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Easter…More than Just Finding Eggs

April 18, 2019 by Gary Cardillo

I remember as a young child growing up in New York the excitement we had getting up early to see what the Easter bunny left us. While we didn’t receive gifts like we did at Christmas, there was something very special seeing the big Easter baskets filled with chocolate bunnies, assorted jelly beans and those marshmallow “peeps.” We dyed our Easter eggs, usually winding up with as much dye on our fingers as we did on our eggs and who can forget the fun we had finding them on our Easter egg hunts in those hidden places in the yard our parents carefully hid them.
As I grew a little older, Easter took on a different meaning. Good Friday we took our Easter lilies, and hyacinth plants and visited the cemeteries of relatives who had passed and gave thanks for the sacrifices they made so we could enjoy the life we had. It was a special time of year as the fragrance of these flowers and the buds on the trees signaled spring was in the air, which to me represented the rebirth or awakening of a season I loved so much.
Today I look at Easter from a totally different perspective, but with the same gratitude I did in my younger years. I think of the significance of Easter and the impact and sacrifice Christ made for us all. However, it has also opened my eyes to the sacrifices some people make each day; foregoing the things we as a society consider success, in order to enrich the lives of others. One such person is Tom Parker, Area Director for Young Life.
Tom Parker, Area Director of Young Life

For those of you not familiar with Young Life, while it is described as a Christian based organization where staff and volunteers alike contribute their time to mentor and assist middle and high school students based on Christian values and principles, it is much more. Kids of all faiths, race and ethnic backgrounds are welcomed into an “authentic environment”where they can talk about the challenges they face in everyday life.

