Meet … Raleigh Hood
Raleigh is a mortgage loan officer (NMLS# 1554726) with Mason-McDuffie Mortgage Corporation, where an experienced, award-winning staff helps people buy homes and refinance home loans, supported by the latest technology and customer security. www.jraleighhood.com
About Raleigh: Mason-McDuffie’s Richmond office has been Raleigh’s professional home for the past seven years. He works there alongside his father, Mark, who has mentored him in the business since Raleigh’s youth. Raleigh previously honed his customer service skills working as a bartender in The Fan district, which makes him especially adept at anticipating clients’ needs.
Raleigh was raised in Chesterfield and has performed with numerous bands over the years, most recently playing guitar and singing with the local ‘90s cover band Killer Tofu. Married to Lindsey and father to two boys, he regularly cooks dinner for his family and proudly shares the benefits of his active ketogenic lifestyle.
Raleigh’s Favorite Quote
“If you don’t believe in yourself, why is anyone else going to believe in you?” - Buccaneers QB Tom Brady
Raleigh’s Drink – The Perfect Manhattan
Much like browsing a complicated cocktail menu, the home-buying and mortgage process can be overwhelming and confusing. In both regards, I like to keep things simple. If you tell the bartender, “Make me something good,” there’s a chance that you may not like the outcome. But if you have a conversation with the bartender, provide input, and work collaboratively, the outcome will be a much better fit to your taste.
The same is true with a mortgage lender. If the client isn’t informed and involved, it’s only a recipe for disaster. That’s why my approach has been to empower buyers to make decisions for themselves by educating them on the mortgage process as much as possible. When paired with old-fashioned customer service, I feel that my process and experience are second to none.
The Perfect Manhattan
2 parts Three Crosses Noble Hound Rye whiskey*
1 part Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Garnish with a brandied cherry
Pour all ingredients into a shaker tin filled with ice, STIR (Never shake), and strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube (Raleigh's preference), into a martini glass, or over ice. Garnish with the brandied cherry.
*Raleigh’s favorite is Bulleit Rye
Drink quote: “It’s a simple, uncomplicated drink, and I like to simplify and uncomplicate the overwhelming and confusing home buying and mortgage process.”
Meet … Matthew Bricker
Matt owns Coastal Patio Furniture, which offers restoration of patio chairs, loungers, ottomans, tables and more with custom fabric and vinyl, new hardware and durable coatings. This restoration doubles or triples your furniture’s lifespan, and costs a fraction compared to replacing it. Details at coastalpatiofurniture.com and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
About Matt: Born in Florida, Matt was raised in Pennsylvania, where he met his wife, his high school sweetheart. The couple moved to Virginia so that Matt could follow his dream to become a professional firefighter. Virginians for 10 years, Matt and his wife have two boys, age 2 and 4, along with a large chocolate lab, a pit mix and a cross-eyed cat (the last two are rescues).
“We may think we have it all together, but it’s really just organized chaos,” Matt says.
Matt works full-time as a Richmond City firefighter, and restores patio furniture as a second vocation and avocation. “The trade of patio furniture repair has been in my family for many years. I was fortunate to have positive influences to help me grow and learn this trade early in life.”
Matt’s Favorite Quote
“Nobody cares. Work harder!” - Cam Hanes
Matt says: “With this quote, I celebrate small victories in private, remain humble, and continue to progress daily. At the end of the day, what you put in is what you get out. I say this to myself whenever I have goals to crush. I use it to block out everything and stay the course!”
Matt’s Drink – Rum & Coke
Captain Morgan rum and Coke takes me back to some really good times in my life, enjoying the outdoors with friends and family on the patio. We’d share stories, laugh, and find comfort in each other's company. These moments impacted me in a significant way and created unbreakable bonds. It is relaxing, therapeutic, and comforting sitting together on the patio.
This relates to the business of repairing and refinishing patio furniture. We help create that sense of faithfulness and the relaxing feel as we redo patio furniture for our customers, so they can continue to make these moments with the comfort and relaxation that a good set of patio furniture creates.
