Tag Archives: CLT

WIMS Client Spotlight: List Confidently

Licensed and operated in North Carolina, List Confidently is a residential and commercial real estate flat-fee listing service. Our team has done business in the real estate brokerage industry since 2016, and the List Confidently experts are experienced in countless real estate facets. We understand the processes and expenses that accompany real estate investing. As a tight-knit team, we dedicate ourselves to helping customers save thousands of dollars when selling their homes and business properties.

Our services allow customers who would otherwise advertise their properties unaccompanied as For Sale By Owner (FSBO) to list on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), an invaluable resource typically available to buyer agents only. By listing a property on the MLS, it is exposed to a considerable number of buyer agents and syndicated through the most influential websites, including Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, and more. Not only that, but customers ultimately save commission and other fees by bypassing a full-time realtor.

With List Confidently, customers do not pay any fees upfront. And, in turn, we value their business more than any other flat-fee listing service in the industry. We do not bind customers to any agreement, allowing them to cancel anytime if necessary. List Confidently is a proud member of the National Realtors Association and the Canopy MLS.

WIMS Consulting Client/Portfolio Company Spotlight: Direct Power Pros Solar

Direct Power Pros Solar was recently formed by professionals from within and outside the solar industry. The team has extensive experience with both the positive and the negative aspects of the energy, so they set out to create a much better organization from the ground up. While the company is based in Charlotte, NC, the team is spread across the US and can serve most of the US already.

Not only did they create the best work environment and conditions for their sales and install professionals (which in turn creates the best product for their customers), but they’re also creating an entire community as well. For example, the referral partner program that is launching is going to help generate substantial income and revenue for those involved.

While it may still seem a bit futuristic or cost prohibitive, according to the US Department of Energy, “Solar energy can help to reduce the cost of electricity, contribute to a resilient electrical grid, create jobs and spur economic growth, generate back-up power for nighttime and outages when paired with storage, and operate at similar efficiency on both small and large scales.”

There are so many incentives available right now to encourage more widespread adoption of solar energy that it makes this decision much more compelling. These incentives also reduce the downside risk and increase the upside. If you’re interested in taking a deep dive into the basics of solar energy, you can check out this guide also from the DOE, Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

The team at Direct Power Pros realized a great opportunity to create an environment in which installment and sales professionals are supported and held to the highest ethical standard. They strive to put the best solar systems together for their clients and ensure the process is smooth from start to finish.

They believe in a core set of principles:

That solar is the wave of the future and with a strong sales and install team, can assist in educating the public and providing a platform to create savings for their customers and enhance the adoption of renewable energy.
That trust and integrity are the only things they truly have and control in this world. They know that once their word is broken, it cannot be undone.
There are many options for going solar, some good and some bad. It is their job to help their customers navigate them and do what is best for them. At times, this may come at the expense of making a sale.
They pride themselves on educating people first and not pressuring them into a sale.
They use only the best installers and the best materials. They do not cut corners in the installation process and will ensure your project is completed in a timely and professional manner. They will be by your side throughout until your system is turned on and generating power.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of solar power, reviewing potential financial incentives within your area, becoming a referral partner, or setting up a consultation, visit https://www.directpowerpros.com/.

WIMS Client Spotlight: Let It Ride

Let It Ride is a new DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) app and website launching soon that was created behind the efforts of former Panthers receiver and North Carolina native Brenton Bersin. It is soon to hit the app store.

Let It Ride is an easy to use sports gaming platform for everyone. The platform focuses on the most exciting sports games: including player prop parlays, along with other picking pool competitions. With a competitive spirit, gamers can compete against the house or other users.

Their main game is Let It Ride, where users (you) pick from multiple player prop over/unders in an effort to get 3 correct, 5 correct, or 7 correct. If you choose any incorrectly, you lose your wager. If you get them all correct, you win. If you correctly pick 3, you have the option to cash out and end your ride, or let it ride in an effort to get 2 more correct to get to a parlay of 5. You then have the option again to cash out and end your ride at 5, or try and get to 7 correct. The longer the ride, the higher the payout.

Other games include:

DA$H is LIR’s spin on a lottery type game. DA$H is a pool type game where the the 1st user to get 20 picks in a row correct without getting one wrong, wins the jackpot.
OUTLA$T is our spin on a survivor pool. Located within the LIR app. Users will join pools of all different sizes and parameters. Competing head-to-head against other users. Each pool offers different styles and reward.
PUR$E is LIR’s golf focused game. Choose by pool size or entry fee amount. In all pools, the user picks 10 golfers to make their lineup. Unlike other DFS apps, there is no salary cap, so the user can choose whoever they want. If they want the 10 best golfers in the tournament by World Ranking, they can pick them. This makes this game easy for all people to play.