As for Tom, he was born and raised in Indiana and like most kids growing up loved sports and the friendships he made. Just out of college he felt a calling to get involved in “Youth for Christ,” which opened the door for the ministry he is serving today. After spending time mentoring kids in Indiana, opportunities in Texas and Alabama presented themselves where for a combined 10 years Tom served as a Youth Pastor on staff.  It was at their church in Alabama Tom and his wife Anna felt most at home, however, after 6 years the work environment changed as did the dynamics of the church. A move to Fort Myers, Florida was thought to be their next opportunity but after a year Tom said it wasn’t the fit they thought it would be. He said, “My heart may have still been partially in Alabama, as I still had connections there I kept in touch with that were like family to us.”
It was during this time of transition and soul searching he met Bill Loy, the Young Life area director in Fort Myers. Bill shared with Tom an opportunity to work for Young Life and the impact he could have on high school kids. He thought it might be  a good fit for Tom, since his heart was to be in a school setting mentoring kids . Taking a $20,000 per year cut in pay the rest is history as in the eight years Tom has been with Young Life he has watched this area grow and the lives that have been touched.
While Young Life is based on Christian principles, Tom said, “Today kids are looking for authentic relationships and will take criticism if they know the person sincerely cares.” He said as adults we strive for the “American Dream,” and all the trappings that go with it, but in the process many times the family unit is neglected. The children oftentimes don’t feel loved, wanted or cared for and they turn to social media which is a virtual reality world and often times almost used as a drug. When someone likes a status, a picture or just makes positive comment, clinically speaking it gives a sense of a high.Unfortunately, they base much of what they believe in from television and posts they read on social media.Tom continued by saying, “Snap Chat and Twitter allows them to share “snippets” of their lives, but only parts of their lives. Their communications skills have suffered as a result.” He feels this generation has lost much of its communications skills by using texts, Instagram and tweets to communicate with each other. He said most times there is no depth to their communication as through these social media avenues they control how much of their lives they’ll let you see. They hide their vulnerabilities and feelings since they can’t be seen.  Unlike previous generations, through television and video games they can recreate real life scenarios without the consequences. Unfortunately, we’re seeing the disconnect that results with many having difficulty in coping with real life situations associated with political discourse, school shootings and challenges they may be encountering at home.”When the trials get too tough, it is easier to walk away, and they do the same with relationships instead of facing them.” But Tom is quick to add, much of this behavior stems from watching the adults in their lives. When asked how they process school shootings, Tom said, “These are young adults whose brains are still developing, so while it is very difficult for adults to understand the  thought behind these tragedies, it is even harder for kids to process and express their feelings of loss and hurt.” 
When asked how kids are responding to the political environment we’re experiencing  today, where people seem to be talking at each other and not to each other, Tom said aside from social media kids today are being influenced largely by the thoughts and viewpoints from their educators which seem to override those of their parents. He continued by saying, “We are raising a generation of good test takers, not always good thinkers or problem solvers. We seem to be giving more theories on abstract thinking.”
When it comes to church and religion, Tom explained, “Churches, sometimes are waiting for kids to come to them rather than meeting them where they are. Many kids consider themselves spiritual, seeking out something to believe in, but are looking for something authentic and oftentimes times they don’t see it in some churches.
Tom shared with me  how not only are the kids feeling the benefit from the Young Life outreach, but parents have contacted him and shared their appreciation for the impact he is making on their children as well.
Through his ministry with Young Life weekly get-togethers in a home environment called “club” to summer trips to “camp,” where kids spend a week bonding in a camp like setting with a host of activities and opportunities to share life stories, new bonds are being forged authentically where they communicate and share experiences on a personal level and not through social media. Currently, Tom is overseeing Young Life’s new location at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall that will offer mentoring and  tutoring opportunities for kids needing help with classwork, someone to talk to as they look for answers to challenges they are going through and a stage where they can act out skits they often share at club.
You may be asking yourself, why I’ve gone into such depth about the impact Tom and Young Life has made on these children and what it has to do with the Easter season.
Like Tom, I too  have had a passion for kids and for the better part of the last 17 years I’ve been part of a design team that has planned out the Young Life annual banquet which is coming up again this year on April 15th. Having coached kids in a variety of sports and seeing the impact and life lessons learned many times on the ball field, I have sensed that same level of satisfaction as finding that special Easter egg and looking inside to find the hidden prize. I saw kids develop a confidence they never thought they had when they got their first hit, or madetheir first basket. I saw how just participating an hour or so in a game gave them something to look forward to as an escape from a difficult home life. I also saw how playing in a team sport formed deeper  bonds and friendships than many were finding in their day to day encounters with others.
This is the environment Tom is helping to create in our area schools where kids from all walks of life can laugh and share life experiences in an authentic setting where they are accepted for who they are. 
Success to Tom was not the financial benefit he could receive in a high  paying job, it was touching the lives of kids who despite the knowledge they have in technology are looking for answers in how to cope with everyday life. As Tom says, “ the only way to find them is to be authentic, real and meet them where they are.”
If you would like to learn more about Tom and Young Life, or would like to support his efforts like many businesses and individuals have been doing, you can reach Tom at Tom@charlotteharbor.younglife.org or you can call him at 941-456-5433.
-Gary Cardillo

Filed Under: Community Information Tagged With: easter, florida, gary cardillo, punta gorda, real estate, young life

Kicking Off the New Year with Leroy’s Southern Kitchen Owners

January 24, 2019 by Gary Cardillo

Most of us remember with fondness the hit television sitcom “Cheers” which depicted a neighborhood bar in Boston where friends from all walks of life shared their lives and experiences with each other. From the pretentious Psychiatrist Frazier Crane and his significant other, Lilith Stemin to mailman Cliff Clavin, every socio economic class was represented. And who can forget Carla’s sarcastic wit?
They had their regulars like Norm who always had his special seat at the bar where everyone seemed to congregate and then you had the emotional roller coaster relationship between Sam Malone and Diane Chambers. It was a microcosm of society at that time where heartbreak, dating advice, fun pranks and banter were the menu of the day. What I loved about the show was that it represented a place in time where people from diverse backgrounds could come to unwind at the end of the day in the warm embrace of friends.

