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Village Realty OBX Blog
Lost......OBX style
Today's post was written by Jackie--our VP of Rentals.
Directions…...
This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I’ve lived on the Outer Banks for almost 27 years so “city” driving freaks me out. If anyone can get lost, it’s me. Just ask anyone who has been on a trip with me driving. Map Quest came along and I felt a little more confident and now with my GPS “telling” me where to go, I should be fine but no, the woman ( I decided I didn’t need a man telling me where to go) will warn me of a turn or an exit, tell me what lane to get in and all but drive for me and I still get a stomach ache with big trucks whizzing by. And don’t get me started on “merging”. Those folks just don’t have any manners!
SO… I’m very patient and compassionate when our seasonal visitors lose their way. This afternoon, I was walking my two dogs around my neighborhood, First Flight Village, which is Westside and mostly year ‘round in Kill Devil Hills about a mile from the ocean. A man and young boy flagged me down from their car window waving a printout from Map Quest. If only they had known what a “direction-impaired” person I am, they might have driven on to the next pedestrian. To make it more difficult, he said he was Russian but could speak English. My southern English and his Russian English didn’t quite mesh but anyway, he had really gotten on the wrong road… he was trying to find Schooner Ridge Road in Duck! I guess the shocked look on my face said it all. I told him he had gone in the wrong direction but sent him back to Hwy 158 turning left (good luck at that with no light and Saturday ck ins) and go about 6 miles and then on with directions to Duck warning him to slow down when it said 25 mph because they were serious! I asked if he was renting from a rental company or did he have a phone # of friends or relatives. NO to both. He just had keys to a house that belonged to a friend. Our encounter was about 4:30pm and with Saturday ck in traffic, he might get to Duck in a couple of hours. I told him if he had any problems finding his right turn into Schooner Ridge to just stop at any business (I hope he picks one on the right side of the road) after he gets to Duck and it will be easy to find.
This reminds me of another encounter with a couple who had REALLY gone the wrong way. I was in Corolla at the Villages at Ocean Hill checking out the oceanfront pool on a Saturday in 1995. A shiny red sports car pulled up, again waving a piece of paper with directions. However, these were handwritten and oddly enough, this couple’s accent was also much different than my southern English. In case you don’t know, the Villages at Ocean Hill is the northernmost subdivision before 4 wheel drive territory which ultimately leads you back to Virginia. Where was their destination? Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. I looked at them at 3pm on another very busy Saturday ck in day and said, “Wow! You took a left when you should have gone straight!” Then, I proceeded to tell them how to go to Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, over the Oregon Inlet Bridge and on to Rodanthe on Hatteras Island!
I guess I’m not the only one that has problems with directions. Surely they didn’t have knots in their stomach because although they were all going to be on the road longer than expected, they will see beautiful scenery along the way with a glimpse of the ocean here and there.
We hope all our visitors return year after year and will have no problems with directions.
Till Next Time,
Your OBX Bloggers
PS. Don’t ask about a trip to Parsipanny, NJ with my boss some years back. Thank goodness for MapQuest!
Directions…...
This is a subject near and dear to my heart. I’ve lived on the Outer Banks for almost 27 years so “city” driving freaks me out. If anyone can get lost, it’s me. Just ask anyone who has been on a trip with me driving. Map Quest came along and I felt a little more confident and now with my GPS “telling” me where to go, I should be fine but no, the woman ( I decided I didn’t need a man telling me where to go) will warn me of a turn or an exit, tell me what lane to get in and all but drive for me and I still get a stomach ache with big trucks whizzing by. And don’t get me started on “merging”. Those folks just don’t have any manners!
SO… I’m very patient and compassionate when our seasonal visitors lose their way. This afternoon, I was walking my two dogs around my neighborhood, First Flight Village, which is Westside and mostly year ‘round in Kill Devil Hills about a mile from the ocean. A man and young boy flagged me down from their car window waving a printout from Map Quest. If only they had known what a “direction-impaired” person I am, they might have driven on to the next pedestrian. To make it more difficult, he said he was Russian but could speak English. My southern English and his Russian English didn’t quite mesh but anyway, he had really gotten on the wrong road… he was trying to find Schooner Ridge Road in Duck! I guess the shocked look on my face said it all. I told him he had gone in the wrong direction but sent him back to Hwy 158 turning left (good luck at that with no light and Saturday ck ins) and go about 6 miles and then on with directions to Duck warning him to slow down when it said 25 mph because they were serious! I asked if he was renting from a rental company or did he have a phone # of friends or relatives. NO to both. He just had keys to a house that belonged to a friend. Our encounter was about 4:30pm and with Saturday ck in traffic, he might get to Duck in a couple of hours. I told him if he had any problems finding his right turn into Schooner Ridge to just stop at any business (I hope he picks one on the right side of the road) after he gets to Duck and it will be easy to find.
This reminds me of another encounter with a couple who had REALLY gone the wrong way. I was in Corolla at the Villages at Ocean Hill checking out the oceanfront pool on a Saturday in 1995. A shiny red sports car pulled up, again waving a piece of paper with directions. However, these were handwritten and oddly enough, this couple’s accent was also much different than my southern English. In case you don’t know, the Villages at Ocean Hill is the northernmost subdivision before 4 wheel drive territory which ultimately leads you back to Virginia. Where was their destination? Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. I looked at them at 3pm on another very busy Saturday ck in day and said, “Wow! You took a left when you should have gone straight!” Then, I proceeded to tell them how to go to Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, over the Oregon Inlet Bridge and on to Rodanthe on Hatteras Island!
