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Published by lfojtik, 2017-03-07 16:19:32

72029

72029

For Businesses, Executives, Employers, Entrepreneurs, and Decision Makers

TEXAS

A KATY MAGAZINE PUBLICATION BUSINESS

Katrina and Matt IT’S
Katsarelis started HERE!
Katy Magazine
in 2002 Katy’s Official
B2B Magazine

THE FAMILY
BUSINESS

KATY SUCCESS STORIES

LEADING MEDICINE IN OUR COMMUNITY

Houston Methodist West Hospital is honored to serve the growing West Houston, Katy and surrounding
communities by providing the high quality standard of care you and your family deserve.

Services and Specialties:

• Cancer • Labor & delivery • Sports medicine
• Emergency • Neurology and • Transplant
• Gastroenterology • Urology
• Heart and vascular neurosurgery • Weight management
• Imaging • Orthopedics • Wellness
• Internal medicine • Primary care • Women’s health
• Spine

18500 Katy Frwy. (@ Barker Cypress)
Houston, TX 77094
houstonmethodist.org/west
832.522.5522



CONTENTS B U S I N E S S TM

Katy Family Business Success Stories • 12 STORIES

Local entrepreneurs who are making Workplace Warnings • 28
it work by working together. Top employer concerns
to watch for in 2017.
The Family Business: Tips for Success • 20 How to Succeed
at Business • 44
Families share advice on how they make it work. A look at the Goldman
Networking Know-How • 34 Sachs program.
How to build mutually Creative Benefits • 60
beneficial connections by Innovative perks your
just being yourself. employees will love.
Katy Networking Guide • 36
Great organizations and EXTRAS
networking resources in Katy.
From the Publishers • 6
Employee Handbook • 56 Lessons learned from
10 important updates your owning a business.
2017 handbook must have.
Writers & Contributors • 8
Entrepreneur Quiz • 80 Meet the Katy Business
Take the test to see if you have Magazine team.
the 15 traits most successful Katy Organizations • 38
entrepreneurs possess. Snapshots from networking
events in the Katy Area.
Katy People of the Year • 58
Katy Magazine announces
Katy People of the Year
honorees.

Katy Awards • 66
Local recognitions for
citizens and businesses.

UH Courses in Katy • 78
New engineering courses
being offered.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Service Providers • 68
Entrepreneurs’ Showcase • 82
Biz Resource Guide • 86
Advertiser Index • 89

4 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Ultimate Guide to Katy Business Magazine™
Employee Benefits • 22
Everything small businesses ABOUT US
should know about sourcing Katy Business Magazine™ is published
and offering benefits. annually by Katy Magazine™ in Katy,
Texas. It is written by our writers and
Katy Commercial various business contributors, most
Real Estate • 40 from the greater Katy Area.
Office space options for
sale and lease in the CIRCULATION
greater Katy area.
Katy Business Magazine™ has a
The Katy Area Economic
Development Council • 46 circulation of 30,000. It is direct
On a mission to make Katy mailed and hand distributed to
a great place for businesses businesses, high level executives,
and families. and businesss owners in the greater
Katy Area and the West Houston
Cyber Security Musts Oil and Energy Corridor.
for Katy Companies • 64
10 things Katy companies TO ADVERTISE
should be doing. Call 281.579.9840 or email
[email protected]
Tax Law Alerts • 32 New Katy Businesses • 62
TO CONTRIBUTE ITEMS
Is your business ready for New companies that call To request to be a contributor for
this year’s new tax laws? Katy home. Katy Business Magazine™ or to submit
items for possible publication, email
Overtime Laws • 50 Ask the Biz Experts • 70 [email protected].

How current and future Your questions answered by ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
legislation can affect local business pros. Katy Business Magazine™
your business. Katy Magazine™
The Ergonomic Checklist • 74 Katy Life Magazine™
Top Employers • 52
Take the quiz and see if your 605A Park Grove Drive
A list of the leading workstation is making you sick. Katy, TX 77450
employers in Katy. 281.579.9840
The Business of Giving • 76 [email protected]
Employer Resources • 54
Smart ways to give and local
Free employer resources for charities to give to.
Katy businesses.
Katy ISD & Businesses • 84
Free Katy Jobs Page • 55
Working together to benefit
The no-cost way to find students and teachers.
and recruit local talent.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 5

From the Five Business Lessons
PUBLISHERS
Five things we wished someone had
told us before starting our business

We are so excited to introduce you to Katy’s first-ever B2B publication, Katy Business Magazine!
With over 6,000 businesses in the Katy Area, we knew there was a need for a business industry
magazine, and it’s finally here! When we first opened our business in 2002 (Katy Magazine), we

didn’t know all the scary statistics of how many businesses fail in the first few years. Had we
known the failure rate was as high as 80%, we may not have taken the risk.
Here are some other valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way.

LESSON 1 LESSON 4 Photo by Sam Schultze of Country Park Portraits

You’re going to work hard. Really hard. Put HEART into everything you do.

Instead of setting our own hours and working From the way we care about our customers to
when we feel like it, we have worked nights, the meticulous attention we give to our magazine
weekends, and through many vacations. If design, we try to convey love and passion in
something goes wrong, we are the ones who drop everything we do. We constantly enhance areas
everything and handle it. The buck stops with us. of our business by pushing the limits of creativity
and putting heart into everything we do.
LESSON 2
LESSON 5
There will be naysayers.
A great attitude is a must.
People will sometimes question why you’re
starting a business or discourage you. Ignore It doesn’t help to complain or commiserate when
them. If you really believe in your business something goes wrong. As the leaders of our
and it has good income potential, just keep organization, we set the tone for how our team
working hard. members are going to react. If I downplay a set-
back, my employees will too. If I’m excited about
LESSON 3 our goals, they are too! Staying in joy and out of
the gutter has really helped improve our business
Competition makes you better. and overall attitudes in life. Choose to love what
you do!
Katy Magazine wouldn’t be the leading media
venue if there hadn’t been various other
publications here and there in Katy. If you’re
passionate about your business, competition
makes you step up your game and look for ways
to be smarter, better, and more innovative.

Katrina & Matt Katsarelis

Katrina Katsarelis Matt Katsarelis
Editor-in-Chief, Publisher Print, Mail,
Publisher & Sales & IT Operations
Creative Director

Write to us! [email protected]

6 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication



KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS

KATRINA KATSARELIS MATT KATSARELIS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Matt is the publisher of
An award-winning writer, Katy Business Magazine
marketer, and publisher, and Katy Magazine. Prior to
she has worked with starting the magazines, he
numerous companies on worked for more than 20
their advertising campaigns. years in the space industry
She is also Vice Chair of in California and Texas.
the Katy Area Economic He is also on the Board of
Development Council. Directors for the Katy ISD
Education Foundation.