Leroy’s Owners, Lee and Jamie Richardson, with their Children
While Cheers is no longer on the air, such a place does exist in downtown Punta Gorda known as Leroy’s Southern Kitchen, or to us regulars, “Leroy’s”. Like Cheers, you will find every profession from doctor and lawyer to fishing guide and cattle rancher, all enjoying each other’s company. You’ll have your regulars at the bar, and all will be the recipients of that same banter and pranks from an amazing group of bartenders and wait staff. However, unlike Cheers, Leroy’s takes it a step further with an outstanding food menu, “Class A entertainment” second to none,and a commitment to serving their community.
The brainchild of owners Lee and Jamie Richardson, aka Sam Malone and Diane Chambers, Leroy’s was created as not only a friendly neighborhood restaurant and bar, but a place where families and children were always welcomed. However, there’s more, as they see themselves as “working for our community” which you’ll soon find out.
Lee, grew up in Port Charlotte and Jamie, who was originally from Oklahoma and had moved with her family to Cape Coral, met at a restaurant in Cape Coral Lee owned with partner Shannon Yates called “Nevermind Awesome Bar and Eatery.” In true Sam Malone fashion when asked how they met, Lee said, “When Jamie first met me she fell in love”however, similar to a Diane Chambers response with a wink of the eye and sarcastic laugh, Jamie seemed to have perhaps a more realistic version that just the opposite is what really occurred.

Opened in 2015 in downtown Punta Gorda, Leroy’s Restaurant
Having come from an extensive background in the restaurant business that included 10 years with Outback, opening up the Port Charlotte location and many others, to becoming General Manager back in 2005-2007 helping open the very popular “upmarket” restaurant named “CRU” in the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers, Lee took those experiences to create “Nevermind Awesome Bar and Eatery” with then partner Shannon Yates. However, at the same time they also had the food and beverage contract with the Boston Red Sox at their Fort Myers spring training facility. Wanting to get back to the area he grew up, and promising Jamie a return to “country living”, the two partners decided Shannon would keep “Nevermind”, Lee would keep the contract with the Red Sox, and together Lee and Jamie would open a unique neighborhood bar and restaurant in Punta Gorda that today is called Leroy’s. 

Opened in 2015 and remodeled in 2017, Lee and Jamie see it as a “family establishment“. Jamie says, “We wanted to create a place where you felt welcomed if you were just coming off your boat or looking for fine dining with no pretense.”During spring training season their lives get pretty hectic as Lee leaves at 4am to get to Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers, which is the spring training facility for the Boston Red Sox, and returns home at 2:30 in the afternoon. Then after a quick power nap he and Jamie can be seen working late nights at Leroy’s, and this is in addition to being two loving parents of two amazing children. Of course as a New York Yankees fan, I could make their lives much easier by telling them to cheer for the Yankees instead of feeding the Red Sox, but since both have become such avid Boston fans I’m not sure my suggestion would get much consideration!
Richardson’s hosting of Fried and DeSantis with the public at Leroy’s
Being of the belief that there is more to life than simply running a business and providing for one’s family, Lee and Jamie feel you have to give back to your community and those in need, and that is where Leroy’s becomes much more than Cheers.  Both feel Leroy’s needs to be a place where people can come to unwind or be entertained, but also has to be a place where community leaders, state representatives and non-profits can meet in a more personalized setting with the general public who will be impacted by their decisions. Lee and Jamie recently provided such an opportunity for Agricultural Commissioner candidates Matt Caldwell and Nicole “Nikki” Fried and gubernatorial candidates Andrew Gillum and Ron DeSantis to meet the public, of which Friend and DeSantis did appear. They continued by saying, “Our society has become too polarized where people are being influenced too much by the media instead of hearing all viewpoints and having the opportunity for a constructive dialogue. Leroy’s will always be available when possible to provide an unbiased platform where people can come to get a more intimate understanding from those we elect to office, regardless of party affiliation.”

A few of the members of the PReaCH group along with some other citizens outside of the DeSoto County Administration building after stopping Mosaic from phosphate mining in DeSoto County

The Richardson’s are also staunch advocates for the protection of Florida’s natural environment and resources. They are supporters of “Captains for Clean Water” and are very  involved in the “Peace River Charlotte Harbor Environmental Awareness Group” simply known as “PReaCH.”If that isn’t enough, Lee and Jamie have organized support for those  impacted by both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Michael which recently devastated the Florida’s panhandle. Patrons and friends came to support their efforts as they were personally able to deliver over 11,000 lbs. of supplies to those in need to the Panhandle alone.

For those who don’t think there is enough to do for the young citizens in our area, the Richardson’s strongly feel you are only limited by your desire to get involved. “Just look at our natural resources, our restaurants, the events continually going on around town, not to mention all the organizations we have.”

