Just met one of the most interesting, fascinating, inspirational people I have ever encountered, Derek Steele. His book is the story of his life…how he overcame addiction, poverty and homelessness to become a millionaire by 35.

Here’s a trailer from the book that pretty much tells his story. Very powerful.

Derek Steele is a dynamic speaker and author whose story offers a powerful lesson in overcoming addiction and finding fulfillment. A highly successful entrepreneur and family man, he came to the American dream the hard way — by surviving a nightmarish youth. When most people his age were looking forward to college and careers, Derek was spiraling through a violent underworld of drugs, alcohol and homelessness. “A million guys who were like me are now dead or in prison,” he says. Recovering from his addictions and building a life that many aspire to, he found true purpose in faith and service.

“Addict at 10 is an amazing story of one man’s miraculous journey of transformation. It is a gripping account of how Derek overcame pain, hopelessness and substance abuse to find faith, purpose and fulfillment in life. Derek’s book is a wonderful example of how God leads us to His grace and how, with the right tools, guidance, and dedication, anyone who is willing and open to His will can overcome adversity.”
- Steven K. Scott, New York Times best selling author of The Richest Man Who Ever Lived.

LINK TO CHAPELWOOD SERMON WITH DEREK STEELE

About Stryker

Stryker is a broadly based, global leader in medical technology that delivers exceptional results. We are one of the largest players in the $35.6 billion worldwide orthopaedic market and our products help medical professionals improve their patients’ lives in over 120 countries.

We are a company that sets high standards. Our growth has come from offering an unparalleled variety of innovative, high-quality products and services resulting from the dedication of our employees. Through better products, simplified surgical techniques and improved hospital efficiencies, we are creating cost-effective solutions in systems throughout the world.

Factory Builder Stores is a Houston-based distributor of kitchen appliances and bath products serving the contractor, remodeling and residential markets throughout Texas. STANANDLOU was asked to reposition the brand to reflect FBS’s years of experience, technical expertise and deep product knowledge. This website is Phase 2 of our rebranding process. Phase 1 was a total redo of their print and collateral. (SEE BELOW)

The following is a little blurb from their website detailing who Factory Builder Stores is and what they do:

Since 1988, builders, remodelers, contractors and the public have relied on Factory Builder Stores to provide top-of-the-line, kitchen appliance packages, cabinetry and Jacuzzi Whirlpool tubs. We offer more than 40 different brands of top-name appliances including Viking, Sub-Zero, Thermador, Bosch, Whirlpool and more.

Family owned and operated, we pride ourselves on providing unsurpassed customer service and support – in the showroom and in the field. Our sales representatives are experienced professionals who know their products thoroughly and can help guide you through the entire building or remodeling process – from product selection through installation.

Our aim is to make this aspect of the project fun, easy and stress-free. Stop by one of our showrooms in Austin, College Station, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston or San Antonio, and see for yourself. Come see why over 5,000 of the most demanding builders, designers and remodeling customers depend on Factory Builder Stores.

While reviewing the ZEN Film YouTube site a few weeks ago, I came across an incredible voice talent who just happens to live right here in Houston. Her name is Asli Omar and she is the lead singer for the Tontons, a Houston-based band.

Upon playing the video for client Tod Noel, of Noel Furniture, Tod immediately commented on the song and have perfect it would work in our TV commercials. I agreed so I got on the phone to Ross Wells at ZEN for permission to use the song in Noel commercials.

Ross contacted the Tontons agent and publishing house and they immediately agreed to the usage of the music. We produced the spots and here they are.

I am excited as I love the idea of promoting Houston bands and creative talent and also keeping the work within Houston. After all, that is what OnlyinHouston.com is all about.

I’m glad Tod Noel feels the same!

Below is a small excerpt from the Tontons website:

The Tontons are mesmerizing both from an auditory and visual perspective. This incredible psychedelic rock band mixes an unlikely bag of influences into an amazing texture all its own.

In this video from their self-titled CD, The Tontons treat us to a night on the town and a stunning performance at The House of Blues in Houston.

Thanks to The Greater Houston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and The House of Blues Houston for their assistance in the production of this video.

The TonTons are:
Asli Omar: Vocals
Adam Martinez: Guitar
Tom Nguyen: Bass
Justin Martinez: Drums

“Buc-ee’s — How Famous Brands Lead to Fantastic Sales”

A few years ago, Buc-ee’s was a company with just a few convenience stores around Texas. They were growing but didn’t have a brand presence to grow with them.

Enter STANANDLOU. The challenges for STANANDLOU: how to persuade travelers to drive that extra mile to go to Buc-ee’s? To remember which exit to take? To make stopping at Buc-ee’s a traveling tradition?

The Solution? Reposition Buc-ee’s into a recognizable brand with an entertaining new voice, a new look and some clever billboards placed along Texas roadways.

Join us on Feb. 25 back at Maggiano’s to learn how Buc-ee’s became a household name with messages that speak directly to the customer’s hearts … stomachs … brains … and bladders. Buc-ee’s has become a Texas institution with a rabid, cult-like following. And Buc-ee’s sales and growth have gone through the roof!

Speaker Lou Congelio

STANANDLOU is a full-service advertising and marketing agency based in Houston, TX. Their motto is “creative results” because they believe one leads directly to the other.

The firm has helped lots of retail businesses expand their customer base with fresh creative ideas based on solid strategic planning – such as client Buc-ee’s.

President and Chief Creative Officer Lou Congelio has spent more than 28 years creating award-winning radio and television commercials. In 1988, he and friend and fellow writer Stan Mays opened their own creative services firm. The rest, as they say, is history.

Speaker: Lou Congelio, President and Chief Creative Officer

STANANDLOU

Maggiano’s

2019 Post Oak Blvd.

Houston TX 77056 USA

IABC Houston

“Needless to say, it’s been a lifelong dream of mine to meet Nell,” admitted STANANDLOU president, Lou Congelio, “as she has been one of our website’s biggest fans. The fact that she is our website’s only fan has nothing to do with this distinction.” Lou then rambled on to explain how much Nell enjoyed watching the STANANDLOU employee videos on the site.
“After watching all of the STANANDLOU videos,” gushed Nell, associate editor of World Oil magazine, “I suddenly felt much better about myself and my life. It dawned on me that there are people in the world much worse off than me. Thank you, STANANDLOU, for showing me that my life is full, exciting and eventful, not dreary and miserable like those in the ad agency biz!!!”

Of all the outdoor boards STANANDLOU has created for Buc-ee’s, this one still remains my favorite. To view some of the other work we have done for Buc-ee’s, go here.

Charlie Brown finds himself depressed at Christmas time, searching for the true meaning of the holiday amidst the glitz and commercialism of the modern age. He finds his answer in the passage below:

“And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid … And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord.”

“And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.”

“That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” – Linus Van Pelt