Page 14 January 14, 2016 EL SEGUNDO HERALD Jim Marak from front page where he earned a degree in public administration and identified a specific career path while still in his teens. “I wanted to be the director of a planning department for a young, growing city,” he said. But then the passage of Proposition Jim Marak. Photo courtesy of Jim Marak. 13 put a sudden halt to state funding for planning and municipal administration jobs. That prompted Marak to alter his course and pursue a business degree at Cal State Los Angeles. This eventually led to an eight-year stint as a managerial accountant for a capital investment counseling firm in Beverly Hills. During this period, Marak was also a sailing instructor and lifeguard on Catalina Island. In 1978, the then-24-year-old moved to El Segundo after purchasing a home there in partnership with two brothers. By the mid-‘80s, Marak had tired of his daily work grind and imagined something more independent as well as closer to home. Always intrigued by the concept of property assets and purchasing on leverage, Marak decided handyman HOME & APARTMENT CONTRACTOR QUALITY at Handyman Prices. We cover everything from A-Z. flooring KIRK FLOORING carpet vinyl wood (310) 322-6099 Fax (310) 322-6899 lic# 648106 333 Indiana Street, El Segundo sales@kirkflooring.com to take the plunge into the world of real estate. He actually experienced his first taste of the industry during college when he took several real estate courses thinking it might prove a decent source of secondary income at some point down the line. He took and passed his license exam in 1985 and went to work for Century 21 on Main Street the following January. After that office closed, he joined Re/ Max and the rest is history. Out of about 800 Re/Max agents in the local region, Marak is now fourth in total seniority and second in tenure as a branch manager. At the age of 61, he remains as enthused as ever about his work with no plans to slow down. “Realtors don’t retire,” he pointed out. “They instead get to enjoy selling to two or three generations of the same families they have represented during their careers. For me, that is hugely rewarding. More than three-quarters of my business comes from referrals from prior buyers and sellers.” Those referrals along with the other listings add up to well over 1,000 transactions handled in the El Segundo area alone over the course of Marak’s career. And with property values now at historically high levels (most homes now sell for over $1 million in town), he mentioned that the current marketplace has become akin to a three-legged race with a particular mindset driving activity. “Number one is to get a home now before they’re even more expensive,” he said. “Second is to get a home before interest rates go up—but first make sure to earn or borrow from family that substantial down payment you’re going to need. The best time to buy was really yesterday, but in lieu of that you’d best buy as soon as possible.” Marak admitted that it can be a tough timing issue for clientele, particularly baby boomers trying to pinpoint the ideal time to sell. “Those same baby boomers also need to prepare to loan the down payment money and perhaps even co-sign so their kids can purchase a home in El Segundo.” While certain dynamics continue to spur the market, the housing stock remains strong despite heavy demand. “Condos, townhomes and houses in El Segundo are selling at a swift pace while also appreciating in value, but they still need to be accurately priced in order to sell rapidly,” Marak said. “Other elements play a part such as our proximity to Manhattan Beach where homes are significantly more expensive, but ultimately it’s the El Segundo community itself and its appeal to the influx of new employees that creates and sustains the appreciation.” Having learned to successfully weather the various highs and lows of the industry over the years, Marak reported that he has few regrets looking back on his career. “I sold several properties in town that in retrospect I wish I had purchased for myself,” he admitted. “There were a few theme homes and duplexes that especially come to mind, as I am fond of Spanish and California bungalow (Marak lives in a 1913 craftsman house on the west side of town) architecture. But at the same time, I am very happy for the people who bought those homes and what their investment in El Segundo has meant to them. It’s a win-win no matter how you slice it.” With no thoughts of ever