William Licea: From Burning Blocks to Building Blocks

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William Licea’s story is one of redemption, hard work, and perseverance. From a life of crime and incarceration to a respected construction professional, Licea has proven that with the right mindset and support, anyone can turn their life around.

Born in New York to Cuban parents, Licea’s early years were marked by his environment leading him to poor decisions that led him down a dangerous path. He found himself involved in organized crime that involved burning down buildings in protest and ultimately spent 20 years in prison, including time on notorious Rikers Island.

After his release in 2011, Licea made a conscious decision to turn his life around. He found work in the construction industry and quickly proved himself to be a reliable and hardworking laborer. His dedication and willingness to learn caught the attention of his employer, who took Licea under his wing and taught him everything about the business.

With his newfound knowledge and experience, Licea continued to excel in his career. He earned his superintendent’s license and became a key player in some of the biggest construction projects in New York City, including Dominos Sugar Refinery. This is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Licea’s journey from literally burning New York blocks to building up blocks of communities and skyscrapers inspired him to write a book, which he titled “From Burning Blocks to Building Blocks.” The book, available in both English and Spanish, chronicles his struggles and triumphs and serves as a source of inspiration for anyone who has faced similar challenges.

Licea credits his success to his family, his employer, and his “wolf mentality” – a fierce determination to succeed and overcome obstacles. He hopes that his story will encourage others to take the path of hard work and perseverance after prison rather than return to a life of crime.

William Licea’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a change and pursue a better life. His journey from incarceration to success in the construction industry is a true testament to the power of determination and the transformative potential of hard work. “The odds are against you when you are born in this environment, and when you get incarcerated, you have three paths… grab a gun, grab a bag of drugs or grab a job and become who you are meant to be.”

BrainTree Nutrition™: The All-Star Team Of Neurologists And Athletes Reinventing Brain Health Supplements

The importance of brain health has become a growing concern in modern society, as research has established its correlation with overall health, productivity, and cognitive abilities. With an aging population, increasing stress levels, and growing awareness of the importance of mental well-being, the demand for brain health supplements has skyrocketed. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global brain health supplements market size was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% from 2021 to 2028.

Despite the market’s rapid growth, it has faced criticism for the lack of regulation and transparency, leading to concerns about the efficacy and safety of certain products. Many companies in the industry have made claims about the cognitive benefits of their products, yet scientific evidence to support these claims is often lacking. In addition, some products may contain harmful ingredients or may interact with prescription medications, posing a potential risk to consumers. As the market continues to expand, the need for more stringent regulation and transparency has become increasingly apparent, in order to ensure that consumers have access to safe and effective brain health supplements.

BrainTree Nutrition™, a new player in this market, aims to break this cycle by providing high-quality, science-backed brain health supplements that are transparently sourced and rigorously tested for safety and efficacy. The company’s commitment to transparency and quality is evident in its product development process. BrainTree Nutrition™ works closely with leading scientists and researchers to identify and select ingredients that have been shown to enhance brain health.

A science-based solution for brain health

Scott Solomon and Andrew Sendejo, former NFL players, and Rice University All-American collegiate athletes, founded BrainTree Nutrition™, intending to create a supplement brand that prioritizes brain health. Their positive experiences with dietary supplements during their athletic careers gave them a unique perspective on the market, including its potential risks and shortcomings. Motivated by personal experiences with traumatic brain injuries and a family history of Alzheimer’s, they aimed to establish a science-based brain health solution using only high-quality ingredients, transparency, and safety.

BrainTree Nutrition™’s success is attributed to the collaboration between its founders, medical professionals, and family members. Scott’s mother, a geriatric neurologist, his father, a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist, and his twin brother, another anesthesiologist, all contributed their expertise in identifying the most effective ingredients for promoting brain health. This collective approach has resulted in various innovative products that combine lifestyle modifications, supplements, and medical intervention when necessary. 

Patented ingredients and their benefits 

What sets BrainTree Nutrition™ apart in the supplement industry is its commitment to transparency, safety, and efficacy. All BrainTree Nutrition™ supplements are manufactured in FDA + GMP registered facilities and carry the NSF Certified for Sport approval rating. The company discloses all ingredients so consumers know exactly what they’re getting in each product. 

