Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 August 1997 — Page 25

CLASSIFIED ■ REAL ESTATE

D SECTION

SATURDAY, AUGUST 0,1907

BUSINESS

‘Les Jam’ with new DJ service

Lm Hines, owner of Les Jam Productions, provides professional Disc Jockey services at competitive prices.

By BARATO BRITT Business Editor Les Hines, an Elkhart Indiana native, probably has more friends than most people in Indianapolis. Whenever he’s on the job, he’s having so much fim his customers can’t help but respond. And that response is paying dividends. “I could be working and look up and see people’s facial expressions and know I’m doing that. I like when they come up to me afterwards and say, ‘You were jammin!,”’ Hines said. Only the best Disc Jockeys have the ability to keep a college party alive, a birthday bash comfortable and a country line dance in step. Just ask Hines, who’s even gone to the backwoods of Bloomington to a party where the crowd was roasting a pig and dancing to artists

like Garth Brooks. In that particular situation, all he could do was spin the records and hope they remembered the pig was the main course, not him. It may not have been his cup of tea, but to meet the customers demands, he would do it again, and probably make friends in the meanwhile. The owner of Les Jam Production, a new Disc Jockey service based on the city’s Northwest side, Hines doesn’t have to look for the big events, they look for him. “I’ve done some patties in weird places,” said Hines. “But because of it, I can walk up to anyone on the street and talk to them and find something in common with them. Now, I can cater to any market.” Since his days at Indiana University, Hines has provided party go-ers with the sounds they request. His talent to read a crowd

actually came from the DJ profession, which was originally a hobby to make a few bucks to eat off of during those college years. For Hines, the business is merely in the numbers and transport, the music is the fun part. “When I’m doing a function, people are not paying me for the music,” he said. “I love the music, the hard part is toting the equipment around.” Currently equipped with a solid staff of Disc Jockey specialists, Les Jam provides customers with hours of their favorite music, from hip hop to hard rock, and a professional atmosphere. Professionalism, according to Hines, is the backbone of his business’ existence. “Professionalism is what gets the calls back. A DJ that is professional is one that can rock a hip hop party, handle a wedding reception

rr

and a church function. He's an all around entertainer,” said Hines. DJ Murphy Numark, one of the DJ's in the Les Jam family, believes that the market itself is becoming more professional and therefore, today’s DJ must meet the changes. “The mobile DJ market is frequently changing," said Numark, a disc jockey for 12 years. “Before, you could just call a buddy to DJ for you, now you can look in the phone book for professional services. Now, DJ’s have to put different packages together and I think the community understands that.” The wedding receptions are both the most profitable and tedious of Hines’ services. The DJ, as he pointed out, handles most of that event’s specifics with entertainment, from the dinner music to announcing all participating parties. In fact, the dance portion of the reception consumes the least amount of time. For Les Productions DJ’s, giving wedding parties the fullest for their wedding experience is just as memorable to the party as the wedding photos. “You may have a DJ that can scratch and mix but not know all the duties involved in a wedding,” said Hines, who has conducted more than SO receptions last year alone. “We set out an entire agenda prior to the receptions. If done right, everything in the wedding is coordinated around the DJ. Once I explain the serv ices, people don’t bicker about the price.” Like Ace Entertainment and Sunny Moon, two of the larger disc jockey services in the state, Les Jam has established a large following because of his services. More than 30 percent of Hines’

customers come from referrals. But, unlike the afore mentioned businesses, Les Jam’s prices are flexible for those who are financially

strapped.

“When African Americans get married, they’re on a strict budget,” he said. “I even find myself doing a lot of church basements. That's how I give back to the community; by giving professional services at a good price.” Janice Mays.of Lady J’s Bridal and Florals, is one of the many people that have seen Les Jam professionalism at work. And, being happy with her investment, she has referred Hines and company on several occasions. “We have used him fordifferent services and have been pleased every time,” she admits. “And every time we’ve referred him, the businesses have been pleased.” While Hines encourages minority patronage, plans are in motion to increase diversity on staff. Like many African-American businesses, he chooses to use reputation first when gaining customers. In the Disc Jockey profession, that’s the only way to get customers, according to Hines. “I would like to expand my service to about 15 DJ’s,” he said. “That way, I can cover all the markets (demographically) and not just in Indianapolis. I require my people to learn all the dancing steps too, from the Chicken Step to the Macarena.” Quality music and quality service, Hines and Les Jam Productions mixes and matches the music with a professional feel. And, for all interested wedding hopefuls, Hines adds that there is a surprise with the service. For additional information, call 291-JAMM