retiring, Marak is also equally adamant about El Segundo itself. “The only way I will ever leave this town is when they carry me out of my house in a pine box,” he said. “I love it here, cherish the relationships I’ve established in the close to 40 years I’ve lived here, and couldn’t imagine a better place to be. And I’m not the only one who feels the same way. We are truly blessed to live and work in El Segundo.” • Police Reports from page 2 victim’s property. A grand theft report was taken at 0654 hours from the 900 block of Pepper Street. Miscellaneous sporting equipment was taken from the truck bed of the victim’s vehicle. One male adult was arrested at 0921 hours from the 300 block of Main Street for one outstanding El Segundo PD felony warrant. Wednesday, January 6, 2015 One male adult was arrested at 0609 hours from LAPD Van Nuys Division for one outstanding El Segundo PD want for identity theft. Burglary (residential) report was taken at 0814 hours from the 800 block of Pepper Street. Unknown suspect(s) broke a window to the residence and entered the house without permission. • Earbuds from page 3 highway where the speed limit doesn’t exceed 35 mph or a specific designated bikeway. A rider must be 16 or older and wear a bicycle helmet. Cities and counties have the authority to decide whether to allow, restrict or ban the motorized boards from public places. There is no mention anywhere if it’s illegal to ride a hoverboard or a motorized 24 Hour Service Since 1990 • Lic # 770059 • C-42 C-36 C-34 C20 A in Hawthorne for grand theft, possession of stolen property, one outstanding LASD felony warrant, one outstanding Long Beach PD misdemeanor warrant and one outstanding Vernon PD misdemeanor warrant. An online lost property report was taken at 1232 hours from the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard. A wallet was lost at the location. One male adult was arrested at 0022 hours from the 1900 block of East Grand Avenue for domestic violence Tuesday, January 5, 2015 An attempt petty theft report was taken at 0622 hours from the 100 block of East Imperial Avenue. Unknown suspect entered an unlocked vehicle and attempted to steal the all electric bikes, including those with a 20 mph maximum speed, and regulates access of trails and paths. Motorized skateboards and hover boards - This new law comes just as hoverboard sales are increasing, making them super painting popular with young adults and teens. The specifics on the new law are that an “electronically motorized board” is defined as a wheeled device designed to be ridden standing up, propelled by an electric motor and limited to 15 mph. A board can be ridden only on a PAINTERS PLUS skateboard while wearing earbuds or a set of headphones. It’s just possible the ear-free driving law will need another tweak down the road to catch up. • Film Review from page 4 INTERIOR • EXTERIOR PLUS who we all know from Bennett Miller’s 2014 critically-acclaimed film Foxcatcher. However in this film, Renzi offers little to no history of Franny- the origins of his wealth remain a mystery. On a similar note, Olivia’s character sense of stability. It is all there, but would be more compelling if explored further. The Benefactor premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last April and has been gaining momentum ever since, going on to win “Best U.S. Narrative Feature Film” at the Catalina Film Festival in 2015. The film proves to be an entertaining and suspenseful watch with engaging performances by the all-star cast, and Renzi is a promising director worth remembering. As he grows and develops as a director, I look forward to what the future has in store for this talented filmmaker. The Benefactor opens in select theatres and VOD January 15, 2016. Unrated. • IMPROVEMENTS • REPAIRS FREE ESTIMATES LOWEST PRICES • GUARANTEED QUALITY 5 YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE SERVING THE BEACH CITIES could have been more fleshed out and FOR OVER 20 YEARS interesting if given a backstory. If expanded upon, she could have reflected an opposing extreme to Franny’s approach to coping with the loss of her parents. In comparison to Franny’s isolation and self-destruction, Olivia’s reaction to the sudden tragedy is bottled up emotion paired with a cold exterior. CALL DON 310-798-0450 LIC # 726089 BILL’S MAINTENANCE Bill Henrichon Cell: 310-890-7531 Office: 310-542-3470 Billshomeandaptmain@yahoo.com CA ST LIS# 786081 / Licensed & Insured 2011 2012 2013 Serving the