offers a wide variety of options that can get members financed, furnished and finally living in their desired family home. AMOCO offers home equity loans, with a minimum amount of $25,000 and fixed rates and terms for up to 30 years. Using the equity in your home is a smart way to borrow, and the interest you pay on your loan is often tax deductible. Consult with your tax advisor for details. If you are looking to add a pool, AMOCO offers a Pool Loan so you can turn your house into a luxury resort. You can borrow up to 90 percent of the value of your home and rates and terms are fixed for up to 15 years. If you are looking to finally re-do your kitchen so you have more space, AMOCO offers a one- time-close Construction Mortgage Loan. The process is seamless, with just one approval process, and one set of closing costs. AMOCO is financially strong and recognized as one of the largest credit unions in the Houston/Galveston area, made up of a diversified member- ship that includes more than 600 local sponsor companies and organizations and more than 98,000 members located throughout the country. The AMOCO team’s personalized service has earned them the title of Best Mortgage Company in Galveston County for nine years. “The best part of our job is helping members realize their dream of homeownership, see- ing the finished product of their new in-ground swimming pool or newly remodeled home,” said Michelle Still, Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Lending. “Plus, our service doesn’t end after the loan is booked. We take pride in delivering excep- tional service.” Let AMOCO’s experienced mortgage representatives assist you with your mortgage loan needs. For complete details, exclusions and qualifi- cations, contact AMOCO’s real estate department at www. amocofcu.org/real-estate-loans or call 800-231-6053.The moment you pass over the causeway or drive down the beautiful Blue Water Highway, your stress disappears. From the beaches to the bay, the amazing Historic Strand, and fabulous dining you will quickly want to be an Islander as well. As a Galveston resident for the past eleven years, I have the unique experience as a local agent to offer guidance to those looking for the perfect weekend getaway, forever home, or investment property. I am living the dream, and I want to assist you with owning your slice of paradise. Grab your flip flops, jump in the Golf Cart, and let’s find you your dream home. Remember, you are buying more than a home, you are buying a lifestyle! Call today, and let’s start your search! AMY LARNER - 281-795-6674 amy@amylarner.com • www.har.com/amylarne r 2022 | Living Galveston County | 47 T he moment you pass over the causeway or drive down the beautiful Blue Water Highway, your stress disappears. From the beaches to the bay, the amazing historic strand and fabulous dining, you quickly will want to be an islander as well. Amy Larner, a Realtor with RE/ MAX Leading Edge, understands the ins and outs of the real estate market in Galveston County because she lives where she works. While she mainly works in Galveston, Brazoria and Harris counties, she is most familiar with Galveston Island. Larner grew up in League City, and she made the move to Galveston as a full- time resident in 2016. She worked in the insurance industry for more than 25 years prior to pursuing her passion of real estate. As a Galveston resident for the past 11 years, Amy Larner has the unique experience as a local agent to offer Amy Larner: You are buying more than just a house, you are buying a lifestyle PAID ADVERTISEMENT guidance to those looking for the perfect weekend getaway, forever home or investment property. To be a successful real estate agent, Larner believes in focusing on the community. She lives where she works. She stays up-to-date on local activities and understands the unique differences each neighborhood offers. She believes it is important to listen to her clients, and understand their goals. “I am your strongest advocate, and I am here to work for you,” Larner said. Whether it is buying or selling, her goal is to help each one of her clients accomplish their dream of homeownership. “I am living the dream, and I want to assist you with owning your slice of paradise,” Larner said. Grab your flip flops, jump in the golf cart and let her help you find your dream home. Remember, you are buying more than a home, you are buying a lifestyle.” Start your search today. Give Amy Larner a call at 281-795-6674. Galveston Island Resort Rentals We offer some of the finest Rental Properties On Galveston’s West End Beachfront, Beachside, Canal and Bayside homes furnished for your comfort. www.galvestonislandresortrentals.comwww.galvestonislandresortrentals.com Call one of our Friendly Rental Agents! Waiting for YOU in Galveston... Special Off-Season Rates! 