I guess I’m not the only one that has problems with directions. Surely they didn’t have knots in their stomach because although they were all going to be on the road longer than expected, they will see beautiful scenery along the way with a glimpse of the ocean here and there.
We hope all our visitors return year after year and will have no problems with directions.
Till Next Time,
Your OBX Bloggers
PS. Don’t ask about a trip to Parsipanny, NJ with my boss some years back. Thank goodness for MapQuest!
Corolla Check In Fun
One nice thing about our new Corolla office location is that we can have a party and not worry about disturbing our neighbors. We still have neighbors we have to worry about, but they aren’t right next door like our old location.
This season we have weekend entertainment for the first time. On Saturday we have Tim the Juggler, and on Sundays we have Steve the Dream, a DJ and master entertainer.
For most parents, driving a long way with children can be a challenge, “are we there yet,” “I’m tired of riding!,” or “I need to use the bathroom AGAIN.” I’m sure are all things parents are tired of hearing by the time they arrive at our office. If they arrive earlier than the house is ready, these two entertainers can at least keep the kids occupied, entertained or even help them burn some energy with a little limbo contest or try their hand at juggling. The quickest way to making parents happy is to put a smile on their child face. We are fortunate enough this season to have some entertainers who can do that, and they also keep the Corolla Village Realty staff entertained as well.
Next time you're in Corolla on a summer weekend, stop buy for you hand at the Chicken Dance.....enjoy a cold drink and say hey to the Village Realty people!
Till then
Your OBX (Guest) Blogger
BK in Corolla
This season we have weekend entertainment for the first time. On Saturday we have Tim the Juggler, and on Sundays we have Steve the Dream, a DJ and master entertainer.
For most parents, driving a long way with children can be a challenge, “are we there yet,” “I’m tired of riding!,” or “I need to use the bathroom AGAIN.” I’m sure are all things parents are tired of hearing by the time they arrive at our office. If they arrive earlier than the house is ready, these two entertainers can at least keep the kids occupied, entertained or even help them burn some energy with a little limbo contest or try their hand at juggling. The quickest way to making parents happy is to put a smile on their child face. We are fortunate enough this season to have some entertainers who can do that, and they also keep the Corolla Village Realty staff entertained as well.
Next time you're in Corolla on a summer weekend, stop buy for you hand at the Chicken Dance.....enjoy a cold drink and say hey to the Village Realty people!
Till then
Your OBX (Guest) Blogger
BK in Corolla
The Ocean
Guest Blogger BK writes:
One of the things I enjoy the most about where I live is that I am very near the ocean. I also have a big lawn that requires at least an hour a week to mow. The part I enjoy after mowing is that I almost always go over to the beach and jump in the ocean to cool off and get cleaned up. Most of the time I think how wonderful life is that I have the luxury to jump in the ocean only a few yards away whenever I want, I mean how many people can say that?
There have been a few days, not many, but a few where I am drenched in sweat and grass clipping and itching from the bugs that I literally run across the street to jump in the water, only to be stopped dead in my tracks as I spot jellyfish in the surf. I haven’t been stung yet, and I do everything I can to avoid a jellyfish encounter so that I hope I never do get stung.
I just read an interesting article in the Virginia Pilot that indicated the jellyfish are becoming more numerous and wide spread largely due to man made reasons. They say we are over fishing the natural predators of jellyfish, such as Tuna, sharks and sword fish, and as the water temperatures increase due to global warming, the jellyfish are starting to thrive. Jellyfish float haplessly with the currents and discharge their venom automatically when they bump into something warm, such as people. We don’t have the most venomous kinds in our waters, but some of them such as the Portuguese man-of-war can be deadly or deliver a painful sting producing wounds that can last for weeks, months or years depending on the person and amount of contact.
They say that more jellyfish are a sign of a sick ocean, and describe them as the cockroaches of the ocean. Human caused stresses including global warming and over fishing are encouraging jellyfish surpluses in many tourist destinations around the world and most pronounced in the Mediterranean sea where the jellyfish are thriving in the damaged environment.
The good news is either our oceans are pretty clean or we have been very lucky. The number of jellyfish encounters this season has been at or below my personal recollection, only once this season have I been stopped in my tracks at the oceans edge debating whether I would let one or two jellyfish stop me from taking the plunge.
(**Note: BK volunteers at the NC Aquarium in Manteo every week and cleans the shark tank--while the sharks are in it!
Till Next Time
Your OBX Bloggers
One of the things I enjoy the most about where I live is that I am very near the ocean. I also have a big lawn that requires at least an hour a week to mow. The part I enjoy after mowing is that I almost always go over to the beach and jump in the ocean to cool off and get cleaned up. Most of the time I think how wonderful life is that I have the luxury to jump in the ocean only a few yards away whenever I want, I mean how many people can say that?
There have been a few days, not many, but a few where I am drenched in sweat and grass clipping and itching from the bugs that I literally run across the street to jump in the water, only to be stopped dead in my tracks as I spot jellyfish in the surf. I haven’t been stung yet, and I do everything I can to avoid a jellyfish encounter so that I hope I never do get stung.