LANCE LACOUR ANETRIUS WALLACE
CONTRIBUTOR PHOTOGRAPHER

As President & CEO of A Katy Magazine
the Katy Area Economic and Katy Business
Development Council, Magazine freelance
Lance’s focus is new photographer who
business attraction/ lives in Katy with her
creation, existing business husband Randall and
retention/expansion, their two children. She
planning and development also works at Taylor
of business infrastructure, High School.
and improving the quality
of life and quality of place in KAREN BELL
the Katy Area. CONTRIBUTOR

ELIZABETH PRATT Karen recently rejoined
CONTRIBUTOR the Katy Area Economic
Development staff after
A labor and employment living overseas for two
attorney, Elizabeth’s years. She handles data
practice covers a broad management and research
range of issues with the efforts for the KAEDC. She
primary goal of preventing is a native Houstonian with
litigation by proactively a background in healthcare
managing workplace research and data
problems and conducting management.
compliance audits,
investigations, and training.

8 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

PAUL KURT LOUIS LOPEZ
CONTRIBUTOR CONTRIBUTOR

Paul is a Certified Public Louis is a dedicated IT expert
Accountant and financial with more than 30 years
business consultant serving of experience and 130
clientele in the Katy and certifications. He is the owner
Houston areas. Paul is a of MILE Technologies and
native Houstonian with over specializes in helping companies
36 years of tax, audit, and fix problems other IT companies
consulting experience. cannot solve.

KATHYRN JOHN CURRY
CRAWFORD WHEAT CONTRIBUTOR
CONTRIBUTOR
John is the Owner/Managing
Kathyrn is a Katy-based
speaker, consultant Partner of Curry & Co. Consulting,
and author of the book a management consulting
Networking: Naked & firm drawing upon 30 years of
Unafraid. She enjoys experience working with Fortune
sharing her knowledge with 500, school district, university
businesses of all sizes that and non-profit organizations.
are eager to grow their The firm helps organizations
network. succeed by focusing on strategy,
communications, and public
GAIL COLLINS relations.
CONTRIBUTOR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A freelance writer for
Katy Magazine for A special thank you to all of our
several years. She has Katy Business Magazine contributors
written internationally for
magazines and authored CONTRIBUTORS GRAPHIC
three books on life abroad, & WRITERS DESIGNERS
believing writing is the best Karen Bell Lindsey Fojtik
excuse to talk to strangers. Gail Collins Katrina Katsarelis
Kirsten Cornell
NANCY SABINO Kathryn Crawford Wheat PHOTOGRAPHERS
CONTRIBUTOR John Curry Sam Schultze
Audrey Grayson Anetrius Wallace
Nancy is the co-founder Christy Hopkins
of SabinoComp Tech, Amy Katsarelis PROOFREADERS
an IT Management and Katrina Katsarelis Kirsten Cornell
Support company in Matt Katsarelis Tanya Erickson
Katy. She is passionate Paul Kurt Katie Jozwiak
about technology, Liz Lara Carreno Amy Katsarelis
business, and inspiring Louis Lopez
others to use technology Frank Marrone On the Cover
to its fullest potential. Elizabeth Pratt
Daneen Rivera Special thanks to Sam
Sam Schultze Schultze with Country Park
Portraits for our cover and
publishers’ photography.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 9



Family Business Success Stories

A special section showcasing
some of the hardworking,
successful family businesses
in Katy, Texas.

ADAMS FAMILY

Adams Law Firm
PAGE 13

DONALDSON
FAMILY

Grand Vision
PAGE 14

TRAUGOTT
FAMILY

Sunset Pools
PAGE 15

SHI FAMILY

Peter Chang Restaurant
PAGE 16

SABINO FAMILY

SabinoComp Tech
PAGE 18

BANEY FAMILY

Katy Carpets, Etc.
PAGE 19

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 11

ADAMS LAW FIRM GRAND VISION SUNSET POOLS
KatSy FucacemssilSy Btoruiessiness
Through the highs and lows of running a company and
the ups and downs of raising a family, these local
entrepreneurs make it work by working together

Written by Gail G. Collins and Katrina Katsarelis | Photography by Anetrius Wallace

KATY CARPETS, ETC. PETER CHANG RESTAURANT SABINOCOMP TECH

12 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

ADAMS FAMILY
Adams Law Firm

FOUNDED IN 1977
(by father Tom Adams)

ANNUAL REVENUE
$5,000,000 (2016)

FAMILY MEMBERS
Will Adams, Tad Adams,
and Mindy Adams

ACCOLADES
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Texas,
Texas Super Lawyer, Top Lawyers
in Houston for Personal Injury,
Board Certified Personal Injury
Trial and Civil Trial

LOCATION
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., # H205
Katy, TX 77494

A Legacy of Giving Back

Tom and Saundra Adams moved their family to Katy in the did in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Tad served as Chairman of the Katy
late ‘70s in hopes of giving their sons Tad (10), Rick (6), and Area Chamber of Commerce. Adams Law Firm still has a
Will (5) a good education in the Katy ISD school system. longstanding reputation of supporting various Katy charities
Apparently, the plan worked because all three boys grew up like Hope Impacts, The Ballard House, the Katy Education
to be doctors or lawyers. Rick is a physician practicing in Foundation, and Christ Clinic, to name a few. Now, along
Katy, and Tad and Will followed in their father’s footsteps, with partner John Mara, the firm has seven attorneys and
both graduating from his alma mater SMU School of Law. It 10 support staff. Mindy Adams, Tad’s wife of 15 years, is the
didn’t take long after moving to Katy for their parents, Tom company’s multi-tasking CFO and supermom of four kids
and Saundra Adams, to become beloved members of the who orchestrates it all. Tad and Mindy admit to taking work
community. They were very active residents and volunteered home with them almost daily, but they somehow manage to
their time at the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, Katy find balance. “We take this firm and our clients very seriously
Rotary, Katy High School Booster Club, and various and wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Mindy. “Most people
churches. Mom Saundra still resides in Katy, but Tom passed say they have no idea how we work together as siblings and
away in 1997 at age 60. The Adams brothers made sure to spouses, but we count it a blessing,” adds Tad. “We treasure
carry on the family’s legacy of giving back. Like his father the opportunity to work side-by-side every day.”

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 13

DONALDSON FAMILY
Grand Vision

FOUNDED IN 1999

FAMILY MEMBERS
Brett Donaldson, Ryann Donaldson,
Brittany Donaldson, Shane Donaldson,
and Brooke Donaldson

ACCOLADES
Received recognition plaques at
the new YMCA at Katy Main Street
where there will be a Grand Vision
Cafe. Also winners of many industry
awards.