48 | Living Galveston County | 2022 Galveston Island Real Estate: A local real estate company with deep roots in the Galveston lifestyle PAID ADVERTISEMENT J amaica Beach is home to Gay Fundling, owner of Galveston Island Real Estate. Gay has lived on the west end of Galveston Island since 1964. She attended Ball High School and married her high school sweetheart, Jim, in 1973. Here they raised their two boys, Josh and Ian. Gay Fundling is a name familiar to many people on the island. In 1969, she began working as a receptionist and rental agent. She obtained her real estate license in 1982 and her broker’s license in 2007. The build- ing which houses Galveston Island Real Estate was built in the 1950s and is located at 16602 San Luis Pass Road. The building has been destroyed, and the company rebuilt it after each storm; it stands prouder than ever today. Galveston Island Real Estate is currently home to 13 real estate agents. Since her brokerage is not a franchise, she is able to retain her own identity, without getting lost in the shuffle. Thus, she is able to provide personal support to her agents along with the opportunity to work in a fantastic location, right across the street from the beach entrance. Gay holds a firm belief that her tremendous suc- cess and growth stems from being so active in the community. “I pride myself in getting to know as many people as I can on the island,” Gay said. Gay’s expertise lies not only in the complete knowledge of the real estate world, but also in her friendly and posi- tive approach to life. Her clients find her knowledge wonderful to work with, and her friends and neighbors rely on her for her sage advice and wisdom on all aspects of island living. Galveston Island Real Estate specializes in resort, residential, commercial and historic properties in one of the most sought-after, ever-growing locations on the Gulf Coast. Investors, second-home ‘escapees’ and full- time homeowners all blend together in the affordable and enviable environment that is Galveston. With its beachside villas, bayside bungalows, Victorian mansions and modern seaside condos, Galveston creates a highly desirable menu of properties. Visit the com- pany website at www.galvestonislandre.com to learn more about Gay’s company, her agents and the properties she represents. She can be reached at 409-761-0585 or gay@ galvestonre.com. Whether you were Born on the Island (BOI), or are an Islander by Choice (IBC), “We invite you to be our neighbor and find out how good the ‘good life’ can be.” There has never been a better time to come to the island! Gay FundlingIMMACULATEOFFERS: CONTACTUSFORA QUOTETODAY! 409.750.9973 info@immaculatepaint.com HistoricExteriorRestoration CommercialFloorCoating Waterproofing WaterparkMaintenance 2022 | Living Galveston County | 49 F or more than 20 years, Juan Carcano and his team at Immaculate Painting & Construction have served the Houston-Galveston area, providing excellence in commercial floor coating systems, commercial exteri- or restoration and painting, waterproofing and waterpark maintenance. Immaculate has earned a reputation as the leading expert in exterior restoration for historic building proper- ties on the coast. Known for uncovering and bringing land- mark architecture and fea- tures back to life, Immaculate provides modern restoration and sealing solutions to pro- tect historic buildings against the elements for generations. Immaculate’s Flooring are local experts in commercial epoxy floor coating systems. The team can help you find the right system for your floor in a wide range of colors and finishes, including safety-com- pliant coatings and commer- cial applications that are easy to clean and maintain, and are durable and long-lasting. From maintenance polish- ing to complete rehabilita- tions, Immaculate’s Water- park Maintenance Division is focused on keeping your waterpark or water fea- ture looking new and safe for your guests to enjoy. With more than 15 years of experience in small and large-scale waterparks, the division starts by inspecting your equipment and deter- mining the perfect solution. Immaculate provides yearly caulking to address leaks and add life to slides. The professional team of experi- enced waterpark specialists can offer solutions to repair and protect your investment for years to come. The Immaculate team is committed to personalized ser- vice and competitive pricing on your project. Discover more on- line at www.immaculatepaint. com or call 409-750-9973. 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