Vol. 16 No. 19 - March 9, 2016

BUSINESS

Grayhawk offers windows, doors and more

LaPensee Plumbing Pools Air

LOUISE BOLGER | SUN

Troy Lezotte and owner Todd Shely will work
with you to provide the best protection for your property.

BY LOUISE BOLGER | SUN STAFF WRITER

It’s March, one of the best, if not the best, month in Florida. The temperatures are comfortable, the humidity is low, the rain is sporadic, and hurricanes are but a dark memory left over from last fall. However, June 1 is just three months away, and you know what that means – stocking up on batteries, candles, canned food and get away kits. But mostly it means worrying about your vintage windows and doors and the protection they will provide to you and your family if the big one hits.

If you’ve been thinking about securing the envelope of your home in the event of a hurricane with new windows and doors, it may be the right time to contact Grayhawk Windows, Doors and Remodeling on Cortez Road, just west of 59th Street. Four years ago, Grayhawk moved into a new location convenient to both Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, as well as properties on the west side of Bradenton and further in town. It has created a very attractive and informative showroom with samples of windows and doors as well as layouts, flooring, tile and countertop choices for their remodeling division.

Grayhawk’s owner, Todd Shely, has been in business since 1987 in Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He has built his business using his construction and general contractor experience into one that currently has 38 employees, not including subcontractors. Grayhawk prides itself on selling wholesale to the public for windows and doors, as well as remodeling materials. Since he buys direct from the manufacturer he is able to pass the savings along to his customers.

Troy Lezotte, who specializes in window and door replacement, will guide you through Grayhawk’s professional window and door installation system and work with you to choose the best product for your location that will provide the best fit and protection for your property. They carry Shoreline, Windoor and Wintech, among other products, and can replace existing windows and doors with both impact resistant with high velocity certifications and conventional products. Traditional storm shutters are available, however, Lezotte points out that the cost of impact resistant windows and doors have come down in recent years with newer technology and more industry wide competition.

All of Grayhawk’s installers are employees that attend seminars and training at the plants that produce the windows, and there is always a manager on the job site to assure the best possible quality of work. Grayhawk also offers a lifetime warranty on materials and labor. It is a member of the Better Business Bureau and all local Chamber of Commerce organizations.

In recent years, Grayhawk has added a remodeling division headed up by Shely, which has grown enormously. This service was developed in answer to their clients’ demands for all varieties of remodeling jobs, small and large. Grayhawk will shortly offer a ceramic roof coating product that will extend the life of metal and tile roofs and make them more energy efficient.

Shely and Lezotte are all about customer service and appreciate their repeat and referral clients. They say that they are large enough to provide good service and small enough to care.

If you care about protecting your home before hurricane season or are ready for that new kitchen or bath give Grayhawk a call, and let them swoop down to relieve you of your stress.

GRAYHAWK

Windows, Doors, Remodeling

6008 Cortez Road W. Bradenton

941-487-2964

www.windowsarasota.com

Monday-Friday:
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday by appointment

All major credit cards accepted

Medicare Part B premiums have increased

Investment Corner By Tom Breiter

Medical costs are rising, which means that Medicare Part B premiums have increased for the first time in over three years. However, thanks to the hold-harmless provision, a law which prohibits a decrease in Social Security benefits based on Medicare premium increases, you may not be paying more, depending on your benefits and income.

Because there was no cost of living increase for Social Security benefits in 2016, a Medicare premium increase is prevented for most Social Security benefit recipients, with the exception of high earners. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, about 30 percent of the 52 million Americans enrolled for 2016 will be affected by the premium increase.

Who Is Affected?

Higher earners are more likely to be affected by the change. In 2015, most people paid $104.90 a month, unless their adjusted gross income on their 2013 tax return was above $85,000 for singles and married people filing separately or $170,000 for those filing a joint return. In 2016, most people will continue to pay the same amount. However, premiums will change for the following people:

• Those who enroll in Part B for the first time in 2016;

• Those who are not receiving Social Security benefits;

• Those who are directly billed for their Part B premiums;

• Those who have both Medicare and Medicaid, where Medicaid pays their premiums.; • Those who are subject to income-related monthly adjustments, because their modified adjusted gross income as reported on their IRS tax return from 2014 is above $85,000 for singles and married people filing separately or $170,000 for those filing a joint return.

How Much is the Increase?

For those affected, monthly premiums have increased by about 16 percent. The chart below shows the exact premium amounts and increases. The Part B annual deductible has also increased by $19, from $147 to $166.

What To Do Next

Unfortunately there may not be anything you can do if this increase has impacted you already. But it's always a good idea to review these issues with your financial advisor to see if any action is possible to lessen the impact.

Tom Breiter is president of Breiter Capital Management, Inc., an Anna Maria based investment advisor. He can be reached at 778-1900. Some of the investment concepts highlighted in this column may carry the risk of loss of principal, and investors should determine appropriateness for their personal situation before investing. Visit www.breitercapital.com.

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