Visit their website https://www.letitride.app/ to subscribe to to the wait list to receive early offers and follow the journey from the ground up. They are also launching a funding round shortly to continue growing and scaling, more details to come, send an email here if you’re interested in learning more about it, or you can visit this link as well.

They are also seeking early adopters to act as affiliates who will receive commission and other income opportunities. If you are interested in applying, click here.

WIMS Client Spotlight: The Christmas Team

The Christmas Team and their decorating elves are a commercial and residential Christmas light installation company. Voted “The Charlotte’s Premier Holiday Light Installation Company” by The Charlotte Business Group.

They pride themselves on impeccable customer service, custom-tailored design suited perfectly for your building, and their decorating elves. They do not only provide a luxury festive service; they create a Disney-like experience that your family and community will absolutely love!

Their offerings include lighting for commercial properties, residential properties, Christmas light shows, weddings, and event lighting.

Their all-inclusive service provides:

Lights – LED, Energy-Efficient, 5x Brighter than retail, Commercial grade lights.
Design Consultations – Custom Suited for your home or building.
Installation – Goodbye to long hours of unboxing, detangling, or setting up.
Removal – Bringing down and putting away will be a thing of the past.
Service-Calls – Keep your building fully lit all season long.
Storage Year-Round – No heavy lifting, untangling, or finding places to store.
Real Elves – Only company in the world that provides uniformed decorating elves.

They take the risk and hassle out of decorating for the season so you don’t have to worry about a thing during the hustle and bustle of the holidays! Visit their website http://thechristmasteam.com/ to check prices and book now!

The Christmas Team was started by Tim Guercio, who was named one of Charlotte’s “Top 30 Under 30 Future Leaders of Charlotte” by Elevate Lifestyle. He also is the CEO of Turf Pros Solutions Charlotte and Leads Digital Marketing.

WIMS Client Spotlight: Amodernary Furniture Designs

Amodernary Furniture Designs is an interior design showroom located in the heart of South End Charlotte, North Carolina. They focus on custom built, one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture that bring any space to life. Their unique pieces are tailored to specific needs will leave anyone in awe.

Amodernary Furniture Design is also your local resource for interior design and elegant home décor. Their professional interior designers will help you select color themes, stylish furnishings, and accessories for any room in your home or office. They also have a showroom where you can browse their furniture selection (the vibe is incredible)!

Whether you want to transform your whole house or just one room, make sure you have a professional interior designer by your side. The interior designers at Amodernary Furniture Design have the skills and experience necessary to style your space with trendy appliances, home décor accessories, and furnishings.

The selection and design services focus on the following areas of your home/office space:

Great Room
Dining Room
Bedroom
Office
Lighting
Art
Décor
Outdoor

BRING STYLE TO YOUR HOME WITH AMODERNARY FURNITURE DESIGN

Visit their website at https://www.amodernary.com/ or call 704-390-0984 to schedule interior design consulting services from Amodernary Furniture Design – or stop by their showroom today. They have financing options, seasonal sales, and more to help bring your interior designing dreams to reality.

WIMS Client Spotlight: Charlotte Phoenix eSports

The Charlotte Phoenix are a professional eSports organization dedicated to enhancing the Charlotte eSports scene. Founded in 2019, the Phoenix have competed in several different video games and pro leagues. As a part of the CLT Esports family, the Phoenix value their surrounding Charlotte communities and support all efforts rewarding passions in eSports, gaming, art, and technology. Whether streaming games online or holding in-person LAN events in the Queen City, the Charlotte Phoenix are hyped to entertain their fans and fellow gamers.

They have teams for the following games:

World of Warcraft
VALORANT
Rocket League
Call of Duty (Challenger Teams)
League of Legends (Challenger Teams)

After rising #FromTheAshes with a brand-new look in 2019, the Charlotte Phoenix have spread their wings into more games in 2020, starting with VALORANT.

Visit the website and stay tuned to their social channels for merchandise deals, news on upcoming events, and exciting announcements throughout the rest of the year! If you’re interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities make sure to reach out as well as it’s a truly unique time and opportunity as their audience and influence is growing rapidly.

Get Ready. Stay Ready.

The more appropriate saying is, “STAY ready so you don’t have to GET ready.” Alas, I unfortunately wasn’t following these guidelines. Not too make excuses, but between baby #2, the holidays, and then just plain life I got out of shape and way off the rails. Don’t get me wrong, plenty of things still went really well during this time, but despite that I began to slack in two really important areas: health and finances. Worse yet, I know better than to fall into this downward spiral.

At the beginning of the CoVid-19 situation and quarantine this continued for a week or two (in fact it became even easier with the gym closing and more time at home, etc.). I had known for a while some sort of market correction was on the horizon, knew I should be incredibly prepared for it, yet I STILL didn’t do nearly enough.

Finally I realized I had to wake up and snap out of it! Just because I wasn’t where I should be, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do everything in your power to start and get there. Better late than never, right?