BrainTree Nutrition™ supplements are formulated with a variety of patented plant-based extracts that offer scientifically-proven medical benefits. These extracts include Blueberry Fruit Extract, which is known to protect the brain, improve cognitive function, and slow cognitive decline. Another key ingredient is Asian Ginseng Root Extract, which has been shown to improve cognition, social function, mood, and working memory performance. The supplements also contain AlphaSize® A-GPC, which enhances cell-to-cell communication, increases the brain neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and supports both physical and mental performance. In addition, SerinAid® PS is recognized by the FDA for its cognitive benefits, as well as its ability to suppress cortisol levels and reduce stress. Lastly, Astragin™ is included for its ability to increase nutrient absorption, reduce inflammation, and promote cell proliferation.

The company has succeeded through its rapid growth and numerous testimonials from satisfied customers reporting enhanced focus, improved memory retention, increased attention span, and overall better cognitive performance. 

Revolutionizing Brain Nutrition

As a leader in the brain health supplement market, BrainTree Nutrition™’s dedication to quality and effectiveness is unmatched, providing an unparalleled opportunity for anyone seeking to prioritize their brain health. BrainTree Nutrition™ not only offers high-quality brain supplements with patented plant-based extracts but also gives back to the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association. Their commitment to improving brain health and positively impacting those affected by cognitive decline distinguishes them as a market leader in brain health supplements.

Introducing EzChatAI: The Future of Logistics with AI-Driven ELD Solutions

EzChatAI, a subsidiary of the innovative EzTechTonic group founded by “CJ” Sergey Karman, has partnered with industry leader Ezlogz to revolutionize the trucking industry with the first-ever AI-powered ELD (Electronic Logging Device). With this cutting-edge technology, truck drivers can now enjoy an intelligent co-pilot on the road, streamlining operations and enhancing safety in the logistics sector.

As a trailblazer in artificial intelligence solutions, EzChatAI is committed to empowering truck drivers, fleet managers, and logistics companies with the tools they need to optimize performance, reduce costs, and navigate the complexities of modern transportation. Our collaboration with Ezlogz, a frontrunner in ELD solutions, will enable us to combine our AI expertise with their extensive trucking industry experience, driving the development of a new generation of ELD systems.

This innovative platform revolutionizes the driver experience by providing a personalized AI assistant, EzChatAI, which offers real-time weather, traffic, and route information, ensures FMCSA compliance, and continuously learns from user input to provide tailored recommendations. Designed to handle natural language processing, interpret voice commands, identify context, and interact with users via text or voice output, EzChatAI can integrate with other systems and applications, offering reminders and suggesting possible solutions based on user preferences.

The AI-enabled ELD platform has various benefits that make it a valuable tool for the logistics industry. One of its key advantages is the ability to answer questions related to Hours of Service, driver logbooks, tips, and other logistics or transportation queries. This feature enables drivers and logistics companies to stay compliant with regulations and improve their overall efficiency.

Another benefit of the platform is its integration with external APIs. This feature provides real-time information on weather, traffic, and routes, which helps drivers plan their trips more effectively. By analyzing this data, the platform can suggest alternative routes, avoiding congestion and hazardous weather conditions.

The platform’s emotion recognition feature is another innovative tool that helps improve driver safety. This feature uses facial recognition technology to detect signs of fatigue, distraction, or other emotional states that could impact a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. This information is then relayed to the driver, allowing them to take appropriate action or take a break as needed.

Personalized recommendations are also a significant benefit of the platform. Based on previous trip data and individual driver preferences, the platform can suggest routes, rest stops, and other relevant information to help drivers optimize their trips. This feature saves time and improves overall trip efficiency.

User verification is another key feature of the platform. By requiring user verification, the system ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data, such as Hours of Service logs and driver information. This feature helps ensure compliance with regulations and protects the privacy of drivers and logistics companies.

The AI-enabled ELD platform is set to revolutionize the logistics industry by providing a range of features that improve driver safety, efficiency, and compliance. With its ability to integrate with external APIs and provide real-time information, the platform is an invaluable tool for drivers and logistics companies alike.

