The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 1, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 February 1988 — Page 34

PROGRESS EDITION —Wed., February 17,1988

g You’ve always trusted g ft Better Homes and Gardens* H || to help improve your home. | 8 You can trust LUCAS H M us to sell it, too. REAUORSs w | 834-2812 WfeJ g as NORTH WEBSTER \ ( M y „ - I — l ft I M _l 11l ilfi >k : : 11k ' <mhK JrW HI > atj flk s«j Ww Ml 111 I H >ik K*— Bi I ~, H HHHHiEHHHMHHMHHIMBBku' K; From Left To Right: Lee Dallas, Debra Singrey, || | K i Dick Vickmason, Donna Hinsdale, Shelley gj Baker. Not pictured Kate Doty. || fu| NOTE: We’re Now AT Camelot Square fx| Downtown North Webster AT The Stoplight... £x| ?k? See You There! H I LUCAS Better ft || REALTORS® I TWHSR2£§» ||

OUTSTANDING VALUE!

f t „ g. i - I 1 : __

THE LOCAL CRAFTSMAN CUSTOM CABINETRY Jflk 457-5187 S. Main Next To Dana SYRACUSE » Weekdays By Appointment

W| e specialize in custom designed, hand built cabinetry and furniture, as well as economical cabinet resurfacing.

Lucas Realtors give personalized service

Lucas Realtors, Inc./Better Homes and Gardens has been serving Kosciusko County since 1974, with a branch office in North Webster becoming popular for its personalized service since its inception in 1976. Located on Camelot Square, at the palace, the North Webster office serves Webster, Tippecanoe, Ridinger, and the Barbee Chain lakes, as well as surrounding communities. The Lucas associates take pride in their knowledge of the area, going “above and beyond” the call of duty to satisfy buyers and sellers alike. “Several of our staff members have done extraordinary acts that aren’t part of most realtor offices,” says managing broker Debbie Singrey, referring to the help given customers and the familiarity they align themselves with. “We can even tell a customer where the good fishing spots are if they want to know,” she adds. Such commitment has helped the broker and her staff of five to triple its sales volume over the past two years. Staff members are also very interested in continuing their education, with several of them attempting to obtain certified residential specialist degrees — all as a part of improving service. “We keep abreast of economic changes continually, and how we can best help people with that knowledge,” Singrey says, noting that tax and financial seminars are common itinerary for Lucas Realty staff members.

The Local Craftsman takes pride in workmanship

The Local Craftsman, owned and operated by Courtney Blue of Syracuse, has established a reputation of high quality woodworking and great customer service. Custom-made kitchen cabinetry, countertops; living room, family room, bath and bedroom cabinetry and furniture, are all available. Blue takes pride in his company’s workmanship, and he has design ideas for all types of decor. Although The Local Craftsman builds furniture to each customers liking, Blue believes he can beat high prices -found at furniture stores by selling directly to the customer. As an affordable alternative to new kitchen and bath cabinetry, The Local Craftsman has developed its own method of cabinet resurfacing. Though other companies offer a similar service, Blue says the advantages of the Local Craftsman are: (1) One day installation. (2) All parts are prefinished - no stain, finishing mess, or fumes in the home. (3) Solid oak facings, not veneers, are used to cover all exposed cabinet fronts.

Ability to diversify has made Sellers Mfg. a success

For Sellers Mfg., the key to success has not been diversification; rather, it has been the ability to diversify. Many companies go into business with several different lines of goods, which add to that company’s stability. For Sellers, diversification was not a choice; it was survival. Howard Sellers founded the company in Syracuse on May 10, 1962, as a RV trailer frame manufacturer. Sellers said, “Over the years, we became the largest RV frame manufacturer in the country. At one time, we had nine plants located throughout the US.” The rise of petroleum and the increase of RV manufacturers constructing their own frames led to the scaling back of plants; all but one in Milford and one in Syracuse were closed. “As a result,” Sellers said, “we have needed to find new products and businesses to serve. We’ve attempted many things, and we’ve proven we can survive.” Through the years, Sellers Mfg. has evolved into a four-product operation. The company still serves the RV industry by producing RV frames and by working with vacuum forming plastic. The latter is a process for making sides of various vehicles. “We have a machine.” said Sellers, “that is large

k will |mL/ >

The company has also become computerized, allowing realtors to service both buyer and seller quicker, while the Better Homes and Gardens Home Marketing and Referral system is effectively used. The Home Marketing system gives customers the highest quality real estate service available. Designed with high ideals, Lucas Realtors continues to thrive because its associates share the goal of professional service.

Using this system, The Local Craftsman can transform most any kitchen into one that looks and feels brand new. And, with financing available, a new looking kitchen can easily be made affordable. Blue encourages customers to call for a free estimate and/or appointment to see how they can purchase a new kitchen for less money. Blue will also take customers throughout the Syracuse area to show them examples of The Local Craftsman’s work. Bbße

enough to do the entire sidewall tor vans and mini-vans.” Sellers’ company also makes plastic parts for the agricultural industry, and has a truck and equipment division. The truck and equipment division remodifies vehicles by cut ing them in two, and then making them longer. Soon, Sellers will begin installing quality turbochargers, and underdrive or overdrive transmissions for owners of trucks and RVs who desire higher performance from their equipment. Sallpfs is planning tn expand to a new fifth product this year, which he says will, “...be the best thing to happen to us and the industry.” Although the product is still under development, more information will be available this spring. Sellers Mfg. is a capital intensive business. “We manufacture large products that take up a lot of space. We only have approximately 50 employees between all four operations,” Sellers said. Sellers believes his business has been good for the local community over the past quarter century. Though be does not manufacture retail merchandise, Sellers is very supportive of Milford and Syracuse, and feels people should know who is providing jobs in the area.