This epiphany was a few weeks ago now, as I just finished Day 25 of a program called 75 Hard. 75 Hard is a program created by a game named Andy Frisella, the CEO of a supplement company called 1st Phorm. The criteria list is below. It’s part fitness challenge, but it is equally a mental challenge as well which is what was just as alluring.

As my companies WIMS Consulting, EolianVR, and ARRE (Augmented Reality Real Estate) all continue to grow and scale at a pretty rapid pace I have no choice but to continue leveling up. If I’m not practicing what I preach and leading by example then I shouldn’t expect many to follow. That very much includes health and finances, but also just the mental toughness and focus required as well (pretty obvious, right?)

I’m 1/3 of the way there, 2/3 to go! Here are the rules:

Work out two times a day for 45 minutes minimum. However, one of them has to be outside regardless of the conditions (I’ve had several late night workouts in the rain already and they were actually glorious).
NO booze.
Follow a diet – Mine is essentially based on NO dessert/sweets and intermittent fasting for at least 4 days of the week.
Drink a gallon of water a day.
Read at least 10 pages of a physical book (no audio books allowed).
Take a progress picture each day (luckily those are starting to get better now haha).

So far I’m already down about 15 lbs (I still have about another 15 to go). I’ve crushed 2 books – Zero to One by Peter Thiel and Bold by Peter Diamandis. Next up is finishing Blitzscaling by Reid Hoffman. That being said, there is still a long way to go. There is even more reason to ratchet up as in the next 1/3 as I hit my 34th birthday in about 4 weeks and I want to hit that milestone with serious momentum.

The hard part is getting back on track, the “getting ready.” Hopefully after this time around will make sure to stay ready across the board for whatever comes next.

What are you doing during this time to stay on top of your game and get better? Or are you just using this time to relax and reflect? Either way that is a deeply personal choice but I’d love to hear.

WIMS Client Spotlight: Close Off Market

Close Off Market, Inc. and its team have been working tirelessly to solve a major problem facing the real estate community: tighter margins caused by slowly moving deals and antiquated business practices. Close Off Market has created a unique technology platform that offers subscription-based access to off market commercial real estate deals in an efficient and user-tailored manner. The platform leverages pre-existing technology (such as e-signature, CRM, ecommerce, etc.) and then adds its own proprietary algorithm on top to bring it all together. The business is built off the hypothesis that further enabling technology to add another layer of efficiency will help streamline the entire sales cycle and will make a tremendous impact on users businesses.

If you’re in the commercial real estate industry, you know how important getting access to the best possible deals at the best possible time can be to help increase the ROI on a potential transaction. Whether you’re a developer, investor, property manager, or otherwise having access to the best information, operating an efficient business, maintaining great relationships, and making timely decisions can make or break your organization.

Close Off Market has completely systematized the process to streamline the entire cycle and present its users with off market deals that are fully customized to their specific desired criteria.

Close Off Market’s co-founders are Clifford Blanquicet, Jr. and his wife Anna Blanquicet. Clifford is an entrepreneur and CEO of Blanq Real Estate, he’s also a commercial real estate broker, investor, and property manager. This problem is something he experiences daily and is extremely familiar with. Finding a way to solve it became a passion project of his that eventually led to the spin off and creation of the new entity.

He wanted a simple, automated, yet functional platform that expedited the commercial real estate acquisition process, while also providing invaluable insight into what his clients needed and wanted in their respective businesses. After searching unsuccessfully for such a platform, he noticed a void, and a potential opportunity. This led him on the path of creating Close Off Market.

After allocating the necessary resources and assembling a team, he and the company recently finished their internal development and testing phases and have now launched the initial beta platform to the public. While there is an extensive product road map in place that will continue to be rolled out in the near future, the existing iteration of the Close Off Market platform is ready for further user testing.

ABOUT CLOSE OFF MARKET

Charlotte-based Close Off Market, Inc. is a real estate tech startup focused on streamlining the process of commercial real estate acquisitions. The company offers a secure, cloud-based technology platform that provides subscription-based access to off market commercial real estate deals in an efficient and user-tailored manner. For more information, please visit: https://www.closeoffmarket.com/.

Charlotte 2020: Grow Your Business in the QC

If you live or do business in Greater Charlotte then you already know there’s a whole lot to be excited about in 2020 and beyond. The opportunities here are incredible, the city and state of NC in general are growing at a crazy fast pace and receiving all sorts of recognition nationally in “Best Places to Do Business” type articles. You can see for yourself (here, here, and here). Figuring out where to get plugged in or get more involved can be overwhelming, so I wanted to give you a few quick initial steps (4 to be exact) to take in the new year to kick things off, and I’ll elaborate and expand on this further throughout Q1.