EzChatAI envisions a future where AI-enabled ELDs are the standard for the logistics sector, paving the way for a more connected, intelligent, and sustainable transportation ecosystem. Our partnership with Ezlogz is just the beginning – we are dedicated to continuous innovation, striving to unlock the full potential of AI for the trucking industry and beyond.

Join us today on our mission to revolutionize the trucking landscape through the power of artificial intelligence. Discover the future of logistics with EzChatAI and Ezlogz.

The Jordan Year Challenge Brings Together Top Athletes and Experts To Help Young Athletes Develop World-Class Mental Strength Skills

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They are some of the most inspiring and influential names in their respective fields. Professional athletes, respected coaches, experts in mental health, and others are all coming together for an amazing week dedicated to the next generation’s great athletes: The Jordan Year Challenge.

One of the most anticipated weeks of the year, The Jordan Year Challenge is a seven-day program that aims to help those young athletes develop the physical and psychological traits of world-class athletes, with insight from those who have already ascended to great heights. Organized by MSM Performance Academy and its non-profit initiative, The MSM Foundation, this inspirational and educational program demonstrates how to reach greatness through the principles followed each day during the program.

This eclectic group of speakers is perfect for young athletes as they all have unique experiences and insights into different aspects of athletics. There’s Jill Ellis, a legend in the U.S. Soccer World. She led the United States women’s national soccer team to two FIFA Women’s World Cup championships. Jill shares her coaching experiences and expertise to inspire hopefuls to pursue their passion for sports while providing valuable guidance on teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.

Another speaker at the Jordan Year Challenge, Brian Farber, has a host of experience in building successful training academies. Farber makes a point to inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams and create successful businesses in the sports industry. 

Alongside him is Sierra Enge, a skilled soccer player for the San Diego Wave. Well-known for her dedication, passion, and artistic pursuits, Enge is a role model for young athletes. She  embodies the values of hard work and discipline they should be looking to emulate in their own lives. Hearing her speak can inspire these young athletes to pursue their goals on and off the field while finding balance in their pursuits

Former Division 1 women’s soccer player and current Psychiatry resident, Sara Brathwaite, brings her perspective to the Challenge as she shares her expertise on mental health, with a focus on its impact on athletes. Dr. Brathwaite can summon her own experiences with friends, family, and teammates who struggled with mental illness to relate to the struggles that many young athletes face each day. 

Jim Gorman, has a similarly diverse career, as he speaks on the values of duty, self-sacrifice, and honor. Gorman’s unique career path has taken him to various places, including covert programs during the Cold War, teaching high school in Chicago’s roughest neighborhoods, and working as a Chicago Fireman. Through his experiences, Jim emphasizes the importance of honorable values. Young athletes can benefit from hearing Gorman speak about these ideals, which can help shape their character on and off the field.

Lucas Zeiler is an expert in mental performance training, his life lessons can help young athletes develop the necessary mental skills to perform at their best, both on and off the field. 

The Jordan Year Challenge is an incredible opportunity for young athletes and their parents to learn from those who can provide the knowledge to succeed. With a diverse group of speakers who have excelled in mental performance training, coaching, building successful training academies, and more, this program is a must-attend for anyone looking to develop the physical and psychological traits of world-class athletes. If you are a young athlete looking to improve your skills and techniques while gaining valuable insights from some of the most accomplished individuals in sports or a parent wanting to help guide them, The Jordan Year Challenge is a program you cannot afford to miss.

About MSM Academy

MSM Performance Academy helps families guide their children to reach College and Professional levels in the best way possible; teaching them the fundamentals to maintain sound minds and bodies, while performing optimally, both physically and mentally. The goal for MSM is to offer mental and physical performance training and empower youth sports athletes, student-athletes, and professional athletes to become leaders of themselves. Through The MSM Foundation, the academy teaches players how to reach optimal levels of mental and physical performance. For more information, please visit 

Demanding Success: Revolutionizing Real Estate with Hynt’s Innovative Platform

In today’s rapidly evolving real estate landscape, professionals constantly seek innovative solutions to stay ahead of the competition. Hynt, a leading company in the real estate industry, offers a groundbreaking platform that enables real estate professionals to scale their businesses, generate more qualified appointments, and double their production time. With the motto, “Don’t wait for success, demand it with Hynt’s innovative real estate platform that connects you with clients anytime, anywhere,” Hynt has established itself as a game-changer in the industry.