Supplies the Richardson’s helped collect and delivered to the Panhandle for Hurricane Relief
Wise beyond their years, this talented couple, with smiles as contagious and big as their hearts, have created Punta Gorda’s version of Cheers where you can be assured you’ll feel that same warm embrace the moment you step through their doors.

Filed Under: Community Information

Punta Gorda Restaurants OPEN for Christmas 2018

December 20, 2018 by Gary Cardillo

Merry and Bright! We’ve made a list of our area restaurants open Christmas Day 2018. Although we’re checking the list twice, if you know of a restaurant that will be open yet isn’t listed in this post, feel free to comment. Reservations are strongly recommended as some are offering special seating’s and menus. Also, please ensure you call to verify times.

Punta Gorda Restaurants Open Christmas 2018

The Captain’s Table at Fishermen’s Village

1200 West Retta Esplanade, #55

Punta Gorda

Tel: (941) 637-1177

www.thecaptainstable.com

 

Celtic Ray Public House

145 East Marion Avenue

Punta Gorda

Tel: (941) 916-9115

www.celticray.net

 

F.M. Don’s

201 W Marion Ave

Punta Gorda

Tel: (941) 637-8800

https://www.fmdons.com/

 

Dockside Grill

Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside

33 Tamiami Trail

Punta Gorda

Tel: (941) 637-6770

www.fourpointspuntagorda.com

 

88 Keys Florida

The Wyvern Hotel

101 East Retta Esplanade

Punta Gorda

Tel: (941) 639-7700

www.thewyvernhotel.com

 

The Perfect Caper

121 E. Marion Ave.

Punta Gorda

Tel: (941) 505-9009

www.theperfectcaper.com

 

River City Grill and Italia

131 W Marion Ave

Punta Gorda

Tel:  (941) 639-9080 (941) 639-7655

www.rivercitygrillpg.com

 

Englewood, Venice, Cape Haze, and Sarasota Restaurants Open Christmas 2018

Howard’s Restaurant

1400 Aqua View Lane

Englewood, FL 34223

Tel: (941) 473-0171

http://www.howardsinenglewood.com/home.351879.en.html

 

Rum Bay Restaurant at Palm Island Resort (take the water taxi from behind Johnny Leverock’s)

7092 Placida Road

Cape Haze, FL 33946

Tel: (941) 697-0566

http://www.rumbaypalmisland.com/

 

Sarasota and Venice Restaurants Open Christmas 2018

Columbia Restaurant

411 St Armands Cir, Sarasota

(941) 388-3987

http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/

 

Grove

10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch

(941) 893-4321

https://www.grovelwr.com/

 

Boca Royale Golf and Country Club

1601 Englewood Road, Englwood

(941) 454-6464

https://www.bocaroyale.com

 

Kumo Japanese Restaurant

17945 Tamiami Trail, North Port

(941) 426-5866

www.kumojapanesesteakhouse.com

 

Crows Nest Venice

968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice

(941) 484-9551

www.crowsnest-venice.com

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Community Information Tagged With: christmas, englewood, open for christmas, punta gorda, restaurants

The Best Gift

December 20, 2018 by Gary Cardillo

I have often mentioned in our monthly newsletters as I have grown older I’ve gained a greater appreciation and love for history and seem to cherish the simple pleasures life has to offer even more. Perhaps it is this time of year when our homes and towns are decorated for the holidays and we put into practice “good will towards others” that my appreciation becomes even more profound. However, the one thing that hasn’t changed throughout the years is my enjoyment of those simple  pleasures the same way I did as a child.

Downtown Punta Gorda Christmas Tree

When recently asked, “What was your favorite Christmas gift growing up?” it was a hard question for me to answer as each Christmas was exciting. Our homes were decorated, snow was falling and we were excited to see what Santa left for us under the tree. While my brother and I were blessed to receive many wonderful gifts throughout the years, getting my first electric guitar was a gift I’ll always remember. Of course if my parents had to rethink that decision they may have opted for something else as that same Christmas my brother Jeff received his drum set. We formed our first band and thought we were going to become the next Beatles like most kids during that time, but my father, whose father was a famous composer of opera from Italy, and the voice coach of world renown opera singer Enrico Caruso, quickly reminded us that if his father was still alive and “heard the trash we call music, he would destroy the instruments.”

