
Tour the Dream Home
April 25 through May 11
11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturday
1 p.m. until 6 p.m.
on Sundays.
Tickets are $10
Sold at the door and
at any First Community Bank location.
Don’t miss the “Cash and Carry” sale on Monday, May 12th from 9 until 11 a.m.,
when many items in the home will be marked down in order to be sold quickly.
The Dream Home’s address is
38 Lake View Circle
Columbia 29206
Near Trenholm Plaza at the intersection of
Forest Drive and Trenholm Road
Columbia Metropolitan Magazine is proud to present the 2014 Dream Home! Our 12th Dream Home showcases an exquisite home, built by Robert Haas Construction, in an established neighborhood in Forest Acres. Tour this home to experience fine craftsmanship and stunning interior design while raising money for the American Cancer Society. The Dream Home is made possible through the combined efforts of Robert Haas Construction Company, WIS-TV, Hometown Columbia Media, Creech and Creed and Columbia Metropolitan Magazine, as well as a multitude of home product suppliers and interior designers. For all of those involved in its construction and decorating, this beautiful home is definitely a dream come true. We would like to extend our special appreciation to Debbie and Livingston Truluck, who own this custom built home and generously allowed it to be the 2014 Dream Home.
Dream Home Partners
American Cancer Society
Finish the Fight
More than half of all cancer deaths can be prevented by making healthy choices. Don’t smoke. Maintain a healthy weight. Eat well. Keep active. Get screened.
It’s staggering, yet the number of people with cancer isn’t decreasing. It’s increasing. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that there were more than 27,000 new cases of cancer in South Carolina alone in 2013, and more than 1.6 million in the United States. Nearly 10,000 South Carolinians died in 2013 as a result of cancer.
Now more than ever, the mission of the American Cancer Society must be heard. And that’s to finish the fight and transform cancer from deadly to preventable. There are many ways Columbians can help this — raising money, providing support, serving as an advocate and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Raising money for the American Cancer Society helps in more ways than many may realize. First and foremost, it helps fund research to find a cure; it also helps in giving cancer patients a ride to treatment, provide lodging for patients and their families and in delivering information and support to people fighting cancer. Seventy-two percent of the funds raised for the American Cancer Society go to cancer research, patient support, prevention information and education — and detection and treatment.
The American Cancer Society’s largest fundraiser is the Relay for Life. Relay for Life is an unforgettable event where teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a track to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Four events are being held across the Midlands this year. (Visit www.relayforlife.org for event schedules.) “The Relay for Life is our main source of funding in all communities across the nation,” says Stephanie Reely, a specialist with Relay for Life, South Atlantic Division, American Cancer Society. “The events are volunteer-based, and the participation of our community is critical to their continued success.” All money raised through these events goes directly to support the mission of the American Cancer Society, as do the monies raised through the Columbia Metropolitan Dream Home.
The giving of time and talent is also extremely important to the American Cancer Society, through volunteerism at the events to actively lobby and seek grassroots volunteers to contact lawmakers through the American Cancer Society’s sister organization, the Cancer Action Network.
Above all, South Carolinians must maintain a healthy lifestyle. By eating healthily, being physically active, kicking the cigarette habit and by receiving the appropriate screenings, South Carolinians can greatly reduce the odds of becoming a statistic. While the number of cancer incidents is on the rise, so, thankfully, is the number of survivors. “One hundred years ago, one in 10 people diagnosed with cancer survived; today, that number is two out of three. We are making great strides, but the numbers are still rising,” adds Stephanie. It’s why everyone must join the American Cancer Society to finish the fight — and win.
Robert Haas Construction Company
Building Dreams
For more than 30 years, Bobby Haas has been building beautiful custom homes in the Columbia area. As one of the first builders ever selected as a Southern Living custom home builder by Southern Living Magazine. Bobby has solidified his reputation as an outstanding designer of homes. In order to remain a Southern Living builder of choice, Julia, his wife and business partner, and Bobby continuously go through extensive training on new trends, styles and materials, ensuring homeowners they are working with the highest-quality building partner that can put them in a home they truly have only seen in their dreams.