Drinking a rum and Coke is refreshing and dependable, and that’s the feeling we, at Coastal Patio Furniture, hope to provide when a customer hands us their tired patio furniture to revive.
Rum & Coke
1.5 ounces Three Crosses Spiced Rum or clear rum
Coke
Combine Coke and rum in glass and top with ice.
Drink pull quote:
“Rum and Coke is refreshing and dependable, and that’s what we hope to provide when a customer hands us their tired patio furniture to revive.”
Meet … Kyle Yeatman
Kyle is president of The Yeatman Group, RVA’s premier real estate team with 48 award-winning agents, marketing specialists, interior designers, and staff representing 12 top local custom homebuilders. theyeatmangroup.com
About Kyle: The Yeatman Group of Long & Foster Real Estate began seven years ago after Kyle saw a gap in the marketplace for competent representation of buyers and sellers, mainly in new construction, but also in the resale market. TYG is now one of the fastest growing real estate teams in the country, recently voted Richmond’s Best Real Estate Team by the readers of Richmond’s Times-Dispatch and a top Richmond workplace in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Yeatman also was ranked the 37th Best Real Estate Team in the country by The REAL Trends’ annual The Thousand List and America’s Best rankings, published by The Wall Street Journal last year, and is expected to comfortably crack the Top 25 in 2021.
Fun facts about Kyle:
+ He has a newfound passion for golf, which he says doesn’t come naturally and is challenging in new ways every time out. His favorite local course is Spring Creek in Zion Crossroads.
+ He grew up in the Northern Neck near the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers but only acquired his love of the water as an adult. He now goes home often to spend time on the “rivah.”
+ A former athlete, Kyle played baseball, basketball, and football growing up.
+ He’s a car and watch fanatic, collecting rare and hard-to-find pieces.
Kyle’s Favorite Quote:
“The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right. Which one are you?”
- Henry Ford
Kyle’s Drink – The Transfusion
It’s classic yet refreshing, a summer drink, and it packs a huge punch. The ginger ale and grape are the perfect masking agents for the vodka. It’s also an active drink – you have it on the golf course or on the boat while interacting with friends. How does it relate to our business? Our marketing is also crisp and refreshing but packs a punch by providing calls to action that make people want to act on their curiosity in real estate. We actively work for and with clients and encourage interaction between and among our partners.
The Transfusion
2 ounces grape juice
1.5 ounces Black Chevron Vodka
1.5 ounces lime juice
4 ounces ginger beer or ale
Combine vodka, lime and grape juice in a glass with ice. Top with ginger ale or ginger beer.
Drink pull quote: It’s classic yet refreshing, an active drink to enjoy with friends. Our marketing is also crisp and refreshing but packs a punch and encourages action.
Meet … Brian Perez
Brian owns and operates Nobles & Misfits Grooming Parlour, a luxury salon in Bon Air providing a higher standard of quality for men’s personal care needs. noblesandmisfits.as.me and on Facebook: @Nobles & Misfits.
About Brian: Born in Puerto Rico, Brian and his wife moved to the States in late 2017 after Hurricane Maria.
Brian started cutting hair at age 15, in his garage. “I consider myself lucky that I found at a very young age what I loved to do,” he said.
Over his 20+ years in the trade, in different barbershops and in different countries, Brian has learned that barbering is more than just cutting hair. “Over the years I have learned how to really care for people,” he said. “You have to become a good listener and sometimes a good counselor. The number of crazy stories and good conversations that I’ve had is overwhelming. The things I’ve learned from people’s experiences, achievements and mistakes – sometimes you laugh with them, or sometimes you’re sad with them. You’ll hear things like, ‘I told you this, but I haven’t even told my wife.’ They become more than just a haircut; they become friends.”