I just read an interesting article in the Virginia Pilot that indicated the jellyfish are becoming more numerous and wide spread largely due to man made reasons. They say we are over fishing the natural predators of jellyfish, such as Tuna, sharks and sword fish, and as the water temperatures increase due to global warming, the jellyfish are starting to thrive. Jellyfish float haplessly with the currents and discharge their venom automatically when they bump into something warm, such as people. We don’t have the most venomous kinds in our waters, but some of them such as the Portuguese man-of-war can be deadly or deliver a painful sting producing wounds that can last for weeks, months or years depending on the person and amount of contact.
They say that more jellyfish are a sign of a sick ocean, and describe them as the cockroaches of the ocean. Human caused stresses including global warming and over fishing are encouraging jellyfish surpluses in many tourist destinations around the world and most pronounced in the Mediterranean sea where the jellyfish are thriving in the damaged environment.
The good news is either our oceans are pretty clean or we have been very lucky. The number of jellyfish encounters this season has been at or below my personal recollection, only once this season have I been stopped in my tracks at the oceans edge debating whether I would let one or two jellyfish stop me from taking the plunge.
(**Note: BK volunteers at the NC Aquarium in Manteo every week and cleans the shark tank--while the sharks are in it!
Till Next Time
Your OBX Bloggers
Outer Banks
If you’re looking for a great place to eat lunch or dinner, you can always try Tortugas’ Lie Shellfish and Raw Bar. This restaurant is a small place on the beach road about mile post 11 in Nags Head that is very popular with the locals and tourist alike. They have great food that could please most tastes, and my personal favorite has always been the Wednesday night sushi, which during the summer doesn’t start until late night.
I go down there regularly 2 or 3 times a week, but I don’t eat there as often as I would like to, I go for the beach volleyball. One of the owners of the restaurant is a big beach volleyball player and fan and built two very nice sand volleyball courts behind the restaurant. We can always tell when the place is getting full because the restaurant patrons waiting for a seat will often walk around back and watch us play and enjoy a cocktail as they wait.
If you’re a sports fan and like watch some good competition, you have a good chance of seeing some tough games being played out back. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the nights you will most likely catch some games. There is the local group of regular players as well and many out of town players who will stop by for a few games while on vacation. There may be nights where only 4 people show up, or nights where 20 people are trying to get on the same two courts.
If you get a chance to try Tortugas’, I highly suggest a visit for some great food, and if you want to show up a little early to enjoy some sports action, we usually play a little better if we have spectators.
Guest Blogger BK
I go down there regularly 2 or 3 times a week, but I don’t eat there as often as I would like to, I go for the beach volleyball. One of the owners of the restaurant is a big beach volleyball player and fan and built two very nice sand volleyball courts behind the restaurant. We can always tell when the place is getting full because the restaurant patrons waiting for a seat will often walk around back and watch us play and enjoy a cocktail as they wait.
If you’re a sports fan and like watch some good competition, you have a good chance of seeing some tough games being played out back. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the nights you will most likely catch some games. There is the local group of regular players as well and many out of town players who will stop by for a few games while on vacation. There may be nights where only 4 people show up, or nights where 20 people are trying to get on the same two courts.
If you get a chance to try Tortugas’, I highly suggest a visit for some great food, and if you want to show up a little early to enjoy some sports action, we usually play a little better if we have spectators.
Guest Blogger BK
Christmas in July.........on the Outer Banks
Today's blog was written by KT in our Corolla Office
"'Twas the night before 'Christmas in July,' when all through the Corolla building…not a rental agent was stirring but bells were a jingling…the stockings were hung by the mini Christmas tree with care…in hopes that St. William (a.k.a.) Bill soon would be there…"
As the lyrics to 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town' by the Jackson 5 rang through the halls of Village Realty~Corolla Saturday July 26th…we were getting ready for another zany rental check-in day…but it was not to be just any other Saturday check-in day…it was CHRISTMAS IN JULY!
We decided we wanted to offer a fun-filled day to break up the monotony of the summer and we wanted to 'give something back' to our wonderful staff. So, Bill treated us to a terrific holiday meal of baked ham, mashed potatoes, zesty corn, green bean casserole, rolls, pecan pie and apple crumb pie. Most of it was homemade as well! Kudos to Bill…everything was delicious!
Bill and I had discussed what we wanted to do and we split up our tasks earlier in the week. His job was to find a few 'real' gifts to give to the Rental staff to match each person's unique personality and he completed his task successfully. Everyone loved their special gifts! I was given the task of purchasing lots of little gag gifts for stocking stuffers, candies and such for all Corolla staff in the area including housekeeping, maintenance, rentals and Sami, our beloved Rental/Sales Coordinator who does everything else!
I knew that I still had most of my Christmas CDs and decorations within an arm's reach....including a mini Christmas tree that still in my bedroom (yes, really.......that is for another post).
Friday night before our Christmas extravaganza Bill and I strung Christmas lights everywhere we could in our conference room, we hung Christmas balls from light fixtures, we hung stockings everywhere, we set up my mini Christmas tree next to our fireplace, we sat a miniature Santa right beside our mini tree and I even tossed around about 100 little doilies to resemble snow flakes! We really had a great time…great food was enjoyed and fun gifts were appreciated! Cheers to a great staff!
Hmmm…what must be do in August?? We'll think of something…until next month!
Your OBX (Guest) Blogger
So you want to live at the beach.....