Because of this, it’s no coincidence that Robert Haas Construction Company is the builder of this year’s Columbia Metropolitan Magazine Dream Home. And what a dream it is. This custom home, built for Debbie and Livingston Truluck, is a spacious 3,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home, located in the coveted area of Forest Acres in a quaint neighborhood that boasts elegant, stately homes.
“Because of the economy, there really haven’t been a large number of homes built since 2007, so to have a brand new home to showcase with the newest trends and materials is great,” says Bobby. “We believe visitors to the home will really enjoy seeing the newest styles for 2014.”
Julia and Bobby have been supporting the CMM Dream Home since 1999 and are always happy to use their time and talents in support of an organization like the American Cancer Society, which receives the proceeds from the CMM Dream Home tour.
To be sure, no luxury was overlooked in this year’s home with 10-foot coffered ceilings, heavy moldings, and the main area of the home is inviting and impressive. Not to be outdone, the kitchen features GE Monogram appliances, including a five-burner gas cooktop, a Carrera marble island, granite countertops, and an always-on-trend farm sink. “The kitchen in this home looks like it came straight out of a magazine,” says Bobby.
One trend Julia and Bobby are seeing that is evident in the Dream Home is the focus on building a high-end house without excessive square footage. “People are looking at things differently than they used to,” adds Julia. “They used to want square footage, but now they want something more manageable — still a nice size, but focused more on the quality, workmanship and features of the home.”
The high-end features can also be found in the outdoor living area, complete with a custom-built pool, that offers a retreat for family and visitors. The attention to efficiency throughout the home also ensures comfort and attractive energy savings. No stone has gone unturned in this year’s Dream Home — a testament to the experience, expertise and attention to detail of its builder. And a hope for many homeowners that their future home does exist — if only in their dreams for now.
WIS-TV
A solid partnership
For more than 60 years, WIS-TV has been bringing the news into Columbians’ homes with the most recent headlines, news and sports information that can send viewers on their way with a solid grasp on the events and happenings of the day. They do it well, and they do it right which is why they have been the market leader in broadcast since they signed on.
It’s not just WIS’s focus on the news that has kept them a leader. It’s their focus on the people and the community. WIS has been a longstanding supporter of the American Cancer Society and the Dream Home, whose proceeds benefit the organization. “It’s very important for us to be involved in events that do good for the community,” says Donita Todd, VP/General Manager, WIS-TV. “Cancer affects everyone, and we are very committed to helping wonderful organizations like the American Cancer Society.”
That philanthropic focus expands far and wide. WIS-TV has been supporting local organizations since its inception — from the Heart and Sole Walk to their own Families Helping Families, which has been aiding those in need in the Midlands for more than 20 years, not to mention all of the support for organizations that are near and dear to their employees’ hearts, many of which are supported behind the scenes.
WIS-TV has taken its commitment to the people of Columbia even further through its enhanced news focus on investigative journalism. “We are a champion and watch dog for the Midlands,” adds Bryan Queen, News Director. The team at WIS is steadfast in pursuing the truth and doing it respectfully. They see no need for “gotcha” journalism and jokingly refer to it as an approach with a velvet hammer. “Mike Wallace always said, ‘Forgive me for asking this…,’ and then he would deliver a hard-hitting question to his subject,” says Bryan. “We want to give a voice to the voiceless, stand up for the little guy and hold those in power accountable.”
The people of Columbia understand that WIS has their best interest at heart. And because of that, they keep tuning in. The team at WIS doesn’t take that for granted. “Without the community, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” adds Donita. “They trust us and let us into their homes. It’s only fitting that we give back as much as we can.” Whether it’s news, weather or philanthropy, WIS is a partner Columbia can count on.
Hometown Columbia Media
Creating a local voice
It’s only been two years since Hometown Radio started in Columbia, but already they feel like a mainstay. The goal of connecting with the community — through music and news — while remaining locally owned and operated is resonating with Columbia.
Kirk Litton, owner and president of Hometown Columbia Media, saw a need he felt his team could meet. “Radio had lost its local edge,” says Kirk. “There was no station to hear Mumford & Sons, Dave Mathews Band, Jack Johnson or Bruce Springsteen — no station that played George Strait or Garth Brooks, or more than just the last couple songs from Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith or Tim McGraw. We believe Columbia deserves better.”