Brian’s Favorite Quote
“You are only as good as your last haircut.” - Common saying among barbers
Brian’s Drink – The Whiskey Smash
Barbering and whiskey have a lot in common. They’re both crafts – a form of art and inspiration. Whiskey needs time to age and develop complex and unique flavors, just as the barber needs time and experience to perfect his skills. They both require a lot of focus and attention. They demand being meticulous, being precise and a love for every single detail.
I can go on and on, but the one thing I love about them is the effect they have on people.
I like my customers to feel good, important, distinguished and fresh. The Whiskey Smash illustrates very well what barbering is for me. The ingredients are whiskey, lemon, spearmint and sugar. The complexity of the whiskey and all that's involved in making this drink remind me of all the years I have been barbering. The lemon, the sugar and the spearmint remind me of freshness, like a lemonade in summer. When my customers look rough and unkempt, I take good care of them. I pamper them, and they are fresh and renewed.
Whiskey Smash
1.5 ounce Three Crosses American Whiskey
3 lemon wedges
4-8 mint leaves
1 ounce simple syrup
Muddle lemon wedges, simple syrup, whiskey and mint leaves in a shaker. Add ice and shake. Pour into glass and garnish with mint leaves.
Drink quote: “Barbering and whiskey have a lot in common. They’re both crafts - a form of art and inspiration.”
Meet … Jack Bettin
Jack is owner and artistic director (along with wife, Michelle) of Richmond Academy of Ballet, which teaches ballet and other forms of dance to students aged 2.5 to 102.5. RABallet.com
About Jack: Jack has been mentored by three masters of ballet: Roudolf Kharatian, Linda Kintz, and Mark Mejia. He has performed as a company member with the Sacramento Ballet, ARKA Ballet, the Omaha Theater Company, Manassas Ballet Theatre (where he met Michelle, the love of his life and longtime partner), and the Columbus Dance Theatre.
Previously, Jack has served as Principal Instructor and Choreographer at the Falls Church School of Ballet. His students have gone on to both professional careers and college dance programs.
Jack also is a Certified Sommelier and has worked in many restaurants, some of which have earned Michelin stars. Among them: The Inn at Little Washington (three stars), Minibar (two stars), and Tail Up Goat (one star). His time in hospitality has inspired him to create a reverent and welcoming culture at the Richmond Academy of Ballet.
Jack's Favorite Quote
“Acquire the habit of attending carefully to what is being said by another, and of entering, so far as possible, into the mind of the speaker.” - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (6.53)
Jack’s Drink - Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré is one of many classic New Orleans cocktails. Like the city, it’s a blend of ingredients from different places - brandy from France, liqueur developed by Benedictine monks, vermouth from Italy, and American rye. Each ingredient is delicious alone, but together, they become something new – more than the sum of their parts.
Ballet, likewise, has been developed by many cultures. It is deeply human and intrinsically beautiful, like a blooming flower or a shimmering sunrise. Mastering ballet requires deep devotion, and this devotion builds a mighty character.
Still, ballet is only one ingredient of our business. Just as the bartender's craft is nothing without the warmth of hospitality, so would our school only achieve half of its mission if its underlying purpose was not to bring joy to our community and to foster a feeling of togetherness amongst our families.
Vieux Carré
3/4 ounce Three Crosses Noble Hound Rye whiskey
3/4 ounce cognac
3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
2 barspoons Bénédictine liqueur
2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Maraschino cherry or lemon twist
Put all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a rocks or cocktail glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a cherry, a lemon twist or both.
Drink pull quote:
“The Vieux Carré is a blend of ingredients from many places. Ballet, likewise, has been developed by many cultures.”
Meet … Michael Todd
Michael Todd is CEO of OnPoint Financial Retirement, which helps clients navigate a path to financial freedom. onpointretirement.com
About Michael: In early 2018, Michael became CEO of OnPoint Financial Retirement. Assuming this role with a vision of revitalizing OnPoint’s business, his imminent plans include widening the firm’s reach in the community and implementing creative but proven investment strategies to maximize both the earnings and savings potential of clients. Michael’s extensive prior experience as a leader in the financial planning industry has well-equipped him to build upon OnPoint’s previous successes as he propels the firm into a new phase of growth and expansion.