LOCATIONS
1534 W. Grand Parkway S.
Katy, TX 77494

9550 Spring Green Blvd.
Katy, TX 77494

A Focused Team

Dr. Brett Donaldson and Dr. Ryann Donaldson are known asked how it is working with your big brother Dr. Ryann
as Katy’s dynamic duo and work as therapeutic optometrists says, “In the beginning it was definitely a bit difficult since
and optometric glaucoma specialists, and own two Grand I am the youngest and this results in a big/little brother
Vision locations in Katy. Introduced at an early age to the relationship.” But over the years, Dr. Ryann says he and Dr.
optical industry by their father, the brothers graduated a Brett have learned to respect each other’s positions and just
year apart from one another from University of Houston let things go. Both Donaldson brothers are dedicated to
College of Optometry. Their first Grand Vision location was their families and their community. The doctors founded
so successful they were able to open a second Grand Vision YMCA Glasses for Katy Kids, supplying children in need
on Spring Green Blvd. in 2013. The family interest is strong, with eyewear. They also award annual scholarships and give
and although their wives have careers of their own, three of back to many charities in Katy including Katy ARTreach,
Dr. Brett’s children have worked at Grand Vision since they Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center, and more. “It’s our
were 16 years old, including 20-year-old Brooke, plus Shane, way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community where we work
22, and Brittany, 25, who have both applied to optometry and live,” says Dr. Brett.
school. Dr. Ryann’s niece, Ellie, also worked there. When

14 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

TRAUGOTT FAMILY
Sunset Pools

FOUNDED IN 2001

FAMILY MEMBERS
Adam and Sonia Traugott,
son Adam Traugott II - a Katy High
School senior

ACCOLADES
2003 - 2005 Association of Pool and
Spa Professionals Design Awards
Winner, including Traditional,
Geometric, & Freeform designs in
2008; 2013 6-time Aquatech Awards
of Distinction design winner; 2016
United Aqua Group Awards of
Distinction for Geometric, Freeform,
and Outdoor Living designs

LOCATION
3510 Greenbusch Rd.
Katy, TX 77494

All Hands on Deck

Sonia and Adam Traugott don’t just do business in Katy, who’ve built multiple pools with Sunset over the years. The
they’re involved in all facets of the community. “Every day is Traugotts strive to keep business at the office and dedicate
a crossover of life and work, meeting clients in the grocery home time to the family. Their kids, aged 10 to 23 years,
store, school, or church,” says Sonia. With five children have rolled up their sleeves too, helping with office work
passing through Katy schools, the roots are deep and the or the older ones learning 3-D design modeling during
calendar is full; but somehow the family makes it look easy. summer breaks. Their son has worked the construction site
The couple has worked side-by-side since the beginning, since he was 15, mastering every aspect of pool building
with Adam overseeing design and construction and Sonia and yard work, plus the pride of a completed project. Over
handling accounting and marketing. Meeting new clients the past 14 years, Sunset Pools has served various schools
is the best part of the job, and many have become friends. and sponsored a long list of athletic teams, Boy Scouts, and
Seeing the evolution of designs keeps work interesting and Future Farmers of America, as well as sitting on the Booster
fresh, and they take pride in having many return clients Club board.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 15

SHI FAMILY

Peter Chang Restaurant

FOUNDED IN 2016

FAMILY MEMBERS
Owner & Manager Angela Shi;
NYU business student Angel Shi;
Tompkins High School students
Ramsay and Sherry Shi

ACCOLADES
Chef Peter Chang is a James Beard
award winner and named among
America’s Top 10 Best Restaurants
by UK Daily Mail

LOCATION
1315 W. Grand Pkwy. S.
Katy, TX 77494

Childhood Friendships

Sometimes, a forever friendship is a recipe for a winning many organic and natural products as possible are standard.
restaurant. Peter Chang grew up with Angela and Stone Scratch-made sauces add lively flavor as in the award-
Shi in China, but they lost track of each other for nearly winning basil chicken, stir-fried in chili paste with leek,
20 years after the Shis immigrated to America. Fondness celery, jalapeño, and Thai basil. It’s a full week for Angela,
and curiosity drew the Shis to find their friend, who had overseeing operations and promotional events, and her
become an internationally-acclaimed chef. Later, Angela family supports her. New York University student Angel
teamed with chefs from Chang’s East Coast restaurants to acts as marketing manager, while high-schoolers Ramsay
open Peter Chang in Katy. The focus is healthy Chinese and Sherry wait tables and host the restaurant evenings
cuisine at affordable prices. “It has been a challenge to and weekends. During their first year in Katy, Peter Chang
educate customers used to eating Chinese-American food Restaurant demonstrated Katy’s neighborly spirit by offering
of the benefits of authentic, nutritious, homemade Chinese free meals to the needy on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
food,” says Angela. No MSG, less sodium and fats, with as during times of crisis.

16 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 17

SABINO FAMILY

SabinoComp Tech

FOUNDED IN 2008

ANNUAL REVENUE
$500,000 - $750,000

FAMILY MEMBERS
Angel Sabino, Nancy Sabino,
Ruben Sabino (Angel’s brother),
and Julissa Bittle (Angel’s sister)

ACCOLADES
2015 graduate of Goldman Sachs
10,000 Small Businesses Program,
Microsoft, Cisco, HP and Adobe
Certified Partners

LOCATION
810 S. Mason Rd.
Katy, TX 77450

Where Youth Meets Passion

When Angel was 22 years old he found himself out of employees and continued to grow. “That’s when we closed the
work. He and his wife Nancy had a 3-year-old and a second retail shop and made the transition from a residential market
baby on the way, so he had to get resourceful. Angel began to focusing solely on small business support,” says Nancy.
utilizing his advanced IT skills fixing computers in people’s The focus shifted from a break-fix model to a pro-active
homes. The business blossomed and soon SabinoComp approach, now providing IT management, maintenance,
Tech had a retail storefront in Katy. In no time, they were compliance, and support for a range of industries. An annual
helping businesses with their IT needs and the business planning meeting avoids duplicate programs or updates
was thriving. Angel’s passion for computers began in grade processes to meet client goals, in one case saving them $1500/
school; rebuilding them for fun and eventually interning month. Keeping the family and business scales balanced is
at a local computer shop. His education continued hard, but Nancy says they somehow make it work. “We get
through reverse engineering in test environments. When to watch each other grow both professionally and personally.
the business started, wife Nancy entered the Goldman The culture we have built within our company is something
Sachs program that teaches entrepreneurs how to run a that stems from working with family.”
successful business. The business added three additional

18 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

BANEY FAMILY

Katy Carpets, Etc.

FOUNDED IN 1992

ANNUAL REVENUE
$1M+

FAMILY MEMBERS
Angelique and Glen Baney,
older children help out on
occasion as needed

ACCOLADES
2015 and 2016 Floor Trends
Flooring Retailer of the Year,
2012-2015 BBB Gold Star Award,
2015 Best Pick Flooring Store

LOCATION
2020 S. Fry Rd.
Katy, TX 77450

A Well-Oiled Machine

Glen Baney began as a carpet cleaner and diversified Angelique admits it is sometimes overwhelming. She says
into learning to stretch and repair carpets and clean tile. that leaving behind work, phones, and worries is something
His hands-on experience in the industry taught Glen the she has to do in order to decompress and connect with
importance of having good products, quality installation, the family. Most of the time, the Baneys are a well-oiled
and top customer service. “People were having trouble machine and everyone pitches in at home or at the business
finding reputable companies doing great work so I decided when and how they can. “Working together as a family
to fill this void,” he says. The couple opened their business keeps us strong. We have great communication and share
in 1992 and have been working non-stop ever since. “Being everything together,” says Angelique.
business owners with a family is very challenging because
Glen and I work 24/7,” says Angelique, mom to four kids GAIL G. COLLINS has written
aged 7 to 20. “Even when we are not at work, our company internationally for magazines
phones roll to our cell phones.” With the kids’ actively and authored three books on life
involved in cheerleading, sports, martial arts, and more, abroad, believing writing is the
best excuse to talk to strangers.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 19

Family Business

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Whether you’re the owner, a family member, or an employee, being part of a family business can be challenging.
Here is some great advice from Katy family business owners and employees on how they make it work.