(5266.)

m

Leslie D. Reed

Stacee L. Walton Alex Coleman

On the Business Scene

Gov. Frank O’Bannon has reappointed Leslie D. Reed to a four year term as a director on the Board of the Indiana Development Finance Authority. This appointment is effective through July 2001. Reed, an investment officer with Robert W. Baird and Co.’s Indianapolis office since 1990, is also active in the community, also being the director for the Indianapolis Urban League and a former director of the Indiana Bond Bank. Stacee L. Walton, a family and marriage therapist, has joined Midwest Psychological Center, Inc. as part of its home based counseling services. Walton holds a master’s degree

from the University of Illinois in counseling and has varied work experience in residential services with abused and neglected children and adults. Alex Coleman, most recently director of business and product management for online services at GTE, has been named vice president-general manager of GTE’s Internet business unit, reporting to Terri Compton, vice president-business development. In his new position, Coleman will be responsible for GTE’s on-line business initiatives, including the development and marketing of GTE Internet Solutions (http://www.gte.net), the company’s nationwide Internet access service.

State touts export growth

By ASHLEY H. GRANT Associateo Press Success stories like that of Diamond Chain Co. prove the North American Free Trade Agreement has worked, according to Thomas McLarty, an adviser to President Clinton. “Americans can clearly compete and succeed in a global economy,’ ’ McLarty said last week during the Indiana International: Network ’97 conference. Indiana has broken state records for exports, boasting $3.2 billion in sales during the fust quarter of 1997, state officials announced during the confer-

ence.

“Indiana is... the most manufacturing-intensive state in the nation,” said David Perlini, executive director of the Indiana Department of Commerce. “We may be small in physical size, but we make up for it.” Diamond Chain, for instance, has increased its exports significantly over the last seven years, said company spokesman Gene Addington. The company opened in 1890 as a manufacturer of roller chains for bicycles. Today, it employs about 700 and makes more than 1 billion chain parts each year for various types of equipment such as the combines used on farms, Addington said. Of those employees, about 90 are directly linked to exports. “We export to about 45 countries,” he said. “You’ve got to want to compete in the international market.” The Indianapolis-based company received the “E Star” award, presented by McLarty on behalf of President Clinton. Diamond Chain is only the third Indiana com-

pany ever to receive the award since its inception in 1961. So far this year, seven companies have received the nation’s highest award for U.S. manufacturers that recognizes companies that contribute superior performance in increasing and promoting U.S. exports. “Diamond Chain has more than doubled their exports in the last three years,” McLarty said. “Plans call now for one-fourth of their total business to (soon) be related to exports.” It is one of the businesses that has helped boost Indiana to the fastest growing export state in the region. Over the last two years, Indiana has seen a 15 percent growth in exports. During that same time, here’s how the commerce department says surrounding states fared: Michigan, 1 percent; Ohio 7.5 percent, Illinois, 10.5 percent; Kentucky, 14 percent, officials said. “Open and fair trade is good for the United States and good for our citizens,” McLarty said. “It has given us choices at lower costs.” Transportation equipment was the biggest winner for the quarter in Indiana, with sales of nearly $ 1 billion. The industrial machinery, computer equipment industry and the chemical industry each brought in more than $500,000. Canada received the most Hoosier exports during the quarter - $1.5 billion worth, followed by Japan, United Kingdom, Germany and Mexico. Exports totaled nearly $12 billion in 1996, commerce department trade director Carlos Barbera said. “It’s the businesses that make this happen,” Barbera said. “We are seeing such growth because our businesses are taking advantage of market opportunities that never existed before.”

