Featured Merchants

July 24th, 2008

Strongtower Financial Seminars

Recently, as an ongoing part of Strongtower Financial’s Outreach Program, a seminar explaining Reverse Mortgages was held and presented by outstanding speaker and noted expert on Reverse Mortgages, Chris Kargacos of Countrywide Mortgage.

Those attending the seminar learned the basics of reverse mortgages; indeed, the seminar was called “Reverse Mortgage 101.” Attendees learned that reverse mortgages are specially designed for those folks over 62 who wish to access the equity in their homes. They learned that a reverse mortgage is a loan against your home that you do not have to pay back for as long as you live in the home. (You still own your home throughout the entire length of the loan; a reverse mortgage can help you access cash based on the value of your home without you having to make monthly mortgage payments and can help you manage your financial future.). There are no income or health requirements and minimal credit requirements. It is even possible that the loan proceeds might be tax-free (you should check with your tax professional). For more information on reverse mortgages, you may wish to call Chris at 866.726.7567. Chris and Countrywide Mortgage are part of the Financial Life Strategies team sponsored by Strongtower Financial.

Reverse Mortgage expert Chris Kargacos, speaks at a recent seminar sponsored by Strongtower Financial

The Little Company That Could . . . . .

Remember that childhood story about the little train that tried to go up a steep hill and kept saying to itself, “I think I can, I think I can . . .?”

Well, Randy Taylor, that smiling gent who owns and operates Escondido Mattress Factory, assumed that same attitude 54 years ago when he moved to Escondido. He felt if he could build quality mattresses the market would respond.

The market has, indeed, responded. They have learned that Escondido Mattress Company translates to Quality Mattresses. They do not follow the mass mattress market by selling mattresses with only a single side. Escondido Mattress Company only builds and sells mattresses with double sides. What does this mean to you? It means that both sides of this mattress passes the Fire Barrier test (the National Industry Standard requires mattresses to resist a torch test for 30 minutes. One sided mattresses are nowhere near as safe as a double sided mattress). Plus, when you turn the mattress (as you always should) you always have a comfortable firm mattress. If you buy a “cheap” mattress by buying a mass market mattress, you’ll find when you turn the mattress you will not have the support you need . . . nor will you have the fire barrier.

“We see it all too often,” says Randy. “Someone thought they were saving some money by going to a mass marketed mattress company . . . and now they find that only one side is padded. It’s neither fire safe nor comfortable. They wind up buying a mattress from us, built to Industry Standards . . . and one they can rely upon. And sleep on.”

The proof, they say, is in the pudding. Randy Taylor is selling mattresses to the children of parents he sold mattresses to 20, 30, 40 years ago. They know that these are mattresses and people that can be relied upon.

It’s not a big operation. Stop in and see for yourself. Usually, it’s Randy and his friendly little elf, Raul Villapando, who has been with him for 10 years. Yet this two man team turns out a whole showroom of quality mattresses of every size and description.

Have a special need? Perhaps an antique bed you need a mattress built for? A baby crib with a special mattress? King size? Queen size? Twin beds? You name it and Randy and Raul will build it for you. Or, possibly they already have it in stock.

If you’d like to see a dream come true . . . a business which, just like the little train, said, “I think I can, I think I can . . .” and went out and did it . . . come on in! Tour the showroom and factory yourself. Meet a couple of really fine human beings. Randy Taylor and Raul Villapando. At least give them a call . . . at 760.745.5336 or 746.5336.

Randy Taylor, Owner, Escondido Mattress Company

The friendly little elf, Raul Villapando, a Master Craftsman