When I was a freshman in college, I had a life changing event occur during one of my English classes. My teacher decided to show us the movie Office Space and it was then that I decided that I never wanted to work in a corporate environment. I do understand that the corporate ideas displayed in that movie were somewhat exaggerated, but I knew that there was some truth to what was being said. My dad had told me many stories that mirrored situations that I saw in that movie and I had many friends who went off to work in those environments that had similar stories to tell as well. I didn't want to wear a suit and tie to work everyday, or work in a cubicle, or have to worry about handing in TPS reports to 3 different bosses. So I decided that I was going to take a chance and move the Outer Banks. My family has had a home in Duck for about 13 years and we would always come down during the summer for vacation. I thought it would be great to live at the beach and be able to go surfing or fishing whenever I wanted. I was able to get a job at Village Realty within a month of moving and thought that things were working out according to my plan. I had a place to live, a job and I was within walking distance to the beach.
Well, about a month after I moved down, Hurricane Isabel struck the Outer Banks. The harsh reality of living along the coast hit me right in the face and I began to wonder if this was a sign of things to come. I had to evacuate and upon my return, I had to deal with unhappy tourists who were anxious to continue their vacation after the storm. It was at that point, that I realized that their is a huge difference between vacationing here and living/working here. My idea of relaxing on the beach each day and being able to ride waves whenever I wanted was becoming less and less of a reality. The Outer Banks is a tourist destination that thrives on the money visitors spend on food, souveniers, attractions, etc. It goes without saying that local businesses increase their pricing somewhat because they know people will spend more money when they are having a good time. This unfortunately does not help those of us who live here. The Outer Banks is a very expensive area to live..there is very little affordable housing available and the majority of people rent rather than own.
Aside from the cost of living, I found it was very difficult to get through the off seasons. There is a vastly different atmosphere down here in the winter months and it is almost depressing. Many stores and restaurants close and the number of people down here drops dramatically. I found it very hard to meet people my age and find things to do. So needless to say, I was ready for the warmer months to come again. Well, I soon realized that the months I used to long for while in school would become the months I would dread. All of the aspects that used to be part of my great vacation were now part of the reason I was regretting my decision to move here. Not to mention the traffic that made me late for work, the long lines at restaurants and all of the noise on the beach. How could I not have been bothered by all these things before when I was here on vacation? The place that I spent so many memorable summers was now the place that I couldn't wait to get out of.
I spent my 2nd winter trying to figure out what I should do next. Should I move to a big city and get one of those corporate jobs that I tried to hide from? Should I go back to school and take more time to figure out what I want to do with my life? I had no idea...I decided to go for a walk on the beach to try and think of some options for myself. As I began walking, I found myself more in tune with my surroundings than I had been since I moved down here. I was walking on the beach alone.....I began to hear and see things that I never noticed before. The sound of the sea oats blowing in the wind, the sound the waves made as they crashed on the shore and retreated back to the ocean, the laughing gulls arguing over food, and the sound of my feet as they hit the sand with every step. This was the Outer Banks in its truest form and I stopped to think....how many people have the chance to do what I am doing right now? Of all the people that are unhappy with their work, home life, place of residence, etc...how many of them can go for a walk on the beach to clear their head? Not many....I felt lucky and I figured out that my outlook on life at the beach needed to change. I work hard...a full time job and at times 2 or 3 side jobs is my weekly routine. It isn't easy....I still have to deal with life challenges just like everyone else. However, after 5 years of living here, I know I made the right choice and I wouldn't trade places with anyone. The Outer Banks is a great place to vacation...but also a great place to live. If you are planning to move down here...just remember....the vacation will always end, but life on the Outer Banks goes on.
Well, about a month after I moved down, Hurricane Isabel struck the Outer Banks. The harsh reality of living along the coast hit me right in the face and I began to wonder if this was a sign of things to come. I had to evacuate and upon my return, I had to deal with unhappy tourists who were anxious to continue their vacation after the storm. It was at that point, that I realized that their is a huge difference between vacationing here and living/working here. My idea of relaxing on the beach each day and being able to ride waves whenever I wanted was becoming less and less of a reality. The Outer Banks is a tourist destination that thrives on the money visitors spend on food, souveniers, attractions, etc. It goes without saying that local businesses increase their pricing somewhat because they know people will spend more money when they are having a good time. This unfortunately does not help those of us who live here. The Outer Banks is a very expensive area to live..there is very little affordable housing available and the majority of people rent rather than own.
Aside from the cost of living, I found it was very difficult to get through the off seasons. There is a vastly different atmosphere down here in the winter months and it is almost depressing. Many stores and restaurants close and the number of people down here drops dramatically. I found it very hard to meet people my age and find things to do. So needless to say, I was ready for the warmer months to come again. Well, I soon realized that the months I used to long for while in school would become the months I would dread. All of the aspects that used to be part of my great vacation were now part of the reason I was regretting my decision to move here. Not to mention the traffic that made me late for work, the long lines at restaurants and all of the noise on the beach. How could I not have been bothered by all these things before when I was here on vacation? The place that I spent so many memorable summers was now the place that I couldn't wait to get out of.