Understanding the challenges real estate professionals face in the current market, Hynt has developed an innovative approach to generating prequalified appointments. This approach ensures clients consistently connect with the right prospects at the right time. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and their deep understanding of the real estate industry, Hynt has successfully generated over 34,000 prequalified appointments for their clients, resulting in significant growth and increased revenue.

Hynt’s primary mission is to empower real estate professionals to reach their full potential by providing the necessary tools and support to succeed. This commitment is evident in the various services Hynt offers, such as their on-demand appointment system, personalized coaching, and strategic guidance. Each service is designed to help clients achieve their goals and create a lasting impact in the industry.

The on-demand appointment system, a core component of Hynt’s platform, is tailored to streamline the appointment generation process. This system allows clients to access a steady stream of prequalified appointments, effectively maximizing their time and enabling them to focus on closing deals.

Hynt

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Moreover, Hynt recognizes that every real estate professional is unique and requires personalized support to thrive. To cater to this need, Hynt offers customized coaching tailored to each client’s individual needs and objectives. This personalized approach ensures clients receive the guidance and mentorship necessary to overcome challenges and succeed in their businesses.

Strategic guidance is another integral aspect of Hynt’s commitment to its client’s success. By providing expert advice and sharing industry insights, Hynt helps clients navigate the complexities of the real estate market and make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability.

Hynt is revolutionizing the real estate industry with its innovative platform and unwavering commitment to client success. By offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to help real estate professionals scale their businesses, generate more qualified appointments, and double their production time, Hynt has proven to be an invaluable partner for those looking to thrive in today’s competitive market. So don’t just wait for success – demand it with Hynt.

Hynt.ai | @itstommyjay

LINKED: Empowering Women’s Financial Freedom Through Jewelry Training

In today’s world, financial independence and stability have become critical factors for many, but especially women. However, it is no secret that women have long faced significant barriers to economic success, including wage gaps and unequal access to opportunities. 

According to ongoing data from the National Women’s Law Center, women in the United States earned 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, indicating a gender wage gap of 18 percent. The gender wage gap varies based on factors such as race, ethnicity, education level, and industry, and is an ongoing issue that continues to impact women’s financial independence and economic security. With the emergence of innovative programs such as LINKED, women are now finding new pathways to financial freedom.

Bridging the opportunity gap

LINKED is a comprehensive jewelry training program that provides women with the skills and tools needed to launch their own businesses in the jewelry industry. The program is designed to help women from all backgrounds, including those with no prior jewelry-making experience, gain the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. 

The program’s founders, Sarah Otto and Jake Randolph, recognized that many women face unique challenges when it comes to accessing training, resources, and affordable opportunities in the jewelry industry. “I believe in empowering women, and I am truly grateful for so many women trusting me as their guide to their success,” shares Sarah. 

For example, women who are stay-at-home moms or have caregiving responsibilities may find it difficult to attend traditional in-person classes or workshops. Likewise, women from low-income backgrounds may struggle to afford the high cost of traditional jewelry-making programs. To address these barriers, LINKED is entirely online and offers affordable pricing options. “We have several different pricing options, and we help you succeed no matter what,” affirms Otto. 

Additionally, the program is designed to be accessible to women with varying levels of experience. Whether a woman is a complete novice or has some experience in jewelry-making, LINKED provides tailored training that meets her needs. “The program’s curriculum covers all aspects of the jewelry industry, including design, production, marketing, and sales,” says Sarah. By providing comprehensive training, LINKED ensures that women are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this competitive industry.

Increasing accessibility to financial freedom

One of the most significant benefits of LINKED is that it provides women with the tools they need to launch their own businesses. The program’s curriculum includes business training, which covers topics such as branding, marketing, and customer acquisition. By learning these critical business skills, women are equipped to launch and grow their businesses — even in a challenging economic environment.