Michael’s Favorite Quote
“If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done." - Unknown
Michael’s Drink – The Smoked Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a bar standard – a timeless and delicious choice for anyone looking for a libation. OnPoint Financial Retirement holds to these same principles – our service is a standard to our client’s financial success. But like the Smokey Old Fashioned, OnPoint Financial Retirement takes an upgraded approach to a classic industry. Our foundation of OnPoint is simple and impactful: We want our clients to have the life they’ve always wanted. And not just financially, but personally and professionally.
The Old Fashioned is made with very simple ingredients that create a perfect blend of flavors – sugar, bitters, whiskey and ice, garnished in a crystal glass. Our expertise is the whiskey – sharp and strong. Our compassion for our clients and their families is the sugar. And the bitters serve to brighten the cocktail, just as Michael’s impact on anyone he meets. All muddled together, it combines to provide the resources and services to navigate you to your financial freedom.
Smoked Old Fashioned
1.5 ounces of Three Crosses American Whiskey
4 dashes Black Walnut Bitters
Splash of simple syrup
Orange slice
Piece of whiskey barrel stave
Invert a glass over lit portion of a whiskey barrel stave and let sit for a minute.
Stir whiskey, bitters and simple syrup in a shaker. Put a large ice cube in the smoked glass, top with orange slice and pour mixture over the orange.
Drink pull quote:
“Like the Smokey Old Fashioned, a classic drink with an added flourish, OnPoint Financial Retirement takes an upgraded approach to a classic industry.”
Meet … Aaron Swart
Aaron is the publisher of Midlothian Lifestyle magazine, the founder and owner of Brand Artisan Consulting Group, and a certified health coach. Midlothian Lifestyle is the premier luxury publication in Richmond, with 60,000 in readership. The Brand Artisan Consulting Group targets the brand identity and development industry and has resulted in enduring business relationships and brand leadership in diverse market segments. citylifestyle.com/midlothian | brandartisanconsulting.com
About Aaron: Aaron is a highly energetic, personable businessman who values who people are, what they offer the world, and what will happen as a result of their influence. Aaron is certified to both conduct and interpret the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and he is an ENTJ. Aaron enjoys connecting others to resources and relationships that matter, and he values getting things done with both excellence and excitement.
Aaron spends time on personal health goals, working out, and investing in his son, Noah. Aaron has been owned by Siberian Huskies for over 20 years. His favorite seasons are fall and spring, and he enjoys playing card games, hiking in the mountains, and doing anything involving the water. He has traveled the world, and his all-time favorite city is Gamla Stan, the Old City in Stockholm, Sweden.
Aaron’s Favorite Quote:
“I want to put a ‘ding’ in the universe.” – Steve Jobs
Aaron’s Drink – Konrad’s Koan
Konrad, in German, means “Bold Counselor.” My calling in life is to come alongside others in their journeys and encourage them to seek out their highest passions and operationalize them. The word “koan” suggests not always using logical reasoning but to provoke enlightenment. Together, this drink, with its mixture of spiced rum and juices topped with lime, clearly illustrates my gifts and musings in a way that captures my effervescence. Konrad’s Koan excites the senses and provides a spicy finish, much as I want others to experience their relationship with me.
Konrad’s Koan*
2 ounces Three Crosses Crossed Rifles Spiced Rum
1.5 ounces sour mix
1.5 ounces apple juice
1.5 ounces cranberry juice (preferably not from concentrate)
.5 ounce lime juice
Add everything except cranberry to a glass. Stir. Add ice and top with cranberry.
*This drink was created especially for Aaron and is exclusive to Three Crosses Distilling.
Drink pull quote:
“Konrad’s Koan excites the senses and provides a spicy finish, much as I want others to experience their relationship with me.”
