Tom Brady Trading Card Sells for Record

Loren Wesley Vankirk lives in Watkinsville, Georgia, and serves as the CEO and president of VanKirk Electric, an established company in the electrical construction industry. An avid football enthusiast, Loren Wesley Vankirk is a fan of NFL player Tom Brady.

Known as the greatest NFL football player of all time, Tom Brady plays with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He previously played with the New England Patriots for two decades and has had a lengthy and successful career that includes seven Super Bowl wins.

One of Tom Brady’s autographed rookie cards, and only one of 100 of its kind, sold for a record-setting $1.32 million. The card was purchased by James Parker of Boston on the PWCC Marketplace. Parker stated that he has enjoyed collecting cards since he was a child, and he views this card as a valuable part of sports history. ESPN reported that the previous record was $556,000 for a Patrick Mahomes trading card.

Top Trends in Multi-Family Construction

As the CEO of VanKrk Electric, Loren Wesley Vankirk is the third generation to run the family business based in Winder, Georgia. Loren Wesley Vankirk has expanded the company from its original electrical contracting premise to real estate development.

There are always new trends that influence multifamily property construction. Eco-friendly features, like energy-efficient appliances, gardens, and solar panels, are being incorporated into many apartment complexes as more people are becoming aware of decreasing their carbon footprint to help the environment.

Smart home features, like smart locks and security devices, appear in more multifamily housing units. Renters are increasingly demanding more convenience and security, driving demand for these smart features.

There is also a similar growing demand for formerly luxurious amenities like gyms, swimming pools, and high-speed internet, leading to their presence in many multifamily complexes. Many apartment complexes feature communal facilities like lobbies, laundry rooms, common rooms, and recreational facilities. These facilities help promote relationships between the tenants, helping to provide a sense of community.

With the increase in remote working and freelancing, some apartment complexes make remote work facilities like high-speed internet, video conferencing facilities, and other office accessories part of the facilities available to tenants.

 

Downtown Development Authority - Main Street Program Affiliate

A Winder, Georgia businessman, Loren Wesley Vankirk is the CEO of VanKirk Electric, an electrical construction company that is recognized as a leader in the city. Outside of managing VanKirk Electric, Loren Wesley Vankirk is involved with the planning and redevelopment of historic downtown through the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

The DDA is now an affiliate of the Main Street program. The DDA is an organization that aims is to encourage trade, industry and employment opportunities, and commerce through the revitalization and redevelopment of the city’s Central Business District. Through this affiliation, the DDA hopes to further its mission of developing this vibrant area.

The Main Street Program is a community program that focuses on revitalizing historic streets in Georgia. Main Street programs have become recognized for being integral in areas such as expanding employment opportunities, creating opportunities for investment, increasing tourism, creating public-private partnerships, and above all, leading the state in historic preservation projects. This program represents some of the strongest business districts in Georgia and the southeast.

 

The Tree House - Dedicated to Breaking Cycles of Abuse

Loren Wesley Vankirk heads Vankirk Electric, Inc., headquartered in Winder, Georgia. He brings decades of experience in the electrical contracting industry to the direction of the $50 million firm, which works with clients nationwide and is among the largest electrical contractors in the country servicing apartment complexes. Loren Wesley Vankirk is also committed to the Winder community, and is involved with groups such as The Tree House.

The Tree House reaches out to offer services to families affected by domestic and child abuse. The organization was founded more than 20 years ago, when a number of community leaders dedicated their time to creating a child-friendly place for young people to stay to escape abusive situations in their homes, and one that could provide abuse-prevention strategies to families.

The Tree House offers counseling and life skills education programs designed to break cycles of abuse within families, and to promote an atmosphere of caring and empathy toward children and families in need throughout Barrow County and nearby communities.

Its most recent annual report shows that The Tree House provided close to 2,500 instances of forensic services assistance, close to 1,000 counseling sessions for youth, transportation to hundreds of supervised visitation sessions, and numerous other services.

The work of The Tree House is made possible through the generosity of members of the community participating in the fundraising gala A Night of Hope for Children and other signature events. In 2019, A Night of Hope for Children raised well over $100,000 for the organization.

Characteristics of Garden-style Apartments

Within five years of taking the helm at the family business, VanKirk Electric, Loren Wesley Vankirk increased its revenue ten-fold. Under Loren Wesley Vankirk’s direction, the company has expanded its construction portfolio to include diverse types of multi-unit construction, including student housing, senior living facilities, and multi-family garden-style apartments.