COMMUNICATE WELL RESPECT EACH OTHER

We have regular meetings to make sure we are all on the Our number one rule is we don’t squabble at work or
same page and discuss sticky situations that might be disrespect each other. Even if we’re very upset, we will
brewing. We also have a rule not to speak harshly or bring discuss it privately and professionally, but never at work in
the family’s personal drama to work. - S.A. front of the employees. - M.M.

STAY IN YOUR LANE WELCOME IDEAS

At our company, we work best when we respect each other’s We make sure everyone’s ideas are heard and incorporated
roles and defer to the family member that has the most into the business in some way, shape, or form. - B.D.
knowledge or expertise in a certain area. - R.L.
PLAN AHEAD
SET BOUNDARIES
When we started our family business, we all sat down and
We work together all day, so when we’re at home, we try to decided who would be handling what role, who would make
leave behind all work discussions. We also do our best to the key decisions, and how much time each of us would be
leave cell phones off and not check our email constantly. working. There are always little changes here and there, but
Sometimes we can’t get through an evening without for the most part, we’ve stuck to the plan. - B.C.
discussing work, but many times we can. - K.W.
KEEP FAMILY FIRST
WORK THROUGH ISSUES
I was pretty hurt when my son-in-law, who was in the
When problems arise, we have an open dialogue with family business for five years, decided to quit and go back
eventful discussions which usually leads to a compromise. to school. But eventually I realized I wanted him and my
If that doesn’t work, we duke it out. - R.D. daughter to be happy. Ultimately, it ended up being the best
decision for everyone. - T.S.
DON’T GET EMOTIONAL
BE FLEXIBLE
When disagreements come up, we try to focus on what’s best
for the business and we try to keep our own emotions out of Family members are sometimes going to be late, have
it. - D.W. emergencies, or flake on something just like regular
employees. I’m learning not to be harder on family than
DOCUMENT ROLES I am on my regular employees. - T.M.

Even with family, we find it’s important to document job
description, pay rates, hours, expectations, etc. This avoids a
lot of misunderstandings later. - A.B.

20 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 21

BENEFITS YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Great info that every Katy small business should know

Providing employee benefits is a question that small business owners toss around constantly.

Do you offer them and bite the bullet on cost in order to retain better talent? And if you are

going to offer employee benefits, how do you do that without spending a lot of time or

exposing yourself or your business to risk? Written by Christy Hopkins

Questions to Ask Different demographics of
employees want different things.
Prior to Offering Do you have a lot of employees under age
Employee Benefits 26? They might not need health insurance
because they are covered by their parents.
There are a couple key things you Do you have a lot of mid-40’s employees
should keep in mind when thinking who are concerned about retirement
about offering benefits. approaching? They might really value a 401(k)
over health insurance because their spouse
1 What’s your budget? already has health insurance coverage. If you
Most companies share the cost of providing have a lot of employees in their 30s who have
benefits with their employees. You will want young children, then they may really value
to think about how much you are willing good health coverage. Ask your employees
to contribute per month, per employee outright, take a survey, or do your best to
toward benefits. While some companies think through what your employees need
pay a percentage of benefit premiums, we and why.
recommend that small businesses offer a
flat amount per employee such as $400 Where should you go when you’re ready
per month in order to budget correctly. This to provide employee benefits?
also gives your employees more flexibility Before getting to different categories of
in choosing their benefits (up to the given benefits, a word on where to go when
allotment). To help you determine your you’re ready to offer benefits to your
budget, we go into more detail about the cost employees. There are three main ways to
of different types of benefits in this article. provide benefits:

2 What employee benefits do you 1. Work with a broker or directly
want to offer and why? with the benefits provider
While you might be saying to yourself, “That’s If you want to offer just one or two
why I am reading this article,” you should benefits to your team (e.g. health
consider that: insurance and payroll), working with a
broker or directly with the benefits
provider may be the simplest, quickest,
and most cost-effective option.

22 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

2. Work with a professional employer 3. Use outsourced human resources providers
organization (PEO) Compared to PEOs, some outsourced HR providers
If you want to provide multiple employee benefits let you pick and choose services more than you
(e.g. health insurance, retirement plan, and payroll), can with a PEO (e.g. perhaps it only does your
then you may be able to save time and money health benefits).
by going with a PEO. A PEO can be a great all-
encompassing solution, typically offering the A couple of players in this space are:
following types of benefits:
Zenefits – With their new Z2 platform, they can
• Benefits (usually a la carte - you pick and choose) take care of everything from payroll to employee
• Payroll benefits in all 50 states.
• Compliance
• Worker’s compensation Gusto – The go-to small business payroll provider
• Unemployment claims at one point, Gusto has recently launched into the
• HR reporting benefits and HR space as well. Gusto is an all-in-
• Onboarding of new employees one, economical solution for providing HR services.
• Paid time off tracking
Now, let’s talk about other categories of benefits
PEOs typically charge a monthly fee per employee and your specific options for each: healthcare,
or a small percentage of the employee’s salary. For retirement, and specialty benefits.
an additional charge, some offer recruiting, training,
and performance management help as well.

A la Carte
Benefits

For a monthly fee per
employee, PEOs will
generally let you pick and
choose which types of

benefits you will
provide.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 23

What you need to know about

HEALTH INSURANCE

Health insurance is the most important, but also the most expensive, benefit that you can offer your
employees. While health insurance benefits are not currently mandatory if you have fewer than 50
employees, providing it can help you attract and keep top quality talent. You can purchase group health
insurance directly from a wide range of insurance providers, or you can shop through the healthcare
marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act, which is called the SHOP Exchange.

You can also look at alternative options like:

• Becoming a part of a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)
• Transitioning all your HR needs from benefits to payroll to an outsourced provider like Zenefits

1 What will health insurance cost? 2 Where can you get health insurance?
There is no simple answer to how much If you decide to purchase a group plan
health insurance will cost because this directly from an insurance provider, you
depends largely on where you purchase can usually get a direct quote through their
your company healthcare plan (both your website or an insurance broker. Some of the
business’s location and your employees’ top providers are:
locations and employee demographics).
As the employer, you can choose to pay a • United Healthcare
flat amount per month or a percentage of • Aetna
the premium. So even if the plan is costly, it • Cigna
doesn’t have to be costly for your business. • BlueCross BlueShield
While the costs of health insurance usually
increase every year, keep in mind that You also can get free quotes from a range
there are a number of tax credits available of providers, including private insurance
to businesses with fewer than 25 full-time brokers, SHOP Exchange, PEOs, and
employees. Costs can also vary by who outsourced HR providers like Zenefits in
provides your insurance, which we are talking order to be thorough and to get perspective
about next, as well as by the type(s) of plan on what the most cost-effective option
you offer (HMO vs. PPO). will be.