Whether you’re new here, haven’t arrived yet, grew up here, or have been here for years now I highly recommend investing your time getting to know other professionals who are doing big things in business. Networking here has led to a substantial ROI for me and my businesses and I can’t encourage it enough. There are tons of organizations and resources with which to leverage at various price points and time commitments based on you and your company’s needs.

Personally, I’ve been involved in various capacities at board and committee levels with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (formerly the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce). I’d highly recommend it as a great place to start and get involved. However, to be fully transparent, after merging with the region’s economic development entity the organization’s mission and day-to-day focus are shifting pretty substantially. Rather than solely focusing on greater Charlotte, The Alliance now has 15 counties across both NC and SC in its purview. Needless to say, that while it’s a positive shift overall that provides incredible opportunity, the scope and reach has shifted dramatically. Serving that wide an area comes with new challenges as well however, so clearly the day-to-day operations needed to change with it.

While I still very much intend to remain involved as a member and hopefully more, it would be a disservice to you if I didn’t say the new mission has simultaneously left a pretty sizable void for those with a more narrow focus of making an impact in greater Charlotte and don’t have the resources to have a target market that expansive. Again, yet another opportunity…

This is where the Charlotte Business Group comes in. (Full disclosure: I recently joined the board in 2019 because I knew this transition was happening and wanted to prepare accordingly.) There are still a ton of business professionals who just have the capacity to focus on Greater Charlotte (it’s hard enough covering the Lake Norman to Rock Hill/Fort Mill area as it is, let alone a dozen plus other counties). So we decided to step in and do just that. We’re providing networking opportunities with our mixers, educational opportunities with our panel discussions, and we recently launched a membership program to be able to ramp up additional opportunities in the community (as well as with more focus on fostering referrals and connections but much more to come as the year rolls on). The focus will remain greater Charlotte, but everyone who wants to do business here is more than welcome to get involved. If you and your organization wants to align with that mission please reach out to me to set up a membership or sponsorship and we’ll get you plugged in.

Next up is another really non-negotiable if you’re serious about Charlotte. You need the Charlotte Business Journal in your life, by way of subscription (print and digital), attending their events, and you NEED the Book of Lists.

Charlotte Inno (formerly Start Charlotte) with their newsletter and PitchBreakfast events among others are also truly invaluable. Whether you want to learn about local start up success and origin stories, or see what other events are coming up on the horizon (they host many incredible ones themselves as well) you at least need to sign up for the newsletter and take it from there.

We’ll leave it here for now, as that’s 4 invaluable steps that you need to take in the new year if you haven’t already. But I’ll be adding much more with respect to the specific Charlotte focus moving forward (including a non-profit edition). Would love to hear your feedback on what organizations you’re involved with, what you’d recommend and to continue the conversation as it’s one that’s a major priority for me.

WIMS Client Spotlight: MCLA SuperPAC

“IN 2020 WE WILL MAKE CANNABIS LEGAL AGAIN”

“If we had to start from scratch and design a medicine to help lead us out of the opioid epidemic, it would likely look very much like cannabis.” — NEUROSURGEON SANJAY GUPTA, M.D.

Medical Proof
Marijuana is medicine. There is science-validated, medical proof that cannabis can be used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Crohn’s disease, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Multiple Sclerosis, muscle spasms, PTSD, pain management and more. The science is clear: cannabis delivers results to those who need it.

Based on science alone, North Carolina should have a medical marijuana program. The fact that people are suffering when they can have access to proven medicine is barbaric. We deserve better.

There are now 33 states in the U.S. that have functional medical marijuana (MMJ) programs.

WHY DOESN’T NORTH CAROLINA HAVE A MMJ PROGRAM?

Beyond Medicine
Medical Marijuana is good for the economy. A well-managed medical marijuana program greatly increases the need for not only farmers and the agricultural industry, but for white-collar professionals like accountants and lawyers, as well as skilled professionals like electricians and HVAC specialists. It also provides retail opportunities for equipment and nutrient suppliers.

Based on data provided from the current 33 medical marijuana programs, MMJ would create 25,000 jobs in North Carolina. The total value of added revenue to the N.C. economy would equal or exceed $2.5 BILLION per year.

NORTH CAROLINA WILL BENEFIT FROM A MMJ PROGRAM!

Help Us, Help All
The science and data are clear. North Carolinians deserve the choice to use medical marijuana to help treat illnesses and benefit our economy. We need your help to make the message clear.

Until recently, politicians were able to hide in gerrymandered districts, purposefully avoiding the discussion of medical marijuana. But in 2020, we’re hopeful this will change. Help us convince our politicians to support medical marijuana.

If you’re interested in getting involved you can click here to get more information, donate, and spread the word.

NORTH CAROLINA DESERVES A MMJ PROGRAM!

*The MCLA SuperPAC is a FEC Registered Independent Expenditure-Only Committee.”