In the property development industry, garden-style apartments refer to a multi-unit complex with the following features:

1. Surrounding greenery - These buildings are usually situated within a setting that contains trees, lawns, flower beds, and other natural elements. These features may be naturally-occurring or manmade.

2. Low density - Garden-style buildings are usually between one and three-stories high. Further, the buildings within the complex tend to be well-spaced. This reduces overall noise from neighbors and results in quieter living environments than comparable mid-rise buildings in urban locations.

3. Amenities - In addition to communal green spaces, many garden-style buildings offer extra amenities for residents and their guests. Some common additions include swimming pools, fitness centers, or sports facilities.

The Problem of Client Cancellations

Loren Wesley Vankirk is the CEO of VanKirk Electric, a company that specializes in multi-family construction and mixed-use projects across the United States. Under Loren Wesley Vankirk’s leadership, the company has grown from its small-town roots to a national presence.

Big or small, electrical contracting businesses will always have to deal with the significant problem of client cancellations. It is a balancing act between maintaining good customer relations and keeping your business protected.

One of the most common ways to reduce cancellations is to introduce an associated fee. Cancellation fees protect you, but they still upset clients even if they are fully aware that the fee will be assessed. If you value a customer’s business more than the fee, you can choose to waive it.

Another way to protect yourself is by requiring a non-refundable deposit. You will find that this strategy is even less popular than the cancellation fees since a lot of customers see it as sketchy to require such fees. Ultimately, you could choose to absorb the cost and try to fill the time with other projects. Whatever your policy is, make sure your clients understand it when entering into a contract.

Maintaining a Network in the Electrical Contracting Industry

CEO and owner or VanKirk Electric, Loren Wesley Vankirk took over the family business in 1994 and successfully increased its revenue from $5 to $50 million in the intervening period. Loren Wesley Vankirk’s strong grasp of marketing and operational strategy has led to the small business earning a national presence.

One of the most important things you have to do as a business leader is knowing your target market. For an electrical contracting business, one of the best opportunities is to reach out to contracting and architectural firms in your area and get to know their leadership teams. Even if they don’t need an electrician at the moment, you can learn about what qualities they value in electrical contractors and potentially learn about other opportunities for business from their network.

Also, do not neglect residential work. Networking with homeowners associations can be an important source of business if you’re willing and able to leverage them correctly. No matter how big or small your company is, make sure you keep up with other electrical contractors both in your area and farther out. Professional organizations and trade events are excellent ways to learn and discover new opportunities.

The Georgia Club Offers Discovery Visits to Prospective Members

While serving as the CEO of VanKirk Electric, Loren Wesley Vankirk has expanded the company and increased the annual revenue to more than $50 million. When he takes time away from his work, Loren Wesley Vankirk enjoys his membership at The Georgia Club golf resort in Statham, Georgia.

A short drive from Athens and Atlanta, The Georgia Club offers a special tour for prospective members and home buyers called a Discovery Visit. During the visit, potential members have the opportunity to experience the resort’s top-rated 27-hole Chancellors Course and tour the resort’s 10 residential neighborhoods.

The Georgia Club offers two options for its Discovery Visits: Dine-and-Play and Stay-and-Play. The Dine-and-Play option includes a private tour of available homes and homesites, lunch in the clubhouse, and an 18-hole round of golf on the Chancellors Course. The Stay-and-Play option invites guests to spend a night in a deluxe clubhouse suite in addition to the 18-hole game and private home tour.

Dos and Don’ts of Visiting Mexico

A third-generation electrical contractor, Loren Wesley Vankirk leads Vankirk Electric as its CEO and owner. When he’s not busy providing general oversight to the company, Loren Wesley Vankirk enjoys traveling around the world. He is particularly fond of visiting Mexico.

Regardless of how many times you’ve been to Mexico, there are always a few things to keep in mind so you don’t run into any trouble during your trip. Following are several dos and don’ts of visiting Mexico:

- Do learn some Spanish. Most people speak some English in resort areas of the country. But that doesn’t mean you’ll never run across someone who only speaks Spanish. To keep communication smooth in these situations, keep a phrase book or translation app handy and learn some basic Spanish phrases.