Medical
Coverage Tip

You can get direct quotes
from major healthcare

providers including United
Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna,

and BlueCross
BlueShield.

24 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

What you need to know about

SPECIALTY BENEFITS

“Specialty benefits” refer to benefits generally considered of secondary importance to healthcare and
retirement benefits. Nevertheless, specialty benefits can help your company expand its range of benefit
options and really distinguish itself from the competition. Speciality employee benefits include life
insurance, disability insurance, dental, and vision insurance.

LIFE INSURANCE employee’s salary. Once full STD benefits begin,
Generally, life insurance policies should pay out they generally last for 13-26 weeks. LTD benefits
the equivalent of what an employee makes in one typically have a longer elimination period, generally
year, and at the very least, enough to handle funeral 90-180 days, and usually last for up to two years.
expenses. We don’t recommend going below the LTD generally pays a portion of an individual’s salary
$20,000 threshold when selecting a plan. each month; some policies have a cap of X amount
of thousands per month, and others will pay a
What will life insurance cost? percentage (which can even be up to 100% for
In general, life insurance policies cost about five some policies).
cents for every $1,000 worth of coverage. The exact
rates, however, are based on a number of factors As you shop for disability insurance, be conscious
that include the number of employees that are of the small print. Plans differ widely on what
purchasing the benefit, the company claims history, disabilities are covered. For example, some policies
the occupations of the group, the gender and age of cover “own job” disabilities in which the employee
employees, and the employees’ salaries. cannot perform their existing job, whereas some
will only cover “any job” disabilities in which the
Where can you get life insurance? employee is unable to perform any job.
Most insurance companies offer group life
insurance, so shop around until you find one that What will disability insurance cost?
suits your needs and budget. Fidelity, Vanguard, and Regardless of your company’s size, the cost of
ADP all offer life insurance services, and here are offering disability insurance is generally between
three other top providers: 0.25 and 0.5% of total compensation per year. For
0.5 to 1% of compensation, you can generally offer
• Prudential both STD and LTD benefits, which makes this a very
• Allstate affordable benefit for either the employer to provide
• New York Life for their employees or for the employee to pay for
out of pocket.
If you decide to work with a PEO or a provider
like Zenefits or Gusto, they will most likely have Where can you get disability insurance?
a partnership with one of the companies we just Disability insurance is offered by most large
listed, or another of similar size. insurance companies like Prudential, Allstate, and
New York Life that we already listed. If you are
DISABILITY INSURANCE working with a PEO or outsourced provider like
Disability insurance provides your employees with a Zenefits or Gusto, they will likely already have a
source of income in the event that they are unable partnership in place for disability insurance.
to work.
DENTAL AND VISION COVERAGE
This can also be a great option to provide if you There are three options for offering dental and
cannot afford to provide paid maternity leave and if vision plans: Fully-Funded Employer Plans, in which
that is important to your employee base. There are your company pays all the costs; Partially-Funded
two types of disability insurance coverage: short- Employer Plans, where employers traditionally cover
term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD). about 80% of the cost; and Fully-Funded Employee
STD benefits typically have a seven-day “elimination Plans, where employees pay the total cost of the
period,” which is the time between the onset of the plan, but the employer takes over administrative
disability and the beginning of benefits. After those costs and payroll deductions.
seven days, STD policies generally cover 60% of the

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 25

Just like health insurance, dental, and vision also Who pays
have HMO and PPO versions which vary in coverage for dental?
and cost.
Companies can choose to
What will dental and vision coverage cost? offer Employer-Funded,
The costs of dental and vision employment benefits Partially-Funded, or 100%
depend on different factors, including plan design, Employee-Funded
provider network, healthcare expense trends, dental plans.
group characteristics, funding mechanisms, and
administrative expenses. It is best to get a direct
quote by contacting your broker or provider, or your
PEO or HR services provider.

Where can you get dental and vision coverage?
Most health insurance companies, including United
Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna also offer dental
and vision coverage. The government-run SHOP
Exchange also currently provides dental insurance
too, but not vision.

What you need to know about General trends for small businesses show that
many provide 10 days (2 weeks) of paid vacation
PAID TIME OFF leave, sick, or PTO leave when it’s required by
law (location dependent), and the usual big
Each business offers their own array of paid leave national holidays as paid holidays (i.e. New
benefits depending on their needs, size, legislative Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day,
requirements, and other variables. Here is a brief Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).
rundown of paid time off options.
Setting up Your Benefits
PAID LEAVE OPTIONS You can visit fitsmallbusiness.com/setting-up-
Paid time off refers to a variety of different kinds employee-benefits for full guides to providing paid
of leave, including: time off, maternity/paternity leave (both paid and
unpaid), as well as what’s required by law.
Vacation Time
Not required by any state or federal laws The Bottom Line
Paid Holidays Providing employee benefits, be it health
Not required by any state or federal laws insurance or paid vacation leave, can entice a
Sick Leave higher level of talent to work for you, help you
Now required in some cities and states keep the talent you already have, and can really
Bereavement Leave add to your company culture. As the business
Not required by any state or federal laws owner, you simply need to be informed about how
Maternity Leave & Paternity Leave to roll out these employee benefits to make sure
Not required by any state or federal laws to be paid that they are sustainable for your business and
that they make sense for your team.

Christy Hopkins, PHR, is a Human Resources consultant and writer. Her areas of expertise include full
spectrum talent management (including recruiting & performance management), organizational change, and
implementing HR systems. You can reach her at [email protected] or visit fitsmallbusiness.com.
To read this article in its entirety, visit fitsmallbusiness.com/setting-up-employee-benefits.

For more information visit fitsmallbusiness.com.

26 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication



FEATURE

Top employer concerns to
watch for in 2017

Written by Elizabeth B. Pratt

In the world of employment law, one thing is certain: Change is inevitable. Hundreds of legal
restrictions and requirements shape the workplaces of today, and those laws, along with their
interpretation and enforcement by the courts, can leave businesses trying to keep up with constantly
moving targets. This year, more than ever, is a year full of uncertainty and flux. Staying abreast of
changes on the horizon is the best way to thrive in today’s ever-changing workplace. Throughout 2017,

employers should keep a sharp eye out for these “moving targets” in particular.

Data Ownership Conflicts

If you haven’t already done so, this is the year to nail down who “owns”
and controls the data. The use of employee-owned phones, iPads, and
devices for work purposes (known as BYOD) is becoming increasingly
common. The mingling of company and personal information on
employees’ personal devices can create serious legal headaches.
Businesses are smart to define ownership rights through written policies
detailing who owns the data, the parameters of the company’s right to
search employee devices, and how company data will be recovered from
personal devices upon the employee’s separation from employment.