The program also provides a variety of kits to choose from and a clear number of how many pieces of jewelry you should make with the kit and how much profit you see in return. “LINKED is for anyone who wants to make extra money, from high school students to stay-at-home moms,” shares Sarah. “And the best part is that it not only has a low upfront cost, but is currently an extremely hot trend with more Google searches than Botox. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can start earning a real income. It’s not just ‘jewelry-making’ — it’s permanent jewelry that is taking the fashion industry by storm.”

Another way in which LINKED is helping women achieve financial independence is by providing a supportive community. The program’s founders recognize that launching a business can be a lonely and challenging journey, so they have created a community of like-minded women who can provide support and encouragement. The program includes regular coaching sessions, peer support groups, and networking opportunities, which help women feel connected and supported as they work towards their financial goals.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of LINKED is the stories of the women who have completed the program and launched successful businesses. For example, one LINKED graduate, Michelle, was a stay-at-home mom with no prior jewelry-making experience. Through LINKED, she learned the skills she needed to launch her own jewelry business, which she now runs successfully from home. 

Another graduate, Tess, was trying to find extra income to help her family. Through LINKED, she gained the skills and confidence she needed to launch her own jewelry business, which has now become her primary source of income.

A strong community helps foster success 

These stories illustrate how LINKED is transforming women’s lives and providing them with a path to financial freedom. “Our Facebook group is a great resource for continued training, troubleshooting, and just connecting with others who have been successful,” shares Sarah. 

By providing affordable, accessible, and comprehensive training, as well as a supportive community, LINKED is empowering women to launch successful businesses in the jewelry industry. In doing so, the program is helping to break down the barriers that have traditionally prevented women from achieving economic success and independence.

LINKED is a powerful example of how innovative programs can transform women’s lives and provide them with new opportunities for financial independence. By providing accessible, affordable, and comprehensive training, as well as a supportive community, LINKED is empowering women to launch successful businesses in the jewelry industry. 

As we continue to navigate the complex and rapidly changing economic landscape, programs like LINKED will be increasingly essential. By investing in the economic success of women, we can build a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

Legacy Leaders Inspires Parents to Lead by Example

Legacy Leaders is much more than a brand of apparel and household products. Christina Roberson, the company’s founder, is on a mission to spread positivity and boost wellbeing by creating products that help parents empower themselves and their children.

“The youth are our future generations,” Christina says. “If we only focus on improving our world now, but don’t impart that wisdom to our children, that change eventually dies with us.”

That’s why her offerings feature quotes and images that help people connect with their highest selves. For example, one top-seller is a hoodie that reads, “Turning the heads of thousands is not as powerful as touching the heart of one.”

In addition to creating a heart-centered company, Christina herself is a living example of overcoming adversity to lead a heart-centered life.

Overcoming adversity to help others

Growing up, Christina was a homeschooled student for most of her elementary and middle-school years. While she recognizes her parents had her best interests at heart, the experience also made her feel isolated and lonely.

Upon entering high school, she faced criticism from her peers. “I was made fun of for my lack of style and overall lack of awareness when it came to a school environment and how to function in one,” she explains.

The process of developing her communication and social skills, though difficult, also gave her self-confidence. “I learned how to stand up for myself,” she says. “I realized many others just like me also had a story to share, but hadn’t yet found their voice. As I grew as a person, I shared my story. Often. I found myself continuously hearing from people that my advice had significantly impacted their lives. It was so incredibly fulfilling to know my story inspired others.”

Through that experience, Christina demonstrated her ability to overcome other people’s unkind judgments and criticism. Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising, then, that she was able to ignore the negativity she encountered when she first got the idea to start Legacy Leaders. “As far back as my first business in 2011, there have been naysayers,” she says. “Over and over, people said to me, ‘Aren’t you too busy for that?’ or they told me the apparel market is saturated.”

Luckily, she didn’t listen. “Whenever someone tells you that you can’t do something, that’s because it’s something they don’t believe they can do,” she says. “It has no bearing on what you are capable of.”