I spent my 2nd winter trying to figure out what I should do next. Should I move to a big city and get one of those corporate jobs that I tried to hide from? Should I go back to school and take more time to figure out what I want to do with my life? I had no idea...I decided to go for a walk on the beach to try and think of some options for myself. As I began walking, I found myself more in tune with my surroundings than I had been since I moved down here. I was walking on the beach alone.....I began to hear and see things that I never noticed before. The sound of the sea oats blowing in the wind, the sound the waves made as they crashed on the shore and retreated back to the ocean, the laughing gulls arguing over food, and the sound of my feet as they hit the sand with every step. This was the Outer Banks in its truest form and I stopped to think....how many people have the chance to do what I am doing right now? Of all the people that are unhappy with their work, home life, place of residence, etc...how many of them can go for a walk on the beach to clear their head? Not many....I felt lucky and I figured out that my outlook on life at the beach needed to change. I work hard...a full time job and at times 2 or 3 side jobs is my weekly routine. It isn't easy....I still have to deal with life challenges just like everyone else. However, after 5 years of living here, I know I made the right choice and I wouldn't trade places with anyone. The Outer Banks is a great place to vacation...but also a great place to live. If you are planning to move down here...just remember....the vacation will always end, but life on the Outer Banks goes on.
Say It Forward
Today's blog is the second in the series of "Say It Forward"........where we thank one of our co-workers for the work and effort they put forward on behalf of Village Realty or First Colony Inn.
When I think of this next person here are words that come to mind:
"quietly efficient"
"unflappable"
"always pleasant and professional"
"a team player"
as well as someone I would immediately hire if I was starting my own company.
She works at the front desk in our Nags Head office and is one of those people that just "gets it done". If you ask her to help with something there is never a reason to check behind her.........she will do all you ask and more.
Christine is one of those rare individuals who gets along with everyone, is respected and trusted and can be counted on to help with whatever is needed. Working at the front desk means you (a) take reservations all day long (b) answer questions from guests and owners who either call or walk in (c) check guests in and out on the weekends (d) and a thousand other things on a daily basis.
I have heard her supervisors say on more than one occassion how valuable she is to the company and how much they enjoy working with her. That pretty much says it all.
So, Christine........this one's for you! Thank you for your dedication, customer service skills and your caring attitude towards both guests, owers and your fellow employees.
You are appreciated and we want you to know that.
Till Next Time
Your OBX Blogger
J
BK The RM
*(The Corolla office of Village Realty is comprised of a group of people who are very close and who work well together. The Rental Manager is Bill Koebernick and his team sent the following comments to me this morning. This is part of the "Pay It Forward" philosophy that was mentioned in a recent company newsletter. When you admire someone for who they are or what they do, or even for a specific act of kindness or courage that they have performed, never hesitate to let them know this. Your kind words or kind gesture could make a big difference in someone's life at any given time. Bill has no idea, I am sure, that the people he supervises/work with feel this way about him and knowing Bill --he used to be MY rental manager when we both worked somewhere else---I am sure he will be a little embarrassed but also quite touched by the sentiments expressed here. )
From Krista Templeton; The Owner Liasion and also the official Corolla cheerleader and one of my dear friends:
It is our pleasure to work with Bill Koebernick! Bill is a great friend, person and manager to us all! Bill is often one of the first people in the office daily. He is often one of the last in the office daily as well. And, I say 'daily' because he is here often on his days off attending to business that could not be addressed during the regular work week. Now, I know this can often be expected of upper management especially in the summer. But, Bill recently came in on his day off to have a cook out for us…now come on…how cool is that? And, I was actually put in charge of it but simply could not manage to find the time. Bill did all the shopping and Andrew Darling had the helm at the grill! TEAMWORK at its finest!
I just don't know where to begin and end because Bill does it all! Where is he when a package needs to be picked up or delivered? There he is…backing his truck up to help. He is off right now picking up our Corolla Light packets for the upcoming weekend. He recently helped guests relocate from a Currituck Club house due to unforeseen damages into a new home that was vacant that particular week. And, he has physically moved guests on many occasions. He is a very caring person and manager. He offers excellent customer service daily. He tries very hard to find a win/win solution so that owners stay and guests return. He can often be found disposing of trash for guests, owners and the office. He also helps haul off our recyclables. He is a great communicator. He keeps our office 'in the loop' with area events and information from our local Currituck Chamber and/or Board of Tourism. He keeps us posted on marketing committee decisions and web team highlights. He delegates well but jumps right in with the front line to do whatever it takes to run a smooth office. He is much appreciated for this as he is one of the team more so than the team leader but he wears well both 'hats.' He too is greatly appreciative of his staff and values deeply their input and opinions on the daily operations of the office. He is well respected and is respectful of others. He always has a quick answer when anyone is in a pinch; he trusts well his instincts and is often right in doing so. It is best to make a wrong decision that one can make amends of later than to make no decision at all. He takes full responsibility when something goes wrong in our office and is accepting to be made accountable if the 'goof' is ours. He is flexible with our schedules as long as our work is done and the front line is covered. I can always count on him for anything! He does not ask for or require a pat on the back to do all the things he does but he is well deserving of one!
Who can say it best but the staff that works alongside him........
From Sami…....I've only recently started working for Rentals...but I think Bill is an Awesome Boss. He stands up for his staff as well as the whole Corolla Staff, be it rentals, sales, maint. or housekeeping. He has a wonderful, fun way about him…
From Karen.....…I have lots of good stuff to say about Bill. I think he is a highly effective manager, who truly understands the meaning of customer service. Rarely does a guest not feel satisfied once Bill has intervened on their behalf. I feel as though Bill has a wonderful way with his staff - he gives guidance and then encourages his staff to handle situations to the best of their ability. This makes a staff member feel like a valued contributor to the mission of Village Realty. I admire Bill's athleticism; he runs, he dives, he plays volleyball, and all with the same commitment that he has to his professional life. And he probably qualifies as the Outer Banks Most Eligible Bachelor!! (*Personal note here from writer--Bill is quite handsome!)