28 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

Social Media Account Ownership

Many employees are now using social media accounts, such as
company Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles, to promote
both themselves and their companies, so it’s important for employers
to establish whether the account, its content, and the followers
are the property of the business or the employee. Communicate
to employees that any data obtained on behalf of the business,
and perhaps even the account itself, are owned by the business.
Employers should establish policies guiding the use of the site and
company data, and put processes in place to transition information
when an employee leaves.

Cyber Security Breaches

According to Security Magazine, small businesses lose between
$36,000 and $50,000 recovering from the average data breach.
Computer viruses are also quite costly in downtime, new
equipment, lost data, and extra IT costs. Frequently and
thoroughly communicating the security measures employees
must follow can be a company’s best defense. Employers should
teach employees the dangers of opening attachments, plugging
in unfamiliar or suspicious flash drives, how to avoid phishing
ploys, the company requirements for keeping customer and
company data secure, and associated safeguards.

Future Regulatory Changes

Employers should stay in tune with new developments pertaining
to labor laws that are either emerging or are stuck in legal limbo,
such as regulations raising the salary threshold for certain exempt
employees, requiring the reporting of pay data on EEO-1 forms,
and requiring federal contract applicants to report past labor law
violations. The new administration may defend some of these
laws, repeal some, or revise others - all of which can take months,
if not years. Knowing what may be coming up puts your business
two steps ahead.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 29

Executive Order Changes

Businesses that receive federal grants or perform
services under federal contracts operate under
requirements imposed by Executive Orders. The
new administration may withdraw or modify past
Executive Orders, so employers should watch
for those changes. Particularly, Executive Orders
affecting wage minimums, paid sick leave, and
special work authorization considerations for
immigrant labor.

EEOC Enforcement Priorities

A good rule of thumb: If the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC) is paying extra attention to a subject,
employers should, too! The EEOC recently identified its
enforcement priorities for the next five years, available at
eeoc.gov. Employers should lessen vulnerability to EEOC charges
of violations by being proactive. Even if these priorities may
be modified under the new administration, they still represent
everyday sources of difficulty in the modern workplace and
should be targeted internally, with employers making informed
choices that will, in the long run, support smoother operations.

Worker Misclassifications

The EEOC plans to focus on the complex employment
relationships present in today’s workplaces. For example,
use of “temps” or regular personnel provided by staffing
agencies or PEOs, co-employment of staff shared among
sister companies, and using independent contractors versus
employees. Be sure independent contractors really are
independent - not misclassified employees. If the business
shares employment of a worker with a “co-employer,” be sure
both businesses toe the legal line.

30 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

Stronger Anti-Discrimination Policies

The EEOC has also given notice that it will focus on “developing issues,” such as
accommodation of pregnancy-related restrictions; rigid leave policies and other
standards that discriminate against individuals with disabilities; and LGBT rights.
What was acceptable in the past may be treated as discriminatory under the
developing laws. The wise employer will also implement policies and training to
prevent retaliation against employees who complain of discrimination or other
illegality, or who participate in investigations or related legal proceedings. The EEOC
has recently renewed its focus on elimination of retaliation - a type of claim that
aggrieved claimants include in almost 50% of EEOC charges filed and for which juries
demonstrate great sympathy. The proactive employer will also establish a plan for
rooting out “backlash discrimination” motivated by terrorist attacks elsewhere.

Unfair Recruiting Procedures

Companies will want to eliminate discriminatory class-based recruitment and
hiring procedures. Watch out for exclusionary application procedures and systems
that steer particular individuals to particular jobs based on ethnicity, gender, or
other protected characteristics. Employers must apply “big data” analytical tools
carefully and guard against manipulation of screening algorithms in a manner
that improperly screens based upon particular demographics, rather than on
job qualifications, or which generates discriminatory impact. Employers should
familiarize themselves with the EEOC’s Uniform Guidelines on Employee
Selection Procedures, as well as the Commission’s position concerning permissible
parameters of screening for criminal histories.

Talent Retention and Employee Turnover

The Greater Katy and Houston areas have seen quite a bit of personnel transition
as workers laid off by one company have taken employment with another,
sometimes at lower pay and in less-preferred positions. Employers who picked
up those employees should focus on retention strategies for keeping those
employees after the market improves, whether those strategies use restrictive
agreements, offers of generous benefits, other attractive workplace attributes, or
a combination of all approaches.

The information provided is general information only, not legal advice.
To address particular situations, always consult qualified legal counsel.

ELIZABETH PRATT is a Katy-based Board Certified Labor
and Employment attorney. Her practice covers a broad
range of labor and employment issues, with the primary
goal of preventing litigation by proactively managing
workplace problems and conducting compliance audits,
investigations, and training.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 31

TAX LAWS INTEREST CORPORATE INVESTMENT BUSINESSES
DEDUCTIONS FEDERAL PROFIT/LOSS
LAUCXCUROYUNTING
CALCULATIONS
TEXAS
TAXESBENEFIT ECONOMY DEPRECIATION

CAPITAL GAINS
COST RECOVERY MILEAGE

TAXPAYER
GOODS TAXABLE GROSS INCKOATMEY
EXPENSES GOVERNMENT
REDUCTION
RETURNS ALLOWANCE
IRS FRANCHISE

DEADLINES

IS YOUR BUSINESS READY
FOR THE NEW TAX LAWS?

Written by Paul Kurt

There may be good news for businesses this year with regard to decreasing tax
rates, health reimbursement deductions, bigger breaks for business equipment

purchases, slightly lower mileage reimbursement, and more.
Here are a few important updates you’ll need to know about business taxes.

32 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

REDUCED TAX RATE DEPRECIATION

With the Trump administration, the federal corporate Bonus depreciation is a tax incentive that allows
tax rate is anticipated to decrease to a rate somewhere businesses to deduct 50% of the cost when new equipment
between 15 and 25%. This only applies to C-Corporations, is purchased. The 50% deduction will remain in 2017,
not LLCs or S-Corporations. Small business owners will decrease to 40% in 2018, decrease to 30% in 2019, and will
need to revisit their structure when and if the new law expire if there is no congressional action in 2020.
is passed.
WORK OPPORTUNITY CREDIT
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT TAX BREAKS
Work Opportunity Tax Credit was extended through 2019
Small businesses buying many types of equipment will get and added a 40% credit up to the first $6,000 in wages for
a bigger break in 2017. The Section 179 deduction is now employers who hire workers that have been unemployed
$510,000. This deduction, intended for small businesses, for at least 27 weeks.
allows a deduction in the year of acquisition rather than
depreciation of the cost of equipment such as computers, MORE RESEARCH CREDIT
equipment, furniture, vehicles (with certain limitations),
as well as specific types of real property. Certain types Businesses with less than $50 million annually who
of equipment and improvements are not eligible for the invest substantially in research can apply the credit to
Section 179 deduction. Alternative Minimum Tax or possibly offset payroll taxes.

HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT MORE TO KNOW

Small business owners who are not required to offer • The Social Security base wage is $127,200.
health insurance to employees but desire to assist them • The annual contribution limit to an IRA will
in paying for coverage can now do so with a Health
Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). The 21st Century remain the same at $5,500.
Cures Act allows small businesses exempt from the law
to create stand-alone HRAs to reimburse employees for • The maximum annual contribution limits to
health-related expenses, including insurance. There is a
limit of $4,950 for an individual employee or $10,000 for a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) will remain the same
an employee and family. at $18,000. The catch-up contribution limit for
individuals age 50 and over will be $6,000.
CHANGING DEADLINES
• Alternative minimum tax exemptions amounts
Businesses may be caught off guard by changing deadlines
in many areas. Partnership returns are now due March 15 for 2017 will be $84,500 for married taxpayers
(previously due April 15). C-Corporation returns are now filing jointly and $54,300 for single taxpayers.
due April 15 (previously due March 15). W-2 Forms and
some 1099 Forms must be submitted to the government • The personal exemption increases to $4,050.
by January 31 (previously due by the end of February). • The standard deduction remains at $12,700 for

MILEAGE ADJUSTMENT married taxpayers filing jointly.

The IRS has set the 2017 standard mileage rate for PAUL KURT, CPA is President of
business use of an auto at 53.5 cents. In 2016, the rate Kurt & Associates, P.C., a full-service
was 54 cents which was down from 57.5 cents in 2015. certified public accounting and business
consulting firm serving clientele in the
GIFT TAX EXCLUSIONS Katy and Houston areas.

Annual gift tax exclusion remains at $14,000 per
individual. Husband and wife can each donate $14,000 or
$28,000 total to an individual with no tax impact.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 33







Cater your next event Agave Style!

1 1 3 8 F M 1 4 6 3 | K a t y, Tex a s 7 74 9 4 | 2 8 1 . 6 6 5 . 3 3 3 7

Prime Steaks & Chops • Fresh Seafood
Dinner Parties • Corporate Events • Business Luncheons

Stay up to date with us on Facebook for events and specials!

Follow us on Facebook | facebook.com/agaverio

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 37

Katy Toastmasters event Board of Governors meeting
at Katy Area EDC

Fulshear Area Chamber
of Commerce networking

NHPO Katy networking event Katy Area Chamber of Commerce President Katy Area EDC’s general assembly meeting
Ann Hodge and others at UHV campus

KATY ORGANIZATIONS

A gathering for Network Texas Katy

Fort Bend County Officers and K9 Officer
Duco visit the Fulshear Chamber

Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
ribbon cutting event

Networking Entreprenuers of Katy 85th Legislative Preview New members at BNI Cinco Ranch

38 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

Katy Rotary presenting a check Katy Area Chamber golf tournament
to Keep Katy Beautiful
Photo by SPCcreative Photography
BNI Cinco Ranch celebrating
Red Nose Day

Weekly breakfast for NHPO Katy Area Chamber of Commerce BNI Katy Gala
monthly luncheon

Snapshots from networking events in the Katy Area

Katy Rotary’s Flights & Bites event

Katy Toastmasters networking meeting

Katy Premier Networking group Photo by SPCcreative Photography

Eagle Award Winner Anita Katy Area EDC President out in the community BNI Katy networking and awards
Alvarado at BNI Cinco Ranch

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 39

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

MASON CREEK OFFICE CENTER II

21700 Merchants Way
Katy, TX 77449
127,955 sf
Lease Price $18.75 sf
Max Contiguous 42,652 sf
Divisible From 21,000 sf
Class A Two-story entry atrium
including wood accents

FOR LEASE

GREENHOUSE AT PARK ROW

2051 Greenhouse Rd.
Houston, TX 77084
Available 72,960 sf
Divisible From 1,500 sf
Cost $22 sf
Class A office space; lease; 114,414
RSF three-story office building; near
hospitals

FOR LEASE

TEN WEST CROSSING BLDG. 6

22240 Merchants Way
Katy, TX 77449
Bldg. Size 64,313 sf
Available 23,093 sf
Divisible From 13,554 sf
Lease Price $6.48 sf

FOR LEASE

WEST TEN DISTRIBUTION CENTER

BLDG. 1

28480 West Ten Blvd.
Katy, TX 77493
Available 74,793 sf
Max Contiguous 415,296 sf
Direct access to I10 via Cane Island
Parkway; up to 415,296 sf available;
new class A warehouse project
Sale Price $5,833,854

FOR SALE OR LEASE

40 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

THERE’S AND THERE’S HERE, YOU CAN
SUBURBAN LIFE RESORT LIFE. HAV E IT A L L .

VISIT 14 BEAUTIFUL MODEL HOMES FROM OUR BUILDERS

CALATLANTIC HOMES • COVENTRY HOMES • DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES • PERRY HOMES • SHEA HOMES • TOLL BROTHERS • TRENDMAKER HOMES

FROM THE MID-$200s TO THE MILLIONS I KATY ISD I I-10 WEST, EXIT CANE ISLAND PKWY I CANEISLAND.COM

No warranty or representation of intended use, design or proposed improvements are made herein. All plans for land or facilities are subject to change without notice. Nothing presented in this advertisement shall obligate the owner, or any
other person or entity, to construct facilities or develop land as shown. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of Equal Housing Opportunity in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race,
color, religion, sex or national origin.

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 41

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

KATY RANCH OFFICES PHASE 1
PLAZA 2

24275 Katy Fwy.
Katy, TX 77494
Available 89,200 sf
Max Contiguous 26,282 sf
Divisible From 906 sf
Lease Price $20 sf

FOR LEASE

HOUSTON METHODIST
ST. CATHERINE PLAZA 2

707 S. Fry Rd.
Katy, TX 77450
Available 8,248 SF
Max Contiguous 5,516 sf
Divisible From 1,356 sf

FOR LEASE

GRAND PARKWAY INDUSTRIAL PARK

23555 Clay Rd.
Katy, TX 77493
Bldg. Size 20,040 sf
Max Contiguous 20,040 sf
Lease Price $9 sf
20,400 sf office warehouse with 10%
office; tiltwall construction (120’ X 180’
X 30’); 5 roll up doors up to 20’ X 20;
low tax rate

FOR LEASE

GRANDWAY WEST BUILDING II

2002 W. Grand Pkwy. N.
Franz Rd. at Grand Pkwy.
Katy, TX 77493
Available 39,584 sf
Divisible From 4,000 sf
Lease Price $17.50 sf

FOR LEASE

This is just a sampling of available properties in the Katy Area. Please verify availability as details may have
changed after time of print. For detailed information on any of these properties, visit katyedc.org.

42 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 43

ENTREPRENEURS How to Succeed

in the world of business

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is a local
education program teaching entrepreneurs the keys to success

Written by Liz Lara Carreno

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program has made an impact in the
Greater Houston Area with 478 local businesses graduating from the program,
many of which are from Katy. Houston was the fourth city selected to participate

in the National Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative.