Fort Wayne Blacks more likely to be rejected

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) _ A newspaper’s analysis shows Blacks in the Fort Wayne area are twice as likely as whites to be rejected for a home improvement loan. The number jumps to three times as likely to be rejected for refinancing. The News-Sentinel of Fort Wayne reported last week. Four in 10 Blacks who applied for home improvement loans were denied during 1995 in the Fort Wayne Metropolitan Statistical Area. For whites, two in 10 were denied, the newspaper said. The newspaper cited 1995 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act records, the latest available, for the Fort Wayne MSA, which includes Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Wells and Whitley counties. Nearly three in 10 Blacks were denied refinancing, compared with one in 10 whites, the analysis showed.

Nationally, Blacks were about twice as likely as whites to be denied refinancing and home improvement loans. The records showed 288 Blacks in the MSA applied to refinance their homes in 1995, and 81 were denied, for a denial rate of 28.1 percent. Whites were denied 9.8 percent of the time, or 344 times out of 3,521 applications. The 1995 Fort Wayne MSA rates compared with 1994 data that showed about 20 percent of Black applicants were denied refinancing compared with 7.5 percent for whites. Forborne improvement loans, 31.5 percent of Black applicants were denied in 1994, compared with 14.1 percent of whites. Lenders, however, said they were colorblind when considering loan applications, not only because it’s the law but because it’s good business. They said loan applicants were rejected because they were not credit-worthy.

“We don’t lend based on race,” said Trois Eaton, assistant vice president at NBD Bank. “Other banks don’t do that either.” Lenders also said they were encouraging more borrowing by minorities and residents of low-income neighborhoods. Robin and Leslie Porter are concerned they’ll have a tough time getting money for fix-ups as it was to get a mortgage. The Porters rented their home for two years before deciding to buy it in September. They each had steady, full-time jobs, but both had spotty credit histories including five-year-old bankruptcies. They ended up borrowing $49,000 over 30 years from an out-of-town lender. “We realize (banks) are not supposed to discriminate,” Robin Porter said. “But Blacks get a harder road."

n

YOUR REM ESTATE ADVISOR By MILDRED WHIMS

I’m a single woman— Where do I start? Taking the time to consider your reasons for wanting to buy is perhaps the most important consideration. Are you looking for a tax break and the financial stability that home offers? Have you realistically considered ALL the factors: yard maintenance , actual upkeep of the home, need for MANY, MANY things you don’t presently own (like a lawnmower). Do you want a permanent home? (Not forever mind you but we don’t need to sell this next year.) These and many more questions you should ask yourself. Once you know you want to buy then consider the financial aspect. What will it cost you to purchase a home? At this point selecting a reator to work with is a qood idea. You need a realtor who relates well to you, your specific situation, your financial position as well as someone very informed about the various programs available for single or first-time home buyers. Getting a strong recommendation on the person who will be guiding you through the home ownership maze is VERY IMPORTANT. I recommend meeting with your potential realtor before you decide. He/she will, in fact, be your Realtor. A meeting to discuss our needs, your situation, how can they help. I would advise against an agent who immediately wants to drive you around to look at stuff or tells you to call them if you find something to look at. You need more than that from your Realtor. They may havre done this many times but you haven’t. Meeting with a loan officer to get pre-qualified is a necessity. Again, you need to select based on recommendations. Some are very sensitive to the needs of single home buyers and really want to pursue that segment of the market and offer the programs to help you with trained personnel to explain so you understand and walk with you all the way. This is not true of every bank in town. If you’ve already selected a realtor, then ask your realtor for their recommendations. If you haven’t chosen a Realtor then I recommend you call one of the following: Frank Pace, MNC Mortgage, 469-4220 Trevor Meeks-Chambliss, Inland Mortgage Co, 2555121 Charlie Overton, Banc One,889-

5150

Each of them is thoroughly familiar with IHFA (Bond money) INHP and any other programs that might work for you. They and their entire staff are prepared to answer your questions so you know what’s needed and then move you through the process without excess diffi-

culty.

You, your Realtor and your banker become a team The goal is to get the home you want with terms that are comfortable, in the area you want, with the funds avail-

able.

So, select your team players carefully. You need to locate all the items you need for loan application and cooperate with your banker while expecting the realtor and banker to work within the guidelines you provide to them. I can’t make specific recommendations without knowing you and your specific situation. Two general recommendations: Get preapproved before you look for a home when possible. It accomplishes two tilings; you and your agent are certain of the exact amount of mortgage you can qualifylbrand you’vegone through 8m REAL ESTATE, Phqd D2

If