From Bernie…....Bill is hard working and is always willing to try to resolve problems he is always available for us. I have never worked for a better Rental Manager. His dedication and loyalty should be recognized.
From Dianna…Bill is one of the best bosses I've ever had.
From Holli....…Bill, I just wanted to 'Thank you' for the flowers (he gave all of us girls flowers the other day for no reason) and as well 'Thank you' for all you have done for me. But, I will tell you that that is what makes you who you are as a great manager. I am very happy to have you and Krista as my managers and I couldn't ask for better because you both are the best. You are a great person and I am honored to work in Corolla.
This post gave me an idea and I will be featuring different Village Realty employees once a week. We have so many dedicated, talented, loyal and innovative people who all work together........that is part of what makes this company what it is. So, my wonderful co-workers........start thinking about what you want to say about who!
And Bill........I hope this gets your weekend off to a great start!
""We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are always there for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you." -- Jeff Warner"
Till Next Time
Your OBX Blogger
JM
From Krista Templeton; The Owner Liasion and also the official Corolla cheerleader and one of my dear friends:
It is our pleasure to work with Bill Koebernick! Bill is a great friend, person and manager to us all! Bill is often one of the first people in the office daily. He is often one of the last in the office daily as well. And, I say 'daily' because he is here often on his days off attending to business that could not be addressed during the regular work week. Now, I know this can often be expected of upper management especially in the summer. But, Bill recently came in on his day off to have a cook out for us…now come on…how cool is that? And, I was actually put in charge of it but simply could not manage to find the time. Bill did all the shopping and Andrew Darling had the helm at the grill! TEAMWORK at its finest!
I just don't know where to begin and end because Bill does it all! Where is he when a package needs to be picked up or delivered? There he is…backing his truck up to help. He is off right now picking up our Corolla Light packets for the upcoming weekend. He recently helped guests relocate from a Currituck Club house due to unforeseen damages into a new home that was vacant that particular week. And, he has physically moved guests on many occasions. He is a very caring person and manager. He offers excellent customer service daily. He tries very hard to find a win/win solution so that owners stay and guests return. He can often be found disposing of trash for guests, owners and the office. He also helps haul off our recyclables. He is a great communicator. He keeps our office 'in the loop' with area events and information from our local Currituck Chamber and/or Board of Tourism. He keeps us posted on marketing committee decisions and web team highlights. He delegates well but jumps right in with the front line to do whatever it takes to run a smooth office. He is much appreciated for this as he is one of the team more so than the team leader but he wears well both 'hats.' He too is greatly appreciative of his staff and values deeply their input and opinions on the daily operations of the office. He is well respected and is respectful of others. He always has a quick answer when anyone is in a pinch; he trusts well his instincts and is often right in doing so. It is best to make a wrong decision that one can make amends of later than to make no decision at all. He takes full responsibility when something goes wrong in our office and is accepting to be made accountable if the 'goof' is ours. He is flexible with our schedules as long as our work is done and the front line is covered. I can always count on him for anything! He does not ask for or require a pat on the back to do all the things he does but he is well deserving of one!
Who can say it best but the staff that works alongside him........
From Sami…....I've only recently started working for Rentals...but I think Bill is an Awesome Boss. He stands up for his staff as well as the whole Corolla Staff, be it rentals, sales, maint. or housekeeping. He has a wonderful, fun way about him…
From Karen.....…I have lots of good stuff to say about Bill. I think he is a highly effective manager, who truly understands the meaning of customer service. Rarely does a guest not feel satisfied once Bill has intervened on their behalf. I feel as though Bill has a wonderful way with his staff - he gives guidance and then encourages his staff to handle situations to the best of their ability. This makes a staff member feel like a valued contributor to the mission of Village Realty. I admire Bill's athleticism; he runs, he dives, he plays volleyball, and all with the same commitment that he has to his professional life. And he probably qualifies as the Outer Banks Most Eligible Bachelor!! (*Personal note here from writer--Bill is quite handsome!)
From Bernie…....Bill is hard working and is always willing to try to resolve problems he is always available for us. I have never worked for a better Rental Manager. His dedication and loyalty should be recognized.
From Dianna…Bill is one of the best bosses I've ever had.
From Holli....…Bill, I just wanted to 'Thank you' for the flowers (he gave all of us girls flowers the other day for no reason) and as well 'Thank you' for all you have done for me. But, I will tell you that that is what makes you who you are as a great manager. I am very happy to have you and Krista as my managers and I couldn't ask for better because you both are the best. You are a great person and I am honored to work in Corolla.
This post gave me an idea and I will be featuring different Village Realty employees once a week. We have so many dedicated, talented, loyal and innovative people who all work together........that is part of what makes this company what it is. So, my wonderful co-workers........start thinking about what you want to say about who!
And Bill........I hope this gets your weekend off to a great start!
""We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are always there for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you." -- Jeff Warner"
Till Next Time
Your OBX Blogger
JM
And the Winner Is............Mike from Indiana
For the second year, Village Realty was happy to co-sponsor the Great Vacation Giveaway in conjunction with the Outer Banks Connection (www.obxconnection.com). There are no strings, nothing to buy to qualify. Just enter on the OBX Connection website. The winner's name was drawn on July 4th and will be staying in one of our beautiful homes in The Currituck Club.