Speaking what you wear

Christina has been writing poetry and creating inspirational quotes since the age of nine. “As I grew older, I incorporated life lessons into my writing,” she says.

Becoming a life coach also helped her understand how her own hard-earned wisdom could inspire and encourage others. “I combined my creative spirit with my experiences growing up and the concepts I have learned and taught as a life coach to create Legacy Leaders,” she explains.

While other brands might seek to convey wealth, prestige, or exclusivity, Legacy Leaders goes in an entirely different direction: Christina’s offerings serve and inspire others. “Legacy Leaders’ clothing allows us to share our beliefs by wearing them,” she says. “Wearing what you believe is the same as speaking boldly about it. We choose what we wear to express ourselves, make a statement, convey our personality, and show support. Legacy Leaders enables people to communicate heart-centered values.”

Helping kids voice their values

In particular, Christina aims to give parents tools to help their children embrace life-affirming values. “I think we can all agree that we should be role models for our children,” she says. “Hopefully, we are already doing our best to be examples for our kids in our daily lives, both in the home and outside of it. Spreading the knowledge we’ve learned through experience and being passionate about teaching it to future generations is the final step. We need to teach our kids to be proud of what they believe and not afraid to speak up for themselves and what’s right.”

Christina emphasizes the outsized impact that children can have. “Kids have more energy than us, and they often have more creativity and passion if they are surrounded by love and encouragement,” she says. “They can cause an even bigger ripple effect than adults! They just need us — as adults — to speak words of empowerment and be their support.”

When obstacles emerge, she has this advice for parents: “The only way to handle naysayers is to prove them wrong and make it a teachable moment for the kids. I love Henry Ford’s quote: ‘Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.’ I encourage my kids to always believe they can. If they want it badly enough, they will.”

Be the change you want to see

In addition, Legacy Leaders gives back to the community. Every time someone purchases apparel related to a mental health cause, the company donates twenty percent of the profit to mental health training, support, and materials.

“It only takes one person, one story, and one voice to make a difference,” Christina says. “But it has to begin somewhere. Be that starting point! Teach your kids that they can be that starting point as well!”

The values that Legacy Leaders expresses and Christina’s personal story of resilience make it easy to understand why her items have been so successful. It’s safe to say that, in turning the heads of thousands, Christina touches their hearts as well.

Less Painful Facilities Management

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Helpful. Professional. Diligent. Dedicated.

Those are the kind of words that are used to describe Laser Facility Management in the more than 100 five-star Google reviews that its clients and partners have posted. The team at Laser promises to provide uniquely tailored solutions that result in functional, safe, healthy, and enjoyable commercial environments. And the reviews provided by their clients prove that they can be trusted to deliver on that promise.

“Too many companies make promises that never get fulfilled,” says Bryan Kelley, founder of Laser Facility Management. “They launch new support services and do well for a season, but the quality quickly tails off. Oftentimes, this is because companies do not proactively hire and train, thus they scurry to add individuals to new accounts, many of which do not know the industry.”

Laser’s commitment to world-class customer service has allowed it to stand out as a facility management company that delivers reliably, consistently, and on time. The company was founded on one guiding principle: to be laser-focused on the customer. Whether they are providing facilities management for client portfolios in retail, medical retail (aks “medtail”), hospitality, entertainment, restaurant, convenience, or commercial, Laser’s promise is that they will sweat the small details and make sure projects are completed on scope, on time, and on budget.

“Most guests shopping, visiting their doctor, dining in their favorite restaurant, or visiting any business have no idea our organization is behind the scenes, helping keep that business open and providing a safe and pleasant experience,” explains Kelley. “I love how we get to solve problems for our clients, often behind the scenes.”

Solving the customer service problem

Kelley already had a successful career in facilities management when he had the idea for Laser. He was a facility manager with Michael Kors, maintaining 350 stores across the US. In that role, he saw firsthand that the customer service provided by the vendors with whom he worked could stand to be improved.

“I’ve always been someone who was focused on customer service, so I was quick to notice that the level of service I was experiencing with the vendors serving our projects was not meeting my standards,” Kelley shares. “I respected the vendors for getting the job done, but I often was given updates on projects that would be fluff, not answering the questions that I had. There was a lack of authenticity and transparency.”