Especially, he notes, since these same performers sell out arenas across the country, including here in the Midlands. Enter 92.1 FM The Palm and 94.3 FM The Dude. These stations offer music from country and rock legends to today’s biggest music stars, while also providing a platform to introduce new local and national artists.
It’s not just the music that Kirk and his team felt was missing — it was also an unbiased approach to delivering the news with just the facts. They think it’s important to offer a local news source that delivers the news without opinions and editorial — daily, local and for free.
“We have an intelligent community who can make their own decisions,” adds Kirk. “We don’t need to tell you whom you should vote for or what you should believe.” The news fills the gaps they believe are missing from the news scene, covering Richland and Lexington County politics, the crime beat, local town hall meetings, high school sports and other events important to the Columbia community.
“We want to tell you about the high school tennis player who had an incredible match, the Japan and the Jazz Age exhibit at Columbia Museum of Art, and how the city plans to pay for a ballpark without telling you whether you should or shouldn’t support it — all local, all the time,” says Kirk.
The news from ColaDaily.com is updated around the clock, and reporters deliver news headlines three times per hour on The Palm and The Dude. There’s a free daily headlines email readers can sign up to receive (go to ColaDaily.com), which ensures listeners and readers have reliable access to the day’s headlines.
For Hometown Columbia Media, it’s about building a stronger community. It’s no surprise, then, that they have had more than 500 local business owners, not-for-profit organizations and community organizers come into the stations to talk about their events and programs. And it’s no surprise that they are supporting the American Cancer Society and the Columbia Metropolitan Dream Home.
“We don’t exist to just make money; we exist to share our radio and news products with the community, and our listeners and readers in turn support the local advertisers that support our locally owned media company. Our business grows right alongside our clients’ growth. If everyone in the Midlands decided to support locally owned businesses, our community would keep 40 cents of every dollar circulating here — that’s a huge deal,” says Kirk. “It’s about building community first, and we support the causes that matter to Columbia citizens.”
Keeping The Midlands informed and singing along with us daily — a perfect combination.
Creech and Creed
Getting lean to stay strong
Since his first foray into real estate in 2003, John Creech has been succeeding in real estate, earning the prestigious honor of being the only Columbia Realtor to ever ranked by the Wall Street Journal. One year later, Mary Beth Creed joined John, and the Creech and Creed team was formed. The year 2007 was a fantastic year for the company, but the real estate crisis would soon follow and greatly impact the business.
As they say, drastic times call for drastic measures, and Mary Beth and John had to look to new ways to stay in business and remain successful. Fortunately, they had several advisers that helped them examine the business, uncovering new ways to streamline the company and become more efficient. “One of our most helpful advisers was a Lean/Six Sigma practitioner,” says John. “He helped us track our business and begin to generate new business.” Lean principles and implementation are used by many businesses; however, Creech and Creed is one of the few real estate businesses using these processes. Lean focuses on continuous improvement, and it’s working for Creech and Creed who have consistently been ranked nationally, averaging more than 100 sales per year in the Columbia market.
This year brings significant change to the company, as they recently left the Realogy franchise. Their focus as Creech and Creed is on offering premium real estate services at a reasonable rate. “We are a full-service real estate company; however, we are able to work for less because of our efficiency and streamlined processes. Our goal is to save the consumer time and money, in the buying and selling process,” adds John. “We will offer our services for a four to 4.5 percent commission compared to six to seven percent commission of the national chains.” Creech and Creed will also offer a satisfaction guarantee. If customers are not happy with their services, they can terminate the listing or buyer’s agreement.
While Creech and Creed has gone through some significant business changes, one thing that has not changed is their support of the American Cancer Society. They have hosted many events over the years, raising more than $150,000 for cancer projects and patients. They are strong supporters of Camp Kemo, and Mary Beth serves on its board.
Thanks to a strong relationship with Julia and Bobby Haas, builders of the Columbia Metropolitan Dream Home, John and Mary Beth learned about this new opportunity to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, and they are excited about another opportunity to give back to the community. It’s a testament to how relationships in the community cannot only help grow a business, they can also help fight for a cure.