Village Realty pays the owners for the week and we take care of the cleaning, make sure the towels and linens are at the house, make the beds and do all we can to help the winner have a wonderful week. The lucky family will be staying in a soundfront home, one of my personal favorites. The name of the home is 'Panache' and you can Click Here for more information.
Good kharma gets paid forward and the owners of this home discounted the rent by half which helped us, since again, we pay for the week. Kharma is working because the winner, Mike S from Indiana, posted a great story on the OBX Connection Board that he said I could share with you all. Here are his comments:
"Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
First, I have to say Thank You to Will, to Village Realty and to all of you for your kind words. You have no idea how timely is was to win this vacation at this time, so I have to tell you all a little story. (this will be long, sorry)
Some of you may remember me posting about how long it’s been since our oldest son, Andy, has been to the beach with us. The last time was in June of 2001. That was just weeks before his going into basic training and then air borne school down at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He signed up for the Army National Guard earlier in the year. Ever since then if it wasn’t one thing it was another. If it wasn’t his two week annual training with his guard unit (which always falls in the summer months and never with enough notice) it was his year long deployment in Afghanistan. (which covered up the summers of 04 and 05. This year he couldn’t go because he was signed up for the Army Ranger School down at Ft Benning. He has been there since April 18. If any of you have ever heard anything about ranger training then you know this is absolutely hell on earth. You may even hear soldiers talk about actually preferring to be in combat then going through this school. If any of you are interested, go to youtube and do a search for “Army Ranger Training”. You will find a nine part TV documentary about it.
The training starts with two weeks of “Pre-Ranger”. This is where guys find out real quick if they really have what it takes to be a Ranger. Some drop out on the first day. After that comes the three phases of the school itself, The Benning Phase, The Mountain Phase, and The Florida Phase (or swamp phase). Soldiers get a short leave in between each phase so they can call home. We heard from Andy after pre-ranger. He was doing fine but was already starting to get lean, “ripped” as he called it. We heard from him again at the end of The Benning Phase”. He was still doing Okay and was moving onto The Mountain Phase. He told me that 430 guys started The Benning Phase but only about 230 finished successfully.
During this time his wife, Julie, was planning a short surprise vacation for the three of them. That is, Andy, Julie, and little George. Since it has been so long since he has been to the beach, any beach, she had made arrangements to go from Ranger graduation on July 3 to somewhere down on the gulf coast for about three days.
Well…the end of The Mountain Phase happened to fall on the Friday of our week in Duck. We did not get to hear from Andy but Julie did and the news was not good. He was not successful in The Mountain Phase and was being “recycled”. That is, he had to do that phase over again. (along with many other soldiers) Julie tells us he was really down and especially disappointed because he may have ruined her surprise. (he knew of it but not what it was) Remaining positive, Julie moved the reservations for the condo on the gulf to the end of the next possible graduation, July 25.
So now, another three weeks of silence pass while we hope to hear good news at the end of the phase. The call came on July 4 and once again the news was not good. He was not successful in that phase…again. And neither were 40 of the 45 other guys in Bravo Company. And since you can’t be recycled twice in the same phase he would have to do a “day one restart”. That is, go back and start over at the Benning Phase. They offered that he could stay down there and wait for the next Benning Phase in two weeks during which time he might recover physically. But by this time he was down to 160#s from 190#s on a six foot frame, both knees swollen, and tingling sensations in the fingers on both hands, likely from carrying very heavy ruck sacks for days and miles on end. Obviously two weeks would not be enough time to heal up enough to go through all of this again. So, he elected to come home. (perhaps another time)
To say that he is very depressed and disappointed would be the understatement of the year. To go this far and have to leave without having that Ranger tab on his uniform must be heart breaking. Especially, with two of his best buddies in his guard unit already having their’s. At this point he just wants to get home, get back to a normal life and more importantly to be re-united with his wife and reacquainted with his son, who is nine months old today. Not so fast! The fourth is a four day government holiday so there’s no one down there to “out process” these guys until Tuesday. This is probably just as well. This way Andy could get some food and rest before making the ten hour drive home.
If you know our daughter-in-law then you will never know a kinder, more caring, and more importantly, a more determined individual. Now she had to cancel the condo on the gulf but was already scheming on new vacation ideas for the three of them.
Well….now comes Saturday morning. It’s about ten o’clock or so and I’m still in bed, awake and thinking about getting up. (I’m a night owl) In walks my wife with the cordless phone, “Here, it’s someone from…ah…the obxconnection???” All I could do was stare at her and I think my mouth probably hung open for a few seconds before I said “No Way”. And I think that’s pretty much all I could say for the first few seconds of my conversation with Will. In fact, I’m still not sure I believe it.
I think my wife ran down stairs to get her cell phone to tell Julie who immediately proclaimed it as “Devine Intervention”. We have since talked to Andy several times and this news has really helped to pick up his spirits. We may see him again late Tuesday night but more likely on Wednesday.
So, again, Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
And George Thanks You!"
It is always nice when good things happen to nice people, and to deserving people and this certainly qualifies. Last year's winner was Maureen and she couldn't have been any nicer or more appreciative and Mike sounds like a genuine person with a caring family who I am positive will enjoy their time here.
It was a nice way to start the week!