Kelley came to believe that a facility management company that was laser-focused on providing excellent customer service would thrive in the industry. Laser Facility Management was born from that belief and quickly established itself as a top facility management provider. After only five years in the industry, Laser has earned clients in all 50 US states, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Providing consistent and reliable communication

One of the key frustrations that Kelley experienced during his time with Michael Kors was the poor communication provided by vendors. As a facility manager, he needed to know if projects were proceeding as planned. Too often, the updates he was given lacked both substance and details.

When Kelley launched Laser, he was committed to providing the type of communication that he had wanted as a facility manager. According to Laser’s clients, he has made good on that commitment. Google reviews describe Laser as “very communicative,” “on top of everything,” “knowledgeable,” and “quick to respond.” One reviewer states that Laser’s “communication, attention to detail, and follow up are 2nd to no one.”

Laser claims that few companies are structured to provide its depth-of-field experience, certified expertise, best-in-class processes, and continuous client collaboration. Client reviews, such as this one, prove that to be the case: “I’m often surprised at how much the staff knows about the work being done — this isn’t common, usually the office staff with management companies has no idea what we are doing and it creates massive confusion when trying to get authorization for repairs.”

Bringing thought leadership to facility management

Facility management has become increasingly complex during the last few years. From global pandemics to supply chain issues to tight labor markets, a variety of challenges have emerged that demand thoughtful, innovative solutions. Laser, as a thought leader in the field, has shown itself to be focused on and successful at providing those solutions.

“Our role is to acquire and manage multiple thought leaders so we can have those skill sets ready when our clients need them,” Kelley explains. “Innovation in our facilities industry has much to do with farming the best practices from numerous thought leaders, and then putting those best practices in place — whether they be in new technologies, customer service support processes, or trade processes.”

This commitment to innovation comes together with Laser’s other values to uniquely position them as a company that can solve problems, regardless of how unique or complex those problems may be.

“We take the time to understand our clients’ needs and search for a solution from all angles,” Kelley says. “Once we identify multiple possible solutions, we present them in a clear fashion, with cost transparency, so that we can deliver on promises and provide a great customer experience.”

Camilla Bartoli: The Film Editor Behind the Award-Winning Short Film ‘Hallelujah’

Camilla Bartoli is an Italian-born film editor with an impressive portfolio of work. Her versatility as an editor is evident in her diverse projects, which include award-winning short films, TV docu-series, children’s educational shows, documentaries, and indie feature films. Camilla’s recent work as the editor of the award-winning short film Hallelujah has garnered significant attention in the film industry. The short was executive produced by Academy Award winner Spike Lee and directed by Victor Gabriel. Already making waves on the festival circuit, Hallelujah premiered at the renowned Sundance Film Festival and won the Grand Prix at the HollyShorts Film Festival which shortlisted it for the Oscars. A feature version of the story is currently in the works and is already gathering attention.

The film, described as a “traumedy” by the filmmakers, is a mix of dark and light tones, humor, and violence. It centers around Chetty and Paper, two brothers in Compton, CA, who must take on the guardianship of their nephew Hallelujah and their quiet niece Lila. The film deals with themes of family, responsibility, and the people we leave behind. The film had a small budget and was shot in the backyard of the director’s house in Compton, CA, during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Despite the production’s limitations, the team’s commitment to the story resulted in a successful project. Proving that a strong and cohesive team can always create something that matters.

Camilla’s approach to editing is to always put the story first. It is important for her to separate herself from the shoot to be able to be fully objective when selecting the shots that will help shape the director’s vision for the story. She says, “Efficiency is the most important factor when editing a short film. You have to constantly remind yourself that you only have between 10 and 15 minutes to tell the story. If a scene, shot, or moment is not moving the story forward, cut it out”. 

Camilla’s favorite challenge to overcome in the editing room is fixing scenes that are not convening the desired emotion. Looking through the footage for any shots, dialogues, or actions that will help her build the missing beat. The challenging part of editing Hallelujah was to make a 13-minute short that split into two tones; the comedy and wit in the dialogue and the tragedy of dealing with death and grief.