Dream Home Contributors
BMW of Columbia
5919 Two Notch Road
Columbia 29223
(803) 404-5400
www.bmwofcolumbia.com
At BMW of Columbia, we strive to achieve one goal, customer satisfaction. We do this by providing quality automobiles at affordable prices while making sure our customers are never left unsatisfied. At BMW of Columbia, we have a great staff that will be able to assist you with all of your car buying needs, whether it is locating the right vehicle, obtaining financing, or anything in-between. If you happen to be looking for a new or used BMW vehicle around Lexington, Sumter, Chapin, Irmo or Camden, stop by, and we will do whatever we can to get you into the car you have always dreamed of driving. Any questions? Feel free to give us a call at the number above, and we will do our best to serve you.
Bowers Landscaping & Irrigation
1124 Corley Mill Road
Lexington 29072
(803) 957-4419
www.bowerslandscaping.com
“Doing Business the Old-Fashioned Way for Over 60 Years.” This simply means that we believe that customer service and integrity are the pillars on which our business rests. Hal Bowers works personally with each client to design and install a custom outdoor living space to meet and exceed your family’s expectations. This, combined with our knowledge of the latest outdoor technology and trends, explains why we have had so many satisfied customers over the past 60 years. We look forward to continuing this tradition with you on your next project by offering these services and more to create the outdoor living space of your dreams.
• Landscape Design & Installation
• Irrigation
• Outdoor Lighting
• Ponds & Water Features
• Custom Site Work
• Patios & Walkways
• Driveways
• Retaining Walls
• Drainage
• Hardscaping
• Outdoor Kitchens & Firepits
Carpet One Floor & Home
200 Candi Lane, Columbia 29210 (Next to the Zoo)
(803) 261-6101
102 West Main Street
Lexington 29072
(803) 957-5574
www.carpetonecolumbia.com
Carpet One has joined into a partnership with sheep farmers in New Zealand and manufacturers in Dalton, Georgia to bring the best-valued New Zealand wool carpets to Columbia. This collection of carpet is called JUST SHORN. JUST SHORN is a collection of farm to floor wool carpet — from the best and most durable wool — found only in New Zealand. You can see, feel and walk on this special carpet in the upstairs bedrooms and bonus room of the 2014 Dream Home. New Zealand wool carpet is natural, sustainable and beautiful. Wool carpet keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. With the JUST SHORN Collection of carpet you can now enjoy the luxury of wool without the high price.
Distinctive Surfaces
2119 Sumter Street
Columbia 29201
(803) 250-5057
www.distinctive-surfaces.com
Distinctive Surfaces is a full-service marble and granite design company. We personally fabricate and install all of our projects in-house by skilled craftsmen. By doing this, we have complete control over our quality, schedule, and most importantly, the way our customers are treated. You will have the joy of working with one person from start to finish on your project. We pride ourselves in delivering custom details and helping you to set your home apart from all the others. We not only fabricate and install; we can also help you through the entire design process. Let our talented design consultants help you create a one-of-a-kind space in your home!
Don Danford Designs
(803) 351-6075
www.dondanforddesigns.com
Interiors, exteriors and garden spaces designed with graciousness and southern culture have been part of Don Danford’s signature style for more than 15 years. Relocating to South Carolina in 1998 from his home state of Alabama, Don was a designer with Whit-Ash Furnishings before founding Don Danford Designs. Since then, he has focused on large residential and commercial projects as well as smaller spaces. Following his growing fascination with vintage pieces over the years, Don filled his warehouses with rare finds, many of which are now showcased in his new Millwood Avenue shop, Birdhouse. Don continues his design business today with a renewed focus on incorporating tradition alongside exciting new materials, bold colors and texture. His design philosophy is to create spaces for clients that radiate their own personal style and comfort, but that will also delight — and even surprise — for many years to come.
Gateway Supply Co. Inc.
1312 Hamrick Street
Columbia 29201
(803) 771-7160
5315 Sunset Blvd
Lexington 29072
(803) 951-1607
1110 Sparkleberry Lane
Columbia 29223
(803) 736-4848
www.gatewaysupply.net
Gateway Supply Co. is a family-owned and operated distributor of plumbing, heating and air conditioning products in business since 1964. This year Gateway Supply Co. is celebrating its 50-year anniversary. Gateway distributes plumbing products throughout South Carolina with three plumbing branches in the Midlands. They are: 1312 Hamrick Street (off Rosewood Drive), 1110 Sparkleberry Lane (Northeast), and 5315 Sunset Blvd (Lexington).