“Core ‘ngrato” written by my Grandfather, Salvatore Cardillo
While I was never to find fame and fortune in the music industry, as I look back on all the gifts I’ve received the one that never came wrapped in a box, but is one I carry with me every day is that of “appreciation.” That gift arrived during my childhood when a family
moved into our neighborhood and owned everything you could imagine. They had a twin engine airplane, a go cart, scooters, and a jet boat when no one even knew what a jet boat was. They had a built in pool and their home had a central vacuum system. You can only imagine the fun we had with that! After seeing everything our new neighbors owned I asked my mom if we were poor. She smiled and said, “I guess if you compare yourself to that new family maybe you are, but when you consider the fact that we have been fortunate to have 2 homes and 2 cars where most people have only one of each, I don’t think you are doing too badly.” Mom’s simple reply changed my outlook and instead of thinking what I didn’t have, I wanted to share what I did. That childhood life lesson I have carried into adulthood and has become the foundation in how we treat our friends and clients alike.

For the past 20 years our lives in Florida have been nothing short of amazing. We feel with so many wonderful things to do and places to enjoy, our move to Florida feels more like a reward. Just like the child who was excited to open their presents on Christmas morning, we get the same euphoric feeling when we can share the wonderful “gifts” our community has to offer with those who are considering a move to Florida. Often times people tell us,

“You both should work for the Chamber of Commerce. You’re so enthusiastic about your community and you make us feel right at home.”
Sunset View of Charlotte Harbor
While we never take any day for granted, this time of year makes me appreciate our community and those who give so much to make it so special even more. Just look around and see the warmth you receive from store owners, restaurateurs, strangers you meet on the street and the efforts of scores of volunteers whose tireless efforts can be seen in our parks, weekend farmers markets, craft fairs, not to mention our year round concerts, events and more.
As we say to those we meet in our real estate business, “Our friendships don’t end at the closing table,” and it is with that appreciation that this month’s message is one of gratitude for the friends we have, the blessings we’ve received through those friendships, and the thankfulness to all those whose efforts make our community so very special.
May this holiday season bring you and your family an abundance of peace, joy and good health, now and throughout the New Year.
– Gary and Gail Cardillo