Till Next Time
Your OBX Blogger
J
Some of you may remember me posting about how long it’s been since our oldest son, Andy, has been to the beach with us. The last time was in June of 2001. That was just weeks before his going into basic training and then air borne school down at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He signed up for the Army National Guard earlier in the year. Ever since then if it wasn’t one thing it was another. If it wasn’t his two week annual training with his guard unit (which always falls in the summer months and never with enough notice) it was his year long deployment in Afghanistan. (which covered up the summers of 04 and 05. This year he couldn’t go because he was signed up for the Army Ranger School down at Ft Benning. He has been there since April 18. If any of you have ever heard anything about ranger training then you know this is absolutely hell on earth. You may even hear soldiers talk about actually preferring to be in combat then going through this school. If any of you are interested, go to youtube and do a search for “Army Ranger Training”. You will find a nine part TV documentary about it.
The training starts with two weeks of “Pre-Ranger”. This is where guys find out real quick if they really have what it takes to be a Ranger. Some drop out on the first day. After that comes the three phases of the school itself, The Benning Phase, The Mountain Phase, and The Florida Phase (or swamp phase). Soldiers get a short leave in between each phase so they can call home. We heard from Andy after pre-ranger. He was doing fine but was already starting to get lean, “ripped” as he called it. We heard from him again at the end of The Benning Phase”. He was still doing Okay and was moving onto The Mountain Phase. He told me that 430 guys started The Benning Phase but only about 230 finished successfully.
During this time his wife, Julie, was planning a short surprise vacation for the three of them. That is, Andy, Julie, and little George. Since it has been so long since he has been to the beach, any beach, she had made arrangements to go from Ranger graduation on July 3 to somewhere down on the gulf coast for about three days.
Well…the end of The Mountain Phase happened to fall on the Friday of our week in Duck. We did not get to hear from Andy but Julie did and the news was not good. He was not successful in The Mountain Phase and was being “recycled”. That is, he had to do that phase over again. (along with many other soldiers) Julie tells us he was really down and especially disappointed because he may have ruined her surprise. (he knew of it but not what it was) Remaining positive, Julie moved the reservations for the condo on the gulf to the end of the next possible graduation, July 25.
So now, another three weeks of silence pass while we hope to hear good news at the end of the phase. The call came on July 4 and once again the news was not good. He was not successful in that phase…again. And neither were 40 of the 45 other guys in Bravo Company. And since you can’t be recycled twice in the same phase he would have to do a “day one restart”. That is, go back and start over at the Benning Phase. They offered that he could stay down there and wait for the next Benning Phase in two weeks during which time he might recover physically. But by this time he was down to 160#s from 190#s on a six foot frame, both knees swollen, and tingling sensations in the fingers on both hands, likely from carrying very heavy ruck sacks for days and miles on end. Obviously two weeks would not be enough time to heal up enough to go through all of this again. So, he elected to come home. (perhaps another time)
To say that he is very depressed and disappointed would be the understatement of the year. To go this far and have to leave without having that Ranger tab on his uniform must be heart breaking. Especially, with two of his best buddies in his guard unit already having their’s. At this point he just wants to get home, get back to a normal life and more importantly to be re-united with his wife and reacquainted with his son, who is nine months old today. Not so fast! The fourth is a four day government holiday so there’s no one down there to “out process” these guys until Tuesday. This is probably just as well. This way Andy could get some food and rest before making the ten hour drive home.
If you know our daughter-in-law then you will never know a kinder, more caring, and more importantly, a more determined individual. Now she had to cancel the condo on the gulf but was already scheming on new vacation ideas for the three of them.
Well….now comes Saturday morning. It’s about ten o’clock or so and I’m still in bed, awake and thinking about getting up. (I’m a night owl) In walks my wife with the cordless phone, “Here, it’s someone from…ah…the obxconnection???” All I could do was stare at her and I think my mouth probably hung open for a few seconds before I said “No Way”. And I think that’s pretty much all I could say for the first few seconds of my conversation with Will. In fact, I’m still not sure I believe it.
I think my wife ran down stairs to get her cell phone to tell Julie who immediately proclaimed it as “Devine Intervention”. We have since talked to Andy several times and this news has really helped to pick up his spirits. We may see him again late Tuesday night but more likely on Wednesday.
So, again, Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
And George Thanks You!"
It is always nice when good things happen to nice people, and to deserving people and this certainly qualifies. Last year's winner was Maureen and she couldn't have been any nicer or more appreciative and Mike sounds like a genuine person with a caring family who I am positive will enjoy their time here.
It was a nice way to start the week!
Till Next Time
Your OBX Blogger
J
Outer Banks FairWeather Fest
From the desk of Matt Myatt, Sales Agent Extraordinaire..........and all around good guy:
"FISHING ENTHUSIASTS from all over the country participated in the First Annual Outer Banks FairWeather Fest on June 5 through June 8, to help raise money for the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD). More than 50 participants raised $2,000 for the organization, which is focused on providing the best pediatric care in southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina.
Pictured are (from left) Chris Smyers, Matt Myatt, Lea Ternes (CHKD), and Dave Wigginton. Plans for next year's event already are underway. For more information, please visit www.theburningreel.com."
"FISHING ENTHUSIASTS from all over the country participated in the First Annual Outer Banks FairWeather Fest on June 5 through June 8, to help raise money for the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD). More than 50 participants raised $2,000 for the organization, which is focused on providing the best pediatric care in southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina.
Pictured are (from left) Chris Smyers, Matt Myatt, Lea Ternes (CHKD), and Dave Wigginton. Plans for next year's event already are underway. For more information, please visit www.theburningreel.com."