Gateway Supply Co. is South Carolina’s largest independent Kohler Plumbing distributor. In the midlands Gateway has a Kohler Premier Showroom (Hamrick St) and Kohler Registered Showroom (Lexington). Our showrooms are recognized for excellence by some of the leading industry manufactures: Elkay-Diamond Showroom, Delta and Brizo-Premier Dealer, and the Moen-Authorized Showroom of Distinction. We also carry many other decorative lines of plumbing fixtures and faucets, which also include towel bars, towel rings and robe hooks along with cabinet hardware to match. Some of our other lines are Sterling, Hans Grohe, Newport Brass, Grohe, Aquatic, Ronbow, Mr. Steam-Steam units, MediTub-tubs, Panasonic and Broan Bath Fans, Kohler and Basco Shower Doors.
If you are building your new home or remodeling your home, our experienced sales staff can assist you in the right plumbing products for your needs at any of the above locations.
Hanson Brick
5100 Brickyard Road
Columbia 29203
(803) 786-1260
www.hansonbrick.com
Hanson Brick is one of North America’s largest brick manufacturers and aims to provide its customers with superior selection and service, offering four regional brick collections that include more than 1,000 styles of brick. Our manufacturing facilities in the USA are located in Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. In Canada we are located in Ontario and Quebec. Hanson Brick’s vision is to be North America’s most respected brick manufacturer — known for its innovation, integrity and influence.
• Innovation — You see it in our products, people and service.
• Service — Hanson Brick is known throughout the construction industry for its excellent customer service. We are straightforward, honest and reliable in all our business relationships.
• Influence — We lead the industry in experience, knowledge and skills.
By combining the strength of a national company with in-depth knowledge of regional markets, we are able to manufacture products that reflect local tastes and culture like no other. Hanson Brick is beautiful, extremely durable and has a modest environmental footprint. Our brick creates instant appeal and is available in a wide variety of design-inspired colors, textures and profiles that can enhance any exterior style. Used alone or enhanced with the right accessories, Hanson Brick creates a unique appearance that will have people talking about your home or project for years to come. For additional information on Hanson Brick, call 1-800-HANSON8, visit us online at www.hansonbrick.com, or download the “My Hanson Brick” app for iPad and iPhone.
Katherine J. Anderson Design/Interiors
2701 A Rosewood Drive Columbia 29205
(803) 931-8877
www.kjainteriors.com
Charles Stevens/ MS Colours Inc.
(803) 318-0327
Stevens@mscolours.com
Katherine Anderson of Katherine J. Anderson Design/Interiors and Charles Stevens of MS Colours collaborated on this year’s powder room. Winner of the 2014 Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s Commercial Designer award, Katherine has been moving and designing residential and commercial properties in the Columbia, SC area for over 25 years. She earned a degree in Commercial Design from the University of South Carolina and a BA in Music from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA. Katherine’s specialty lies in her customization of any job to meet her clients’ particular needs. From creating a drawing for a major renovation to placing furniture and managing every detail of a move, Katherine and her team provide full service renovations, interior design and execution of turn-key relocations. Charles Stevens is dedicated to creating high quality and beautiful finishes for residential and commercial clients. Charles takes his clients’ ideas and uses creative applications to create a true work of art on selected surfaces.
LGB Interiors
614 Hilton Street
Columbia 29205
(803) 929-5322
www.lgbinteriors.com
“I design for comfort. Not some abstract idea of what comfort should be, but real comfort — the kind where you can happily drift off for an hour or two forgetting the cares of the day,” says Linda G. Burnside, founder and owner of LGB Interiors. Linda Burnside is a native South Carolinian, but she enjoys a national, even international, reputation as a leader in the interior design industry as evidenced by her work from Paris to Florida, Tennessee, Texas, Arizona and Oregon. But when she isn’t traveling to meet her clients in their primary residences or vacation homes, Linda can be found bringing her work to life in the coastal and mountain retreats for which she is known and of course,