- Don’t forget restrooms are labeled differently. In the U.S., it’s normal for you to see restroom doors marked with an “M” for men and a “W” for women. This isn’t the same in Mexico, though. Instead, the doors for women are marked with an “M” since the Spanish word for women is mujeres. For men, the door will have either a “C” for caballeros “H” for hombres.

- Do monitor what you eat and drink. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tourists in Mexico should avoid cold, uncooked dishes, such as salads, in favor of cooked, hot meals. This limits your risk of food poisoning and traveler’s diarrhea. Further, only drink water from an unbroken, sealed bottle.

- Don’t lose your immigration card. When you arrive in Mexico, you will likely receive a piece of paper that is stamped by an immigration officer. During your travels in the country, make sure you keep this piece of paper safe so it doesn’t get lost. Immigration officers will usually request this paper as you leave the country, and you may be charged a fine if you don’t have it.

United Way Listed among the World’s Most Innovative Companies

A successful business professional, Loren Wesley Vankirk serves as the CEO of Vankirk Electric, an electrical contracting company that provides electrical installation, lighting design, and home automation services across the United States. Loren Wesley Vankirk is actively involved with various nonprofit organizations, including United Way.

Since 1887, United Way has raised funds to provide education, health care, and career training to improve the quality of lives of those with low-income backgrounds around the world. In February 2019, Fast Company placed United Way in the top five of the world’s most innovative companies in the nonprofit category.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to United Way’s commitment to improving the lives of communities through technology and innovation. In 2018, United Way partnered with technology companies to raise awareness and give people access to health care and social services. That same year, it joined forces with Salesforce to develop Philanthropy Cloud, which gives employees a platform to manage their volunteer works and contribute to causes that reflect their personal experiences and interests.

United Way Announces the Launch of UpPurpose

A third-generation electrical contractor, Georgia resident Loren Wesley Vankirk serves as the CEO of Vankirk Electric, a multi-family housing electrical subcontractor that specializes in lighting design and home automation. Moreover, Loren Wesley Vankirk supports various nonprofit organizations, including United Way.

Established in 1887, United Way provides educational, financial, and health care assistance to communities around the world. On February 20, 2019, United Way launched UpPurpose, a cloud-based technology website that offers a wide range of services, including digital marketing, online advertising, search engine optimization, and websites and content creation.

UpPurpose will be used as a digital platform for corporate partners, foundations, and philanthropists to engage, share their advocacies, and raise donations. A dedicated team of designers, developers, strategists, and writers will work with individuals and groups to create a customized online marketing plan that reflects their core principles. UpPurpose will utilize digital asset management tools to help users organize and publish their content such as blog and social media posts, as well as videos, to multiple channels to reach a wider audience and maximize impact. UpPurpose’s built-in artificial technology generates real-time metrics and insights that can be used to improve the content and online campaigns going forward.

Career Opportunities for Electrical Technicians

As the chief executive of Winder, Georgia's Vankirk Electric, Loren Wesley Vankirk manages a national electrical construction company with extensive experience installing electrical systems in multi-family residential complexes. Loren Wesley Vankirk’s company offers comprehensive services, encompassing communications, lighting, and safety infrastructure.

The number of available jobs for electrical technicians is expected to increase by about 14 percent between 2016 and 2024, according to U.S. Department of Labor data. This double-digit increase reflects a higher rate of job growth than found in many other employment sectors. 

Aspiring electrical technicians can find their niche in a variety of roles. “Inside” electricians handle the maintenance and repair of equipment and electrical systems for one company or factory site, while residential electricians are responsible for building electrical systems in new construction or troubleshooting problems in established buildings. Meanwhile, electrical technicians are needed in the telecommunications industry to lay, install, and repair the cable and systems used to operate phones and computers. Whatever niche they choose, skilled electrical technicians earned a median annual income of around $51,880 in 2015.

United Way and Salesforce.org to Launch Philanthropy Cloud

As the CEO of Vankirk Electric in Winder, Georgia, Loren Wesley Vankirk is responsible for the company’s overall operations, including financing, logistics, marketing, and strategic management. Loren Wesley Vankirk is also actively involved with several nonprofits, including United Way.

Founded in 1887, United Way focuses on providing educational, financial, and health care support to communities around the world. On February 27, 2018, United Way announced its partnership with Saleforce.org to launch Philanthropy Cloud, which will provide a unique platform for corporations, individuals, and nonprofits to connect and continue to drive social good.