44 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

Learning Practical Business Skills qualifying for
The PROGRAM
The Goldman Sachs program teaches practical skills
in topics such as negotiation, marketing, finances, To be considered for the Goldman Sachs program,
and operation and employee management that applicants must meet the following criteria:
can immediately be put into action. In addition,
entrepreneurs receive the tools and professional WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
support they need to develop a strategic and - Two consecutive years or more in business
customized business growth plan that will take - A minimum of $150,000 per “fiscal year” in revenue
their company to the next level. The curriculum - At least four employees
includes a wealth of one-on-one advice, clinics, and (two of those may be co-owners)
networking opportunities.
WHERE ARE THE CLASSES HELD?
Top Entrepreneurial Curriculum The program currently operates out of Houston
Community College, Alief-Hayes Campus.
The practical business and management curriculum 2811 Hayes Rd., Houston, TX 77082
designed by Babson, the No. 1 Entrepreneurial (a 20-minute drive from Katy)
College for the 16th year in a row, is facilitated by
practical concepts, not academic lectures. Relevant HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
conversations between a class of diverse businesses The program offers 100 hours of instruction,
and business advisors provide solutions and and some evening sessions such as networking events,
support. The program also provides the opportunity legal and financial clinics, and other
to access capital through LiftFund. business assistance activities.

Support From Advisors and Peers HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
This is a grant-funded program so the selected
Participants receive one-on-one business advising applicants will receive a world-class business
and the opportunity to learn from other like- education and connections to a professional support
minded business owners. The 10,000 Small network at no cost.
Businesses program provides expert advice and
technical assistance through partnerships with HOW DO I APPLY?
national and local business organizations and Small business owners should complete an
professional service firms. application at 10ksbapply.com

TO FIND OUT MORE

EMAIL [email protected]
CALL 713.718.8348
VISIT hccs.edu/district/departments/10ksb
APPLY 10ksbapply.com

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 45

FEATURE GROWING & IMPROVING KATY

The Katy Area Economic Development Council is working to bring positive
growth to Katy and improve quality of life for residents

Photo courtesy of John Curry

Lance LaCour President/CEO of the KAEDC with Rick Ellis,Vice President

Written by John Curry

Ever watched a great chef at work? He or she might use a take a master chef ’s approach to promoting and sustaining
cup of this, a can of that, a pinch of this, or a dollop of that. economic development in the Katy Area…a big employer
Then, after letting the flavors mingle, the master chef tastes here, a corporate HQ there, a little hi-tech here, some
it…and then adjusts, tweaking things until the dish reaches higher-ed over there… “The last 10 years have gone by
optimum flavor! so fast and the growth has been so explosive…but it’s
gone according to plan for the most part,” LaCour says.
Katy’s Explosive Growth “We’ve accomplished what we set out to accomplish.” And
what they’ve accomplished over those 10 years is nothing
Katy Area Economic Development Council (EDC) short of amazing. During that time the EDC’s promotion
President/CEO Lance LaCour will quickly inform you that of economic activity has resulted in numerous business
he’s no master chef (but he does like to fry turkeys and boil expansions, $2.5 billion in capital investment, and the
crawfish)! Nonetheless, LaCour and the EDC team

46 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication

recruitment of more than 16,000 jobs for the Katy Area. Some community with great amenities and transportation systems,”
of that activity includes companies/organizations such as Fed- LaCour says. “At the same time, it’s a community that has an
Ex Ground, University of Houston, GEICO, Typhoon Texas, entrepreneurial spirit and lots of energy…people want the
DNV GL, Weatherford, Rooms to Go, Igloo, Schlumberger, best for this community and they’re willing to do what it takes
Costco, Houston Methodist Hospital, and more. to be the best.”

Making Katy a Better Place Competing for Top Companies

As impressive as that is, jobs and businesses are not all that With all the growth and success over the previous 10 years,
the EDC team has pursued. In line with their Katy Quality of the EDC might be excused for wanting to rest on its laurels.
Life vision, the EDC also promotes community development, “I’m no perfectionist but I believe there’s always room
workforce development, mobility issues, building leadership for improvement,” says the man who regularly competes
within the community, marketing the Katy Area, hosting in racquetball tournaments and triathlons. “Economic
events that explore important community issues (such development is a very competitive business. You have to
as healthcare, higher education, arts & entertainment, continuously market and promote your area or things start to
leadership, etc.). “Katy is a family-centered community where slip.”
people want to come in, raise a family, get a good education, Thanks to the EDC’s continuous marketing efforts, the Katy
and be successful in life,” says LaCour, who is married to Area now competes with more well-known areas like San
Michelle and has two children, Lexi and Emory. “We pursue Antonio and Nashville. To aid the marketing efforts going
economic and community development that supports the forward, LaCour and the EDC recently welcomed native
Katy Area quality of life.” Houstonian Rick Ellis as the new VP at the EDC. Longtime
One of the biggest drivers in that quality of life is the Katy EDC VP Frank Lombard recently retired after a great career
Independent School District, consistently rated as the best and Ellis was hired to help continue promoting economic
in Greater Houston and one of the best school districts in activity in the Katy Area. “The growth of the Katy Area over
the state. the last decade or so has just been tremendous,” says Ellis.
“We expect those gains to continue in the years to come.”
Attracted by the School District
More Growth on the Horizon
“When a management team decides to move a company to
an area, it is important to them to have a good school district, “The next 10 years will probably be similar to the last 10 years.
and we have one of the best in Houston,” says LaCour. The Katy Area is now bigger than Pittsburgh or Cincinnati,”
“Those companies look at a good school district as a talent says LaCour. “When we came to Katy, the area had 190,000
acquisition tool or incentive. As for employees, if they have to people. Now, there are 325,000. By 2035, it’s projected to have
move, they want to live in an area with good schools.” over 500,000.” Don’t be alarmed by those numbers, LaCour
While the school district is great, there are other things adds, “Along the way, we’re going to do everything we can to
about Katy that the EDC markets to businesses which promote mobility and transportation issues because those are
might consider a move. “Katy is a down-to-earth, caring a big key to success of the Katy quality of life!”

Katy Area EDC
members join

Pepperl+Fuchs at their
groundbreaking last
year. Pepperl+Fuchs
opens spring 2017

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 47



Retirement Driven By

Value

200 S. Katy Fort Bend Rd. To us, value means allowing you to customize your lifestyle
Katy, TX 77494 to your specific needs and budget. It means no large
entrance fees, and rents that are the most competitive
(832) 900-5274 in the market. What does value mean to you?

Drive in and learn more about the retirement value
that awaits you at Watercrest at Katy.

www.WatercrestKaty.com

To advertise, call 281-579-9840 or email [email protected] KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM • 49

EMPLOYMENT OVERTIME LAWS

how current and future
legislation can affect

your katy business

Written by Elizabeth Pratt

50 • KATY BUSINESS MAGAZINETM A Katy MagazineTM publication


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