Filed Under: Community Information

November: A Time of Thanksgiving

November 20, 2018 by Gary Cardillo

Many years ago, my high school English teacher told our class, “If you can fill your one hand with the number of close friends you have, consider yourself fortunate.” I guess I was one of the lucky ones, as I’ve been blessed with many friends who are very special to me. While I never take them for granted, for some reason this season of Thanksgiving makes me appreciate those friendships even more.
Marilyn Smith-Mooney, Punta Gorda’s first woman Mayor
One person whose friendship I have valued for years is Marilyn Smith-Mooney, whose list of accomplishments could span several lifetimes, and her contributions and love for her community is second to none.
From her early years growing up on Long Island, NY, Marilyn possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. For 30 years she had a private sector career focused on architecture/interior design and construction and in fact owned a commercial construction company, something not very common for a woman to own in a male dominated industry. Later she took those creative skills and became the first woman in Executive Management for the #1 cosmetics packaging company in the US.
Not one to follow just one passion, Marilyn had a “secondary career” as an FAA Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor, which earned her the Amelia Earhart Medal for outstanding leadership in the international non-profit organization of licensed women pilots (The Ninety-Nines,Inc.) founded by Amelia Earhart.
Marilyn with her personal Cherokee 180 at Islip-MacArthur Airport on Long Island
In 1993 Marilyn took her skills with her, following her heart in a move that took her to Punta Gorda, and it didn’t take long for her presence to be felt. To this day Marilyn holds one of the longest tenures on the Punta Gorda City Council, serving from 1996-2008,having been re-elected for five terms. She served twice as Vice Mayor and in 2001 became Punta Gorda’s first woman mayor since the city’s founding in 1887.
During her 12 years on City Council, Marilyn’s service to the community included serving as the city’s representative to the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, Charlotte County Tourist Development Council, Punta Gorda Housing Authority, Enterprise Punta Gorda, Arts and Humanities Council and the Charlotte County Domestic Violence Task Force. She is a graduate of leadership Charlotte and Leadership Florida and was the first recipient of Charlotte County’s Visitor and Convention Bureau “Tourism Ambassador Award” for her commitment to increasing tourist development.
As if this isn’t enough to make your head spin, Marilyn’s city council and other community-wide efforts and achievements cover a broad spectrum of unique initiatives that include downtown, neighborhood and economic development, infrastructure improvements, hurricane recovery, business and event development, mentorship programs, children’s services, charter review committee, financial management as well as a tremendous investment of time and financial support of numerous school, park and non-profit organizations.
Marilyn with Linda and Roger Tetrault_ Founder of Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens at Rotary Dinner honoring Marilyn for Service above Self
After her integral role on City Council, Marilyn served as Executive Director for the Tetrault Family Foundation from 2008-2016 when the Peace River Botanical Gardens was first conceived. The goal was to help ensure the people of Charlotte County would become recipients of one of the largest botanical gardens in Florida. What started as a volunteer position turned into the role as Executive Administrator of the partnering non-profit organization founded to manage the gardens. While the Tetrault family continues to develop the balance of this 27-acre property, when completely funded by the Tetrault Family Foundation it will comprise a $30 million gift to the people of Charlotte County and Punta Gorda.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in 30 seconds
Tour of the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens 
While I have always been intrigued with history, as I’ve grown older I find myself envisioning the sacrifices so many made to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. Whether I’m traveling or I just come into contact with a Veteran, I make it a point to thank them for their service, which I know is a passion Marilyn embraces as well. Founded in 2001, the Military Heritage Museum almost went bankrupt some years later and Marilyn was approached, due to her business acumen, “to run it like a business, not something for fun”. As current Board President her goal has been to relocate the museum into its own building where it could “enjoy the dignity it deserves while bringing history alive.” If you have never been to the Museum currently located in Fisherman’s Village, you need to put this on your “must do” list as the veterans who devote their time bringing “history alive” share their impassioned stories as if these moments in history occurred yesterday.
Military Heritage Museum at Fisherman’s Village
When people ask me what makes Punta Gorda so special, I tell them it is due to the vibrant Chamber of Commerce and the area’s community organizations and non-profits, most of which Marilyn is an active member. Not only is Marilyn a member of TEAM Punta Gorda, the Punta Gorda and Charlotte County Chambers of Commerce, the Isles Civic Association, Historical Society, Visual Arts Guild, the Punta Gorda Elks Club and a host of other civic and non-profit organizations, but she is a Supreme Court-certified Mediator for the 20th Judicial Circuit!
While she has been locally, regionally and nationally honored for her volunteerism and leadership in addition to a host of other awards, Marilyn’s philosophy is to “make a difference at the grassroots level.”
As a recipient of the Rotary’s 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award, Marilyn was characterized as someone who was “passionate about her community, placed a high value on mutual respect, ethics, integrity, social conscience and responsible leadership. She regards volunteerism as both a responsibility and opportunity to give of one’s self to improve the world and mankind.”
When asked how she would like to be remembered, Marilyn responded by saying, “As someone who does her homework and always calls people back.”As a friend, you couldn’t ask for someone more loyal and caring. While her handprint can be found throughout the City, the lives she’s touched like mine are even more expansive. She is not only a wealth of knowledge but has a wicked sense of humor.
I feel the best way to summarize Marilyn is with the quote, “She’s never met a stranger,” as her contagious personality is as big as her heart. If you are fortunate enough to meet this amazing woman who I call “friend,” you will not only be entertained, but you will be captivated as she brings “history alive.“
As we celebrate this month of Thanksgiving, let us reflect not on our differences but for those special friendships in which we’ve been blessed.
-Gary Cardillo

Filed Under: Community Information

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    About The Gary Cardillo Group

    Gary Cardillo, Realtor While most people would like to talk about themselves, Gary and Gail have always put their clients first, and their diverse backgrounds have provided their clients an unparalleled level of service and knowledge throughout the past years.
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