With United Way’s network of over 60,000 companies worldwide, Philanthropy Cloud will help managers and employees to streamline their existing philanthropic programs and engage in social volunteerism more efficiently. Philanthropy Cloud will take advantage of Salesforce.org’s Einstein AI technology to manage millions of giving opportunities and find the relevant fundraising campaigns and nonprofit activities that are based on any given employee’s profile, volunteerism history, location, and interests.

A Brief History of Coin Collecting

For more than two decades, Loren Wesley Vankirk has led Vankirk Electric as CEO and owner. Under his supervision, the electrical construction company grew from $5 million in revenue to more than $50 million and expanded its market share to cover more of the continental United States. Outside of his work, Loren Wesley Vankirk maintains an extensive coin collection.

Although coins have existed since about 650 BC, coin collecting is believed to have started during the rule of Caesar Augustus between 27 BC and AD 14. While many people hoarded coins to gain wealth, Augustus is the first known person who collected foreign coins and old coins and gave them to his friends on special occasions. 

Archeologists have also found coins from Roman times in different countries, including Switzerland. Since these groups of coins do not contain two of the same type of coin, they are believed to be early collections. From ancient times through the Renaissance, coin collecting was known as the “hobby of kings” and was primarily enjoyed by nobility in Europe. 

By the 17th century, coin collecting had become more academic, and numismatics was elevated to a science. In the 1800s, multiple coin organizations, including the American Numismatic Society, were founded, and handbooks were published for collectors. In the 20th century, coin shows and conventions began as the general public became increasingly interested and involved in coin collecting.

The Basics of Wiring for Phones

For more than 40 years, Loren Wesley Vankirk has been working as an electrical contractor. He holds or is qualified for electrical licenses in nearly two dozen states. He possesses extensive experience with electrical systems including lighting, wiring, fire alarms, phones, and other low-voltage systems. Loren Wesley Vankirk leverages this knowledge to lead Vankirk Electric as CEO and owner.

Most phone wiring in residential homes consists of red, green, black, and yellow wires. These four wires are split into two pairs, one combines the red and green wire, and the other combines the yellow and black wire. The pairs are twisted around one another to prevent them from interfering with the other pair in any way. Each of these wires is also very thin, thus ensuring that they stand out from regular, thick electrical wires. 

When a phone line is placed into a building, only one pair of wires is needed. In most cases, the red and green wires are used for the phone line. Once the line is set up, the yellow and black wires remain unused. While this may seem pointless, having the second pair of wires keeps homeowners from having to rewire the entire home to accommodate a fax machine or other phone-related device.

In recent years, the popularity of modems, answering machines, and other phone-related devices has increased the need for six phone line wires in homes. This grants homeowners the ability to set-up one phone line and two additional devices, if necessary. The number of phone lines in a building is also higher in multi-home buildings or commercial buildings. In these cases, a property owner may have eight colored wires or more installed.

Chichen Itza - A Popular Tourist Destination in Mexico

Loren Wesley Vankirk, a longtime electrical contractor, leads Vankirk Electric as CEO. In this capacity, he leverages more than 40 years of experience in the field to oversee daily operations of the electrical construction company and handle its financing, marketing, and strategy. An avid traveler, Loren Wesley Vankirk has seen numerous places in Europe and is fond of visiting Mexico.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico is Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula. A huge Mayan city, Chichen Itza was built around 400 AD and had grown into a center of Mayan economic and political activity just 200 years later. 

The city was comprised of various types of stone structures, including commercial and residential buildings. These buildings covered close to two square miles. Along the outskirts of the city, there were smaller homes that made up suburban-esque areas. However, some of the most notable structures in the city were the pyramid, El Castillo; a large cenote (sacred spring); and the astronomical observatory, El Caracol. These structures were testament to the Mayan’s advanced civilization.

Over the next several centuries, Chichen Itza was abandoned a few times by the Itzas, a Maya group, before being conquered by the Toltecs. The influence of the Toltecs was strong and pushed Chichen Itza into becoming a religious and trade center. These conquerors also introduced the practice of human sacrifice to the Itzas.

When the Mayan civilization fell into decline in the late 1400s and early 1500s, the city became entirely abandoned. It remained lost until a New York lawyer rediscovered it in 1842. Since then, Chichen Itza has undergone significant restorations by the Mexican government and Carnegie Institute, and has become a popular tourist destination.