Camilla explains that “it was all a balancing act. A great rhythm and moving the story along are always key factors when editing. If a line isn’t delivered as intended, a shot is lingering, or a reaction is missing, the audience can be pulled away from the story. As editors, we trust our instincts to rework the scene by adding, removing or shifting frames to fix it”. 

When asked about the success of the film, she says, “It has been incredible to attend all these festivals and get to hear what people have to say about the film. However, I will never get used to re-watching my work. Seeing the audience react emotionally to the story, confirming that all of the decisions taken in the editing room paid off, is what really matters”.  

Various publications have recognized Camilla’s work on Hallelujah, and the film’s success has opened doors for her. She is an editor to watch out for in the coming years, and we can’t wait to see what she will do next.

Jaykishan Plaha – Life Threatening Injury to USA Minor League Stardom

Saturday, 8th June 2019, marks a pivotal moment in Jaykishan Plaha’s cricketing career on and off the pitch. He was 23 when he was picked to bowl against the Australia international cricket team ahead of their upcoming match against India in the group stage of the ICC World Cup at the Kia Oval. A very auspicious and talented cricketer, his aspirations of becoming professional were halted due to a tragic head injury when being on the other side of a David Warner cover drive. 

Jaykishan Plaha

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A depressed skull fracture on the front of the head left doctors and medical professionals wondering how Jaykishan survived this freak accident. Being paralyzed on the right-hand side for a few days and going through physical rehab meant his net bowling progress, which started back in 2017, stopped for a while. Jaykishan closely worked with India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England Lions, and even the infamous IPL franchise for Kolkata Knight Riders after an impressive ECB City Cup performance. However, mental health issues arose due to being unable to train properly during the pandemic lockdown and being isolated indoors. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts were all problems Jaykishan had to face by himself, which were discussed in detail in his latest interview with ESPNCricinfo. However, support was soon available when the pandemic entered its later stages, and outdoor sports were made available again. 

Jaykishan’s redemption at a second chance in life kickstarted with the social league and club cricket, working his way up from the 3rd team to the 1st team and playing in top-tier divisions in Surrey and Middlesex premier league cricket. National Fast Bowling Academy, Uzi Arif – Masterclass Cricket Academy, Shahbaz Choudhary – author of pace journal, Athletico Pro, family, best friends Sham, NFL training group, and Qaiss Raja, who has played with Jaykishan Plaha throughout his comeback years from 2020. All these special mentions have helped Jaykishan to overcome the fear of facing a cricket ball. After a challenging and personal journey, Jaykishan sets his vision on making it professional once again and trains in Dubai for short stints, playing in the Sharjah Ramadan league on live television. Jaykishan mentions this was a life-defining moment for him, playing in front of a live crowd and television, and reports his self-belief of becoming a cricket star has kicked in since then. He then played the 2022 season in the USA, seeking to become a professional in a country where cricket is developing fast, and the nation’s hopes of entering the ICC World Cup are rising year after year. 

Jaykishan Plaha

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After playing one season for Carribean CC of Los Angeles, Owner – Dr. Binzie Roy Davidson and Ex-West Indies star Fidel Edward’s father – Mr. Cuttings, both saw the potential in Jaykishan and offered a starting XI contract. Earlier this year, Jaykishan ironically trained in Australia for eight weeks, working closely with coaches who have previously trained some of the top batsmen and bowlers of the Australia Cricket team. This came after finding out about the possibility of getting drafted for the MILC- Minor league in the USA after an impressive season last year for Carribean CC. 

Jaykishan Plaha

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Jaykishan has built a reputation as someone serious about pursuing his dream of becoming a professional cricketer. After leaving his friends and family back in the United Kingdom and his coaches who have helped him get this far, Jaykishan is willing to give it everything to fulfill his 2017 self’s dream. Jaykishan quotes: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard, and it is time to leave n overdue legacy.” This represents his mindset which he portrays on his YouTube channel ‘ItsYourBoyJayMan.’ Jaykishan is someone to keep an eye on and look out for in the near future within the American international team’s ranks.