South Bay for 25 years FREE ESTIMATES plumbing Phone/Text 310.738.7094 23 YEARS EXPERIENCE Sewer Video • Hydrojetting • Bonded • Insured CA LIC. #980971 handyman TOUCHSTONE PAINTING • PLASTERING HANDYMAN Reasonably Priced – Referrals Upon Request 310-517-9677 30 Year Business and Resident in the South Bay YOUR AD HERE Email to reserve your space class@heraldpublications.com gardening EL SEGUNDO GARDENER Licensed/Bonded All E.S. Crew, Lawn Service Clean Ups, Tree Trim, Sprinklers, Handyman, etc. CALL BRIAN handyman AL’S REPAIRS & REMODELING Everything from small repairs to large additions. Also Patios • Decks • Fences Commercial Properties Welcome Serving Southbay 29 Years • Many References painting Frederick’s Painting oF el segundo Interior & Exterior NO Job too Small Free Estimates Call Fred 310-910-4841 LIC #948597 painting PAINTING by FRANCO OWNER & OPERATOR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING Residential and Commercial She attempts to fill the void by rushing Handyman Services: to adulthood, creating her own family and a dry wall • fencing • tile • roof repair • electric pressure washer • termite repair 310-376-6938 roofing ROOFING REPAIRS Small jobs OK! 35 Years Experience • Local 310-375-0251 CAL License # 500433 C e r t i f i e d a n d L i c e n s e d P r o f e s s i o n a l s painting PAINTERS PLUS INTERIOR • EXTERIOR PLUS IMPROVEMENTS • REPAIRS FREE ESTIMATES LOWEST PRICES • GUARANTEED QUALITY 5 YEAR FREE MAINTENANCE SERVING THE BEACH CITIES FOR OVER 20 YEARS CALL DON 310-798-0450 LIC # 726089 painting plumbing 24 Hour Service Since 1990 • Lic # 770059 • C-42 C-36 C-34 C20 A Full Service Plumbing • Heating • Cooling Sewer Video Inspection • Rooter Service • Copper Repipes 310-543-2001 Free Estimates PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING RICH’S PAINTING Specializing in exterior Quality interior work Reliable • Reasonable Rates 310-640-9465 Free Estimates • 310-408-0564 www. alsrepairs.com handyman BILL’S HOME & APARTMENT MAINTENANCE CONTRACTOR QUALITY at Handyman Prices. We cover everything from A-Z. Bill Henrichon Cell: 310-890-7531 Office: 310-542-3470 Billshomeandaptmain@yahoo.com CA ST LIS# 786081 / Licensed & Insured 2011 2012 2013 Serving the South Bay for 25 years FREE ESTIMATES plumbing Phone/Text 310.738.7094 23 YEARS EXPERIENCE YOUR AD HERE Sewer Video • Hydrojetting • Bonded • Insured CA LIC. #980971 www.paintingbyfranco.com Bonded • Full Liability & Workers Compensation Insurance • Lic.# 954843 handyman TOUCHSTONE PAINTING • PLASTERING HANDYMAN Reasonably Priced – Referrals Upon Request 310-517-9677 30 Year Business and Resident in the South Bay 310-493-7811 310-322-7396 Lic# 100085424 flooring KIRK FLOORING YOUR AD HERE Email to reserve your space class@heraldpublications.com YOUR AD HERE gardening EL SEGUNDO GARDENER Licensed/Bonded Email to reserve your space class@heraldpublications.com All E.S. Crew, Lawn Service Clean Ups, Tree Trim, Sprinklers, Handyman, etc. CALL BRIAN 310-493-7811 310-322-7396 Lic# 100085424 carpet vinyl wood (310) 322-6099 Fax (310) 322-6899 lic# 648106 333 Indiana Street, El Segundo sales@kirkflooring.com Frederick’s Painting oF el segundo handyman painting AL’S REPAIRS & REMODELING Everything from small repairs to large additions. Also Patios • Decks • Fences Commercial Properties Welcome Serving Southbay 29 Years • Many References Free Estimates • 310-408-0564 www. alsrepairs.com PAINTING by FRANCO OWNER & OPERATOR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING Residential and Commercial Handyman Services: dry wall • fencing • tile • roof repair • electric pressure washer • termite repair 310-376-6938 www.paintingbyfranco.com Bonded • Full Liability & Workers Compensation Insurance • Lic.# 954843 roofing ROOFING REPAIRS Email to reserve your space class@heraldpublications.com Small jobs OK! 35 Years Experience • Local 310-375-0251 CAL License # 500433 painting Interior & Exterior NO Job too Small Free Estimates Call Fred 310-910-4841 LIC #948597 painting plumbing Full Service Plumbing • Heating • Cooling Sewer Video Inspection • Rooter Service • Copper Repipes 310-543-2001 Free Estimates PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING RICH’S PAINTING Specializing in exterior Quality interior work Reliable • Reasonable Rates 310-640-9465 OVER 40 THOUSAND PAPERS DELIVERED WITHIN MILES OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS.
Herald_011416_FNL_lorez
To see the actual publication please follow the link above