Historic Winder, Georgia Building Renovated by the Vankirks

As the CEO of Vankirk Electric, Loren Wesley Vankirk guides a Winder, Georgia company that has consistently expanded its market share over the past 25 years. A longtime Downtown Development Authorities member, Loren Wesley Vankirk has informed redevelopment and planning activities in Winder, including direct involvement in projects in the city's historical district.

One of the historical buildings of the area is the Easy Pay Tire Store, which was purchased in the late 1940s by Larry and Dorothy Jones, who also operated a furniture store on North Broad Street until 2011. 

As reported in the Barrow Journal in 2015, the Easy Pay building was subsequently purchased by longtime area residents Wes and Karen Vankirk. While it was described as being “rundown” when it was acquired, the beauty of the historical structure was such that the decision to renovate it by the couple was nearly immediate. The successful transformation of the site is part of a larger trend of preserving the civic character of a small-town community situated within the Atlanta metropolitan area.

Losing My Virginity - Entrepreneur Richard Branson's Large Life

Loren Wesley Vankirk is a respected presence in the Winder, Georgia community who guides Vankirk Electric and provides contracting services across the nation. With a passion for business strategy, Loren Wesley Vankirk considers Richard Branson's first book, Losing My Virginity, as one of his favorite reads.

Originally published in 1998, the book details the dynamic, work-centered, and risk-taking approach that brought Branson to the pinnacle of achievement. His innovative model drew from his accomplishments in creating global companies with limited bureaucracy and management hierarchy and no central headquarters. This allowed him to successfully take on British Airways and the business establishment, both in the air and in the courts. 

Along the way, Branson also had larger-than-life adventures, such as surviving a hot-air balloon crash in the Sahara Desert while en route to completing a pioneering circuit around the world. He also signed some of rock’s most noteworthy acts, from the Rolling Stones to Janet Jackson, and staged a rescue flight into Iraq before the Gulf War began. 

Richard Branson recently authored the follow-up book Finding My Virginity, which provides insight from the entrepreneur’s past 20 years. Its 2017 publication was timed to coincide with his 50th year as an entrepreneur.

Boys and Girls Club of Winder-Barrow Welcomes Children at New Center

A business owner and third-generation electrical contractor, Loren Wesley Vankirk serves as the CEO of Vankirk Electric, Inc., a comprehensive multi-family electrical service company. In addition to leading a national company, Loren Wesley Vankirk prioritizes giving back to the community by supporting nonprofit organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of Winder-Barrow County in Georgia.

A youth development program for boys and girls aged 6-18, Boys & Girls Club of Winder-Barrow recently got a new home in the Wimberly Center for Community Development along with several other nonprofit organizations. The new 20,000-square-foot community center is at the former site of Winder-Barrow High School on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

One of the services this Boys & Girls Club chapter provides at the Wimberly Center is “Making Minutes Count for Success,” an after-school and summer camp program for children in 1st through 5th grades. The free program emphasizes leadership development, recreation, and homework assistance. It can accommodate 100 students from County Line, Holsenbeck, Kennedy, Statham, and Winder Elementary schools, and transportation is provided from certain pick-up locations.

When to Rewire a Building

A third-generation electrical contractor, Loren Wesley Vankirk holds or qualifies for an electrical license in more than a dozen states, including Georgia, Oklahoma, and California. The owner and CEO of Vankirk Electric, Loren Wesley Vankirk oversees a company that undertakes projects ranging from building renovations to wiring and lighting services.

Many homeowners struggle with determining whether rewiring is necessary. One of the easiest ways to tell involves checking the age of the current wiring system. In the past, people had fewer appliances and electronics, meaning they could get by with less power in their home; today, however, with the prevalence of electronic devices, older homes need better wiring and more electricity to ensure the circuit breaker isn’t constantly blown. For this reason, it’s often recommended that homes are rewired every 25 years, or when the home is more than 40 years old.

Furthermore, specific types of wiring require upgrades. Aluminum wires are no longer used in homes as they are prone to problems. Compared to copper wires, which are used in many modern homes, aluminum wires become defective faster. This leads to poor connections over time, thus causing the wires to overheat and catch fire. These wires may also void certain insurance policies.

Finally, homeowners who experience a series of issues with their electrical system need to rewire their building. Problems like flickering lights, burning smells, and excessive use of extension or power cords signify that an electrical system needs updating.